Annie gladly accepted the warm, buttery, sugary ball of deliciousness. “So, Myra, continue on your train of thought. Sorry, we got derailed by pastry.”

  “Obviously, we need to infiltrate each of the facilities. The Sisters will do the inside work, and Charles and Fergus can take care of the tech stuff. I suggest that you and I apply for residency. You can go to Arizona.”

  “Ooh. I can have my golf cart shipped out there.” Annie hooted.

  “Dear friend, you don’t want to bring too much attention to yourself.”

  Charles laughed out loud. “Could be tricky, eh? Maintaining a low profile there, Annie.”

  “Shut it, Charles. Although I do agree. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.” She grinned. “Myra what about the two people living in the Arizona complex?”

  “Yes.” Myra checked her notes. “Henry Pushkin and Frida Larsen.”

  “Good. They will be my new pals.”

  “I’ll register for senior living in Pensacola.” She turned to Charles. “Sorry, darling. I shall be a divorcée.”

  “Better than being a widow.” Charles chuckled.

  “Once we get everyone on the call, we can hand out assignments. Kathryn is at the ready to drive to Tempe. She’s about three hours away.”

  “According to the information Lizzie got from Theresa, there is a horrid nurse at the long-term care facility,” Charles said. “Perhaps a job as an orderly would be a good fit for Kathryn.”

  Annie wrote it down. “Right. We need someone inside with you, Myra.”

  “Izzie?” Charles suggested. “Get her a job in the admin office. Hack into their system on sight and then feed it into ours.”

  “Perfect,” Myra replied.

  Annie was also scribbling on her notepad. “Now what’s left over as far as filling the gaps?”

  “Do you think Yoko would want to work with the landscaping people in Florida?” Myra asked.

  “She’s certainly qualified. Once I hear back from Maggie, and depending on Jeremy Sykes’s condition, I may send her to Florida to do an interview. We’ll tell him the paper is doing a story of the growing number of hit-and-run accidents in the country.”

  “Excellent cover story.” Myra pursed her lips.

  Annie continued, “Then I’ll send her out to Arizona to get the details from Theresa and see if the police have any other leads.” Annie began making her list:

  1. Florida

  • Myra—Resident

  • Yoko—Landscaping

  • Izzie—Administration

  • Maggie—writes story

  2. Arizona

  • Kathryn—Orderly

  • Annie—Resident

  • Maggie—checks police report

  3. Internal communications

  • Check Death Certificate in Maricopa County. See if there’s one for Dorothy/Dottie Carpenter in the past forty-eight hours

  • Fergus—Follow the money

  • Charles—

  “Do you think we’ll need Avery’s people?” Annie was referring to the outside group of private investigators they would often use for surveillance.

  “The facilities look to be confined. There is a security checkpoint at the main entrance, and ancillary gates are operated by using a code or a key card. Once we peel the onion and find out who is behind this scheme, we can ask Avery for some assistance if need be.”

  “Excellent.” Annie continued to take notes. “I think we have a good plan. The next step is to find out who is available and get fake identities for us. We will need credit cards in our alias names, with the charges to go to the main business account.”

  “Right. Fergus and I will post the new positions for Izzie, Yoko, and Kathryn on their job board,” Charles added. “Then we’ll post the jobs were filled.”

  “You hacked into their system already?” Myra asked, although she was not the least surprised.

  “Nothing sensitive,” Charles said. “Yet. Give us a few more days. Once Izzie arrives, she can do a work around from the inside.” He paused. “We’re also creating bank accounts for you. They will want to see copies. SOP for rentals these days. They want to be sure you can pay it.”

  “Perfect,” Annie and Myra said in unison, then doubled over in laughter.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fitting the Pieces Together

  Pensacola Hospital

  Jeremy Sykes squinted, then blinked several times. His vision was still slightly blurry but much closer to normal. His left arm was in a sling, his right arm was hooked to an IV, and his legs were wrapped in the sleeves of a sequential compression device. He felt something odd around his wrist. It felt like metal. When he tried to bring his arm closer to see, it was stuck to the railing. He pushed the button for the nurse. It seemed like an eternity until an exceptionally large man wearing blue scrubs entered.

