Hilda shrank back as if she’d been struck. “I’m sorry, Kate. She was hungry, and I remembered there was a store on the ground level of the building. You know I would never let anything happen to her. I watched her like a hawk.” She looked as if she were about to cry.

Kate was furious. Hilda had been told how serious it was that they all be on guard. Kate’s face was still hot, but she held her tongue. She knew too well that spitting out angry words in a tense situation only upped the ante––calmness was an essential element in the operating room. They were all under enough stress as it was, but she was going to have a long talk with Hilda out of Annabelle’s earshot when they got home.

“Everyone’s nerves are a little fragile. Everything’s fine. Now let’s go,” Simon said, giving Kate a reassuring look.

When they reached the parking lot, Kate whispered to Simon and then pulled her father aside.

“What was that all about? Why would Mother want to change her will?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Maybe it had something to do with the foundation.”

That made no sense to her. “But why would she ask Gordon to keep it a secret?”

She saw a flicker of anger in his eyes. “I told you, Kate, I don’t know.”

“Mommy, I’m tired,” Annabelle called over.

“Coming,” Kate answered, this revelation about her mother’s wishes still weighing heavily on her mind.

They walked over to where Simon, Hilda, and Annabelle stood waiting. Harrison leaned down to give Annabelle a kiss on the cheek. “See you later, alligator.”

Annabelle giggled. “After while, crocodile.”

Kate put a hand on her father’s arm. “I wish you’d stay with us. I hate thinking of you all alone at the condo.”

“I’ll be okay. I need to be among her things.” He was quiet a moment, then spoke again. “I’m going back to the office tomorrow.”

Kate had joined her father’s cardiology practice after she’d finished her residency and fellowship. There was no way she could concentrate on her patients right now.

She was surprised. “So soon? Are you sure?” She wasn’t sure when she’d be ready to go back, but it didn’t feel like it would be any time soon. There was no way she would be separated from Annabelle while the killer was out there.

“What else am I going to do, Kate? I need to keep busy or I’ll go crazy. And my patients need me.”

Kate nodded. “I understand, I guess. But I can’t. I need some time. I’ve let Cathy know to reschedule my patients for the next few weeks.”