Jack didn't move.
“Jack! Jack!” Tommy waited until Jack focused on him. “Go get your mother, now!”
Instantly, Jack was running. He ran faster than he ever had.
Mom can fix it, she has to.
He nearly tripped coming through the door. “Mom! Mom!” He was screaming and crying all at the same time.
His mom was upstairs putting away laundry and he didn't hear her coming flying down the stairs.
“Jack! Jack, what is it?”
Jack, in the kitchen looking for her, came back into the living room when he heard her voice.
Jack ran at her, and when she went to hug him, he ducked her arms. Instead, he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door. “Come on! Jesse got hit by a truck!”
Katie stopped so suddenly that she nearly jerked her oldest son off his feet. “What?”
Jack was still pulling at his mother's hand. “Down the street. Come on, Mom!”
A siren in the distance seemed to jolt his mother to action. She picked up Jack and ran.
*******
Michael had barely missed Jack in the effort to get away, so he couldn't tell how badly Jesse was hurt. He knew he had clipped his bike, and he had seen the boy fly up in the air.
He was still shaking from nearly hitting Jack. Tammy would not have liked how close he had come to their son.
He drove several blocks before pulling around the corner and into a parking lot behind an apartment building. Stepping out of the truck, he wiped the steering wheel down, and strode over to his car.
Heading back to the motel, he cruised past the accident scene. An ambulance was there, along with two police cars. The officers were talking to the ice cream truck driver, while the ambulance workers loaded a gurney into the back of the vehicle.
The little body on it wasn't moving. He saw Katie Duncan standing with Jack, and Michael smiled to himself.
“How does it feel?” he said aloud. “How does it feel?”
As he drove off, Michael decided he deserved a nice dinner and a glass of wine. He was in a very good mood.
*******
Katie reached Wade at the office and told him what happened. He was on his way to the hospital before he hung up. She had not given him much detail, but she'd said that Jesse was unconscious when he was loaded into the ambulance. Wade arrived at the hospital, parked as quickly as he could, and dashed for the ER doors.
Out of breath, he came through the doors to find his mother-in-law walking toward him. He stopped. “How is he?”
“They're doing a CT scan to check for brain damage. He has a broken arm and they put stitches in his knee. They're mainly worried about the blow to his head when he landed. He has a concussion, but hopefully no worse.”
Wade was looking past her, down the hall. “Where are Katie and Jack?”
“In the waiting room. Wade, before we go in there, I have to ask. Is it possible this could be connected to the ‘situation’ we were talking about?”
“What makes you say that?”
“The officer at the scene told me they found the truck that hit Jesse.”
“And? Did they catch the guy?”
“No, in fact, he said the truck was reported stolen.”
“Stolen?” Wade hadn't considered the possibility that the accident wasn't an accident. The thought chilled him. “I don't know. Right now, I just want to see Katie.”
“Okay, she's in here.”
They went into the waiting room where they found Katie, her eyes red from crying, with Jack. He was sitting on the floor in front of her and she was whispering something to him. When she saw Wade, she got up, hugged him, and started to cry all over again.
“Our baby. You should have seen him, it was awful.”
“It's okay, Babe. He's in good hands now.” He looked over at Jack. “Hey Sport, how ya doing?”
Jack got up and came over to his dad. “It's my fault, Dad. I didn't wait for him.”
Wade picked his son up and held him. “It's not your fault. It's the fault of the man who hit him.”
Jack was sobbing now. “But what if he dies?”
Wade put his son down and crouched so that they were eye to eye. “Jack, look at me. The doctors are going to take good care of your brother. I don't want you thinking things like that, okay?”
Jack nodded.
Wade walked Jack over to a chair, sat him down, and took the seat next to his son. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Jack replayed the events for his father. Wade's heart broke when he pictured Jack bending over Jesse, screaming his brother's name.
“Did you recognize the man who drove the truck?”
Jack shook his head. “The policeman asked me the same thing, but it all happened too fast.”
Wade saw the doctor coming into the room. “Mr. and Mrs. Duncan?”
“Yes?”
“We have the results of the CT scan. It appears you have a very lucky little boy. He has a concussion, but nothing worse.”
At the same time, Wade, Katie, and Shirley all let out a huge sigh of relief.
“Is he okay?” It was Jack.
Shirley hugged her grandson. “Yes, thank the Lord. He's going to be alright.”
It was Jack's turn to smile. “Can I see him?”
The doctor smiled down at Jack. “Sure, room two-nineteen. He's still very groggy, but you can go up and see him.”
The doctor turned to Wade. “We'll need to keep him for a couple days for observation.”
“A couple days?”
“Yes. With young children, and this kind of trauma, we would prefer to watch him for two nights, at least.”
Wade spoke for all of them as he shook the doctor’s hand. “Thanks, Doc. Thank you very much!”
*******
Jesse was starting to come around when they got to his room. Hugs from everyone were showered on Jesse and Jack took up a position right next to his brother. Wade smiled down at his youngest son. “So Jess, how ya feeling?”