  “Mr. Sykes, what can I do for you?” the man asked.

  “Can you tell me what is attached to my wrist?” He jiggled the tether.

  “Mr. Sykes, they are called handcuffs,” the man said plainly.

  “Sorry? What did you say?” Jeremy thought something might have happened to his hearing.

  “Handcuffs,” the man answered again.

  “I don’t understand.” Jeremy truly did not.

  “When they found you at the crash site, they also found a vial of morphine in your car.”

  Jeremy tried to sit up. That was when he realized his head was also bandaged. “Morphine?”

  “The sheriff said they’re investigating.” The man stopped. “Hasn’t anyone talked to you about this?”

  “If anyone has, I don’t recall. I’ve been drifting in and out since, I dunno, a little while ago, maybe?” He was trying hard to think.

  “Well, I should say no more until the doctor gets here, or a family member. By the way, you’re one lucky dude.” The man in the blue clothes left the room.

  Jeremy was confused, and every bone in his body hurt. Jeremy had no idea how long he had been in the hospital. A day? Two? A week? He wished there were someone who could fill in the blanks.

  Suddenly, someone was there. At first he thought he was hallucinating, but he saw a familiar figure approaching his room.

  “Jeremy?”

  The voice was also familiar.

  “It’s me, Regina.”

  She knew she was taking a huge risk by visiting him, but she also didn’t think anyone from Sunnydale would visit someone they recently terminated. She stopped abruptly when she saw the handcuffs. “What on earth happened?”

  “Hey, Regina. Honestly? It’s a bit of a blur,” he said in a raspy voice. “I was driving along the highway when an oncoming dump truck drifted into my lane. I guess he slammed into me. And here I am.” He wiggled in an effort to get more comfortable.

  “I probably shouldn’t ask, but what’s with the bracelets?”

  “I don’t know about that, either. An orderly said they found morphine in the wreck. I swear it was not mine.”

  “Wow. That’s intense.” Regina pulled a chair closer to the bed. “No wonder I had to lie about being a family member. I hope you don’t mind, but I told them I was your girlfriend. I couldn’t think of anything else that quickly.”

  Jeremy gave her a weak smile. “It’s fine. You’re the only girlfriend I have.”

  “Good thing, because that could cause some kind of a ruckus,” Regina said, giggling. Then she suddenly got serious. “But what about the morphine? Where do you suppose it came from?”

  “They think it’s mine. I was the pharmacist.”

  “Well sure, but …” She stopped short. “You didn’t, did you?”

  “No. I did not.” He strained to speak. “Can you hand me that cup of ice, please?” His arm was just short of reaching it. He sighed. “I don’t know what’s going on. But I promise you, I never took anything from the pharmacy. Not even an aspirin.” He paused to catch his breath. “I studied and worked too hard to do something to jeopardize my future.”

  “There are some smart people who do illegal things.” Regina was being kind. “But I don’t think you are the type. You seem so buttoned up.” She quickly added, “I don’t mean that in a bad way.”

  Jeremy smiled for the second time since … he couldn’t remember that, either. “When did the accident happen?”

  “Don’t you know?” She hesitated, then looked at Jeremy with compassion. “It was two days ago. What about your family?” she asked.

  “My family? They’re in Ohio. I don’t know if anyone has been in touch with them.” He strained his neck to see if there were any personal possessions in the room. “I guess my cell was lost in the wreck. Or is at the police station.”

  “There was a small article in the paper. Hit-and-run.”

  “That much I remember. A truck swerved into my lane. Everything after that is blank. Until earlier today.”

  “When I saw the news, I phoned a friend who works as an EMS a few towns over. I wanted to see if he knew what hospital they took you to and if you were alright. He said by the amount of blood, you were laying there for a while before anyone came by.”

  Jeremy furrowed his brow. “Wait. I vaguely remember seeing someone. A guy. Standing near the wreck.”

