The Curecanti National Recreation Area encompassed Blue Mesa Reservoir. Tess had never seen the big, blue lake before. Mostly frozen, it stretched for mile after mile under both sides of the road. The skin on the back of her neck crawled as she looked over the guardrail, searching the water for the breaks in the ice, or the glacial hunk of Vicki’s submerged white sedan.
As they passed through Montrose, Sergeant Fuller called Jake. “We’ll head north, up to Delta, and then on to Grand Junction and Clifton if we have to. After that, it’s the Utah state line.” Tess heard Jake say something in reply. Sarge nodded. “Well, she had a good hour and a half on us. I’ve closed the gap some. I figure she’s between here and Delta if she came this way, or south on 550 if she headed for Santa Fe. All the APB’s are out and the state troopers are combing the key intersections, Jake. We have to hope this snow will slow her down some, and she doesn’t get out of the state.”
It was past three o’clock when they turned northwest on 550, but Tess’s breakfast still churned in her stomach. This could take hours, yet. If we find them. She heard a trooper page Sergeant Fuller, then a dispatcher buzzed into the Sergeant’s cell phone.
As he spoke on the phone, Sergeant Fuller accelerated. Grainy ice particles snapped against the windshield and hood of the cruiser and a pleased grin crossed his placid face. “They’ve got Vicki pulled over, five miles south of Delta,” he told Tess. “We’ll be there in a few minutes. I’ll keep the lights on until we’re in range, but we’ll approach slowly. The kid’s had enough excitement for the day.”
Her heart swooping with relief, Tess’s fingers wobbled as she hit speed-dial. “They’ve found Cassie, Jake,” she said, her panicked voice barely a whisper.
“Thank God,” Jake breathed. “You’ll stay with her, Tess?”
Tess’s voice was shaky with emotion. Steadying it, she said, “Once we have her, I won’t let her out of my sight, Jake, I promise you that.”
“Larry and I are almost to Gunnison. We’ll wait for you there.”
“I’ll give her a big hug from her daddy,” she promised, feeling tears coming.
“Thanks, Tess,” Jake choked.
Fifteen minutes later, Tess saw three Colorado State Police cars, all with lights flashing, surrounding the white Acura, pulled to the shoulder. Just as he’d promised, Sergeant Fuller switched his lights off, and slowed. Pulling off the highway, he stepped out of the cruiser and walked over to confer with the troopers surrounding Vicki’s car. Tess saw the part of Cassie’s brown hair in the back seat, her head bobbing as she strained to see what was happening. Oh that poor, poor kid!
The cop standing nearest the driver’s seat motioned for Vicki to step from her car, and Sergeant Fuller returned for Tess. “I told them you know Cassie real well. They asked if you’d come get her, help her stay calm. It’s probably best.”
Jumping from the car, Tess hastened to the white Acura. An officer opened the rear door, and Cassie launched into her arms. “Doctor Tess, I was so worried! Where’s Daddy?”
Tess bent, touching Cassie’s feverish red cheek, then scooping the little girl up, turning her away from the scene with Vicki. “He’s waiting for you, just back in Gunnison, not far away. Sergeant Fuller will take us to him, okay?”
“Is Mommy in trouble?” Cassie asked anxiously, looking over her shoulder to where the cops had clustered around Vicki.
Tess swallowed hard. Please don’t let her see them put handcuffs on Vicki. “I think she’s just talking to the policemen, Cassie,” she said, as calmly as she could. “It’s cold out, and you’re not feeling well. C’mon, we’re almost at Sergeant Fuller’s cruiser. How ‘bout we sit inside, and call your dad?” Clinging fiercely, Cassie clasped Tess’s neck, wrapping her legs around her waist. Ice particles pelted them as Tess hurried them to warmth and safety.
Once she’d gotten them tucked inside, Cassie laid her blistering forehead against Tess’s cool throat. “I have to see my Daddy. He’s probably worrying.”
Sergeant Fuller came up with Cassie’s bag, left it on the seat beside them, and shut the rear door. The feverish little girl snuggled against her as Tess dialed Jake, handing the Cassie her phone.
“Mom surprised me at school, Daddy. I know it was different from the schedule, but my tummy hurt, and I just wanted to get out of there. I’m so sorry.” Cassie burst into tears, and Tess stroked her hair. “I don’t know why she wouldn’t just let me sleep at the apartment. I didn’t want to go to California, I told her that. She said the beaches there are warm and sunny, but I like it at the ranch now, with you.”
