Half of the bottle was gone, and Korsak kept going. His goal was to finish the tapes and the bottle at the same time, lest he go to sleep with his mind full of Jane and what she had to go through to put down a sadistic killer. The last hour he had relived the experience with Jane, the abduction, the fear, panic, terror and then how she was able to fight and win. The way she walked the psychiatrist through the shooting of Hoyt, Korsak felt like he had been there right along side of her. But he hadn't been. The second time he hadn't been there to protect her. The tape he was toying with was her last session after stabbing Hoyt. He felt fear rise above his buzz. Took a breath and popped the tape in. Took another big drink. Wished he was someone else.
I never saw it coming. I had no idea that the security guard was in with him. What kind of cop does that make me? A shitty one.
Why?
I was worried about Maura. Right when it clicked, I knew she was done. Hoyt rapes the wife then kills the husband. Then he kills the wife, keeps her in the woods and…visits…her until she's too rotten.
Visits?
Returns to the body and…performs acts of….necrophilia, Doctor.
I see. And you thought this would happen to Dr. Isles?
I knew it would. I've been on the case from the beginning. I know what happens.
Why would she be the wife, Jane?
…..He already had me….and this is what he does. He destroys, then destroys again.
Are you in a relationship with Dr. Isles?
Yes. We're friends.
And?
And nothing….nothing….it's nothing.
Nothing?
Nothing.
Then why was Charles Hoyt targeting the two of you? You said he only went after couples.
That's his MO, yes. His ultimate goal was to make me suffer as much as I could. And he had already suffered me twice before. It must have been his last shot. I don't know.
But to suffer you twice before. He could have gone after your brother, Mother, your ex-partner, anyone you are close with. Why did he choose Dr. Isles?
I guess he viewed us as a couple. She was with me. She's always with me. He must have known all along.
Was she in danger that day?
Oh, my god. The way he looked at her…she was a goner. He already had her in the ground. I could see it. And I just snapped. I saw it too. Saw what he would have done to her….not her….not anyone, but not her. And when he cut her neck open, gave her the same wound I had, I knew that I had to save her. She could make it through, but only with someone who knew. And I knew. We both had to live.
You were her savior.
That's the way it worked out.
And now?
Now, what?
Are you still protecting her?
There was scratchy silence that stretched out. Shifting in his seat, Korsak poured the last of the whiskey into his glass, his face a mourning frown. He had to be objective. He had to be her friend. He felt like shit.
Every day. She's scared still. Not of Hoyt, of me getting hurt. She's never said it, but I can hear it in her voice. I can see it when I go out. It's just different now. It's like she wants me to be safe, with her. I had a search warrant last week and she looked like she was going to faint.
Why is that?
I don't know. I was in the squad room with the jump team and she walked in and I swear she almost passed out. She took one look at me in my gear and grabbed the nearest desk. I could see that she was scared. Then she just left. Didn't say anything to me, just left. Later, I got a text from her. She wanted me to come to her house when we were done with the warrant.
Did you?
Of course. It was late, but she was up.
How Late?
I got there almost 3 in the morning.
And she was waiting up?
Playing the piano. She has this miniature grand in her study. I could hear it when I walked up to the door.
That was the first time you went to her house after a big case?
Yeah.
And since then?
It's not even talked about. When I'm done, I go there.
How do you get in?
I have a key.
Then?
She's usually asleep. Especially if it's late. I have a few beers, check out the scores then go to bed.
Do you tell her that you are there?
She knows.
How?
When I lay down, she always scoops me in to cuddle.
And this is okay with you?
I've never slept better. It makes me never want to leave.