Page 71 of Unhinged

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

Hannah rang the bell and fiddled nervously with the strap of her purse. From inside the house, she could hear the beginning of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and she rolled her eyes. No plain old chime here—of course Andrew’s doorbell would play strains of classical music.

The front door swung open to reveal the man behind the pretentious façade. Even on a Saturday, he was dressed in business slacks and a polo, and expensive leather loafers adorned his feet. For just a moment, she cataloged the differences between him and Luke.

Andrew was worried constantly about his image. He’d come from nothing, and he worked every day to make more money, be more successful, putting more time and distance between the boy he’d been and the man he’d become.

Luke was comfortable in his own skin. He didn’t care what people thought, and he forged his own way through life. Andrew bowed to everyone, adapting to fit whatever image someone wanted him to project. She doubted he really even knew who his real self was anymore. It was rather ironic, given his line of work.

“Hannah, what a lovely surprise.” Andrew stepped backward with a smile and held the door open in welcome.

Her heart hammered against her ribcage as she crossed the threshold. “Thanks. How is everything?”

“Busy as ever.” He closed the door, and she fell into step as he strode toward the formal living area. Settling into a plush leather chair, he motioned for her to do the same. “I was actually just reviewing some files from this week. How are you holding up?”

She fidgeted in her seat. “Oh, I’m fine. Not really ready to face going back to my house yet, you know.”

He threw a sympathetic look her way. “I understand. It’s difficult to feel secure again when something like that happens. But you have an amazing support group, Hannah, people who care about you. You know I’d do anything for you.”

She did, indeed, and that was precisely the reason for her visit today. Luke was right—Andrew overstepped his bounds on a regular basis, always trying to tell her what was best. As a doctor, she knew that Andrew was qualified to guide her. But he didn’t know every aspect of her life.

She wasn’t going to risk a good thing with Luke because Andrew wanted her all to himself. She knew things between them would never progress. She was going to have to let him down easy… Just as soon as she worked up the courage.

“Has Mr. Iverson made an appointment with you yet?”

“Unfortunately, no, I haven’t heard from him.” Andrew shook his head and she sighed.

“I really wish he would. I truly think he exhibits some signs of sociopathic behavior. The things he said about Rachel…” She shuddered. “I don’t trust him.”

Andrew nodded gravely. “Have you told the police of your suspicions?”

“Yeah, and I know they’re looking into it.” She rubbed her temples. “I’m just ready for this to be over. I want justice for Monique and Audrey. And Selah, if it really is the same person. I want to be able to go to and from work without having to look over my shoulder. I want to sleep in my own bed without worrying about every creak and groan in the house, thinking he’s come back to finish me off.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks before she could stop them. She felt Andrew’s arm come around her shoulders as he moved beside her, and she leaned in for a moment, soaking up the comfort he offered. Andrew was a good friend, but it just wasn’t the same feeling as when she was with Luke.

She pulled out of his embrace and glanced up with a tremulous smile. “Thank you. I’m okay now, it’s just been a little chaotic.”

“I understand completely.” He returned to his chair and crossed an ankle over his knee. “These last couple of weeks would push anyone to the edge.”

She smiled and stared at the carpet, debating when to drop the bomb. Thankfully, he continued. “Hopefully the police have a good lead and they’ll get it figured out quickly. Are they investigating Mr. Iverson, I hope?”

“I would assume so since he’s the only one who makes sense, but I’m not sure.”

Andrew nodded. “It’s definitely someone who wants your attention. He called you out specifically at the murder scene. But why?”

That was the million-dollar question, wasn’t it? “This all seems to be a cry for attention, but I’m not sure why. If it is Steve, maybe it’s an obsession. He’s asked me out several times, but I’ve always turned him down because he was a patient.”

Andrew’s eyes darkened for a moment. “Would you have gone out with him otherwise?”

She shook her head. “No, I even told him that the day I ran into him at the mall. I have no feelings for him. He seemed disappointed, but I don’t know if he’s the one responsible. I would like to say yes, but… I just don’t know. He was my patient for months and I never really got that impression from him.”

“You know as well as I do that people can harbor deeply rooted feelings of possession or resentment. Maybe he bided his time until he thought he could win you over.”

“Perhaps. But then why hurt Audrey?”

Andrew puzzled over that for a moment. “Maybe she was in the way somehow?”