Edge of Mercy (A Kate Reid Novel Book 11), Robin Mahle [freenovel24 .txt] 📗

opened the door to allow them inside. “May I offer you something to drink? Coffee or a glass of water?”

Kate smiled warmly and noted the woman’s appearance. In her late fifties, she had a Helen Mirren quality about her. A cream-colored blouse worn beneath a soft cream angora sweater. Tailored pants that hung perfectly on her slightly full waist. Cream shoes, closed-toed, with a kitten heel. There was no doubt she came from money. “I would love a glass of water,” she replied.

“I could do with a glass, too, thank you.” Surrey followed Kate’s lead.

Mrs. Whitman summoned her housekeeper. “Would you mind bringing us some water, please? We’ll take it in the den.” She looked back at Kate. “It’s a bit quieter in the den. I hope that’s all right with you.”

“Of course.” Kate followed the woman through the foyer past the living room. She looked back at Surrey who stayed a few steps behind.

“Please, have a seat.” Mrs. Whitman gestured to the seating area that boasted four oversized wing-backed chairs covered in a linen fabric and embellished with bronze studs. Two on one side and two on the other. In between was a small round wooden table.

The fireplace with white marble surrounds burned and crackled and was the focal point of the room. Kate felt the warmth envelop her. “Do you mind if I take off my coat?”

“Not at all. Please, let me take that for you.” She took Kate’s coat and looked at Surrey. “May I take yours as well?”

“Sure. Thanks.” Surrey removed his long wool coat. He sat down next to Kate as they waited for Mrs. Whitman to return.

Instead, the housekeeper appeared carrying a tray with crystal-clear glasses of water, each adorned with a wedge of lemon and a full pitcher with ice. She set it on the table.

“Thank you.” Kate reached for a glass and took a sip.

Mrs. Whitman returned and sat down in one of the other winged chairs. She folded her hands in her lap and crossed her legs at the ankles. “You had some questions regarding Theodore.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kate began. “As I’m sure you’re aware, he is wanted in connection with the murder of one of his coworkers, an EMT who worked with him in Charlotte up until a few days ago.”

Mrs. Whitman cast away her gaze. “You’ll forgive me, but it is difficult to hear of anyone speaking about my son doing something so horrendous.” She inhaled a breath and returned her attention to them. “I am aware that he is a suspect.”

“Are you also aware that he fled to Mexico as a result?” Kate waited for her to respond, but her expression hadn’t shifted in the least with this news. “Ma’am?”

“Please, call me Carol. And no, I’m afraid I was unaware of that. I assume that, then, is why you are here? To uncover whether I know the location of my son? Rest assured, Agent Reid, I do not. We have been estranged for some time.”

“I see. Can you tell me when you last spoke to him?” Kate pressed on.

“I don’t recall, but it has been years.” She revealed a smile laced with regret. “Our relationship changed dramatically after I remarried.”

“Of course, you married Dr. Robert Whitman, who was once the Chief of Surgery at the hospital your husband and Theo worked.”

“I see you do know a lot about my family, Agent Reid.”

“I’m simply trying to get to the truth and find your son. I believe he’s become desperate, which is why he fled the country. However, my concern is that he might’ve had help. If you know where he is, Mrs. Whitman—Carol—please help us find him. There have been other murders linked to Theo. Crimes that have not been made known to the public.”

Mrs. Whitman turned serious and held Kate’s gaze. “How many?”

“Five that we know of. Another case is pending.”

A tear fell from Mrs. Whitman’s eye. She blinked it away. “I wish I could help you, Agent Reid,” she turned to Surrey. “Agent Surrey. But I simply can’t. Whatever Theo has done he will have to answer for, but I have nothing to offer in your search.” She stood. “Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but I have an impending appointment that I need to prepare for.”

Kate stood from the chair. “I understand. If there’s anything you recall that might help us, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” She retrieved a business card and waited for Mrs. Whitman to take it.

“Of course. I’ll show you out.” With the card in her hand, Mrs. Whitman showed them to the door.

Kate heard the double doors close behind them and continued along the path to the car. She unlocked the door and slipped behind the wheel. Surrey stepped in and Kate keyed the ignition. “I had hoped that would go better.”

“She’s a mother,” Surrey replied. “What else do you have up your sleeve, or are we done here?”

“Not nearly. I thought we’d drop in to see Dr. Whitman.” She pulled away from the curb.

“You know where we can find him?” Surrey asked.

With a sly grin, Kate continued, “I might’ve had a peek at the photos on the bookcase. There were at least three that appeared fairly recent given Mrs. Whitman’s appearance.”

“And?” He pressed on.

“They were taken at the Greenley Golf and Country Club. Where else would you find a retired doctor but on a golf course?”

Surrey nodded. “Well, well, Agent Reid. It seems you are as observant as I’ve been told.”

22

While Autumn was in full swing, the daytime temperatures in Providence hovered in the high 50s to low 60s. Still great golfing weather. When Kate pulled onto the grounds of the Greenley Golf and Country Club on a sunny but cool Wednesday afternoon, she expected to see several golfers, likely retirees.

Agent Surrey peered at the parking lot. “Busy place.”

“No guarantees, but I’d say we stand a respectable shot at finding Dr. Whitman here.” She cut the engine and prepared to step out of the car when Surrey stopped