  “And he didn’t help you?” Regina was doubtful.

  “Maybe he was the one who called for an ambulance.”

  “But he didn’t stay?” Regina looked as confused as Jeremy.

  “Not that I recall. I must have blacked out at that point.” Jeremy was getting weary. This was the most conversation he had had since his accident.

  Regina sensed it was time to leave and let Jeremy get some rest. “Listen, I’ll find out about your family. You take it easy. I’ll be back tomorrow.” At that point, Regina had totally forgotten about Clayton’s warning. The sight of Jeremy was unnerving. And no one notified his family? Wouldn’t they be concerned if they hadn’t heard from him in two days? Maybe they weren’t that close, but still. She decided to look up his file when she went back to the office and find his emergency contact info. Make a few phone calls. That’s when Clayton’s veiled threat resurfaced. Regina shrugged it off. How would she know? Regina was usually the only one in the small administration office. She would be careful.

  An hour later, someone from the local sheriff’s office appeared in Jeremy’s room. Jeremy was fluctuating between semi-consciousness and a degree of awareness. He recognized the uniform immediately and tried to shake the fuzz from his brain.

  “Mr. Sykes? I’m Detective Bellows. We are investigating your accident. Can you hear me alright?”

  Jeremy nodded.

  “From the information I have, you were hit by a truck. The driver never stopped. Is that correct?”

  Jeremy nodded.

  “Can you explain what a vial of morphine was doing in your car?”

  Jeremy slowly shook his head.

  “I understand you were a pharmacist at Sunnydale. Is that correct?”

  Jeremy nodded again.

  “You left the company recently?”

  Another nod.

  “You are aware that morphine is a controlled substance.” It was more of a statement than a question.

  Again, a nod.

  “Then why was it in your possession?”

  Jeremy shut his eyes and shook his head. He whispered, “I don’t know.”

  “You’re saying that you have no idea how the drugs got into your car?”

  Jeremy uttered softly, “Correct.”

  “Mr. Sykes, this is an ongoing investigation. We are going to have to keep you in custody here until we get more answers. Do you understand what I am telling you?”

  Jeremy nodded toward his arm in a sling, then to his other arm attached to a monitor and an IV. “Yes.” He was cogent enough to have a thought, but did not have the energy to say Does it look like I’m going anywhere?

  “I’ll be back in a day or so. Meanwhile, get some rest.”

  The detective left the room. At least he was pleasant, Jeremy thought, as he drifted off again. Maybe this is all just a bad dream.

  Maggie phoned Annie. “There wasn’t a whole lot of info, but that guy Sykes is in the hospital. Doesn’t sound like he’s going to be released any time soon. According to my sources, he’s cuffed to the bed.”

  “Wait. What? Why?” Annie blurted.

  “They said they found drugs in his car.”

  “What kind of drugs?”

  “They wouldn’t say. Annie, I think I should fly down there and interview him as soon as possible.”

  “Good idea. I’ll get the jet ready. It’s at Reagan International. How soon can you leave?”

  “I work for you, remember? At the drop of a hat!” Maggie chuckled.

  “Great. Be at the airport in two hours. I’ll arrange for a rental and a hotel room. Myra will be joining you in Florida, but we’re not sure exactly when. We’ll know more after our video call tonight.”

  “Great. I’ll phone in from Florida. Hopefully, I’ll have more information by then.”

  “Happy landings,” Annie said, then signed off with, “There will be food.”

  Each of the Sisters had a go bag at the ready. At least two days’ worth of clothes, comfortable shoes, and toiletries. If they needed anything else, they could purchase it. Maggie grabbed her rolling traveler and did an inventory. There was no need to pack treats. She knew there would be enough on the plane. Satisfied she was ready, Maggie headed for the airport, then boarded Annie’s Gulfstream.

  Three hours later, the landing gear came down, and they were taxiing toward the hangar where private jets were required to dock. A driver was standing next to an electric shuttle cart, similar to Annie’s, but not as fast. He waved in Maggie’s direction. She hopped on, and he took her to the rental counter, where a small, nondescript SUV awaited.

