Kee Patterbee - Hannah Starvling 02 - The Gourmet Who Kept Diamonds in the Kitchen Read Online Free PDF

rules out nothing. People jump for all kinds of reasons, even those who seem to have everything.”
    “ True enough,” Hannah conceded. She pointed up toward Elias and Janine’s room. Bland followed her path. “But consider the position he landed in and the fact that his room is on the fourth floor.” She played out the fall with her hands. “I’d say he went over head first. The height of the railing alone suggests the improbability that he went over without some help.”
    Officer Bland tapped his pencil against his chin. “Given, of course, that it wasn’t a suicide, and he ran toward the balcony.”
    Hannah first wiggled her nose and upper lip before she continued. “He would need to be pretty determined to do so. Most suicides pause before they act. To open the door first,” she again pointed to the balcony, “after that, to get a running start? Doesn’t gel. That leaves one possibility.”
    Bland stared up for a moment, clamping down on the pencil eraser as he did so. “Huh, what’s his room number?”
    “ 4108,” Hannah responded, dragging her fingers through her hair. “Listen. I understand you have questions, because so do I, but I need to get to the hospital. Can I stop by the station later or something? I need to get a taxi.”
    “ Of course. Tell you what,” he signaled for a young officer to come, “I’m going to wrap this up. How about I send someone to take you to the hospital. You can answer any follow-ups once you find out about your friend. How’s that sound?” The young officer stepped over to speak with Bland.
    Late twenties. Thin. Average looks. Red hair. Green eyes. Medium height. Hannah scanned the nameplate on his uniform. Brandon.
    Bland order ed the young officer to transport Hannah to the hospital. She thanked him and got into the police car indicated.
    While the two officers held a quick meeting, Hannah scanned the crowd, trying to remember the faces. Her training taught her that faces reveal acknowledgment. Not only did they sometimes return, sometimes they never left. Instead, they lingered to enjoy the chaos of their work. As she glanced around the crowd, she searched for what she considered to be a mental confession. She mumbled to herself, “One of you knows something. Show yourself.”
    Frustrated and upset, Hannah considered giving up, when someone stepped up near the police car. Everyone around held looks of concern, intrigue, and curiosity. His face show ed something different. He seemed to take in the whole scene, but showed no signs of urgency about leaving. When she made eye contact with him, the expression in his eyes startled her. Intense anger reflected by way of a stern, menacing look. His eyes glared and his lips curled in. Everything about him screamed of tension and disdain. She cataloged his physical appearance in quick order. Late twenties. African American. Handsome. Large eyes. Appear chocolate brown. Head shaven. Medium height. Slight frame.

Chapter 4
    As the squad car pulled into the street, Hannah tried to keep the man in sight, but he turned away. When she turned back in her seat, Hannah once more went over what she saw. She determined she would need the details later as she processed the information.
    Along the way, the officer looked over to Hannah, who stared out the window, her nose wiggling. “The questions are just procedure,” he assured.
    “ I’m familiar,” Hannah replied.
    It did not take long to reach Islands Memorial. Once the car parked, he and Hannah exited the vehicle. With the officer in tow, Hannah made her way inside the hospital. She followed the signs to the emergency room. Along the way, she prayed Elias was still alive , but she made a vow. Whatever the reason for Elias’ condition, there was no leaving Gresham until she resolved the matter.
    Reaching the ER, Hannah saw Janine, Papa Jay, and Gran talking with a nurse.  She approached, she found the nurse to be concluding. As the woman departed, Hannah turned to Janine