Read Online Detective Wade Jackson Mystery - 03 - Thrilled to Death by L. J. Sellers - Free Book Online Page B

forth between the two. At least his daughter was here, having dinner with them, so they were making progress. Katie still believed her parents would get back together now that Renee was sober, so she kept Kera at a distance, much to Jackson’s anguish. He needed these two females to bond, so he didn’t have to spend his life like this, going back and forth.
    At dinner, he delivered on his promise to Kera and Katie to discuss his medical situation. “I have an appointment with a urologist on Wednesday to talk about surgery. It’s nothing to worry about,” he said, looking at Katie. “I think they’re just going to cut out some of the growth, which is a good thing.”
    Kera gave him a look. He took it to mean he was over-simplifying things. Jackson didn’t feel the need to scare Katie with the whole truth yet. Hell, he didn’t even know what the whole truth was.
    Kera said, “I think they’ll do a little more than that. They also need to protect your urinary system from having this happen again.”
    “Sounds like a good idea.” Jackson faked a grin. As Kera was talking, it hit him for the first time that the surgery would leave him with quite a scar.
    “Will you still pee normal?” Katie mumbled, her mouth full of corn.
    “Of course.” He felt like he had to go right now. He was learning to ignore the sensation until it became overwhelming.
    “How long will you be in the hospital?” Katie wanted to know.
    “For a few days.” Jackson glanced at Kera. She rolled her eyes but didn’t correct him.
    “What if the fiber stuff comes back?” Katie asked.
    “After the surgery, I’ll take steroids to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
    “Will they let me watch? You know, like on Grey’s Anatomy, how they sit up there in the little room and watch surgeries?”
    “I don’t think so,” Jackson said.
    “Too bad.”
    While they cleaned up from dinner, they listened to the local news on the small television in the kitchen. Trina Waterman, a wispy blond who looked just out of high school, led with: Last night, a young woman named Courtney Durham left Diego’s nightclub on Pearl Street and has not been seen since .
    As they flashed Courtney’s picture on the screen, Jackson stopped wiping the counter and turned up the volume.
    The anchorwoman continued: Courtney is five-seven, a hundred and twenty pounds, with long blond hair and green eyes. At the time of her disappearance she is believed to have been wearing black jeans, a black tank top, and a turquoise jean jacket .
    Courtney’s photo filled half the screen. Kera moved over and stood with Jackson in front of the small TV.
    If you have seen this woman, please call the police tip line at 682-8888 .
    The phone number flashed on the screen in big white letters.
    Jackson was caught off guard by the story. He shouldn’t have been. Elle Durham was worried about her daughter, and she had money to throw around.
    The broadcast cut to Elle, seated in front of a gray wall, with perfect hair, clothes, and posture. Her voice quivered as she spoke: My daughter Courtney is missing, and I’ll do anything to get her back. If you have kidnapped Courtney, please don’t harm her. I will pay for her return. Contact me directly at 606-2315 .
    “Oh crap.” Jackson shuddered at the calls the poor woman would get.
    “What about Danette?” Kera complained, her voice rising. “I talked to Trina Waterman this afternoon. I e-mailed her a digital file.”
    In the background, Waterman continued her broadcast: Another young woman was reported missing today as well. Danette Blake, age twenty, has not been seen since a doctor’s appointment this morning. The police are investigating, but so far they do not believe foul play is involved . Danette’s picture flashed briefly on the screen as Waterman spoke, then she switched to a traffic accident on Beltline Road.
    Kera muted the sound. “Who is Courtney Durham? What is going on that two young women are missing? And why does