AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lynch chuckled. “Yes, I’d say that would have pissed him off.”
“The FBI records say that Tricia was the only one known to have escaped alive from Barrett. He was a suspect even then, and they gave her surveillance protection for some time after the attack. It only stopped when he was arrested and incarcerated.”
“Is it possible he stole the goggles when he attacked her?”
“I don’t know. One more question for Tricia Walton.” Kendra leaned wearily back in her chair and added, “I’m too tired to worry about that right now. I’ll figure it out later. I’m going to remember every one of those murders Barrett committed after spending two hours listening to every single detail. But those details were so horrendous, I just want to go to bed and pull the covers over my head.”
“Then go ahead and do it.” He paused. “I could come and keep you company if you need me. Any way you want it.”
She was tempted. She did feel as if she needed him. She needed warmth and distraction and the intense sexual diversion that Lynch could bring her. The world seemed very cold and barren at the moment. But it wasn’t fair to use him, and it might only complicate the situation. “Thanks, but I might be able to sleep. I called my mother and she’s going to contact Tricia’s coach and set up an interview in the morning. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lynch.”
“Okay, but I’m only a phone call away.” He ended the call.
Kendra looked down at her notes for a moment then turned and moved toward the bedroom. She would go to bed and try not to think of that monster on the attack. Instead, she’d try to remember a young girl who had desperately fought off the monster and come out victorious.
***
10:15A.M.
Next Day
UC San Diego Main Campus
Diane Michaels was waiting for Kendra when she drove into the parking lot in front of the aquatic center. She crossed to the car and opened the driver’s door. “Come on. There’s not much time, Kendra. You said you wanted to interview Tricia Walton as soon as possible. I talked her coach into letting her skip thirty minutes of the morning session. But you’re not going to get another chance today.” She gave Kendra a quick hug and glanced at Lynch as he got out of the car. “Hello, Lynch. Good to see you. I’m glad you’re tagging along with Kendra on this one. I didn’t like the sound of that massacre in the valley.”
“Hi, Diane, you’re looking well.” He grinned. “Always happy to tag along with Kendra when she lets me. She does make things interesting.”
Kendra wondered what any of the powerhouse figures who paid enormous sums to Lynch would have thought of the way her mother had referred to him. “I’m hoping that it will be Tricia Walton who makes things interesting for us. You couldn’t get her coach to give us more time than that?”
“It was Tricia who set up the boundaries for the interview. Coach Lydecker said that at this point of her training she lets Tricia set her own schedule. She has to balance both her training and the fact that she’s working with a think tank to get an advanced degree in computer statistics. She said Tricia’s a workaholic and the only thing she has to do is keep her from overdoing it.” She smiled. “You’re lucky Tricia gave you the thirty minutes. Lydecker said she’s determined to make the next Olympic team and she’ll bet Tricia will take gold. She’s been dominating all the meets she’s entered in the last six months.”
“Then we’d better not be late,” Kendra said as she headed for the main entrance. “Do you have time to have coffee with us after we’re finished with Tricia?”
Her mother shook her head as she turned away. “I’ve got a packed day. Call me later this evening and we’ll talk and set up a lunch.” Then she turned back and said to Lynch, “I don’t like this. I know Kendra can take care of herself, so I won’t insult her. But I’ll be very upset if you don’t perform in a way that I approve. You’ll do well to remember that.”
“No problem. I never forget a word you say to me.”
“Excellent.” Diane was already walking away. “Keep it that way.”
Kendra shot a glance at Lynch. “You said exactly the right thing.”
“I was too terrified to do anything else.” His eyes were dancing with sly mischief. “I always try to stay on her good side.”
“Bullshit.”
She opened the door, and her nostrils were immediately assaulted with the scent of chlorine and the thick humidity of the pool area. “Now, where is this—”
“Dr. Michaels?” A tall, slender woman with short dark hair was approaching them. “I’m Shirley Lydecker.” She shook Kendra’s hand. “I’m glad you’re on time. Now let’s get this interview over.” She nodded at a door a few yards away. “Tricia is in my office waiting for you.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.” Kendra gestured to Lynch. “This is Adam Lynch. He’ll be present at the interview.”
The coach nodded impatiently. “Whatever. Let’s just get it done.” She strode toward the door and threw it open. “Your visitors are here, Tricia. I’ll be waiting when you’re finished.”
“Thanks, Coach. I won’t be long.”
Kendra was at the door, and she saw Tricia smile warmly at Lydecker. She was tall, slim, and tanned, and her short curly hair was dark blond and sun-streaked. She wore flip-flops, and the short, loose print robe that covered her swimsuit made her look vaguely like a young gladiator. When she turned to face Kendra, the smile was still there and lit her face with that same warmth.
“Hi, I’m Tricia.” She crossed the room and shook Kendra’s hand. “I’m so sorry I have to cut this interview short, but I’m working.” The smile deepened and caused a crease to frame her dark blue eyes. “But you know all about that, don’t you, Dr. Michaels? Between your music therapy job and your work with the FBI, you must be busy all the time.” She didn’t wait for an answer but turned to Lynch. “And you are?”
