Free Losing Patients (Animal Instincts Book 4) by Chloe Kendrick Page B

started.
    “That’s always nice to hear. I hope you enjoy your stay,” she replied, eyeing the stack of papers on the counter.
    “His name is Adamson. He stays here a lot.” I flashed a smile at her, hoping that if compliments didn’t work, maybe some flirting would.
    However, it didn’t seem to work on her at all. “The name’s not familiar. Sorry.”
    I nodded. “Wait,” I said, putting my hand in my jacket pocket. “I have a picture of him.” I pulled out the photos from Dr. Wilson’s file. It showed Adamson smiling for the camera with his cat. The photo of Mrs. Givens with her Newfoundland fell on to the counter as well. “This is him,” I said, holding it up for her.
    “Oh, I do know him. He’s been here several times. Nice guy.” She seemed a bit more interested in the conversation now. I wasn’t sure what had gotten her interest, but I’d take it.
    “Yeah, he’s here for business.”
    She nodded with a smirk. “He’s been here with a woman. I’m not sure that it’s business or not.”
    “Really?” I was not totally surprised. After all, he was separated from his wife, and most people did not live like hermits. When one relationship ended, another one began. I pushed my thoughts about my mother out of my head. I didn’t have time for that now.
    “Yeah, I thought you knew.” She furrowed her brows and stared at me. “I thought from your actions that you knew all about it.”
    “You did?” I asked incredulously. “How would that be?”
    “You have the photo of her in your pocket.” She pointed down to the counter where the photo of Mrs. Givens and Nelly lay.
    “Yeah, they’re pretty much inseparable,” I said, not caring how badly I lied now. I had some information to work on now – another motive for murder and another connection between the crimes. While it was far from enough to prove to Detective Green that these crimes were murders, it was certainly suggestive enough to any observer. Two people whose spouses both died in somewhat questionable circumstances, leaving the remaining person a significant amount of cash. I thought about what that relationship would be like now with both of them constantly questioning whether they would end up like the previous spouse. How could you relax thinking that you could be the next victim?
    “Well, enjoy your stay,” she said again. This time she picked up a stack of papers before I could respond.
    I walked upstairs to the room and sat down. I was shocked and pleased. I hadn’t expected the visit to pay off so handsomely. The police likely had asked the hotel if Adamson had been here. They had responded that he had. Depending on if this woman had checked him in, or seen the woman come later, the police might have missed this connection altogether. Besides, how closely would they question the hotel when the crime was ruled a suicide?
    I thought about driving back home now, but opted against it. I had the room until tomorrow morning, and while I would have to go home in time to feed the animals, I had hours before I had to be back in Toledo.
    I took off my shoes and socks and rested on the bed. The pillows were so thick that I nearly sat up, but I didn’t care. I was feeling productive and allowed myself a nap.
    When I woke, the sun was still up, so I walked down to the hotel store. I purchased a swimsuit, changed and took a long swim until my muscles ached. I stuck mainly to laps, which is what I’d done in high school to burn off the stress of my family situation. I figured that if my head was underwater, I couldn’t hear what was being said about me. I’d never won any medals, but I’d been happy to just be mediocre.
    My calves burned as I climbed the ladder. I wasn’t necessarily in bad shape, but I hadn’t done much in the way of organized exercise in ages. I toweled off, enjoying that I didn’t have much hair to work with. I went back to the room and changed into my clothes.
    As an experiment, I found a side door that had been