“Okay, but my head hurts.” He tried to lift his arm to touch his head and realized that he was using the arm with the cast on it. Jesse looked confused, and his face caused everyone to break into laughter.
Just then, he acted as if something important had occurred to him. “Am I going to miss Jack's birthday party?”
Even Katie appeared surprised. The next day was Jack's tenth birthday, and they had a party planned. “Well, I don't know.”
“Can we have it here?” Jack asked.
It only took Wade a minute to decide. “I don't see why not, if the hospital gives the okay.”
Katie looked at her oldest son. “Your friends can’t be here, Jack.”
“That's okay. I'd rather celebrate with Jesse.”
Wade, Katie, and Shirley all looked at each other. It was a good idea, and they’d never been prouder of Jack.
Wade made the pronouncement. “Okay then, it's settled. I'll check with the nurses, and if they're okay with it, I'm okay with it.”
“Me, too!” Jesse flinched. “Ow. My head!”
They laughed in spite of themselves.
*******
Michael missed the TV news the night before. His glass of wine turned into several glasses of Jack Daniels and he could feel every one of them this morning. He went to a local diner for breakfast and picked up the newspaper on the way in.
There, on the front page of the Springfield News-Leader, was a picture of the accident with the headline:
POLICE LOOKING FOR HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER
His waitress came up to the table. “What can I get you?”
“Coffee and scrambled eggs.”
“Toast or biscuit?”
“Toast. Grape jelly, please.”
“Okey-dokey.” she said, and was gone.
Michael read the news story.
Springfield police are searching for the driver of a stolen pickup who is responsible for a hit and run accident in Southwest Springfield on Thursday. The
green, 1980s pickup was discovered about a mile from the scene. It had been reported stolen earlier in the day.
The victim is a seven-year-old child whose name has not been released. A police spokesman said the child is in stable condition at a local hospital.
Michael read the last line again. All of a sudden, he wasn't in such a good mood. It wasn’t his intention to leave the boy alive.
The waitress arrived with his coffee. “Food will be out in a minute.”
He ignored her.
Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the accident. A source close to the investigation said there is no suspect at this time.
Michael’s eggs arrived, but his appetite was gone. He nibbled on a piece of toast while he ran the events of the previous day through his mind. He decided not to worry about the boy surviving; he’d still accomplished his purpose. The hospital or the morgue, it didn't matter, as long as Jesse was out of the house.
The coffee had not helped his head, and he needed to kill some time, so it seemed a nap was in order. He paid for his partially eaten meal and headed back to the room.
Along the way, he stopped at Jiffy Mart, picking up some aspirin and a new disposable cell phone. He needed the aspirin for his head, but more importantly, he needed a new phone number. He didn't want to get sloppy, and using the same phone too many times was sloppy.
*******
Jason Strong checked in with Lieutenant Patton and brought him up to speed on the new developments.
“We've made the connection between Texas and Missouri, but we're at a standstill. Michael Barton's picture is in all patrol cars, and I've addressed both day and night shift patrols.”
“Okay, but Detective Layne is covered up, and I'm getting to the point of needing you back here.”
“I need more time, Lieutenant. I know it's Michael Barton, and we will find him.”
“How about the media, any help there?”
“We have the picture being shown on newscasts starting tonight. Sam Garner and I will be handling the tip line.”
“Okay, Jason. I won't pull the plug yet, but time is running out. You may just have to leave it to the Springfield police. Am I clear?”
“Yeah John, I appreciate it. Bye.”
*******
Shirley and Katie were waiting for Jack after school.
“Put your backpack away, and we can leave.”
“Okay, Mom. Where's Dad?”
“He's picking something up and meeting us there.”
“Okay.”
When Jack came back down from his room, they went out to the car. Jack carried plastic forks and paper plates. His mom carried the cake. Grandma Shirley was toting a balloon bouquet that proclaimed GET WELL SOON.
The trip to hospital took less than fifteen minutes, and when they pulled up, they found Wade waiting for them in the parking lot.
“You get the packages?” Katie asked.
“Right here.”
He reached into the trunk and pulled out two brightly wrapped boxes. One wrapped in Happy Birthday paper, the other said Get Well Soon.
Jack's eyes lit up. “One of those is for me?”
Wade laughed. “Yeah, can you guess which one?”
“Very funny!” Jack rolled his eyes. “Let's go, I want to see Jesse.”
They headed off as a group, each with their own package to carry. When they got up to Jesse's floor, Katie left the cake at the nurse’s station.
Jesse looked pretty much the same as he had the day before, except much more awake. “Happy birthday, Jack.”
“Thanks, Jesse. You should see the cake, it's a football field!”
“When can we have it?”
Katie smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Soon. How's your head?”
“Better, not as achy.”
“I talked to the doctor this morning, and he said you will be going home tomorrow.”
Shirley poked her grandson. “Bet you wish it was today, don't you?”
“Yes! It's borrrring here.”
Wade laughed. “Sounds like he’s feeling much better! Should we open presents?”
“Yes!” Jack and Jesse said together.
