“Running for your life through the South Carolina swampland can cause a few bumps and bruises.”
“Is it true that you’re an FBI agent?”
“Word travels fast around here. It’s true.”
Lexie found Sabrina captivating. Her deep-set, cocoa-colored eyes were warm and soothing.
After Sabrina changed the bandage, she brought Lexie more ice water.
“Do you need anything else?”
“I think I’m good. Thank you.”
Sabrina patted Lexie on the shoulder.
“Get some sleep. You can rest easy tonight because Sabrina’s got your back.”
27
Otis Ray haunted Lexie in her nightmares. He grabbed her breasts and forced himself on her. The night terrors were so realistic that Lexie woke screaming, her hospital gown soaked in sweat.
Lexie tossed and turned most of the night. Between the nightmares, the nurse coming in to check her vitals, and the normal hospital noises, she only managed to get a few hours of sleep. She wondered if the nightmares would lessen with the passage of time.
The tight bandage around Lexie’s head irritated her. She picked at the cold hospital food, trying to decide if she could stomach the nasty smelling eggs. A light knock on the door drew her attention.
“Lexie, you up?”
Lexie smiled.
“Come in, Captain.”
Captain Meade entered, wearing the same clothes from the previous night and carrying a to-go tray containing two cups and a white paper bag.
“I smuggled you in a couple chicken biscuits from Chick-fil-A and a cup of coffee. I figured the food in here might not be up to your standards.”
“Bless you! I’m starving.”
Captain Meade watched Lexie struggle with the bag with her one good arm.
“Let me help you with that.”
He removed a biscuit and unwrapped it.
Lexie greedily took a bite.
“This is fantastic,” she said with her mouth full. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Meade sat down in the oversized chair and took a sip of his coffee.
“From the way you’re devouring that biscuit, I take it you’re feeling better.”
“Way better than last night. I’m still waiting for the doctor to come by this morning.”
“Did you get any sleep last night?” Meade asked.
“Not much. It’s hard to sleep in a hospital. The bandage around my head is hard to get used to. What about you? How was the hotel?”
“The hotel was fine, but I had trouble turning off my brain. Your buddy Zach loaned me this shiny new cellphone. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it. He programmed your number into it for me.”
“I think they want to make sure we all stay in contact until the subjects are arrested. Speaking of that, he said you weren’t too hip on staying at the hotel.”
“I gotta get home. Old Jack dog can’t fend for himself too long. Besides, if Otis Ray is comin’ for me, it’s gonna be sooner rather than later. I’m more concerned with him breaking in and getting his hands on my guns than on me.”
“Thanks again for the breakfast. Once again, you came to my rescue.”
Captain Meade laughed.
“These places aren’t known for their fine cuisine.”
Lexie finished the biscuit.
“You ready for your second biscuit?” Meade asked.
“I’m kind of full. I’ll save it for later. No telling how long I’m gonna be stuck in here.”
“Are your buddies coming back this morning?”
“My buddies?”
“Zach and Don.”
“Oh them. I hope so, because I need a ride home. Actually, I don’t even have a home.”
“I heard. That was one of the reasons that Zach insisted on me staying in the hotel last night. He said your place was torn apart.”
“Another strange piece of the puzzle.”
Lexie put her coffee on the tray and repositioned herself in the bed. She sucked in a breath when the pain surged from her ribcage.
“Can I help you with anything?”
“I keep sliding down in this bed.”
She grabbed the remote and the bed groaned as the head lifted higher.
“There. That’s better.”
Lexie picked up her coffee with her free hand.
“Captain, how did you know about the cabin on the island?”
Captain Meade took a drink of his coffee.
“You told me about it,” he said without making eye contact.
“I don’t think that I did.”
He quickly glanced up at Lexie, then stared at his coffee.
“I took a guess. You said you were held hostage. It had to be in a cabin.”
“You’re lying. Come on, Captain, I came clean with you. You can do the same for me.”
“Yeah, about that… ”
“That’s not fair. I had no choice.”
Meade got up and walked over to the window. He fiddled with the blinds on the window.
“I knew about the cabin,” he said, staring out the window.
Lexie’s stomach quivered.
“How?” she asked.
Meade turned and looked at Lexie. His pained expression made him appear older than his years.
“About a year ago, Otis Ray tried to get me to help him with his business. He wanted to use my boat so he would have another means of transportation. I told him no and that I wanted no part of his plan. That’s why I tried to keep you away from that island.”
“Why did Otis Ray think you would help?”
Meade turned and faced the window.
“Why?” Lexie asked a little louder.
“Because I haven’t always been a boy scout. I’ve had my share of trouble, back when I was young. I stay away from that shit now. I guess Otis Ray thought I’d be up for making some quick cash.”
“So, you knew he was running dope?”
“He didn’t come right out and say it, but I figured as much. Why else would that damn plane be landing in the middle of nowhere?”
“You should’ve told me.”
