She Felt No Pain. Lou Allin

roll indicating that it wasn’t her choice.

      A CD collection in front of her, Marilyn turned slowly. “Wouldn’t he prefer classical music? A bit of Mozart?”

      Holly shook her head. “It’s a long story which involves his job. I’ll explain later if he doesn’t.”

      Marilyn folded back the flannel sheets on the treatment table and adjusted the headrest. “My repertoire is somewhat limited. Sounds of the sea all right? Gentle lapping waves?”

      “Uhhhhhh” was his non-committal response.

      Marilyn set the music, chose a few oils like a chemist and turned to Holly with a confident smile. “We’ll be finished in an hour.”

      “All yours.” She felt as if she’d dropped off a whiny child at a very reliable daycare. Men were such sissies. Nature knew best where strength was needed. Back at the detachment minutes later, before she could get into her office, Ann pointed to the phone. “For you. It’s Boone. Test results no doubt. That unfortunate homeless man. Word’s already out in the community.”

      “What do you mean?”

      “I had coffee at Nan’s and heard the craziest rumours about drugs and gangs. People were comparing it with Vancouver. Next we’ll get suggestions about pulling up the drawbridge or signing up vigilantes.”

      Holly huffed out a breath. “Our crime stats are still minimal. It’s not like we have a serial killer on our hands. Or a mass murderer.”

      When she answered, Boone got quickly to the point. “I called in a few markers to get the tests run fast. It’s an overdose, like we thought. On city streets, common enough. Guess it’s more unusual out here.”