  Maggie punched in the address of the hotel, then followed up with the address of the hospital. They were less than a ten-minute drive from each other. Annie had booked a two-bedroom, extended stay suite, with a small kitchenette. Chances were one of the other Sisters would be joining Maggie at some point, and they needed a home base. Maggie phoned Annie to let her know she’d arrived, then she called the hospital to see if Jeremy Sykes was allowed visitors. She was told, “Only family, one person at a time, and no longer than fifteen minutes.” She guessed she would just have to go see her “cousin” Jeremy tomorrow.

  Regina returned to Sunnydale after her lunch break and her secret visit to the hospital. As she approached the security gate, the guard noticed Regina had left the premises. “You don’t usually go out to lunch, Regina. Special occasion?”

  “I had to get a gift for my sister.” Regina was surprised at how easily the lie rolled off her tongue.

  “Birthday?” the guard asked in a friendly manner.

  “Yes. She’s turning thirty!” Regina continued the charade. Her sister was going to be thirty, but not for another eight months. It was a half-truth. “See ya.” She pulled away as soon as he pressed the button that lifted the gate. Regina noticed her palms were sweaty. Had she gotten herself in too deep? Jeremy wasn’t a close friend, but he was a work buddy. Nice guy. Polite. Always held the door open for people. But was it worth getting in trouble for him?

  She parked her car in the designated space and made her way back to her office. She was feeling a bit jumpy and was grateful no one was around. She sat at her computer and typed in Jeremy Sykes’s name. Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Surely there had to be something in the company records. She searched for other files, but everything was password-protected except her Excel accounting files. That was when she noticed files from the previous month had been deleted. That was strange. Regina knew that she didn’t delete anything. She usually saved the files in case there were any questions from upper management. In fact, for extra protection, she always made a copy on a flash drive. She opened her desk drawer and was shocked to see that the flash drive was gone. She rummaged through the paper clips, rubber bands, pens, and a staple remover. She could swear she left it in one of the compartments of the drawer organizer. She felt a chill, and goosebumps rose on her arms. Someone had to have taken it. But who? Things were feeling creepier by the minute.

  Maggie grabbed a bag of chips that was sitting in a basket of treats. “Annie, you’re a gem!” Maggie said to no one. Once she had her salt rush, she washed it down with a chocolate cookie and a swig of water. She checked her teeth for any debris, splashed some water on her face, pulled her hair back in a clip, and pulled her messenger bag over her shoulder. It was time to get down to business.

  Once she arrived at the hospital, she inquired about Jeremy Sykes.

  “Family member?” the woman at the desk asked.

  Maggie did not hesitate. “Yes, I just flew in from Virginia.” She had no idea where Jeremy’s family was from, but Virginia sounded as good as anything.

  The woman gave Maggie a visitor pass and reminded her of the time limit. Maggie thanked her and rode the elevator to the fifth floor. She stopped at the nurse’s station to inquire as to which room Mr. Sykes was in.

  “That boy is very popular today,” the nurse said cheerfully.

  “Oh?” Maggie asked with a smile.

  “A pretty woman—oh, sorry. You’re not his girlfriend, are you?”

  Maggie chuckled. “No, a cousin.”

  “Well, you are the first family member to arrive.” The nurse leaned over the counter. “It’s a shame they have him shackled. There’s no way that young man is going anywhere.”

  “Shackled? Ah, yes,” Maggie sighed. “I’m sure it’s all a big misunderstanding.”

  “I hope so. He seems like a nice fella. Not that I’ve had any real contact with him, but he has a nice face and hasn’t hit the call button since he woke up.”

  “When was that?” Maggie asked with a smile.

  “A few hours ago. Then the lady came, and then a detective.”

  “I should go and say hello before they have a hall monitor kick me out for overstaying my allotted time.”

  “They do that for the patient’s sake. Sometimes people just want to hover, and it makes it hard for the patient to relax. You know, having someone staring at you all the time.”