Capitol Offense Read Online Free

eyes darted around the station, as if his heart was in conflict with his head.
    “Detective Sentz is out on a call. I know his assistant. I think I might be able to persuade him to do … something. At least see if we can get a trace on that phone.”
    Dennis’s eyes closed. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
    “Save the thanks until we accomplish something. It’s still a long shot. Especially when she’s been gone so many days. Statistically, it’s still most likely that she’s somewhere of her own accord.”
    “But you will look?”
    Torres began the paperwork. “Yes. Of course we will.”
     
     
    I dropped the phone. I should have seen that coming. How could I not, given my current state, my arms, trembling, unable to steady even for a second, my hand and fingers barely operational? It was hopeless. Now that little pink hunk of metal lies at my feet and there is simply no chance I will ever be able to retrieve it. My last hope is gone. My final dream is shattered. I am well and truly dead.
    Perhaps it’s better this way. Did I ever believe I would be rescued? What have I told my patients so many times? Sometimes acceptance is best. It is not perfect. But perhaps it is my finest choice. The dead can only expect so much.
    The pain has subsided somewhat, but I’m not foolish enough to imagine that means I’m getting better, or that my efforts at meditation have saved me. The serotonin sedation must be kicking in. Still, it does help to have that training, to know how to reach a better place and stay there, as long as may be necessary. My teachers taught me to find my inner strength, not physical strength but something better, something more important, more than the recognition of constant pain, the realization that this is my body’s final resting place.
    I had a dream just a moment ago. A hallucination, perhaps. There was a clamor outside, the thudding of boots, the flashing of lights. A rescue fantasy, no doubt. I even thought I heard Dennis calling for me. Ridiculous. But I think I will not resist. Perhaps this is the final gift the Universe has for me. Perhaps I will feel his arms around me one last time, if only as an illusion. I loved you, Dennis, and I know you loved me with a greater need and passion than I could ever match. Can you feel my arms around you, just as I feel yours? The little light I have left is fading, but with my final breath I send this wish to you. Accept what has happened. Don’t give in to despair. Don’t let it change you, ruin your life. Move on. Find the lesson. Tell yourself it’s perfect, even if you don’t know why.
    I worry about you, Dennis. I worry so much.
    Do not let this destroy you!
    There is pain in dying, as I know now, as I have always known. But the pain of living can be greater.
    Please, Dennis! Outwit … outwit …
     
     
    “Joslyn! Do you hear me? Honey! Can you hear me?”
    It’s starting over again, the whole dream fantasy sequence. I wonder if I have the power to alter it. Make it more immediate …
    “We’re coming, honey. I’m sorry it took so long. Your car ran off the road and plummeted down a very deep ravine. There was thick brush all around the car, blackberry hedges. I couldn’t see you! I drove by here a hundred times, but it looked as if nothing was there. I didn’t know!”
    “Sir,” Officer Torres said, “I need you to move away from the car.”
    “Can’t you get her out of there?”
    “We’re trying, sir, but she’s wedged in but good. Strapped down by her seat belt, pinned by the air bag, something stabbing her leg. We’re going to have to have to cut the roof off to get her out.”
    “Then do it!”
    “The equipment is on its way. We just have to—”
    “What in God’s name is going on here?”
    Dennis and Torres whirled around and saw Detective Sentz marching toward them.
    Torres stepped forward. “We’ve found Dr. Thomas, Detective. We’re trying to extract her—”
    “I didn’t authorize this