Splashdown: A Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 3)

by Linda K. Rodante

  “Badgered you? I pressed you some, but I think it’s good you shared it. You need to share it with some others—people you can trust, like your pastor or someone.”

  “I don’t want people feeling sorry for me.”

  “Your pastor and his wife seem like good people. Trust them. Counseling—”

  “I tried that. It was a disaster.” Her look changed, and she dropped her gaze.

  He wanted to touch her, to hold her again; but he could feel her resistance. She’d fight him this time. “Lynn, it was a horrible experience, and I’m in no way belittling it; but you need to let it go. You need to remember your mother, whatever memories you have, without that horror always there. Talking about it could help.” Her eyes shut, and he watched the struggle on her face. “It sounds trite to say God heals, but he does. Let him.”

  Her gaze shot back to his and surprised him with its anger. Now, what had he done? Say God heals? Maybe she thought he had no right referencing God after the other night, but nothing had happened. He’d walked out and left her and her promise to God intact.

  He turned and headed out. “Security will be here in a few minutes.”

  “Rich.”

  His heart skidded. He made a slow turn. “Yes?”

  “He was wearing a mask.”

  Complete disconnect. “What? Who?”

  “The man in the car. That’s why I couldn’t see his face. I thought it was shadows or something thrown across his face, but it was a mask.”

  He stared at her a moment. She’s talking about the case, Einstein. “A mask? You’re sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “What kind of mask? A Halloween mask? What?”

  “No. Not a full face mask. Just the black mask around the eyes.” She put a hand to her head. “It reminds me of something…wait… Lord, help me here.” Rich said nothing, waiting. “Marta. Marta’s file.”

  “Marta’s file?”

  “At work. The one Tom made. She talked about a man who wore a mask just like that one.” She closed her eyes again. “I don’t know why Tom’s kept me out of so much lately.”

  “What do you mean kept you out?”

  “Just… he’s kept a lot of information about Marta to himself. At first, he included me. I’m usually part of anything that goes on in that office. Then, all of a sudden, he shut me out. I don’t know why. He did let me look through her file, though.” She stopped and fidgeted with the blanket.

  The paleness of her face kept any other questions he had until later. “All right. Got it. Get some rest.” He stepped outside the door and sat down in the chair he’d found for the guard coming on duty. He’d wait until security arrived, but then he had places to go.

  ***

  “Can’t we go home?” Sharee’s voice filled with exasperation. The ginger-colored hair spread behind and on one side of her head. A thick bandage covered the other side. Her face, white and strained, turned to him with pleading eyes.

  John slid a finger down her cheek. She was going to be all right. That’s what amazed him. After he’d yelled at God, struggling to have his own way, she was going to be all right. It had taken everything in him to release her, and God had given her back.

  “They shaved a patch of hair off,” she said.

  “It’ll grow in.”

  “But what will it look like?”

  “I don’t care.” He loved her mass of curls; but right now, what her hair looked like didn’t concern him at all. “You’re alive. That’s what counts.”

  She tossed and threw the covers back. “Someone tried to kill me.”

  Ah. The real problem. Besides the pain and the tiredness, they were both dealing with that.

  “I’d feel safer at home—with you and Cooper.”

  She’d feel safer with him and the dog? Coldness followed. He couldn’t keep her safe. God had allowed him to help yesterday, but the type of evil they were facing needed more than him and the dog.

  But spiritual warfare was real. They were being attacked—for whatever reason—and they needed to do things God’s way. Prayer being number one.

  He took her hand. “What we need is God’s protection. Pray with me.”

  She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  “Lord, we’re asking for your help and security. Your Word says you are a shield for us. We are relying on that. We ask for wisdom and insight for whatever is going on. Protect us.”

  “And Lynn, too,” Sharee interrupted.

  “Yes, and Lynn, too. And Maria and Lily and the detectives working on this case. You said the weapons of our warfare are mighty through you to the pulling down of strongholds. We trust you. Help find those involved in this. Bring them to justice. Thank you for keeping Sharee safe and the other women. We give you praise for that. Amen.”

