Page 46 of Forever Dead

“I’ll send a Bureau doctor out when the time comes to make the final call.”

“Sounds painful.”

Meg laughed. “How’s the knee?”

“Annoying.”

“And the wrist?”

“Also, annoying.”

“So medically, you’re annoyed.”

“That’s the professional diagnosis.”

“I’ll put it in your file,” Meg said. “Patient remains difficult but irritatingly resilient.”

Selena shifted her leg and felt the brace pull against the skin behind her knee. “I’ve been considering milking this for another month.”

“Of course you have. Nothing says Selena Raven like voluntarily staying away from work.”

“I could get used to daytime television.”

“You hate daytime television.”

“It’s growing on me.”

Meg was quiet for half a second.

“Why does this not feel like you’re just checking in?”

Selena turned toward the mirror.

“You always were suspicious.”

“It’s my job.”

“I need a favor, boss.”

“There it is.”

Selena leaned back against the wall. “Can you get Tanya to run something for me?”

“What?”

“I want a background search on former Elmsview High school students from roughly the last thirty years with violent criminal histories.”

Meg did not answer immediately.

Selena added, “Anything that can be cross-referenced through available records. Assaults, stalking, domestic violence, weapons offenses, serious threats. I’m not asking for every kid who got into a bar fight.”

“Selena.”

“Yes?”

“Are you working?”

“No. I wouldn’t dare, boss.”