Beverly Connor - One Grave Too Many

“I hope so. I think this might be the key to everything.”

“All we can do is try.” He stood. “Nice museum you have here. I might bring my wife and kids when it opens up.”

“Please do. We’re very proud of it. Your kids will especially enjoy it. Many of the exhibits are designed for kids to interact with.” She rose and shook his hand. “And thanks so much for coming.” Diane walked him through Andie’s office and to the door, grateful for help.

“I’m going to get some work done,” she told Andie. “So unless it’s an emergency. .”

“Sure. I’ve got a letter from Leonard Starns. He’s quit.” Andie sounded incredulous, astounded that anyone would quit a job there.

Diane would have smiled at Andie had she not felt so angry with Leonard. She’d be willing to bet it was his key used to gain access to the conservation lab. But if that were true, what was the purpose of the fake break-in? She thought it had to do with the bone, but why didn’t they break in the faunal lab? That would be where they would expect bones to be stored-or her office.

“You think he’s sick?” said Andie. “He’s had to miss work the last couple of evenings.”

“Is he due another paycheck?”

“Yes, payroll’s going to mail it to him.”

“No. Go tell them to call Leonard and tell him he has to come pick it up from you. Then bring it to me.”

“Is there something going on?”

“Maybe. There seems to be a lot going on. I want to see Leonard before he quits. Oh, Chanell Napier’s going to drop by. Send her in when she comes. She’ll need some paperwork. I’m promoting her to head of security. Also find out about training slots at the GBI police academy to send her to.”

“Will do,” said Andie, reaching for the phone book.

Diane started back to her office. “Oh, Dylan Houser’s been assessing our interactive computer needs. How’s that going?”

“Well, I think he’s been to all the departments. He said sometime next week he’d like to make a presentation to you and all the upper management. Speaking of which, Donald has been looking for you. He’s been complaining that you are never around.”

Diane sighed. “Next time he comes over, show him in. Has the snake been found?”

Andie laughed. “Donald makes you think of snakes? As far as I know, it’s still loose.”

“Tell the herpetologist that I’ve rethought the idea of live examples. I don’t care what they’ve built to accommodate them. We aren’t a zoo, and I shouldn’t have said yes. Bad decision.”

“I’ll do it. He’s going to be disappointed. He’s got this terrarium built that just about encircles the room.”

“I know, I’ve seen it. But I don’t want any more live animals. I’m having enough problems with the people.”

Diane went back to her desk and pulled out the new computer that Dylan Houser brought from Kenneth Meyers. Fairly soon he’d want a report about it. The computer was a model he called ToughLove DLX. Tough love. She couldn’t imagine how guilty Louise and George must have felt, how they must have regretted asking Star to leave home. In her wildest imagination she couldn’t see tossing Ariel out. But she had to admit, she’d never walked in the Boones’ shoes. But still. .

She focused her attention back on the computer. She took it out of its case and opened it up. Kenneth said it was designed for field work. He wasn’t kidding. A 3.2 gigahertz processor, shock-protected 120 gigabyte hard drive, global-position satellite receiver, dust-and water-resistant, a ton of software, sleek black, and all in a hardy magnesium case. She turned it on. Fast boot up. She liked it. Kenneth knew how to tempt a woman. She’d have to show this to Frank. Frank . She started to reach for the phone and call the hospital to see how he was, but stopped herself. Linc would call if there was any news.

She looked at several of the programs Kenneth had installed-word processing, graphics, maps. There was plenty of room to put her specialized software on it.

She heard Andie talking to someone in her office. She didn’t recognize the voice, but someone wanted to see her and they weren’t taking no for an answer. She got up to see who it was.

“I’m sorry, Dr. Fallon,” said Andie. “I told him you didn’t want to be disturbed.”

Dylan Houser stood in front of Andie’s desk, arguing with her. “Dylan,” said Diane. “I don’t have time to talk about the computers now. I realize I’ve been putting you off for. .”

He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish. It was not a look she imagined he had very often. “It’s not about that. It’s personal. I am sorry, but it won’t take long.”

“All right, come in.” Diane stood aside as he entered. She closed the door behind him. “What’s this about?” She hadn’t meant to sound short, but she was feeling the need to get some work done.

“It’s about Alix and Melissa.”

Diane sighed, deeply regretting getting involved. “That’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have interfered in the first place.”

“Perhaps,” said Dylan. “Or perhaps not. I just want to set the record straight about Alix. She’d never tell you herself.”

Diane waited.

“I know all this sounds strange.” He shook his head. “And I know Lacy and Emily told you their version. Maybe they believe it and maybe they don’t. Frankly, I don’t know them very well.”

Diane was wishing he would get to the point, but she didn’t say anything, just waited, unconsciously twirling a pen through her fingers.

“Emily and Lacy are friends, just like Alix and Melissa. The four of them have known each other forever, but they aren’t that close and there’s some jealousy on Emily and Lacy’s part.”

“Jealousy?”

“You know how some girls-women-are. Anyway, that’s the only reason I can figure they told you a story about Alix. Alix isn’t abusing Melissa. The very thought is ludicrous. Melissa’s doing it to herself.”

“What?”

“Have you ever met Melissa’s parents? They’ve mapped out her life ever since she was born. Parents don’t know the kind of pressure they put on a kid. My dad’s a great guy and is so proud of me, but I’m telling you, just that amount of pride is hard on me sometimes. Melissa’s parents always expected perfection, and they were very controlling. Her response was to abuse herself. She hits herself with things, she’s cut herself, sometimes she bites herself-she actually leaves teeth marks. The last thing she did was cut off her hair. Alix trimmed it for her, trying to make it look like that’s what she intended. Alix has always been Melissa’s protector. And she’s really upset that you think she’s the one hurting Melissa.”

“I don’t think anything at the moment,” said Diane. “The whole thing is too confusing.”

“I agree with you there.”

“I was told that Alix hit you.”

“No. Was that Lacy and Emily?” Diane didn’t respond. “She didn’t. I don’t know why they said that. Maybe they thought they were protecting Mike. I know you thought it was him.”

“He thinks it’s her father.”

“I know. Melissa needs to get help. I don’t think she understands how many people she’s drawn into all this. Alix is afraid you’re going to fire her.”

“As long as she does her job, I have no reason to fire her. I’ve already made the mistake of suspecting Mike. I don’t intend to compound it. I intend to stay out of it.”

“Alix will be relieved. It’s not like she needs the job, but she really likes it here. She didn’t have an easy childhood either. Her parents were always gone and too busy to pay any attention to her. She was raised by a long string of housekeepers, or stayed with Melissa. I guess that’s why they’re so close.”