Christmas Vendetta

by Valerie Hansen

  Sandy Lynn bypassed the uniformed police officer lounging in the hallway sipping coffee and eased open the door to Enid’s room. Clay was right behind her. He shot a menacing look at Allgood just in case he was thinking of stopping them.

  The door closed with a quiet whoosh. Sandy Lynn approached the bed with caution. Enid’s eyes were closed, her breathing even. There was an IV dripping into a line leading to her arm where a needle was taped in place. A glance at the equipment told Clay that the patient’s vital signs were strong.

  “She looks better than I thought she would,” Sandy Lynn said in soft tones. “Much better.”

  “I agree.” It helped Clay to have her speaking to him, again no matter what she said.

  “I think we should let her rest, don’t you?”

  Clay agreed. “Yes. Do you want to stay here or come back later?”

  Finally looking at him, Sandy Lynn said, “I’d like to sit with her a bit, if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” He let her choose a chair and pull it closer to the bedside before he sat down. It was difficult to keep from asking for her opinion. His old friend was bright and had an analytical mind. The conundrum was whether or not to request input.

  Finally Sandy Lynn leaned back in the padded chair and sighed, then turned to him. “I think you’re way off base.”

  “About what?” Clay leaned forward, elbows bent, forearms resting on his knees and hands clasped.

  “About the attack being because of you. The first one, the one that hurt poor Enid, happened before we knew we were living in the same building.”

  “True.” Clay hesitated, then decided to speak his mind. “However, my friend Abe knew you were there. I didn’t, but he did.”

  “What difference can that make? You trust him, right?”

  “Yes, but...”

  “But what?” One eyebrow rose as she began to give him a quizzical look.

  “I suspect you’re why he pushed me to lease my place.”

  “Why would he care one way or the other?”

  “I may have told Abe way too much about our teenage years and he decided to play matchmaker.”

  “Ridiculous.”

  Judging by the way her expression changed, as if she loathed that possibility, Clay decided to ease her mind. “Right. I know that and you know that. Abe just hadn’t gotten the memo.”

  “I trust you’ll straighten him out.”

  “Been there, done that,” Clay said. “It may have to come from you for him to buy it, though.”

  “No problem.” She held her phone out to him. “Call him.”

  “It’ll wait,” Clay said, feeling his spirits plummeting. There was no longer any doubt how Sandy Lynn felt about him; it was just hard to hear from her own lips.

  I should be celebrating, he told himself. After all, he’d been going to warn her off due to his legal problems, and he’d already told her enough to make her pull away, so why was he brooding about it? She had done exactly what he wanted.

  But for a different reason, Clay thought, realizing why it hurt so much. He’d wanted to be the one who pushed her away, for her own good. Instead, she’d declared her lack of affection for him in no uncertain terms. He didn’t have to ask for details; nor did he want them. The Sandy Lynn who had once vowed undying love was long gone, and in her place was a strong-willed woman who knew what she did and didn’t want, and wasn’t afraid to say so.

  In a way, Clay was proud of her. Oh, he missed the needy, lost teenage girl she’d been, but he was delighted to see how maturity had seasoned her. Had given her the sense of self-worth she’d lacked in the past. That was what she’d needed more than someone to lean on. Someone like him.

  That was the crux of it, wasn’t it? Sandy Lynn did not truly need him anymore. Oh, he’d stick around until the cops figured out who was after her and why, and that was all. Assuming he escaped eventually going to prison on the frame-up, he’d still have to relocate. There was no way he’d be able to get a job as a cop again unless he chose to return to the military, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to go that far. There was always signing on as a security guard somewhere, he supposed, providing he didn’t end up with a proven record of theft.

  Clay sighed. Either way, he had to be glad Sandy Lynn was not interested in romance. Joy would return to him eventually. All he needed to do was convince himself that her attitude was the answer to his unspoken prayers for her welfare and stop feeling sorry for himself. Yeah, right.

