Killer: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman Read Free Book Online Page B

figure-hugging white knit mini-dress and aqua snakeskin stiletto sandals. A strand of massive South Sea pearls circled a smooth neck. The dark hair was long and meticulously cut. Bare arms showcased a mini-collection of bangles. Her watch was a diamond-studded ladies’ Patek. The teeth in her smile outshone her bling.
    Two cars were parked near Robin’s truck: cream-colored Lexus sedan, black Mercedes convertible.
    I said, “Dr. Sykes?”
    The young brunette said, “As the primary component of Dr. Sykes’s legal entity, I’m part of this appointment.” Thrusting her card at me. Medea L. Wright, J.D.
    “The appointment’s for her alone, Ms. Wright.”
    Wright’s lovely blue eyes wavered then hardened—annealed by challenge. “Well, I’m sorry, but that’s the way it has to be, Doctor. This is a legal proceeding and I’m the legal professional.”
    I looked past her, to her client. Connie Sykes had turned to study the pines, sycamores, and coast redwoods that ring my driveway.
    “Sorry, Counselor.”
    Medea Wright said, “This is unacceptable.”
    I said, “Dr. Sykes, you can come in, if you’d like. If not, our time today is over and I’ll talk to the judge about alternatives.”
    Connie Sykes frowned but kept her eyes on the trees.
    Medea Wright stepped even nearer, put herself squarely in my personal space. A little music and we could tango. The aroma of scented powder wafted from her, mixed with grassy perfume. Then a bitter overlay. Adrenaline sweat.
    She shook her head. “Obviously, I need to orient you, Dr. Delaware.”
    “About what?”
    “The legal system. Beginning with objectivity and parity.”
    “Parity with whom?”
    The question cheered her. I’d allowed her to lead.
    “You’ve spoken to Mr. Ballister, hence you’re obligated to do the same for me.”
    “I’ve never exchanged a word with Mr. Ballister.”
    “He says different.”
    “Then he’s lying.”
    “Re-ally.” She chuckled.
    I looked at my watch.
    Maybe the movement was what caused Connie Sykes to turn. She faced me. Her eyes were flat, brown, bored. “Medea? Do you think you should be alienating him so early in the game?”
    “Dr. Delaware is being presented to us as an objective professional. Should the facts turn out not to—”
    “Whatever, Medea. I’m ready to get up and at it, put an end to this travesty.”
    “Connie—”
    “Whatever legal nonsense you’re worried about, I’ll bear full responsibility. I’m busier than both of you, let’s get going.”
    Wright flinched. “Doctor, do I understand that you’re asserting you’ve had no contact whatsoever with Myron Ballister? Are you claiming that to be true telephonically as well as in person?”
    My turn to smile. “I already answered that question.”
    Connie Sykes stepped forward, swinging her briefcase. Continuing past Wright, she sidled by me, entered the house.
    No scent at all from her.
    But Wright’s vapors were now favoring adrenaline. Her body had turned rigid. As if to reverse that, she cocked a hip, laid two manicured fingers atop my wrist. Lots of body heat. “I regret, Doctor, if anything I’ve said can be construed as combative. If Ballister really hasn’t attempted to poison the well, then there’s no reason to …”
    She waited.
    Connie Sykes stood in the middle of my living room, her back to me.
    I said, “You’re welcome to wait in here, Counselor, but Dr. Sykes and I will be going to my office.”
    “No, I’ll go, I’ve got more things to do than you can imagine. You’re on your own, Connie. Have a nice day, Dr. Delaware.”
    Second time in twenty-four hours someone who didn’t mean it had wished me well. It was starting to sound like a hex.

CHAPTER
6
    I led Connie Sykes toward my office. She took long strides, surging past me and continuing beyond the destination.
    As I stopped to open the door, she kept going like a dieseling engine, finally realized she’d overstepped and put the brakes on. Not a hint of