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“The thought crossed my mind. But that would be too easy. And Arthur’s too smart to give me the name of someone who sought out Lara’s help.”
“Maybe he didn’t know about it.”
“Maybe. But I doubt it. Then again, I’d be thrilled to be wrong. I can’t wait to talk to Barbara Stevens tomorrow.”
“And I can’t wait to get back to those images.” Lane’s determination resurged, full force. “In fact, given the direction your investigation is headed, I’m going to see if Morgan has the negatives of all the shots taken at the Kellermans’ Christmas Eve party. Now that you got Arthur’s rendition of what went on, let’s see if I can enhance any photographic details that would help us prove or disprove his story.”
“Such as?”
“Such as I’ll know when I see it. I keep telling you, image enhancing isn’t an exact science.”
Monty scowled. “And that’s supposed to make me feel better? Because it doesn’t. Not with the escalating threats to Morgan.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to Morgan,” Lane stated emphatically. “I won’t let it. But the more in sync I am with the victims’ states of mind and relationships, the better the big picture I have, and the more likely I am to spot a discrepancy. It’s there, Monty. I can feel it in my bones. I just have to find it. And I will.”
“Fine. But we’d better hurry. Because my gut tells me time is running out.”
LANE PUT DOWN the magazine he’d been reading when Jonah woke up. “Hey. Have a nice nap?”
Jonah still looked pale and weak. “Hey,” he replied groggily. Awareness returned in slow increments. “How come you’re babysitting?”
“I’m not babysitting; I’m giving your poor parents a chance to get some coffee and stretch their legs. They’ve been glued to your bedside for hours.”
“Hours? What time is it?”
“Two-fifteen.”
“You’ve been here all this time?”
“Relax. I met my father for lunch. He says to get well soon, by the way. I stopped by here on my way home to check on you. Oh, and expect a visit from Lenny. When I called him and explained what happened, he told Rhoda and the two of them immediately started packing up a care package for you and your parents. I’m not sure the doctor will let you eat deli, but I didn’t have the heart to tell Lenny that. So whatever’s left over, the staff can enjoy.”
“Lenny’s great.” Jonah gave a weak smile. He turned to look at the various pieces of medical equipment around him. “How am I doing?”
“According to the last results, you were holding your own.”
“But I’m still bleeding internally.”
“That’s what lacerated spleens do. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not. I’m just thinking that I might need a transfusion. Isn’t it best to get those from family members?”
“Most of the time, yes. But there are exceptions.”
Jonah angled his head so he could see Lane. “You’re probably wondering why I’m asking these questions. It’s a good time for me to tell you, because it’ll also explain why I said there was some heavy stuff going on at home.”
“You’re adopted,” Lane said matter-of-factly. “I was there when your parents told the doctor. They said you were pushing them to contact your birth mother. Well, you’re getting your wish—even if you did go to dramatic lengths to make that happen.”
“Yeah, who knew that crashing into that tree would help my cause? Then again, nothing short of that was going to get my parents to agree to help me.”
Lane leaned forward. “Don’t be too hard on them. They’re only trying to protect you.”
“I know. And maybe I’ll be sorry I ever started this. Maybe my biological mother is a crack whore, and my father is a pimp. But I need to know who I am, where I came from. Can you understand that?”
“Sure. Just remember, no matter what happens, who your real parents are. They’re the two people who’ve been glued to this hospital since dawn, waiting to hear the news that you’re better, who’ve been there your whole life, and who are busting their asses to fin
d someone they didn’t want to find in the event her blood and yours are compatible. I’m no expert on parenting, but I don’t think it gets any more devoted than that.”
“You’re right.” Jonah shut his eyes and sighed. “I feel bad for upsetting them. They’re the best.”
