Simon came from the back of the apartment with two pieces of black clothing. Mason didn’t need to see the Nike logo.

Finally. We are on your ass. You’ll never see us coming.

Zander reappeared. “I’ve got them shutting down the Starbucks. They’ll make it look like a power or water issue. And that number Simon has is to a burner phone. We’ll trace where it was purchased and see if there’re any store cameras that recorded the sale. The phone’s already been canceled.”

“I talked to him on that number yesterday,” stated Simon. “There’s no way it’s not good.”

“You said you left a message at the original number on the flyer, right?” asked Mason. “Did he ever call you back on that number?”

Simon shook his head.

“He probably uses a new number every few days. I suspect the next call or text you get from him will be from an unfamiliar number.”

“He told me not to screen calls. Said one of the cameramen might call me, so I need to answer every call.”

Someone thought ahead.

35

Proud of herself, Ava flipped through a magazine in a waiting area at the hospital. The key to doing something she didn’t want to do was to not think about it and simply command her muscles to move. The thought of seeing Jayne made her want to vomit. But she still had an obligation to her sister. She hadn’t made up her mind if she wanted to visit Jayne’s room, but she’d at least talk to her doctor. She’d never get the questions out of her head if she didn’t ask. She’d made a call to Misty when she first arrived at the hospital, reminded that she hadn’t heard from the young girl in a day or two. Misty was back home and recovering just fine, but had stated she was done with yoga for a few months. Ava didn’t blame her.

Her phone buzzed. Mason.

“I’m waiting to talk to Jayne’s doctor,” she told him.

“How was your appointment?”

She heard the caution in his voice, knowing he wondered if she’d even attended. “It was okay. I don’t think she’s anyone I want to continue with, but she at least said something that’s making my legs move today.”

“That’s a start,” Mason agreed. “You’re checking on Jayne?”

“Yes and don’t ask me why. I can’t just turn it off.” She paused. “That makes it worse.”

“I know. Let me know when you’re done. Say, we got a good lead on our shooter this morning.”

She listened as he told her about filmed pranks and young male actors looking to make a quick buck. “You think that’s how he’s recruiting them? I’ve watched those shows. They’re horrible. Some are funny, but I always feel for the person being pranked.”

“It’s our best lead. We shut down the Starbucks on Grand Boulevard that we believe was going to be the next location.”

She drew in a sharp breath. “That’s the one I always go to! I was just there!” She set down the rest of her iced drink, suddenly slightly nauseated. A shudder ran through her as she imagined witnessing a second mass shooting. I couldn’t handle that again.

“I thought so,” Mason said grimly. “What’s the word on Jayne?”

Ava took a deep breath. “A nurse told me the wrist injuries weren’t as bad as they expected and the wound to her spleen didn’t require surgery. They’re still watching it. She said Jayne was scheduled for a psych eval earlier today but didn’t know more. I’m waiting on the doctor I spoke to last night.”

“You sound good.”

She couldn’t hold back a small laugh. “I didn’t think I’d make it out of bed today, but frankly, knowing that I had that damn appointment made me move. I don’t like to let people down. Now I’m simply following a checklist of what I need to accomplish today. I feel like a robot.”

“Yesterday was draining.”

“That’s putting it mildly.”

“What are you going to say to Jayne?”

“I haven’t decided if I’m going to talk to her. I might just listen to the doctor and leave.”

Mason was silent for a few moments. “I miss you.”

His words touched a tender spot in her heart, and she nearly melted. Neither of them was a sentimental person, but for several days she’d had a huge lonely gap in her gut, making her feel vulnerable and emotional. “I miss you, too,” she whispered. The doctor from last night peeked in the waiting room, and she stood up. “I need to go. I love you.” Mason said the same and he was gone. She dropped her phone in her purse, and an abrupt loneliness weighed down her shoulders.

She followed the doctor, listening as he repeated what she’d already learned from the nurse. “What about the psych evaluation?”

“We’re admitting her for a few days. We’re of the opinion that she’s still a threat to herself.”

Oh, Jayne.

“Then what?”

“We’ll find her a facility where she can get back on her feet and receive the mental care she needs.”

Ava knew it wasn’t that simple. Insurance. Availability. Cost. Jayne’s attitude. It all mattered.

I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

“Are you ready to see her now? I doubt she’ll be responsive. She’s sedated again.”

Ava froze. Am I ready?

“I’ll just peek real quick.”