  “I think she’s waking up,” Sandy Lynn said in a low voice. “Look.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “Enid? Enid, honey, I’m here.”

  The injured nurse moaned. “Um. Rough night.”

  Clay was moved by the brave woman’s comment, as well as by Sandy Lynn’s tears. “Any night you survive is a good one,” he said, trying for a lighthearted tone.

  “Amen,” Enid whispered before giving them a wry smile. “You two look worse than I feel.”

  Although he chuckled in return, Clay was cautious about agreement for fear Sandy Lynn would take his comments too personally. “We were up half the night fighting off the bad guys while you napped in a nice cushy bed.”

  Sandy Lynn interrupted to say, “Whoever hurt you hasn’t given up. It looks like we won’t be able to go home when they release you, at least not right away.”

  “I suppose I could nap in the nurses’ break room if I have to.”

  “No need,” Clay told her. “A friend reminded me that I have a paid-up condo close by. Nobody’s living there at present and the mortgage payment is not due for another few weeks. You’re welcome to use it.”

  Enid looked relieved. Sandy Lynn did not. She faced him with a sober expression. “Are you going to tell her about all the other attacks or shall I?”

  “Other attacks?” Wide-eyed, Enid caught Clay’s worried glance. “What other attacks? Was it the same guy who knifed me?”

  “We aren’t sure,” Clay volunteered. “The police are working on it, checking fingerprints and closed-circuit monitors of the interior and exterior. So far, nothing, but they’re hopeful.”

  “That makes two of us,” Sandy Lynn replied, taking Enid’s hand.

  “Three,” Clay said. “At least three of us. Four, if you add my buddy Abe.” Checking his cell phone for messages, he nodded at both women. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to text him.”

  Sandy Lynn shrugged as he turned away and he heard Enid ask, “Where did he come from?”

  “Sorry. I didn’t think to introduce you. That’s Clay Danforth. He’s the one who scared off the guy who did this to you,” Sandy Lynn said, gesturing.

  Clay froze with the phone in hand.

  “Clay? Your Clay? The guy you told me about?”

  Sandy’s yes was so faint he barely heard it.

  “Didn’t he move away or something?”

  “Or something.”

  A sidelong glance showed him that Sandy Lynn was trying to silence her friend with an index finger to her lips. His phone pinged. He began to read the incoming message and felt his heartbeat accelerating. The very thing Sandy Lynn had worried about had happened.

  Pivoting to face the women, Clay held up the phone. “Abe has been keeping tabs on that minor prison problem for me.”

  “And?” Sandy Lynn and Enid said simultaneously.

  “And, you were right.” Clay pointed at Sandy Lynn. “Your intruder may have been Charles Hood after all. He’s missing.”

  “What do you mean, missing? I thought the guy who escaped was some petty criminal.”

  “So did the warden. Apparently, Hood did exactly what you’d guessed. He exchanged identities with another man, who then took his place. If the other inmates hadn’t gone along with it and covered for him, the ruse would have been revealed sooner.”

  “He’s l
oose? You’re sure?”

  As much as Clay hated to admit that her worst fears were well grounded, he had to answer. “I’m sure. They’re all sure. He walked away from the work party half a day before Enid was attacked.”

  “I told you the guy said he didn’t get the person he meant to hurt,” Enid interjected. “I told you to watch over Sandy Lynn and you promised you would.”

  “I have been and I’ll continue to,” he vowed, wondering how he was going to manage it when he was persona non grata with local law enforcement.

  Seeing Sandy Lynn press her lips into a fine, tight line, he added, “Don’t bother ordering me to go away.” He held up the phone. “I’m definitely not going, not after this.”

  And now he had an even bigger job, he realized with chagrin. One person to guard had been tough enough. Watching out for two people, when the second was also wounded, was going to take every trick he knew and the fortitude he’d learned in the military.

  A good start was essential. Clay squared his shoulders. “Here’s how it’s going to be. I’m in charge. That’s not up for debate. Do you both understand?”

