4 Chapter 4

Now that Brendan was on the bed and the light shone directly on his back, Jeremy couldn’t help but stare at the woman branded into his skin. He didn’t recognize her face. Was there any reason to? Was this some sort of fantasy victim? Was she a victim of anybody at all? The closer inspection also revealed little doubt that the tattoo was fresh. Brendan’s flesh was red and puffy, the colors shiny.

“Hey, Chief.” An exhausted sigh escaped Brendan’s lips, and he seemed to sink into the pillow. Something had been lifted from his shoulders. “I’m out at Doc Reed’s. No, not the office. His house.” He glanced at Jeremy while the chief spoke on the other end. “I can’t. I barely made it here. You need to come see me.” When more words muffled through, he shook his head and held the phone out. “Tell him why, and tell him to be fast.”