The In Death Collection Books 21-25 - J. D. Robb [36]
“Killed,” Eve pointed out, “by a woman. A strong physical specimen, like those documented on the discs.”
She heard him suck in a shocked breath, watched that shock, and a hint of fear, widen his eyes. “You . . . You actually believe one of the patients documented on those discs killed my father?”
“Physically, the suspect fits the documented descriptions of most of the subjects. Height, weight, body type. One or more of these patients may have objected to what’s termed ‘placement.’ Potential motive. It would also explain why your father agreed to the appointment.”
“What you’re suggesting is ludicrous, out of the question. My father helped people, he improved lives. He saved them. The president of the United States contacted me personally with condolences. My father was an icon, but more, he was a man who was loved and respected.”
“Someone disrespected him enough to shove a scalpel into his heart. Think about that, Dr. Icove.” Eve rose. “You know how to reach me.”
“Knows something,” Peabody commented when they were out on the sidewalk.
“Oh yeah. What do you figure our chances are of getting a search warrant for the surviving doctor’s house?”
“With what we’ve got? Slim.”
“Let’s see if we can get more before we spin that wheel.”
She hit Feeney next, back at Central, and got a frown on his mopey face.
“Got into the unit, no problem. What you got in there’s medical mumbo. Can’t see anything hinky about it. But it turns out Jasmina Free’s tits didn’t come from God, and neither did those pillow lips of hers, or her chin. Or her damn ass either.”
“Who’s Jasmina Free?”
“Jesus, Dallas. Vid goddess. Starred in last summer’s biggest blockbuster, Endgame.”
“I was a little busy over the summer.”
“Took an Oscar last year for Harm None.”
“I guess I was a little busy last year, too.”
“Thing is, girl’s an eyepopper. Now that I know most of it came from the sculpting knife, it spoils things.”
“Sorry to rain on your prurient fantasies, Feeney, but I’m a little busy now, too, just trying to close a case.”
“Giving you what I got, aren’t I?” he grumbled. “A lot of other high-dollar names on his client list. Some just getting a couple of tweaks, others going the full-body and face route.”
“Full names listed?”
“Yeah, sure. It’s his patient list.”
“Right.” She nodded. “Interesting. Keep going.”
“I took a look around, poking for some underlayment. See if the doc had any sideline in changing faces and whatnot for new ID purposes.”
“That’s a good thought.”
“Didn’t find any. Came up and up. You know what Jasmina paid for those tits? Twenty grand each.” A faint smile ghosted around his mouth. “Guess I gotta say, money well spent.”
“You’re scaring me, Feeney.”
He shrugged. “The wife thinks it’s midlife crisis, but she doesn’t mind. Man doesn’t appreciate a good rack—God- or man-made—he might as well apply for a self-termination permit.”
“You say. Lot of high-powered, famed names on his patient and consult lists. So it’s interesting that he keeps coded files in his home office.”
She filled him in, then gave him copies on the off chance he might see or find anything on them she’d missed.
When he left her office, Eve was curious enough to look up Jasmina Free on Icove’s records.
Thoughtfully she studied the images. As Louise had verified, there were several, before and after, every procedure, various angles. She didn’t see anything wrong with the breasts in the before, but was forced to admit they were a reckoning force in the after.
Now that she saw the image she recognized the vid star. She supposed people in Free’s profession looked at tit jobs and lip fattening as job security.
A lot of young girls fantasized about being vid stars, she supposed. Or music stars like Mavis.
Placement.
Create perfect specimens then place them in their fantasy. But what teenager has the money for that?
Rich parents. The newest underground method of fulfilling your little darling’s fondest wish.
Happy