by Cindy Bell
“I love you too, Ally.” She smiled as she looked into her granddaughter’s eyes. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
Not long after they arrived at the hospital, Charlotte fell asleep. So far the doctor hadn’t said much, but her grandmother insisted that she was just fine. Ally wasn’t sure whether to believe her or not. However, as her own exhaustion threatened to take over she dared to leave the hospital room to get a cup of coffee. On the way to the vending machine, she saw a familiar face in the hallway.
“Jeff.” She was stunned by how pale he looked.
“Ally, is she okay? Why didn’t you call me?” The bite in his tone cut through the daze that still surrounded her.
“I’m sorry, Jeff, honestly, I just didn’t think of it. I’m still a little out of it. So far she’s okay, the doctor hasn’t spoken to us, yet.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “She was okay and talking, then she fainted.”
“Oh no!” He took a sharp breath.
“I’m sure she’ll be fine. I was just going to get a cup of coffee.” She tilted her head towards the vending machine. “Would you like one?”
“No, no thanks. Can I see her?” He looked down the hall, unsure of where to go.
“She’s sleeping, but I’m sure she’d love to see you. She’s in room 105.” She pointed down the hall towards the room.
“Okay, thank you, Ally.” He hesitated as he met her eyes. “I heard bits and pieces of what happened. Did you really get involved in a high-speed chase?”
“It’s a long story.” A rush of guilt washed over her. “But essentially, yes. I never meant to put Mee-Maw at risk.”
“I know you didn’t.” He smiled some. “Your grandmother does that all on her own. If she thought for a second that you were in danger she would do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
“Yes, I know.” She grimaced.
“Ally, I know that you would do the same for her. I know how much you love her.”
“Thanks Jeff.” She smiled. “I’ll be there in just a minute. I need something to keep me awake.”
“All right, I’ll try not to wake her.” As he walked off towards the room, Ally shifted her attention to the vending machine. She knew it would have to be very strong coffee to help her fight the fatigue that coursed through her.
Chapter 10
Charlotte slowly opened her eyes. Although she knew where she was, she still felt some disappointment when she realized she was still there. A part of her had hoped that her dream would transport her right home to her comfortable bed, instead of the stiff sheets that touched her skin. As she plotted how to get herself out of the hospital, the door to her hospital room swung open.
“Charlotte?” Jeff gazed at her as he stepped into the room. He eased down onto the edge of the bed and looked into her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay.” She offered an exhausted smile as she wrapped her hand around his. “It’s been a busy day, though.”
“A busy day?” He tightened his grip on her hand, then brought it to his lips for a kiss. “I think I would describe it a little differently.”
“Maybe.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “All I know is that I’m glad it’s over.”
“Charlotte.” He waited until she opened her eyes again. “How could you do this?”
“Oh Jeff, not you, too.” She shook her head as much as she could. “I’ve already heard the lecture from Luke, and the chief, and the doctor, and the nurses.”
“And you’re going to hear it from me, too.” He reached up with his free hand and stroked her hair back behind her ear. “I could have lost you today, Charlotte. You can’t expect me not to have something to say about that.”
“And I could have lost Ally.” Her eyes blurred with tears. “In fact, I almost did. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn’t stopped that man, but I don’t regret it. Not for a second. My granddaughter was in danger, and I will always, absolutely always, do anything in my power to protect her. Nothing you say, nothing Luke says, or anyone else says, is ever going to change that. All right?”
“I understand that.” He studied her with a hint of frustration. “But there had to be another option. If you had just let the police handle it…”
“If I had let the police handle it, Ally would have crashed. She was on a motorcycle with no helmet at high speeds, and the man in the car behind her was trying to run her off the road. I just had to help her.”
“Of course you did.” He sighed and patted her hand. “I know you would do anything to keep Ally safe. I just wish I had been there to keep both of you safe. Or better yet, I wish that none of this was happening. Does Ally know why she was being chased?”
Charlotte filled him in on what Ally found at the cabin.
“We still have no idea who he is, but we believe that he has to be connected to the murder. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Now we also know that somehow Gregory Marris is connected to all of this. But we’re still working out the whys and the hows. Honestly, I’m too tired to even think straight.”
“Then rest.” He rubbed the back of her hand. “Just close your eyes and rest, sweetheart.”
She did as he instructed and soon found herself falling asleep again. At some point she could recall him telling her goodbye, and Ally’s hand taking the place of his slightly rougher grasp.
When she opened her eyes again, she looked right into Ally’s.
“Honey, can you please get me out of here?”
“The doctor hasn’t released you yet, Mee-Maw.” Ally patted her hand. “All of the tests have come back clear, but they still want to observe you a little while longer.”
“No.” Charlotte narrowed her eyes and her voice was firm. She finally felt as if she had some energy back, and she was ready to wield it. “I want out of here. Whatever I have to sign, whoever I have to knock out, I don’t care. I want out.”
“All right, just take a breath, Mee-Maw.” Ally offered her a smile, she knew there was no point in arguing. “Let me check with the nurse.”
