The Conspiracy Club (36 page)

Jeremy exploited the turmoil by demanding and receiving two months’ paid vacation, dates of his choosing. He planned to leave soon. Once all the police business was cleared away. Once his patients were sufficiently taken care of.

He’d also insisted on ten paid days off for Angela, with no downside to her residency rating. He would have tried for more, but she said, “I really do need to be here.”

The schedule.

Which was fine. He’d have some time to himself, maybe travel. Learn. The first ten days — the best days — would be spent with Angela, away from emergencies and memories and the pain of others.

In his heart, he felt it would take them to another level.

Angela was thrilled at the prospect. Today, she’d surprised him with a plan: they’d fly out to California, rent a car — a convertible — drive up the coast, just drive. Anywhere the sun was out.

Then the tentative add-on:
Maybe we can spend the last couple of days with my family? I want them to meet you.

“They’ll adore you.”

“You’re pretty sure of that.”

“Hundred and fifty percent sure. Because
I
adore you, and I’m their princess-who-can-do-no-wrong.”

“You have that kind of power.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Scary,” said Jeremy.

“Very.” She smiled. Light bounced off the lake and filtered through the waves of her hair.

Beautiful girl.
Here.

“Can you handle all that power, tough guy?”

“Yeah.”

They were sitting across from one another.
Too far.
Jeremy got up, moved his chair next to hers. She bussed his cheek. He stroked the back of her neck, and she said, “This is
so
good.”

They sat that way, looking out at the water. Holding hands, thinking separate thoughts.

And some that coincided.

FICTION

THE CONSPIRACY CLUB (2003)

A COLD HEART (2003)

THE MURDER BOOK (2002)

FLESH AND BLOOD (2001)

DR. DEATH (2000)

MONSTER (1999)

BILLY STRAIGHT (1998)

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST (1997)

THE CLINIC (1997)

THE WEB (1996)

SELF-DEFENSE (1995)

BAD LOVE (1994)

DEVIL’S WALTZ (1993)

PRIVATE EYES (1992)

TIME BOMB (1990)

SILENT PARTNER (1989)

THE BUTCHER’S THEATER (1988)

OVER THE EDGE (1987)

BLOOD TEST (1986)

WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS (1985)

NONFICTION

SAVAGE SPAWN: REFLECTIONS ON VIOLENT CHILDREN (1999)

HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD (1981)

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER (1980)

FOR CHILDREN, WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED

JONATHAN KELLERMAN’S ABC OF WEIRD CREATURES (1995)

DADDY, DADDY, CAN YOU TOUCH THE SKY? (1994)