Joe’s voice was calm and steady. “Scarlet, you told us the other day that Stanley had minor surgery a few weeks ago and had to be sedated. Do you have any of the antidote left over?”
“I think I do.” She rushed out and came back with a small vial. “I put it in the mini fridge out here.”
“Heath, get the syringe out and fill it with—”
“I’m already on it, Joe.” Soon, he handed him the syringe.
Joe said, “This will bring him around, Scarlet. Seth.”
Oliver moved behind Scarlet and put his hand on her shoulder. “Thank God Seth wanted to see Stanley tonight.”
“Yep,” Heath added, “You’re a hero, kid.”
“I just want him to be all right.” The boy’s voice was filled with tears.
“He will be.” Joe squeezed his son’s hand. “I promise.”
* * *
Two days later, Will Kirkland stood before the group. Daisy appreciated what he was trying to do, but she was scared to death that the collective might close. And these constant meetings with Will or the police were getting on her nerves. “I’m sure you’re all frustrated. First I want to know how the horse is, Scarlet.”
“He’s doing very well. He was a little dopey for a few hours but he’s running around now in the paddock. I haven’t ridden him yet, though.”
“Let’s recap what we’re dealing with,” Oliver said. “Finn’s beating was a gang related issue. The death of the guard was solved by homicide. The explosion in the common area has been explained. Oliver’s mother’s fall and now Scarlet’s horse are yet unsolved.”
“I’m sorry Will,” Heath said. “But not only are some of these unsolved, but there’s no connection among all of them. And any fool on the street would tell you that somethinghasto connect them.”
“You’re right, Heath. We’ve found no links among them. My recommendation is to call in the FBI again.”
Finn frowned. “They told Captain Marshall this isn’t the kind of thing they jump in for. I doubt he’ll do it again.”
“I know. But—”
Heath raised his hand. “I have an idea. One of my college frat brothers is in the House of Representatives. Maybe he can get the FBI on board.”
“You were in a fraternity?” Scarlet blurted out. “You’re so…stuffy. It’s hard to believe.”
“Stuffy? Good Lord.”
“Where did you go to college?”
“Harvard. Then Johns Hopkins med school and cardiac fellowship.”
“I don’t care where you went to school,” Will said. “We need help with tying these things together. I’m all for Heath making some calls.”
When Will left, Heath turned to Scarlet. “Just because you flaunt your rebellious nature, you shouldn’t be pigeon-holing those of us who don’t.”
Scarlet’s face turned bright red and she clapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Heath.”
His eyes narrowed on her. Finally, he said, “Apology accepted. You’re probably still off your game because of Stanley.”
“Who you helped. Which is more reason to have curbed my tongue.”
“Someday, Scarlet, we’ll go for a drink and I’ll tell you about my past. You’ll be surprised.”
“I’d like that. Again, I’m sorry.”
“Let’s drop it now. I’m going back to my office to call my contact.”