Ally stepped out of the room for a few minutes. Charlotte sat up in the bed and began to plan her escape. She could see her clothes folded nearby, and noticed that she didn’t have too many things attached to her. Just before she could tear out her IV, Ally stepped back through the door, along with the doctor who treated her.
“Hi there, Mrs. Sweet.” He smiled at her as he waved her hand away from the IV. “No need for that, I’ll have the nurse take care of it. I’m going to go ahead and discharge you. From what I can tell you fainted from the tension of the event, otherwise you are perfectly healthy. We did want to observe you a little longer just to be cautious, but I think you’re fine to go home if that’s what you want.”
“It is.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “As soon as possible.”
“It shouldn’t take long.” He nodded to both of them, then stepped out of the room.
“Thank you, Ally.” Charlotte took her hand as she sat down beside her. “I can’t wait to get out of here.”
Within a few minutes a nurse came in and removed the IV, gave her final instructions and she was officially released from the hospital. Charlotte was eager to dress and escape.
“Are you sure you’re ready to come home? I’m not sure that they ran enough tests.” Ally held her grandmother’s arm as she walked down the hallway with her.
“I’m fine, Ally. The doctor cleared me. There’s nothing wrong with me.” She met her eyes. “I promise.”
“I’m keeping a close eye on you no matter what. You need to get straight home and rest.”
“Absolutely not. What I need to do is figure out who was driving that car. We have to find out before he tries to come after you again.” Charlotte straightened up. “I’m fine really, I don’t need any help.”
“Mee-Maw, the van is almost totaled. You can’t tell me that you’re not a little sore.”
“A little sore, maybe.” She admitted, then pushed open the door that led to the parking lot.
“But that will fade with time. We don’t have the luxury of time, as every minute that passes by puts you in even more danger. I want to make sure we catch this guy.”
“I still can’t believe he took off after me like that. I doubt that he even knew who I was. So why did I become his target? Just because I was in the cabin? Because I saw the picture of Marris? What do you think that means?”
“Sometimes there aren’t valid explanations for the actions a madman takes. They do what they please in the moment.”
“I’m so sorry, Mee-Maw.” Ally touched her shoulder as they walked towards the car. “I know words don’t really fix anything, but I am sorry.”
“Ally, you have nothing to apologize for.” She cupped her cheeks and looked into her eyes. “You were the one that was in danger.”
“Maybe, but that’s because I put myself in that position. I honestly had no intention of causing this much trouble. When I was in that cabin and saw the knob starting to turn, I thought for sure that it was all over for me. I panicked, and did something stupid.”
“It wasn’t stupid, it was pretty darn clever if you ask me. I am proud of you. You saved yourself, Ally, that’s nothing to be ashamed of, you know?”
“Well, I still feel terrible about it.” Her cheeks burned. “I put you at risk, I embarrassed Luke in front of his colleagues, and now the only clue we had to who Austin really was has burned to the ground.”
“Not the only clue. Remember that Mrs. Bing said Austin was following Marris around in the store, and now you found a photograph of him in the cabin that he rented. We might not know exactly why Austin was in Blue River, but we do know who he was looking for.”
“Good point.” Ally helped her grandmother into her car, which Luke had brought to the hospital earlier in the day. As she closed the door, she felt a strong sense of determination. Whoever was behind the wheel of the car, had probably killed Austin, and had tried to kill her and put her grandmother at risk. There was no way she would let that rest.
Chapter 11
When Charlotte and Ally arrived at Charlotte’s apartment, Ally made sure the door was locked behind them.
“I’ll stay with you tonight, Mee-Maw.” Ally headed for the kitchen. “Can I make you some tea? Or do you want some dinner?”
“No, I’d really just like to rest, to be honest, sweetheart. There’s no need for you to stay with me.” She sat down on the couch.
“Mee-Maw, you can’t expect me to leave you alone.” She returned to the living room with a frown. “I’m sure you wouldn’t allow that if it were me coming home from the hospital.”
“First of all, I was only in the hospital as a precaution, there’s nothing wrong with me. Secondly, I’m older and you have to listen to me.” She grinned.
“Well, I’m glad to see that your sense of humor and determination haven’t faded any.” Ally smiled in return. She moved to sit beside her, but paused when there was a knock on the door. “Expecting anyone?”
“No. It could be one of the neighbors checking on me.” Charlotte shrugged.
“I’ll get it.” Ally walked towards the door. She peered through the peep hole and saw who it was. “Ah, it’s Jeff.” She winked at her grandmother.
“Stop!” Charlotte laughed. “Just let him in.”
Ally unlocked the door and opened it for him.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He paused just inside the door. “I just wanted to check on Charlotte.”
“Not at all.” Ally smiled. “I was just trying to convince her to either let me stay here with her, or come to the cottage and stay with me.”
“She might be more comfortable here, since she has everything she needs.” He met Charlotte’s eyes. “I could stay with her. I know you have Arnold and Peaches to care for.”
“You don’t have to do that, Jeff. Neither of you do.” Charlotte sighed. “I’m fine. The doctor said it was just the stress of the moment that caused me to faint. These things do happen, and it has nothing to do with me being old before any of you try that tact.”