  He opened his eyes and looked at her. Her hand slipped across the bed and caught his.

  “We’ll talk about going home tomorrow. It’s late now—or early—about 2:00 A.M.” He pulled on a curl. “Reminds me of the other time we were in the hospital.”

  She frowned. “You dumped water on me.”

  He almost laughed. He’d spent three nights in the hospital trying to protect her, and what came to her mind first was the water. “If I remember correctly, you deserved it.”

  She tried to punch him, but he swung out of her way, and she groaned and put her head back.

  “That’s what you get. Doctor’s orders were for you to lie still.”

  She didn’t answer, but stress had stretched the skin taught across her cheekbones.

  He vacillated between concern and amusement. Concern won. “That’s why they want you here. To keep you quiet and to keep an eye on you. They need to check you every two hours for alertness.

  “I’m fine.” Stubbornness edged her words.

  He leaned closer. “I’d love to take you home, you know that, but that’s not possible. You’re safe here. Nothing can happen. You can relax and try to sleep.”

  “I can’t. My brain won’t let me. Why would anyone want to shoot Lynn and me? It doesn’t make sense. They killed Afton. Why?”

  “More important right now is, who. Whoever worked with Afton must believe you and Lynn know something—maybe that Afton let something out to you.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Richards and Carpenter don’t think so. They don’t think Afton ran anything. And they’re wondering about Lynn’s boss.”

  “Tom McCloud?”

  “You, Lynn, McCloud, and the homeless. They think there’s a connection.”

  “But what could Lynn and I know?”

  “Something about Afton?”

  “What about the other homeless guy that was with him? He disappeared.”

  “A while ago, yes. They wonder if he’s still alive. Perhaps Afton got rid of him.”

  “When Marta gave the police the information on where she was held captive, someone tipped them off.”

  John nodded. “I know. We need that person—and the pimp trafficking these girls.”

  “They’re sure that’s what’s going on?”

  “Pretty much. Afton had access to the homeless. The other homeless guy probably tipped him off when he saw a girl in the camp—like Lily—and then Afton would come and persuade the girls to come with him. Or just kidnap them.”

  Sharee shivered. “How horrible.”

  “I’m beginning to understand Julie’s comment about slavery.”

  “By the way, did you give the book to Detective Carpenter?”

  “Yes. He showed up right after you left.”

  “Did he? That was quick. Did he think it meant anything?”

  “No. He said it was probably not important, but that he’d take it. He asked where you were. He seemed to be worrying about you even then.” He nodded at her look. “I told him you had gone to Lynn’s, and he seemed concerned about that.”

  “Did he? Well, he was right.” She thought for a minute. “What kind of car does Detective Carpenter have?”
r />   John lifted a brow. “Detective Carpenter?”

  “Yes. And don’t sound so incredulous. He could have warned the pimp. What do we know about him, really? Somebody had to tip them off. Most likely someone in law enforcement. Anyway, I suspect everybody right now.”

  John pulled the chair closer and sat down. “Well, I’ll ask Detective Richards. That will give him a heads up, too. By the way, Detective Richards requested that the hospital put security at both your doors. Did you know that?”

  “I thought I heard that, but you two were whispering.”

  “He didn’t want to upset you.”

  “I wonder if Lynn’s up. Wouldn’t it be easier if we were in the same room?”

  John shook his head. “Neither of you would get any rest. Neither would I.”

  “John?”

  He raised his head, eyeing her. He knew the tone. “What?”

  “Would you run down to Lynn’s room and just see if she’s up?”

  “Why?”

  “Well, if I call, I might wake her. And if you go, and she is up, maybe you could help her walk down here.”

  “I just said that was not a good idea.”

  “I know, but…” Her eyes entreated his. “I haven’t seen her or talked to her since we got here. I just want to know how she’s doing. Maybe she’s having trouble sleeping, too.”