After Jake calmed her, she handed the phone to Tess. “How am I ever going to thank you?” he asked as Cassie settled against her.
“Shh-hh, you don’t have to,” she whispered. “We’ll see you in a few minutes.” They said goodbye.
As Tess tucked the phone back into her purse, Cassie touched the fingers that poked from her cast. Her little voice weak and tired, she said, “Daddy said he’s waiting for us a little ways back, just like you told me. I don’t ever want something like this to happen again, Doctor Tess. I’m so glad you came for me. I knew I was safe when I saw you.”
*****
Jake’s heart was still pounding when he watched the cruiser pull into the rest stop in Gunnison. He climbed into the backseat to find Cassie nestled against Tess, almost asleep. “Hi, Daddy,” she murmured drowsily tucked her fingers into his palm.
“Hi, Cass,” he breathed, taking her up in his arms, burying his nose against her neck, inhaling the sweet, baby shampoo goodness of her.
Cassie tucked her hands around his neck. “I’m so glad I’m with you again, Daddy,” she said, cuddling against him. “Thanks for sending Dr. Tess. I didn’t like all the fuss. I really don’t feel very good at all.”
“There has been an awful lot of fuss, baby girl,” Jake said, holding her close as he set her on the seat, clasping the seatbelt around her waist.
Sergeant Fuller pulled onto the highway and Cassie rested her head on his chest. He folded an arm over her shoulders.“Your boots are dirty, Daddy,” she yawned. “So they are, little girl,” Jake agreed. Recovering from his panic, he shot Tess a look of gratitude. What would I have done without Tess? Reaching over Cassie’s head, he touched a finger to one of Tess’s curls. He felt his eyes brim. Taking up his fingertips, Tess held them to her mouth, kissing them gently. Tears of relief snuck down his cheek.
It was after dark when the cruiser swung into Tess’s driveway.Larry pulled the big truck along the curb. Putting a finger to her lips, Tess slid off the seat, through the open door. The cold air woke Cassie. Starting, she fussed, clutching at Tess. “Dr. Tess, please don’t go! Rhiannon’s lonely at the ranch, she wants you there, and so do I! I don’t want to be all by myself while Daddy does night check.”
“Sh-hh, honey, you won’t be alone,” Jake soothed. “Tilda is there, waiting for us. Larry’s going to do night check tonight. C’mon, you’re just not feeling well.” Nestling his daughter in his twill-clad arms, he grabbed for her backpack. “Sergeant Fuller’s got some work to do, and Tess does too.”
“Dr. Tess, please!” Cassie called beseechingly, eyes suddenly wide.
“I can follow you up, Jake,” Tess offered quietly, patting Cassie’s leg. “My truck is right around the corner.”
“Your sure it’s not asking too much?” he asked,waving Sergeant Fuller off.
Tess quirked an eyebrow at him. Haven’t we been through this? her eyes asked. Patiently, she said, “ It’s Friday night, and it’s Doc’s turn in clinic tomorrow. Cassie’s had a terrible scare, and I hate to see her any more upset than she already is. I’m free if you need me.”
“Sounds like you and Cassie have it all figured out, then,” Jake smiled, waving Larry on. Tess let them into her warm apartment, and he laid Cassie on the sofa, which was new the last time he’d been there. “Give me your keys, I’ll go get the truck.” He turned to Cassie, “Stay with Tess, darlin’, I’ll be back in a minu
te.”
Tess had an overnight bag packed by the time Jake returned. She climbed into her truck next to Cassie, whispering, “I brought my work clothes Cass. I can take calls from your house tomorrow. I’m yours as long as you need me.”
“That’s good, Dr. Tess. That makes me feel better,” Cassie mumbled drowsily, patting Tess’s arm. Tess took her hand, wishing she’d never have to let go.
*****
It was after midnight when Tess heard a tap on the guest bedroom door. Jake’s voice came through it, tense and low. “Tess, I hate to disturb you, but you’re the closest thing I have to a doctor right now. I need some help with Cassie.”
In a flash, Tess was out of bed, grabbing the plush terry robe from the back of the door. Jake stood in the hallway. “She’s not keeping the Tylenol down, and her fever is getting worse. I’m worried, Tess. She’s pretty out of it.”
