Free See No Evil by Allison Brennan Page B

wondered if he dyed it to appear distinguished.
    At that moment, Dillon completely understood why Emily didn’t trust this man. Teenagers, as did most people, got their first impressions based on appearance, but unlike people with more experience, teenagers routinely stuck with that impression, good or bad. Emily hadn’t said anything to that effect, but she certainly hadn’t told Bowen about her stepfather’s sexual abuse. Dillon made a mental note to check the judge’s contributor reports and charity listings for cross-references between Bowen and the Montgomery family.
    Crystal Montgomery was attracted to the trappings, the feeling of wealth and confidence. These same things repulsed Emily. If Emily had been allowed to pick her own psychiatrist, perhaps she wouldn’t be in the position she was today.
    Or perhaps not. Victor Montgomery was still a child predator and rapist, and Dillon couldn’t muster a whole lot of sympathy for his death. The main thing that disturbed him was that someone had either taken justice into their own hands—never a good thing—or Montgomery’s murder had nothing at all to do with Emily. That meant running through the judge’s criminal court cases one by one.
    “Thank you for taking the time to see me today, Dr. Bowen,” Dillon said.
    Bowen steepled his fingers. “I was on my way over to the hospital to talk with Emily when you called. I was…surprised, to say the least…when you told me you were her doctor.”
    Dillon didn’t want to let on exactly what his role was. He didn’t like Bowen’s tone. “We both have Emily’s best interest at heart.”
    “I didn’t know you worked for the police department.”
    “I’m in private practice. A consultant, not on payroll. Much like yourself. I’m low profile.”
    “Don’t be humble. You’ve handled several cases that garnered extensive media attention. The recent killer—the guy who glued his victims’ mouths shut—wonderful profile and analysis. I saw that interview with Trinity Lange. And the Lorenzo case a year ago, the Steiner trial—your analysis there was particularly fascinating, by the way—then the Brooks suspected murder-suicide. Your testimony turned the case. You have a knack for speaking straight with the average person.”
    Dillon disliked the press attention he’d received, mostly because of the media’s propensity to sensationalize every detail, often to the detriment of victims and survivors. “The press just made it seem that way.”
    “You’re their golden child.”
    Dillon was becoming uncomfortable with this conversation, and couldn’t help but think Bowen was intentionally baiting him. He was about to get the conversation back on track when Bowen said softly, “You’re the only psychiatrist I know who can comfortably work for both the prosecution and the defense.”
    It was the passive-aggressive tone, trying to elicit a reaction from Dillon, to see what buttons might be pushed. If Bowen treated his clients like this, it’s no wonder they grew to distrust him.
    Dillon knew he’d waited too long to answer and had given Bowen some indication of his anger threshold. Wasn’t that his specialty? Anger?
    “I wanted to discuss Emily Montgomery with you, Dr. Bowen,” Dillon said.
    Bowen nodded, didn’t say anything. He didn’t take his eyes off Dillon. Did he think the scrutiny would unnerve him?
    “When was the last time you saw Emily?”
    Bowen turned to his computer screen, tapped a few keys, then responded, “A week ago Tuesday. I see her every Tuesday, but she missed her last appointment.” He didn’t sound like this was unusual. He’d already pulled her file; everything he did now was for show. Dillon couldn’t help but wonder what he was trying to prove—or hide.
    “Did she call?”
    “She did. Spoke to my secretary and assured her that she’d be back next week.”
    “Is that allowed? Considering that her counseling is court-ordered.”
    “It is. She’s required to take