Hanging Time

53

April met Jason at the downstairs desk. The psychiatrist looked tired but in better spirits than she had seen him last. She felt a little guilty dragging him in so late, but Sergeant Joyce remembered him from his work on the Chapman case and had liked the idea. Especially since he knew the sister. After she suggested it, April could see Joyce giving her points for it. Getting Jason to do the evaluation meant her supervisor didn’t have to lose April to the bowels of Bellevue, where April would have to escort Camille and wait with her half the night until a bunch of residents saw her and made a recommendation about what should be done with her. And what they recommended might not be the right thing. This way April could return to the building on the East Side with Sanchez and participate in the search of the place where Camille lived.

“Hi.” She noticed right away that Jason had lost some weight and his hair was a little longer. She had forgotten that he was a handsome man, was surprised to find she was glad to see him.

“Thanks for coming.”

He smiled. “You’d do the same for me.”

“Of course.” It was her job though. She shrugged and turned away to hide the flush that crept up her neck. Suddenly she felt awkward in the change of clothes from her locker.

It had been a long day since Rachel Stark was found hanging in the bathroom at European Imports that morning. And even though she had showered and washed her hair twice, April couldn’t help wondering if she still smelled of death.

“She’s in here.” April led the way to the questioning room where she had left Camille with several guards, a cup of tea, and some of the devil’s food cookies Sergeant Joyce hid in her locker for special occasions when she was absolutely desperate.

After finding her gnawing on her arm, April knew better than to leave Camille alone. April had left her with Goldie. The female uniform was big and experienced enough to handle anything. April thought Camille would feel better with a woman. A male uniform stood outside the door just in case. As she made the introduction, April was keenly aware of Sanchez in Sergeant Joyce’s office. The door was closed. Didn’t want to leave the two of them together too long.

April nodded at the uniform, then opened the door. Camille was sitting in the same position April had left her. The dog was laid out, boneless across her lap, its head hanging over her knee. A thick curtain of long red hair covered Camille’s face.

The mug of tea on the table was half empty; the cookies didn’t appear to have been touched. In the corner, Goldie shook her head. Nothing had happened since April and Sergeant Joyce left.

Puppy heard the door open and sat up, barking excitedly. Camille whispered to it. “Shhh.”

April approached the table with Jason beside her. “Miss Stanton, I’ve asked Dr. Frank to come and speak with you.”

“Who’s speaking?”

“It’s Detective Woo,” April said, feeling weird.

Camille moved her hair to one side. “Woo, I’ve been waiting for you. Where’ve you been?”

“I went to get Dr. Frank. He’s a psychiatrist. It would be very helpful if you’d talk to him, you know, openly. Tell him whatever you want. He’s a good listener.”

Camille let her hair fall back over her face.

“Miss Stanton, is it okay if I leave Dr. Frank with you?”

“Fine.” The response came through the curtain of hair.

April looked at Jason uncertainly.

“Would you prefer if Detective Woo stays?” Jason spoke for the first time. “She’s very busy and has a lot of things to take care of.”

Camille turned her head away and didn’t respond.

“I think it would be better if I leave,” April said finally.

Camille didn’t object.

April turned to Jason, indicating the uniform in the corner with a jerk of her head. He nodded. Yes, she could go and yes he would deal with the uniform.

Relieved, she ran upstairs to the squad room. Maybe Mike hadn’t left without her.