  Sandy Lynn opened her mouth. Before she could speak, Enid jerked on her hand and said, “We do.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Sandy Lynn said flatly.

  Enid was adamant. “I’m the one with the stitches and pain. That gives me priority. And I say we listen to Clay. Do as he says.” She was staring at him with misty eyes. “I owe him, big-time.”

  EIGHT

  Thanks to Clay’s revealing intro, Sandy Lynn had had to explain everything else to Enid. By the time the whole story was shared, she was exhausted all over again, as if she’d just been rescued from one of her failed abductors.

  Enid was stunned. “You’re not exaggerating? All this really happened to you since that first time at our apartment?”

  “Yes.” She made a face. “It’s hard to believe that was only one day and half a night ago.”

  “How time flies when we’re having fun, huh?”

  Despite herself, Sandy Lynn was smiling. “Yeah. But I’ve had just about all of that kind of fun I can stand.”

  “So, when have they told you I can get out of here?” Enid asked.

  Clay interrupted to say, “Don’t even think of leaving until a doctor discharges you.”

  “Hey, you don’t have to threaten me.” She pointed at the IV pole and tilted her head. “I know better than to cut treatment short. I imagine there are antibiotics in that drip, among other things. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Good.” Clay had kept his distance, and now Sandy Lynn motioned him closer. “We need to have a serious discussion about this, and I’d just as soon the cop outside the door didn’t overhear.”

  Enid tried to scoot higher on her pillows, moaned, and stopped. “Hand me the bed controller and I’ll sit myself up. Whatever you decide will affect me, too.”

  Sandy Lynn tucked a blanket around her friend’s waist, lightly covering the sterile dressing. “Right. I’m lost as to where I should go to wait for your release.” She darted a glance at Clay. “I don’t want charity.”

  With her teeth still gritting from the pain of movement, Enid frowned. Then she nodded toward Clay, speaking softly. “What about the extra condo apartment he has?”

  “No.” Sandy Lynn was not about to debate. Her mind was made up.

  “Why not? Did you inherit billions from a rich aunt while I was out like a light, or what? Neither of us can afford double rent.” She managed a wan smile. “We’re not all rich like Danforth, here.”

  “Not rich, careful with my money,” Clay offered. “When I left the force I knew I’d have to cut expenses so I decided to sublet the condo and rent where you two live. It seemed sensible at the time.”

  “And now he’s bummed because he discovered I live in the same building,” Sandy Lynn added. “He said he wouldn’t have signed the lease if he’d known.”

  Enid arched her eyebrows at him. “Flattering. Was there anything else, or are you quitting before you’re completely ostracized?”

  “I’m pretty much a permanent resident of the doghouse,” Clay said wryly. “It’s a habit of mine. And, as they say, no good deed goes unpunished.”

  “Cynical but with a germ of truth,” Enid said.

  Sandy Lynn could tell her friend was growing more and more fatigued. Patting Enid’s hand, she stood and leaned closer to lightly kiss her cheek. “Rest. I’ll be nearby. I promise. I’ll stick closer than your shadow until you’re ready to go home. Then we’ll talk more about where to go.”

  The electric bed hummed as Enid lowered the head. “I am tired.” A smile quirked at the corners of her mouth. “I’ll just grab a short nap. You two stay out of trouble while I’m asleep, and try to get along, will you?”

  Sandy Lynn was amused enough to respond with, “Yes, Mama. We’ll behave.” She peeked over at Clay to add, “At least I will.”

  “That’ll be the day,” he quipped. “You don’t know her like I do.”

  Eyes closed and breathing slowing, the injured nurse was already drifting off. Sandy Lynn hated to let go of her friend’s hand, yet she knew she should. Part of her reticence came from not wanting to leave Enid, and another part was because that meant Clay might expect her to pay too much attention to him. Not that she was swamped with alternate choices.

