Ghost Peppers Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The next morning, Penny met Tony at the station, her mind still reeling from her conversation with Jackie. She recounted every detail of it, letting Tony in on the surprising referrals and Jackie’s defense of her confidentiality constraints. Tony listened intently, arms crossed immersed in full concentration, nodding occasionally as Penny talked.

“So, you’re saying Stein has been referring students to Jackie, but Jackie claims she had no reason to connect Erica’s family with the case,” Tony summarized, leaning back thoughtfully.

“Right,” Penny replied, a tension in her voice that she couldn’t shake. “And Jackie says she doesn’t even handle family therapy anymore—she’s strictly individual sessions only.”

Tony raised an eyebrow. “Feels like we’re missing a piece here. Maybe Nurse Stein can help fill in those gaps.” He grabbed his coat, gesturing to the door. “Let’s go pay her a visit.”
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Julia Stein’s office at Wells High School was impeccably tidy, with bright, welcoming decor and neatly arranged health pamphlets on every available surface. Julia herself was warm and friendly, a picture of calm professionalism as she greeted the two detectives.

“Detectives, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said with a gracious smile. “How can I be of help?”

Tony exchanged a glance with Penny, allowing her to take the lead.

“We understand that you’ve referred some students here to a therapist in town, Jackie Connors,” Penny began, keeping her tone neutral. “We’re interested in learning more about those cases, particularly if there’s a trend of students facing certain challenges.”

Julia nodded, clasping her hands in front of her desk. “Yes, I refer students to Ms. Connors fairly often. She has a reputation for handling complex cases well—trauma, difficult family situations, that sort of thing.” Her voice held a faint, genuine admiration. “She’s helped a lot of kids.”

Penny watched her closely, feeling a faint stirring of something unsettling. Julia was pleasant enough, but there was an underlying sense of familiarity Penny couldn’t quite place. Shaking it off, she pressed on. “Do you keep records of all the students you’ve referred to her?”

“Of course, I do,” Julia replied easily. “Each case is carefully documented, just as it should be for any referrals I make.”

Tony cut in, his tone still polite but pointed. “Given the recent events, we’re going to need access to those records, Ms. Stein.”

Julia’s face took on a slightly apologetic expression, though she didn’t waver in her demeanor. “I’d be happy to help, Detective, but unfortunately, I’m bound by privacy regulations. I can’t release those records without an official request—a search warrant, to be exact.”

Penny raised an eyebrow, her tone edging with slight suspicion. “I understand, but I have to ask—do you and I know each other? I can’t shake this feeling like we’ve met somewhere before.”

Julia blinked, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face before her sweet smile returned. “I don’t believe we have, Detective Peppers. I would surely remember if we had.”

Penny held Julia’s gaze for a moment longer, sensing a faint trace of something just out of reach. “Alright, Ms. Stein. We’ll get the warrant if that’s what’s required.”

Julia nodded with that same easy smile. “Thank you for understanding, detectives. I’ll be here whenever you need me.”