Page 47 of Yearner

Silas set his sandwich down and fixed Frank with a sharp look.

“What about the accident? Was Justin involved? Or anyone else?”

Frank hesitated before answering. “I'm not sure, Mr. Black. We investigated it, but the police found no evidence of foul play or proof that Justin was responsible. As far as everyone was told, it was an accident.”

Silas picked up his sandwich again, but the information had left a bitter taste in his mouth. His expression hardened as he considered what Frank had told him.

“Keep digging into it,” he ordered. “I don't think it was an accident. I won't allow anyone to harm Allison again.”

***

Allison quietly entered a private room at Bristen Hospital and approached the man sitting with his back to her. Jackson Brown was absorbed in the files and research papers spread across his desk, completely unaware of her presence. She crept up behind him and suddenly grabbed his shoulder.

Jackson sprang out of his chair, throwing the file in his hand aside as he raised both hands defensively.

“Goddammit!” he yelled.

Allison burst out laughing at his reaction.

Jackson turned to glare at her, one hand pressed against his chest as he took several deep breaths to calm himself.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I swear, you're going to be the death of me one day!” He shook his head, still trying to catch his breath. “Do you have any idea how terrifying you are?”

Allison grinned. “Dr. Jackson, don't you think you're becoming more and more like a frightened little cat every month? I swear, your job is sucking the life out of you. Are you always this jumpy around your patients?”

“Of course I am!” Jackson retorted, shooting her an incredulous look. “I'm a psychiatrist. Do you have any idea what kind of people walk into my office? Every time that door opens, I have to wonder whether the next person coming in is going to tell me about their problems or try to kill me!”

Allison laughed again. “Well, I suppose it’s time for me to commit my first murder. Life has gotten pretty boring recently.”

Jackson lowered his hand from his chest and gave her a stern look.

“Not a chance. I’m not letting you make me your first victim.” He pointed a warning finger at her. “And if you ever sneak up on me like that again, I’ll make sure your next session takes place in a prison visiting room.”

Allison only smiled, clearly pleased with herself.

Jackson shook his head, then returned the file to his desk. Despite being a young psychiatrist in his late twenties, he had a remarkably youthful face, making him look younger than he actually was. His appearance sometimes led patients to doubt his qualifications, but he never let their opinions bother him. His research and expertise had proven that he was more than capable of holding his own against even the most experienced professionals in his field.

He turned back to Allison, his expression growing serious.

“All right, enough fooling around. Let's get started. And this time, I want honest answers. No jokes, no changing the subject, and no trying to distract me. If you don't cooperate, I'll have my nurse strap you to a bed and give you electric shocks until you start taking me seriously.”

Allison folded her arms across her chest and leaned against his desk.

“Fine, Dr. Brown. Ask your questions.”

Jackson picked up a pen and glanced at his notes.

“Are you still falling sick frequently after falling asleep? Any fever or other symptoms lately? And have you been remembering anything about the night your parents were killed?”

Allison's smile faded. She hesitated briefly before answering.

“Yes.”

Then she met his gaze, her expression turning serious.

“Jackson, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone about this. I don't want anyone finding out, so please keep it between us.”

Jackson set down his pen and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.