  Tiptoeing to the door, he eased it open and shushed Allgood with a finger to his lips. “Enid’s sleeping.”

  “I figure that’s normal. How much longer do you think I’ll be stuck here?” the officer asked.

  “If I were you I’d call headquarters and check,” Clay said. “Johansen probably informed the chief, but it won’t hurt to make sure he knows you’re still here.”

  “Yeah. Good idea. Thanks.” Allgood paused, giving Clay the once-over and scowling. “Did you really...?”

  “Did I really what?”

  The other officer shook his head dismissively. “Forget it.”

  “Gladly,” Sandy Lynn heard Clay mutter as they walked down the hall together. “Since I’m not going to go back to live in my apartment right away, how about running me home so I can pack a bag for myself and one for Enid?”

  “Your place may still be a crime scene.”

  “I doubt that very much. I can call and ask.”

  To her chagrin, Clay disagreed. “No. Don’t. The fewer people who know where you are, the better.”

  “You seriously think the police are behind my problems?”

  “No,” Clay said, wishing he sounded more positive. “I just think it’s foolish to announce your plans.”

  Sending him a cynical smile she shook her head and pushed the elevator call button. “Do you always see villains behind every tree and rock?”

  “Ha! Laugh all you want. Caution has kept me alive so far, and it’s been pretty advantageous to you, too.”

  “That I’ll have to agree on.” Her smile spread. “So, what’s plan A? Are we just going to drop by my place and see if we can get in?”

  Clay arched an eyebrow. “Oh, we can get in. The question is whether or not it’s legal. I won’t do anything against the law and I doubt you would, either. If there’s crime scene tape on the door I’ll call Abe and ask him to get permission. If not, we can just walk in.”

  “Don’t you even trust your best buddy? We’d save making the drive for nothing if you contacted him first.”

  “Let’s just say I’d rather keep him out of our troubles if I can. He’s walking a fine line as it is by being my go-between.”

  * * *

  The elevator door opened on the ground floor. Sandy took the lead, donning her warm jacket as she left the hospital and headed for her car. Snow had stopped falling and the passage of cars had left slushy ruts. “I’m driving this time,” she said.

  “You were drugged. I should drive.”
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  “And you were knocked for a loop.” She sent him a look of amusement. “That’s a lovely shiner, by the way.”

  Clay gently probed his cheekbone with his fingers, wincing. “It’s a battle scar. I got it in the line of duty.”

  “That, you did.” Sandy Lynn held out her hand. “Keys.”

  “Are you trained in defensive driving?”

  “I’ve been to Saint Louis. That should count.” As she’d expected, he laughed, but it apparently didn’t lighten his mood enough to make him give in. As soon as they reached her parked car, Clay unlocked the doors and slid behind the wheel.

  “Hey. No fair. Somebody needs to clean the snow off the windows.”

  He started the engine. “I’ll turn on the heaters to melt it.”

  “Oh, for...” Frustrated and more than a little miffed, Sandy Lynn pulled the sleeve of her jacket down over her hand as far as she could and started to manually sweep away several inches of snow that had piled up, front and back. Clay’s efforts would take care of any underlying ice.

  As soon as she’d cleared enough for him to see to drive, she climbed in and slammed the door, rubbing her cold-reddened hands together in front of the heater vents. “Remind me to pick up my gloves, too.”

  “I think you’ll remember.” He hesitated a moment for passing traffic, then pulled out. “I want you to disable your cell phone. I’ll get you another one.”

  “Why? I can’t see how Charles could track me. I mean, he may be vindictive, but he’s no electronics genius.”

  The lack of explanation from Clay caused her to glance over at him. Instead of paying attention to her, he was frowning and looking in the car mirrors.

  Sandy Lynn whipped around as far as her seat belt would allow. Since the snow had stopped, more people had ventured outside, evidently to take advantage of the respite. The street was crowded. “What? What do you see?”

  “Probably nothing.”