Wade handed the box with the birthday wrapping to Jack. Inside was a shiny, new bike helmet. Not what he expected.
“A bike helmet?”
“Yup, you boys are wearing them from now on.”
Jack was quiet for a moment until his mom touched him on the nose. “Hey, you’re not done. Look in the box.”
Jack set the helmet down and looked in the box again. Lying taped to the bottom, he found an envelope. “What's this?”
“I don't know, maybe you should open it.”
Jack pulled the envelope loose and opened it. Inside was a photograph of a brand new Mongoose bike.
“Cool. Whose is it?” Wade ruffled Jack's hair.
“It's yours! It's waiting for you at home.”
Jack lit up. “Awesome!”
He showed the picture to Jesse. “Cooool!”
Jack got up and hugged his parents. “Thank you, it's awesome!”
“Here,” Katie handed Jesse the other box. “This is for you.”
His mom helped him open the box, as he was currently one handed, and the result was the same.
“A bike helmet? But my bike is broken.”
“Not anymore, Jack's old bike is yours.”
Jesse had always loved his big brother's bike. “The Black Rocket?”
“That's right! Jack has to have a riding partner, doesn't he?”
“Awesome!” the two boys said in unison.
Katie turned to her husband. “Wade, will you go light the candles and bring the cake in?”
“Sure.”
*******
Wade picked up the package of candles and went to the nurse’s station.
He was putting them on the cake when his phone rang. “Hello?”
“This Wade Duncan?”
“Yes, who’s this?”
“My name is not important. Do you want to know why I ran your son down?”
Wade turned away from the nurse's station. “Why! Why are you doing this?”
“If you want answers, meet me on the top level of the car park at Hammons Hall. Eight o'clock. And if I see a cop…if I even think I get a whiff of a cop…I'll be gone.”
The line went dead. Wade stood looking at the phone.
“Wade?” It was Katie.
“Yeah…oh, hey.” He struggled to gather himself.
“What's taking so long?”
“Oh, nothing…the candles are being stubborn. I'm on the way.”
Another lie. Why did he suddenly find it so easy to deceive Katie?
“Okay…hurry up!”
She ducked back into the room. Wade looked at his watch. Six o’clock. He lit the candles and followed her.
“Happy Birthday to you...” he sang, and everyone, including the nurses, joined in.
When the whole gang had eaten their fill of cake, Wade took Katie aside. “I need to go back to the office.”
“Tonight? Why?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I'm showing the Brandt property to a couple from out of town.”
“But it's Jack's birthday. Can't you meet them tomorrow?”
“They're leaving town in the morning. You know what a big check that sale would be.”
She did. Wade had told her about the listing, but that didn't reduce her annoyance. “Why are you just telling me now?”
“I didn't want to ruin the mood. The appointment is at eight and I shouldn't be too long.”
She wasn't happy, but she knew trying to dissuade him was pointless. “Fine.”
Wade told himself the lie was necessary. She would forbid him from going and insist on calling the police. That wasn’t an option until he knew what was going on.
By seven o'clock, it was clear Jesse was running out of steam, and Jack was anxious to see his new bike. They hugged Jesse, said his bedtime prayers, and made t
heir way out to the parking lot.
Katie called to Wade as she got into her car. “Call me if you’re going to be very late.”
Shirley glanced at Wade with an enquiring look. “You’re not coming back to the house?”
Wade was careful not to meet her gaze. “Nope, got an appointment.”
She’d ridden in Katie’s car, so she couldn't lag behind to ask more questions, and he didn't want to provide any answers.
By the time they left, it was 7:30 and Wade headed directly across town to Hammons Hall.
Chapter 11
It took Wade twenty minutes to arrive at the parking garage. There wasn't an event that night at the hall, so the cars in the four-story garage were sparse. By the time he reached the top level, his was the only car.
The garage took up an entire city block and was poorly lit. He drove to the far side of the lot and parked with his rear bumper touching the wall. He could see the entire top level, including the entrance to the stairs, and the elevator.
He looked at his watch. 7:53.
As he sat there, it dawned on him he didn't know what he was going to say or do when he saw the man. He didn't think he could pull off the tough guy act, but he didn't want to appear afraid, either.
Of course, he was afraid. Terrified, actually. This was not the kind of thing a real estate agent usually does, meeting strangers at night in secluded places.
Actually, that does describe some of my showings.
He looked at his watch. 8:04.
No sign of the man. It suddenly occurred to him that this might have been a ruse to get him away from home. The idea horrified him. He dialed Kate's cell.
It rang seven times before going to voicemail. He hung up, and was about to bolt for home, when he saw a man step out from the stairwell.
It was 8:13.
Wade watched him as he came toward his car. He was about Wade's height with short, almost wild, black hair. He wore jeans, boots, and a partially zipped black jacket, with his hands in his coat pockets. Wade couldn’t make out his face because the man walked with his head down, and the poor lighting helped conceal him.
WHERE'S MY SON? (Det. Jason Strong (CLEAN SUSPENSE Book 1) Page 10