  “Sharee…” He wanted to groan at the look in her eyes. He glanced at the ceiling and back at her. “All right. But she probably is sleeping.”

  “Just check.”

  He stood. “You need to sleep, too.” When she said nothing, he shook his head and went out.

  Sharee watched him nod at the guard and head down the corridor. The guard stood and closed the door.

  Chapter 27

  Sharee fluffed the pillow under her. What could she and Lynn know? Who could they identify? Detective Richards mentioned the black Ford that Lynn saw. Whoever it was must have followed them from Lynn’s to the restaurant. Or…followed her from home to Lynn’s and then to the restaurant? If that was true, then was she the real target and Lynn collateral damage?

  She thought back over all the times she’d seen Afton and shrugged. Pedro had seen Afton meet someone a number of times. When she drove up that day, he must have felt threatened, and that was the reason he’d attacked her. But why? What had she seen? Another car had stopped before she did… She sat up straighter.

  The other car was black. She wasn’t sure of the make or model. If this was the person Afton usually met, then perhaps he thought she’d seen whoever it was. But the windows were tinted and dark. She hadn’t seen anything.

  She heard someone speaking with the guard outside the door. A minute later, the door swung open, and Dr. Richmond walked in. He nodded to her, walked straight to the sink and began to wash his hands.

  She tilted her head. At least, it looked like Dr. Richmond. A dark tan gave him a swarthy look and made his eyes seem darker, too. The guard glanced her way, nodded, and went out.

  Sharee stiffened. Of all people. Zeke Richmond. Her stomach rolled. She did not want to see him. His back was to her as he washed his hands. He dried them and checked the mirror over the sink. He bent his head and rubbed his eyes.

  Sharee bit her lip. Forgive and forget. I’m sure he wants that, too. He pulled latex gloves from his pocket and began to pull them on as he turned toward her.

  “Zeke?”

  He smiled. His teeth showed white against the tan. “Hello, Sharee. I heard you were on the patient list tonight. So what happened? Someone shot you? A hold-up?” His tone sounded professional with just a touch of concern.

  Okay, professional, it is. “Shot,” she said. “Hold-up, no.”

  He went over to the monitors. “So, what happened?”

  “Basically, that’s it. Someone shot at us. Lynn and I.”

  His head turned, his green eyes questioning. “Lynn, too? Where were you? Not at that homeless camp?”

  “No, at a restaurant.”

  He took a small IV bag from his pocket. “Really? Then it was robbery?” He slipped the bag on the pole and unhooked the other.

  “No, not robbery. What is that?” Sharee asked. “I don’t need anything else for pain. I’m doing okay.”

  He glanced at her. “You’ve got a couple of stitches?”

  “Yes.”

  He nodded and unhooked the half-empty bag and hooked the new one to her IV line. “Your vitals look good. Where’s your husband?”

  “He went to get Lynn. But, you know, I really don’t want any more pain medication. I’m doing okay.”

  “It’s just a vitamin-mineral mix with electrolytes to help you recover. Your body depletes itself of needed nutrients after a shock like you’ve had.” A smile showed. “I’m busy tonight, but I’ll stop back later.”

  “Wait a minute,” Sharee said. “Can you sign me out of here? I really would like to go home.”

  He turned at the sink. “You should wait twenty-four hours, at least.”

  “I know, but…”

  “I’ll think about it.” He bent to wash his hands again. Afterward, he leaned toward the mirror once more, doing something to his eyes.

  “What’s wrong with your eyes?”

  “New contacts. I’m having some trouble with them.”

  “Oh,” She glanced at the IV bag. The other one wasn’t even half-empty. What a waste. She glanced back in time to see Dr. Richmond looking her way. He glanced away, turned, and went out the door.

  She closed her eyes. Funny seeing Zeke Richmond here. He seemed so different. She’d never thought about him being on staff here or on duty tonight. Was he a hospitalist then?