“How much has she thrown up?” she asked, hurrying down the hall.
“There’s nothing left in her stomach, I’m sure of that. She’s had nothing but dry heaves for the past thirty minutes.”
“Oh, the poor little bugger! I’ll grab water and some washcloths, and go sit with her. Why don’t you run a warm bath?”
When Tess got to her, Cassie was listless, flushed with heat. Soothingly, she said, “Cass, we need to bring your body temperature down, okay? This is just a washcloth soaked with water, but it’s going to feel real cold. Your daddy’s running a bath for you. That will help you cool off.”
She laid a cool cloth on Cassie’s head, another on her arms. Dazed and weak from vomiting and exhaustion, Cassie shook her head, whimpering, her lips red and swollen with fever. Jake came through the doorway. “I’ve got a bath ready, Tess.” She nodded, and he scooped Cassie up.
Following him to the master bath, she dropped her hand into the tub. “It’s fine, Jake, the perfect temperature.”
He lowered Cassie into the tub, pajamas and all, holding her armpits to help her stay afloat. The feverish little girl squirmed, restless and uncomfortable.
“She’s so out if it, she might get lost in there,” Tess murmured, dropping the robe, climbing into the tub in the panties and chemise she’d worn to bed.
Keeping her casted arm above water, she scooted under Cassie. Once in her lap, the little girl settled against her, nestling to her chest. Kissing the top of her head, Tess stroked her back, humming a little tune to calm her.
“Count on Dr. Tess to work miracles,” Jake exhaled, Face exhausted, he put his chin on an arm, resting on the tub, and stared at her in admiration. “What would I have done without you today, Tess? Thank God you’re here with us.”
“You’re finally talking sense, Jake,” she smiled. “This kid will need somebody to hang onto for awhile, maybe a long while, until she starts to feel safe again. I’ve got my hands full, here. How about you turn the bubbler on?”
After twenty minutes in the tub, Tess handed Jake a much cooler, calmer child. Gently, he toweled Cassie dry, slipped her into fresh pajamas, and carried her to his bed. Tess peeled her wet underwear off and wrapped herself back into the robe, tying it at the waist. After squeezing the wet ends of her hair in a towel, she twisted water from her panties and chemise and hung them on a towel bar.
“Can I stay here, Daddy?” she heard Cassie murmur from the broad master bed. “I feel better now.”
“Yup, I can keep an eye on you this way. What do you think about more Tylenol, Dr. Tess?” Jake asked.
“Let’s take her temperature.”
Jake held the thermometer in Cassie’s mouth. “101. You do work miracles, don’t you?”
Shrugging her shoulders, Tess gave him a smile and sat next to Cassie on the bed she’d shared with Jake that one night, weeks before. “It’s not me. Her fever broke. The worst should be over. Let’s hold off on the Tylenol. Once her tummy’s settled, I think she’ll be okay.”
Jake dimmed the lamp on his nightstand and took the leather recliner across the room, near the window. Humming a lullaby, Tess stroked Cassie’s back until the little girl fell into a slumber. Jake had dozed off, too. Exhausted, Tess returned to the guest room, crawling between the cream flannel sheets and down comforter.
The sun was streaming in Jake’s picture window when she tiptoed back to his room the next morning in fleecy leggings and a turtleneck.
Cassie was buried in the comforter, still sound asleep. Haggard and unshaven in worn jeans and a sweatshirt, Jake dozed in the easy chair, his wool stockinged feet up on the ottoman. The sunlight caught his profile, and Tess was reminded of the stunning cowboy she’d seen that first day in Green Junction.
Jake roused, and glanced her way. “Tess, your feet will freeze on this cold floor,” he whispered. Opening the bottom drawer of the bureau that ran the length of his room, he tossed her a pair of woolen crew socks.
“Thanks,” she said, taking the leather ottoman. “I forgot to bring clean socks.”
He leaned over her, touching her back. Quietly, he whispered, “I heard Tilda making breakfast, down there. I don’t want to leave Cass alone, though. How ‘bout I go grab a tray for us and bring it up? Will you wait here?”
“Sure.”
By the time Tess heard Jake’s soft tread come up the stairs with breakfast, Cassie had woken. “Dr. Tess, you’re here!”
“You didn’t think I’d leave, did you?”