“I don’t think you’re old.” Jeff grinned. “But I do think you need company. I doubt that Ally or I are going to be okay with leaving you here by yourself. There is a perfectly comfortable couch for me.”
“He’s right.” Ally crossed her arms. “So, what’s it going to be, Mee-Maw?”
“Oh fine.” Charlotte threw her hands into the air with a short laugh. “I can always use the company. But Jeff’s right, Ally, you have Arnold and Peaches to look after. Have you even been home to feed them?”
“No.” She grimaced. “They’ve probably already broken into the cabinets or even the refrigerator.”
“I don’t doubt it.” She patted her hand. “Go on home and take care of them. Jeff will do a fine job taking care of me. Won’t you, Jeff?”
“Absolutely. I’d be honored.” He offered his hand to Ally. “I promise, I won’t let her out of my sight.”
“Oh, yes you will.” Charlotte blushed and laughed. “But I’m not going anywhere tonight. I need some rest, and so do you, Ally. We can regroup in the morning.”
“All right, Mee-Maw.” She kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. Be safe, okay?”
“I will be.” Ally’s heartbeat quickened as she left the apartment. She hated to leave her grandmother, but she also knew how meaningful it was that she was willing to let Jeff stay with her. She’d noticed that they’d been growing even closer lately, and she didn’t want to interfere with that.
As Ally headed to her car she received a text from Luke.
Are you coming home or staying with Charlotte?
She replied that she was on her way home. He didn’t respond after that. She guessed he was busy with the case. However, when she pulled into the driveway of the cottage only a few minutes later, her headlights illuminated his presence on the front porch. He came down the steps to greet her when she climbed out of the car.
“Where’s Charlotte?” He glanced at the car.
“She’s okay. She wanted Jeff to stay with her.” She raised an eyebrow. “I think those two are getting along very well.”
“That’s a good thing.” He slipped his arms around her waist. “I don’t mind the two of us having a little alone time.”
“Let me guess, it’s not for romance?” She eased out of his grasp and climbed the steps up to the porch. He followed after her.
“Ally, I’m trying to be understanding here, I’m trying to be calm.” He caught her shoulder and turned her to face him. She noticed the ripple in his jaw again. She could tell that he was trying to restrain his frustration. “But when I think of you being chased by that madman, when I think of what could have happened if you were stuck in that fire, it’s just too much for me to even consider.”
“I’m fine, Luke.” She took his hands and looked into his eyes. “I’m right here, aren’t I? Not a scratch on me.”
“Yes, you’re here.” He narrowed his eyes. “Luckily. But what if things had gone wrong? I just don’t understand why you would have taken a risk like that. Why would you keep the keys and then investigate the cabin on your own? You know I’m always here for you. Why didn’t you turn to me for help?”
“You’ve been so involved in your case, and I didn’t want to distract you.”
“That’s not it.” He tightened his grasp on her hands. “Is it?”
“Honestly.” She took a deep breath. “I wanted to know more about Austin. Ever since he jumped, I’ve felt responsible for him. I keep replaying in my mind those last few minutes. What if I had insisted that he check his pack again? What if I’d just told him not to jump? Or even insisted that Harris land the plane? There are so many ways that I could have prevented his death.”
“Ally, there was nothing that you could do.” He searched her eyes. “You realize that, don’t you?”
“No.” She shook her head. “That’s the point. I really think I could have done something to save him. W
hen I remembered I had his keys, I was going to give them to the police. But I was worried that Mainbry PD wouldn’t act on it straight away. So, I held on to them, just long enough to figure out where they went to. When I checked at the cabins, I didn’t think anything would come of it. It was just one more place to check. But when I found out the key went to one of the cabins, as I was already there I figured it couldn’t hurt to take a look. I just wanted to see what I could figure out and whether there was something about Austin that could explain or help solve his murder.” She sighed. “You have every right to be upset with me. I know that I’ve embarrassed you in front of your colleagues, and that I could even put you in danger of being penalized for my actions, but I can’t change that now. All I can do is focus on the one thing that I think might make all of this a little better. Solving Austin’s murder.”
“Ally, you could never do anything that would embarrass me and I am not worried about being penalized.” He released her hand to stroke her cheek. “I’m not worried about what my colleagues think. If anything, I think that they think that you’re pretty brave for what you did. Not to mention your grandmother.”
“Thanks Luke. It did no good though, did it? We’re pretty much back at square one basically with no idea where to go from here. The police don’t even have the photograph. Maybe they would have it if I’d called it in right away.”
“Not likely. In fact, if you hadn’t gone into that cabin when you did and taken that picture of the photograph, they wouldn’t have anything to go on. That cabin is nothing but ash now. Whoever did this was trying to cover his tracks. The only problem is, now he might see you as another loose end. I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re safe.”
“No Luke, you can’t do that.” She shook her head. “I’ll be fine. I don’t want your case to possibly go unsolved because you were too worried about me.”
“Ally, this man that came after you. He strikes me as a professional. He strikes me as someone who knows what he’s doing. I don’t think this was a random murder, and I don’t think he is going to just let things cool off.” He caught the curve of her arm. “Do you realize how much danger you could be in?”