“I was trying to keep you from getting hurt. That’s why I tried to steer you away from that area. But you’re a stubborn little shit and wouldn’t listen.”
“I was doing my job.”
Captain Meade turned back around to face Lexie.
“I realize that now.”
“To be clear, did you ever do any business with Otis Ray?”
“No. Never. I’ve never trusted Otis Ray.”
Captain Meade turned back toward the window. An uncomfortable minute passed before he spoke again.
“We good, girl?”
“We’re good, Captain.”
A quick knock interrupted the conversation. Dr. Stevens poked his head around the door.
“Good morning, Lexie.”
“Hey there, doc. How’re you?”
“The better question is, how’re you?”
“Better than yesterday. You going to let me go home today?”
“I see you’ve had contraband for breakfast,” he said, pointing toward the empty Chick-fil-A wrapper.
“Busted.”
He laughed and flipped through Lexie’s chart.
“Let’s discuss your test results. Are you okay with your friend remaining in the room?”
“Sure. He can stay.”
“Okay. Well, I’ve said it before, but I’m going to say it again—you’re lucky to be alive. You suffered a severe concussion from the blow to the head. You may experience headaches and have sleep issues over the next few months. In addition to extreme dehydration, you have one cracked and several bruised ribs. It’s going to take six to eight weeks for your ribs to heal. Your ankle wasn’t broken but you have a nasty sprain. We’ve cleaned up all your cuts and abrasions, including where the bullet grazed you. So far there’s no infection, but you need to keep all the injuries clean. I’m giving you the name of a local docto
r for follow-up care. He’ll examine your head wound and remove the sutures in seven days.”
“When can I go back to work?”
Dr. Stevens shook his head.
“I just told you that it is going to take six to eight weeks before your ribs heal.”
“I can’t be out of work for that long.”
“You’re not to go back to work until after your follow-up appointment and the sutures are removed. You can discuss returning to work with the doctor at that appointment. I’ll write you an excuse for work.”
“I don’t need an excuse, doc. I need to go back to work.”
“No, you don’t. You need to take it easy. A cracked rib and a concussion are serious injuries. You’ve suffered a serious traumatic attack. I recommend that you talk to someone before going back to work.”
“Like who? A shrink?”
“We prefer to call them psychologists.”
“I don’t need to talk to a damn psychologist, I need to find the son of a bitch who nearly killed me.”
“Lexie!” Captain Meade interrupted. “Calm down and listen to the doctor.”
Lexie tried to cross her arms, but the IV line prevented the motion, which frustrated her even more.
“And when do I get rid of this thing?” she said, tipping her head toward the IV machine.
“I can have the nurse remove it within the hour.”
“Thank you.”
“Sure. Do you have any other questions?”
“No.”
Dr. Stevens moved toward the door.
“Hey, doc,” Lexie said. The doctor turned to face her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lash out at you. It’s been a pretty stressful week. I really appreciate everything that you and the nurses have done for me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. For the record, it doesn’t mean you’re weak if you talk to a therapist.”
“I know and I’ll consider it.”
“The nurse will be in later with your discharge paperwork. She can also make the appointment with the follow-up doctor for you. Take care.”
“Thanks again, Doctor.”
Captain Meade returned to the oversized chair with a huge grin plastered on his face.
“What are you smiling at?”
“You have a mean streak in you, girl. That poor doctor didn’t stand a chance.”
“I apologized.”
“I know. I’m kidding. You’re a spunky little thing.”
“If they don’t let me out of this hospital soon, you’re going to see spunky. I’m gonna break outta here and you’re gonna help me.”
***
An hour after the doctor left, Lexie’s new cell phone rang. Captain Meade jumped up and handed the phone to Lexie.
“Hello.”
“Good morning, Lexie. It’s Zach.”
“Hey, Zach. How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you?”
“Feeling better than yesterday.”
“Have you talked to the doctor yet? Are they releasing you today?”
“Yes and yes.”
“Any idea what time?”
“Supposedly the nurse is working on the discharge paperwork. I should be cleared to leave within an hour. Are you coming to pick me up? I need to get my car from the marina in Georgetown. Oh damnit. Damnit!”
“What?” Zach asked.
“I just realized that I don’t have my car keys. I left them in my backpack, which is still on the boat.”
“No worries. I think we have an extra set of keys in the office. What did the doctor say about your recovery time?”
“He said I’m good to go. I have to have the stitches removed in seven days, but I’ll completely recover.”
Lexie looked across at Captain Meade, who crossed his arms and shook his head. Lexie shrugged.
“Where am I staying?”
“I’ve leased you a small condo at Litchfield by the Sea. It’s a gated community, so you should be safe there. Don and I are the only people who know about it. We’ve made sure that Tony doesn’t know.”
“Good.”
“I’ll be at the hospital in about an hour. Your belongings are already in the condo. Is there anything else that you need me to bring you?”
“Some clothes.”
“I brought you a bag of clothes last night.”
“Okay, thanks. Hey, how’s the meeting going with Don and the SAC?”
