Page 103 of Psychic Obsession
"Fuck."Nikolai spoke on a sigh.
"It's not evidence."It wouldn't matter how many times Frode listed Saylor's name close to the victim's.It wasn't evidence."I have to touch rug number two."
"Absolutely not."Nikolai's voice was like a whip."No more touching.As you so astutely pointed out, it's not evidence.We're not risking you for something we can't--"
"But he's worked so hard to keep me from rug number two.He said it's the worst to make me avoid it."
"And you should."
"But maybe it isn't the worst.He was wrong about number four being the easiest.The one we did today was far easier."
"Doesn't matter.You're not doing it."
Frode glared at him."We won't know the order unless I touch it."
Elmore held up a hand."We don't need to know.We won't be the ones closing this case.There is a lot here to go on.We'll hand it over to the agents, and they'll bring Altman in for questioning.They'll talk to Dubose and Mallon.They'll nail him."
Frode wanted to argue, but he couldn't read the rug today, and tomorrow it wouldn't be Elmore and Nikolai's case anymore."I'll offer my services to the agents."
Nikolai sighed.
* * * *
Chapter 25
As lunch neared, Frode was flagging.He'd dozed on the couch right after the reading, but it wasn't enough.Food and rest.
Nikolai needed to get some food into him.
"Overtime for lunch?"He looked from Frode to Isaac.
"I could eat."Isaac wrote something on his laptop and looked up at him."Now?"
"Yeah, I think Frode needs it."
Frode grumbled but didn't argue.He didn't look too good, and guilt swept through Nikolai.He should have driven him home right after.
"Let's eat, then I'll drop Frode off at home."He didn't like the idea of Frode being alone, but he needed to rest, and Nikolai had a job to do.
They packed up and headed out the door.Normally, Nikolai would've walked, but Frode was swaying, so they took the car.
As they walked through the door, Nikolai spotted Hjalmar, Ashley, and her daughter, Ava, seated at one of the tables.He nudged Frode's arm and nodded in their direction.Frode's face lit up, and he headed toward them.He was almost by their table before Hjalmar noticed him.There were smiles all over, and Nikolai waved from where he was standing.
"Corner booth?"Isaac gestured at an empty table in the opposite direction.
"Sure."
They walked over, and Frode joined them after a little while, still smiling.
"Did you crash your brother's date?"Nikolai grinned at him.
"It's great, isn't it?They should be together."
Nikolai nodded.A lot of time had passed, and Ashley had a daughter now, but he'd always believed Hjalmar would end up with her.
They ordered food, and Frode ate, but he was yawning.It was clear he was exhausted and he didn't participate much in conversation.It was fine.Food and rest.Hopefully, when Nikolai got off work tonight, he'd feel better.
Once they'd finished eating, they paid, waved to Hjalmar again, and exited.