  Good thing John wasn’t here. She felt the amusement. Wait until he returned. His eyes would turn from that dark brown she loved to charcoal. No doubt.

  From dark brown… Her eyes opened. Zeke Richmond’s eyes had been brown right before he left the room. He’d looked away quick enough when she glanced his way, but—they were not green. She moved herself up in the bed. Ridiculous. Why would he have brown contacts? And why put them on here?

  Her eyes closed again. It didn’t matter. She didn’t think she could fight the tiredness running through her body. Maybe she needed a nap. No. She pushed herself up. No, don’t go to sleep. Lynn and John will be back in a moment.

  She scratched at the tape covering her IV. The skin looked pink around the site. Am I developing a rash to this? What did he put in the IV?

  In another minute, she was fighting to keep her eyes open. Stay awake, Sharee!

  Zeke had gone straight to the sink when he entered the room, washed his hands and messed with his contacts. They must be bothering him. He had attractive green eyes. She smiled. Better not say that to John. And they were green while he was in the room and talking with her. Why had he changed them before he left? And the fake tan. The two things made him look so different.

  She glanced at the IV bag and down at her arm. Her head weighed a ton. She raised it again. She put her head back, closed her eyes. A minute later, they sprung open. She stared at the IV. Doctors didn’t change IV bags. Fear crept from her arm to her chest.

  Crazy.

  Or was it?

  Where was John? The nurse? She swallowed and fumbled for the call button.

  Please, Lord.

  She began to pull at the tape on her arm but her fingers did not want to cooperate. Her hands trembled. She had to get the needle out. She fumbled with the tape and fought the blackness fighting for control in her head.

  Chapter 28

  Lynn swung the door open and pulled her own IV pole into the room with her. “So you can’t sleep without me? Is that it?”

  In the doorway, John leaned over, talking to the guard.

  “L…ynn! He..lp.” Sharee’s words slurred.

  Lynn smiled at her, and it took a minute before Sharee realized the words had just whispered from her mouth.

  “Help.” She said louder and shook her arm.

  Lynn’s
brow furrowed, and she pulled her pole next to Sharee’s bed. “What’s up, girl?”

  Sharee’s hands shook as she grabbed the tubing and bent it, again and again, kinking it.

  “What’s wrong?” Lynn’s voice rose in concern.

  John’s head rose, the security guard stood and pushed into the doorway. “What is it?”

  “Dr. Richmond was here.”

  “The doc?” the guard asked.

  “He…he did something.”

  “What are you talking about?” John shoved his way past the other two.

  Her tongue felt leaden, but she forced the words out, “He put another…nother… IV bag up there.” She pointed. “The first one wasn’t half-empty.” She waved her arm. “Unhook me.”

  “You think something’s in the IV?” the guard asked. “Why?”

  Lynn stepped to the IV pole. “Let’s unhook it.”

  John grabbed her arm and ripped the tape off.

  Sharee caught the scream in her throat. “Pull out the needle.”

  John slid the needle out, and blood spurted across the bed. He pressed his thumb on the site. “Lynn, get the nurse.”

  Lynn scooted toward the door.

  Sharee looked past John at the guard. “C…can you stop him?”

  “The doctor?”

  “Yes.”

  “He had his ID, and he’s on the hospital’s list.”

  “I don’t care. I…”

  “You think he put something in the IV to harm you? Why?”

  “I…don’t know.” She shook her head, trying to clear it. “Something’s wrong.”

  “Something is wrong.” John interrupted her. “Your words are slurred.”

  “Dr. Richmond’s ID checked out,” the guard said. “It looked just like him. Dark hair, tan, brown eyes, sharp nose.”

  “Green. His eyes…green.” Oh, she just wanted to put her head back on the pillow.

  “Look,” Anger mounted in John’s voice. “We need to get another doctor in here to look at her. Now.”

  “The doctor that came in here had brown eyes.” The guard sounded defensive. “His ID had brown eyes.”

  “You don’t know all the doctors here?”

  “No. We’re hired from outside.”