“Haven’t heard yet. I’m staying clear until I get an all clear from Don.”
Lexie chuckled.
“I don’t blame you.”
“Have you seen Captain Meade yet today?”
“Yes. He’s here now.”
“Good. Can you ask if he can stay and wait for me?”
Lexie put the receiver to her chest.
“Can you wait around for an hour until Zach gets here?”
Captain Meade rolled his eyes.
“I have a fishing charter this afternoon, but I can wait around for a bit.”
“He said he’ll wait for you.”
“Good. See you soon.”
***
Zach arrived as promised. He asked Captain Meade if he would consider a hotel stay on the government, but the captain kindly declined the offer. Zach recommended the captain leave town until the subjects were arrested. Meade bid farewell to Lexie and promised to call her every two hours. Zach left to get the car when the nurse arrived with the wheelchair.
“You ready to get out of here?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Let’s gather up your belongings.”
“I don’t have much. The FBI took custody of my clothes and shoes for evidence. My co-worker brought me these lovely oversized sweatpants, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. I can’t keep the flip-flops on my feet.”
Lexie got out of bed, holding the sweatpants so they didn’t fall down. She sat down in the wheelchair.
“You’re a fashion disaster,” the nurse said.
Lexie laughed.
“That’s what you get when you have men pick out clothing.”
The nurse pushed the wheelchair to the exit door where Zach waited in the loading zone. He jumped out to open the door so the nurse could help Lexie get in the vehicle.
“Take care of yourself, you hear.”
“I will. Thank you for taking care of me.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie.”
Zach left the hospital and pulled out onto Hwy 17. He glanced over at Lexie and grinned.
“What are you smirking at?”
“You’re smaller than I realized.”
“Shut up. Why didn’t you get some of the clothes from my condo?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t thinking. Don told me to take custody of your clothes for evidence, so I stopped at Target and bought you replacement clothes.”
“Well, at least you didn’t stop at Wal-Mart.”
Zach laughed.
“Do you mind swinging by the pharmacy on the way home?”
“Not at all. Any preference?”
“No. Any of them will do. I wasn’t going to get this prescription filled, but it’s probably better to be safe than sorry.”
“I think it’s wise to fill it. There’s a CVS on the way.”
“Have you heard from Don?”
“Yeah. He called me a couple of minutes ago.”
“How’s it going with the SAC?”
“He couldn’t really talk, but from the tone of his voice, I would guess not good.”
“Do you think Captain Meade is safe?”
“I hope so. I wanted him to stay in the hotel for a few days, but he refused.”
“I’m a little worried about him. I don’t want him to do anything stupid. How close are we to getting arrest warrants?”
“I don’t know about arrests, but we plan to search the island and the cabin tomorrow at first light. The Bureau plane has been conducting recon flights over the island, and the Sheriff’s Office stationed deputies around the island to ensure that no one leav
es the island. So far there have been no reports of any movement.”
“I want to go on the search tomorrow.”
“Are you cleared for duty?”
“Close enough.”
“It’s up to Don.”
“I can save the team a lot of time if I’m allowed to go.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Zach pulled into the CVS and took another look at Lexie.
“Stay put. I’ll come around and help you.”
With Zach’s assistance, Lexie hobbled into the pharmacy. She looked down at her oversized clothes and oversized shower shoes.
“Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?”
“Yes.”
Lexie laughed.
Twenty minutes later, they were back in the car on their way to the condo.
“What am I going to do about a vehicle?”
“I found an extra set of keys to your VW. We’ll pick it up in the next couple of days, but I don’t think you need to drive it anymore. You can drive the extra Bureau car we have at the office.”
Zach pulled up to the gate house. The guard came out to examine the tag hanging from the rearview mirror. Satisfied, he waved them through.
“We rented this condo overtly. There will be all kinds of funding issues, but I’ll deal with that problem when I have to. I’m sure I violated a slew of Bureau rules, but I couldn’t get anyone from HQ to return my phone calls.”
Zach’s phone rang.
“What’s up, Don? Okay. Hmmm. I’ll let her know. We’re pulling up to the condo now. Okay, see you in a half hour.”
Zach hung up the phone, parked the car and looked at Lexie.
“You want the bad news or the really bad news?”
***
Lexie barely had time to change her clothes before Don arrived with the SAC. Zach answered the door and invited the two inside.
On her way to the living room, Lexie caught a glance of herself in the mirror. She flinched when she saw her appearance. Cuts and bruises covered her face, neck, and arms. The bandage around her head made her look ten years older. She attempted to smooth down her unruly hair. She wandered out to the living room and found all three men standing. Both Don and the SAC were dressed in navy suits. Don’s tie was loose and lopsided, whereas the SAC looked like he was ready for a photo session. Don did the introductions.
“Lexie, this is SAC Gallaway.”
“Call me Jonathan,” the SAC said, extending his hand to Lexie.
Beyond the Cabin Page 16