Forgetting Jane Read Free Page B

“That’s not my problem. You’re on the clock and this situation is a lot more important. Do you understand that, Officer Ryan?” Elias’s voice had just enough punch that the officer nodded in response.
    “Yes. I’ll text her back and tell her I can’t.”
    “Good. Now head out and finish your patrol. And Tyson, keep an eye out,” Elias said levelly. Life was better when he was in the dark about his officers’ personal lives.
    “Got it, Chief.” Tyson bolted straight to the elevator.
    Right before Elias walked into Jane’s room, he saw Mayor Daniels walked out of the elevator.
    “Damn. That’s all I need right now,” Eli glowered, and adjusted his cap. He was in no mood to deal with the meddlesome old man. Yes, he was the mayor, but he was also a nosey son of a bitch who got into everyone’s business.
    The vulture stared straight at him. There were no pleasantries on his face or his bearing. Especially not the way the end of his cane hit the linoleum floor with every step. His usual sloth-like gait shifted to swift stride.
    “Chief McAvoy, I want a word with you,” Mayor Daniels called out. He pointed at Elias with a rigid thin finger and signaled him to come.
    “Mayor. What’s the honor?” Elias folded his arms across his chest.
    “I heard a naked, beaten woman was found. How are you going to handle this?” Daniels tapped the end of the cane to the floor with each word.
    “I’ll handle it by the book.” Elias stared straight at the man’s face. This was bullshit. Who was in charge?
    “Is she local? Does she know who did this to her? I need answers, quick. People of this town have the right to know, especially if we need to protect ourselves.” Mayor Daniels kept on with his inquisition but Eli turned his back to him.
    “There is nothing yet to report. But, if anyone is in immediate danger, I will let you know right away. Now excuse me, Mayor. I have to do my job.” Elias glanced back at the old man.
    The mayor’s nostrils curled, and he grunted. “Wait—”
    Elias stepped into Jane Doe’s room and closed the door. That man had been a pain in his ass since he took on the chief’s position.
    With another deep cleansing breath, he pushed the mayor out of his thoughts. Eli took off his Giants cap and slowly walked up to the bed.
    IVs and an EKG monitor were hooked to Jane. New gauze wrapped up tight around her head, she looked like a partially covered mummy. Her tangled bloody hair had been cleaned and cut short. It poked through the bandages like tiny spikes.
    The rawness around her wrists and ankles weren’t as bad as her face. Jane’s black and blue skin had an appearance of dark purple charcoal smudges. Elias knew better. Flashes of Elise and of his mother penetrated—no, more like barreled their way through his mind. His stomach tightened and twisted up tight into his ribcage. Will the memories ever cease? No. It was his penance for not saving their lives.
    With the oxygen tube that aided Jane’s breathing, she reminded him of Elise’s first day in the hospital. Elias stepped closer. His lungs constricted. He forced himself to calm down.
    Judging from the barbarity of the assault, the bastard meant to kill, but not before Jane’s attacker wanted her to suffer. Elias couldn’t imagine how much she endured, and survived. Her jagged fingernails were proof of her will to stay alive. He admired Jane for her strength.
    Leaning in, he whispered in her ear. He hoped that through her comatose state, she could hear him. He had failed in his attempt to save Elise’s life four years ago. He wasn’t about to fail again.
    “I promise to keep you safe. I’ll find the bastard who did this.” Eli’s voice shook as he whispered his quiet oath.

Chapter Three
     
    One week later
    11:57 p.m.
                 
                 
    W here am I? Jane peered through slitted lids into the murky blackness of the room.
    When she turned her head, dizziness and nausea slammed into