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He could tell by the look on her face that she’d experienced the same intense electricity. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
Her eyes registered the connection then went flat. For a few seconds she studied the coffee maker as it finished brewing. “Cream and sugar?”
“Just black.” Maybe a shot of caffeine would pull him out of the moment.
After a minute of silence, she poured two cups and pushed one toward him, sliding her hand away before they could touch.
Of course, she was unnerved. “Thank you.”
Destiny nodded and lifted the cup to her lips using both hands. After taking a sip she walked closer to the window.
While he wasn’t a patient man, he realized she was trying to sort out her thoughts. The vision of the belt lingered in his mind. He’d never used any kind of spanking implement on a woman, nor had he wanted to. This wasn’t going to be easy.
“Mark Ramos and Candace Williams were brutally murdered by an unknown assailant, their mangled bodies found in posh and considered very safe areas of town.”
Shocked, he choked on his coffee, licking at beads as they dripped past his lips. A damn leak in the department. He was going to break heads for this. “Where…how…”
“As you might imagine, I’m well connected and if you know anything about my background, you realize I’ve treated a few patients some would consider animals during my tenure in Richmond. Correct, Detective Givens?”
Dear God, the woman was direct. Who the hell was giving information so fucking easily? First the Domme. Now the psychiatrist. They might as well put every scrap of information on Facebook. “Yes. I’ve certainly delved into your background. Unfortunately, I can’t give you any details about the murders. In truth, aspects regarding both cases haven’t and won’t be disclosed to the Press any time soon. Do you understand?”
“Of course.”
After a few seconds of silence, Montana cleared his throat. “Good. I just need to ask you a few questions.”
“How do you think I can help you?” She gave him a harsh glare.
“Can you confirm that both victims were being treated by you?” Destiny was very guarded, but he would have expected no less. He sipped his coffee, remaining nearly motionless as she paced her kitchen. The only light was the amber glow above the stove. Antsy, she continued to dart glances into the darkness. He could smell her fear. Shit, he was apprehensive himself, unable to take his mind off the call with Mistress Jade.
“Yes, they were for a time, but both of them stopped their sessions without notice,” she whispered and gripped the edge of the counter, staring out the kitchen window. “I have no reason to believe they knew each other, if that’s what you’re asking. As you well know, all my records are kept highly confidential, detective.”
“But they were your patients so there is a connection. At this point I’m not ruling anything out. I can’t. I just need you to think about anything that might be a bridge between them, no matter how odd you might think the information to be.” She knew exactly where he was going. Montana kept his tone even. She was skittish.
Destiny twisted, her disdain becoming evident. “I have no idea, detective. None. I’ve been trying to figure out why the killer would want to haunt down two…” She laughed then coughed before placing the back of her hand across her mouth.
“You were going to say normal.” He pulled out a chair, sitting down in an effort to get her to relax.
She nodded over and over again. Easing her back against the counter, she sighed. “They were both very emotional individuals with difficult situations they were fighting from their past. I can’t offer you anymore. You know that. Much like you can’t tell me the details of your investigation or how you’re going to go about catching a monster.”
“With all due respect, Dr. Blade, they’re dead. Doctor-patient confidentiality no longer exists. I need you to tell me anything that seems out of the ordinary. Anything.”
Hesitating, Destiny moved toward the opposite counter, dragging two glasses from the cabinet.
He watched in silence as she pulled out a bottle from underneath the sink. As she poured two shots of what had to be liquor, he leaned forward in his chair. “Why do you think you were being followed and by whom?” When she said nothing, he took a chance with a hunch. “By one of your patients?”
Her actions methodical, Destiny pushed a drink across the table, gripping hers tightly with the other hand. A slow sigh escaped her mouth as she held the glass to her head. “I don’t know why I honestly think so, but yes. A patient’s behavior was completely off kilter this afternoon. His personality changed. He challenged me. I’m certain I was just alarmed by his performance today. There is no map of emotional stability. No matter how qualified a doctor can be, certain patients can be good at hiding portions of their inner turmoil. This is something I know very well.”
“Performance? An interesting word to use for the mentally ill.” She knew more than she was letting on.
“My patient is a good actor. That I’ve learned. However, I have a distinct feeling his actions weren’t necessarily his own.”
Montana rose from his chair. “What are you trying to insinuate?”
She hesitated before speaking. “Detective, what do you know about the BDSM lifestyle?”
“I beg your pardon?” Nothing could have caught him off guard more. There was a link between the victims.
Nodding, her look was cold. “There is an underlying culture within Richmond. Men and women enjoy a very intense need to dominate or submit. I’m no expert, but I’ve read enough recently to understand the subculture is flourishing.”