Rhiannon padded into the room behind Jake. As he set the tray on his dresser, the plump collie retriever mix circled the bed, taking a spot on the rug closest to Cassie, groaning a little as she flopped down.
Jake flashed a smile. “We don’t usually let the dogs upstairs, but I thought this might be a special occasion, considering the company.”
Turning onto her tummy, Cassie stuck her head over the bed, dangling a hand down to pet the dog’s silky coat. “How are you feeling, Rhiannon?”
“Probably better than you are, darlin’,” Jake answered. “Tilda sent up cinnamon toast and weak tea, with a little sugar and a splash of milk. How’s your tummy?”
“Okay, Daddy, I just think it was that yucky medicine.”
“Oh, I think it was more than the medicine.” Jake handed Tess a mug of hot coffee, a warm, honey-soaked half grapefruit, a cloth napkin and grapefruit spoon.
“I didn’t eat much yesterday. I’d like some toast please,” Cassie said, in her company voice.
“Okay, but only if you take it real slow. Sit up, and keep this napkin in your lap.” Jake set a plate of toast on his nightstand, holding the mug for Cassie while she sipped. Taking up his own mug, Jake carried a plate of walnut and raisin sticky buns to the small table near Tess.
“Yum, Tilda’s sticky buns?” Cassie asked.
“The buns will be here after lunch, Miss Tummy-ache. Tilda’s making some chicken soup down there, too. Let’s see if you can keep the toast down, first.”
Cassie downed two pieces of toast, brushed cinnamon from her hands, wiped her mouth on the napkin, and asked Tess for her puppy books. She found them, and took the spot next to her on the bed. Cuddling up, Cassie attempted to read aloud to Tess. Afterward, they played checkers, then Candyland.
After a lunch of chicken soup and another game of checkers, Jake walked Tess to her truck. His sober eyes met hers. “There’s no way I can thank you, Tess, for what you’ve done for Cassie and I.”
“It’s alright Jake. I’m just glad I was on the other end of the phone when you called the clinic yesterday.”
She hugged him quickly and climbed into the truck, which he’d warmed while she’d said goodbye to Cassie and Rhiannon and Tilda. “There’s no place else I would ever have wanted to be.”
Holding the handle of her door, his tired eyes gazed into hers, a little lost. He reached in, touched her cheek, brushing away a stray curl. Straightening up, he put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat. “I love you, you know.”
Tess did a double take. “What?”
His face bereft, he smiled, a lost half-smile. Like
the boy who lost his mom when he was only ten. “I know you think I’ve behaved like a cad, so I’m coming clean. I love you, Tess. I have, for a long time. I ache for you. Every morning I wake up, wishing you were in my arms. Back when Cassie was at her mom’s, I was relieved to be thinking about you and not her so much anymore, until I realized what it meant. I swear, I fell in love with you that first morning, when I saw you coming out of the garage with Dave. I couldn’t tell you the other day, with the cows, but I wanted you to know. Maybe I have been protecting myself, but mostly, I wanted to protect you.” He leaned in, and kissed her cheek. “I can’t keep you here, and I won’t. At least, not right now.”
She found his lips, and fell into him, then, her arms around his neck, pulling him into a real kiss. His lips were gentle at first, but she pressing against his, letting him know what he meant to her. Pulling away, he dropped his head, then looked up, meeting her eye. His voice low and earnest, he said, “You have no idea how much I want to adore you, Tess, like nothing I’ve ever wanted before.”
“I’ve wanted that, too, Jake,” Tess stammered, utterly blown away.
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
“Sure,” Tess said. With his sad, half smile, he closed the door. She watched as he walked towards the house, shoulders hunched against the cold, hands in his pockets.
On her way back to the apartment, Alice called to offer Tess a ride to the Tree Lighting. “Sure, Alice, that sounds like fun. I can’t imagine Ron is still up for the dance. I hope not, anyway. Is it okay if I tag along with you and Lotts?”
There were two emails in her inbox, one from Penn, and one from Colorado State. Smiling with satisfaction, she wrote to her father, filling him in on the upsetting scene with Cassie and Vicki. “I’d like to try to help make her world safe again, like the world you and mom created for me. Her little face lights up when she sees me, Dad, and if I could help, even just a little, it would be worth it.”
Crashing Into Tess (The McGreers) Page 21