The Nurse's House

Lenora Pike lived in a duplex behind the old marina, where expensive boats passed cheap siding every morning without looking.

Roslyn told Elise to stay in the car. Elise got out anyway. Theo muttered her name like a warning but followed her up the cracked walk.

The front door was open by half an inch.

Roslyn drew her weapon. "Now you stay back."

This time Elise did.

The house smelled like lemon cleaner and fear. No one answered Roslyn's call. In the living room, a mug of tea sat untouched beside a pharmacy bag. A framed photo showed Lenora with two grandsons and a tired smile.

Elise saw the envelope before Roslyn did. It was taped under the edge of the coffee table, just visible from where Elise stood in the hall.

"There," Elise said.

Roslyn gave her a look, then crouched and removed it with gloved fingers.

Inside was a photocopy of Elise's driver's license and a handwritten note.

I did not see her face. I was told she was Elise Hart. The woman had old scar on left shoulder. E.H. has no scar in file. M.V. said sign or lose hospice grant.

Theo read over Roslyn's shoulder. "M.V."

"Martin Vale," Elise said.

"Or Mary Valentine," Roslyn said.

"Detective."

"I need evidence that survives court, not initials that make you feel better."

A floorboard creaked overhead.

Everyone froze.

Roslyn lifted her gun and moved toward the stairs. Theo pulled Elise behind him. She hated it and, for once, let him.

A closet door slammed upstairs. Footsteps ran across the ceiling. Roslyn took the stairs fast. Theo went after her. Elise waited three breaths, then followed because all her best decisions had already been used up.

A back window stood open in Lenora's bedroom. Roslyn leaned out and swore.

On the bed lay Lenora's St. Agnes badge, cut in half.

Beside it was Elise's business card from Meridian Mutual.

On the back, someone had written one sentence.

Ask why your mother insured Ruby Bell.