The Last Surgeon

CHAPTER 23

When his phone rang-the Bach Organ Fugue in G Minor Koller had programmed for that number-he knew Jillian Coates was calling Paul Regis. He answered on the fifth ring, already in character.

“Yes,” he said, as his mind traveled back to that day in her condominium, seizing upon the details that made her put so much trust and faith in the insurance investigator.

“Hello, is this Paul?”

“Yes it is,” Koller said. “Can I help you?”

“Paul, it’s Jillian Coates. You were at my condo last week.”

“Jillian, of course.” Koller made certain his voice revealed both surprise and delight at her call. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, I was speaking with a friend of mine. Well, not really a friend. We just met actually.”

Naturally, she was talking about Dr. Nick Garrity. Koller had followed her to the Helping Hands Mobile Medical Unit, but had tired of waiting for her when an hour passed after she disappeared inside the RV. He had returned to his hotel and done some research on Garrity’s operation, and knew enough about the onetime army doctor and his shoestring-budget medical RV to feel certain that the man was hardly a threat.

“So,” he said, drumming his fingers on the desk, “does this new friend have anything to do with me?”

“No,” Jillian said, her laugh sounding somewhat forced. “I went to see him because… because we have some friends in common. In passing, I happened to mention the fire and my persistent suspicion that having my sister being murdered one day and my apartment burning down just a couple of weeks later seems like more than a coincidence. He agreed with me, and promised to speak with a friend of his who is a detective on the Washington police force.”

“Do you know this detective’s name?”

Koller was bouncing the eraser more rapidly and forcefully.

Stupid Jericho!

“I don’t know his name,” Jillian said, “but I was wondering if you might send me a copy of your report so my friend Nick can take it to him?”

“Of course. Where are you staying?”

Jillian gave him the address of the nursing school dorm, which he had already written down.

“I’m so grateful to you, Paul. Do you expect to be in D.C. any time soon?”

“Not that I know of, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“I’m still busy trying to find a lead on Belle’s murderer, and I’ve used up most of my vacation time at work, but as soon as things slow down for me, I’ll call, okay?”

“That would be terrific,” Koller said, wondering why she almost certainly was lying about how she knew Garrity. “Listen, I’ll get a copy of the report and get it right off to you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Paul. You’re the best.”

“No, Jillian Coates, you are.”