by Patricia Fry
Mark glanced at the others and nodded.
At the same time, Michael stood and walked toward the door. “I’ve heard enough.”
“Yeah, that’s about all I can take,” Peter agreed. He put his arm across Michael’s shoulders and said, “Let’s take our wives home, shall we?”
Michael nodded. He stopped before walking out the door, turned, and said, “I’m really sorry, Blaine, that you’ve had a crummy life, and I hope you find a way to turn it around. It’s up to you, you know. It has nothing to do with what you think someone else has or has not done. It’s all you, man.”
Craig patted Michael on the back as the four men exited the room together. Mark sat with his head down, staring into his lap.
****
The following morning Rochelle and Savannah sat at a large table in the hotel dining room with their husbands, Gladys, the children, and Craig.
“Mom, you’re staring at me,” Savannah said.
“I’m just happy to see you—you know, unharmed. We were so worried.”
“I know, Mom.”
Peter squeezed Rochelle’s hand and she smiled at him.
“How’s your cat?” Craig asked, pushing his empty plate to the center of the table. “I didn’t see him when I stopped by your suite earlier.”
“He’s okay,” Savannah said.
Craig chuckled. “You finished his memoirs too soon. You have more stories to tell.”
“Yeah, you can make it a mini-series of books,” Peter suggested. “You can come out with a new book in the series every few months.”
“I wouldn’t mind doing that,” Savannah said. “I found that I enjoy writing.”
Peter smiled. “Cool.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome,” Rochelle said. “Although I can’t imagine that you have much time for the arts with two small children.”
Savannah hugged Teddy to her as he sat in her lap chewing on a spoon, and ran her hand over Lily’s soft curls. “No. I actually think I’d rather hold off doing any more writing until the kids are in school, maybe. I just want to be a mom.”
Gladys smiled at her daughter.
“So you’ve canceled the rest of your book tour?” Peter asked.
Savannah nodded. She looked at Michael. “We’ll really miss seeing Michael’s brother and his family, but I think we both want to go home, where we can cocoon for a while.”
“Cocoon?” Michael questioned.
“Yeah, cozy down among friends and family where we feel safe. I just want to be home,” Savannah responded. She looked at Michael. “Maybe Keith and Holly will come out and see us.”
“I’m working on that,” he said. He winked at her and added, “But like you said, just snuggling back into our comfort zone is priority number one. Keith and I are talking about a visit maybe later in the summer.”
“Sounds good,” Savannah said. She looked across the table at Rochelle. “So what do you have waiting for you when you get home?”
Peter and Rochelle smiled at one another and she said, “A pregnancy test.”
“Really?” Savannah said, wide-eyed. “So you think?”
“Maybe,” Rochelle said.
“How exciting! Let us know.”
“Sure will.” Rochelle looked at her watch. “Peter, do you think we should head to the airport?”
“Yes.” He frowned down at her plate. “Aren’t you going to finish your biscuit?”
“No. I’ve had enough.” Rochelle turned to Savannah. “I’ll send your clothes back as soon as I wash them. How nice that we wear the same size.” She patted the sleeve of the knit top. “Except for the length. I’ve had to roll up the sleeves and the pants legs. Otherwise, good fit.”
“Yeah,” Peter said, “it’s like you’re wearing your big sister’s clothes.”
When the Whitcombs stood, so did Savannah. She embraced Rochelle, saying, “Well, I can’t say it’s been all fun and games.”
Rochelle murmured, “Yeah.” She pulled back and looked into Savannah’s eyes. “But if I were ever to be in such a situation again, I hope it’s with you. You’re amazing under pressure.”
“Me?” Savannah said. “I was scared spitless.”
“Spitless?” Peter said, laughing. “Is there such a malady?” He hugged Savannah and Michael and Gladys, shook hands with Craig, and turned to walk away with his wife.
“Safe journey,” Savannah called out.
“Thanks,” Peter said. “I expect to have a safe journey for the rest of our life together.”
“Good idea,” Michael said. “Us to.”
****
The following morning Iris called Savannah. “How are you?” she asked. “Are you all ready to settle back in after your ordeal?”
“Yes,” she said. “How’s Craig? We sure appreciated him coming down and helping us through the...um…ordeal, as you call it. Has he caught up on his sleep?”
“Oh, I think so.” She chuckled. “I asked him why he didn’t sleep on the car ride home and he said something about having to put your cat under arrest.”
“Yeah, Rags seemed a bit claustrophobic. Poor guy, he does need his elbow room. Doesn’t like to be confined for too long.”
Iris hesitated for a moment, then said, “It was nice of you to rent a trailer for all of your stuff so you could give my guy a ride home.”
“It’s the least we could do for our hero.”
“Yes, it sounds like he was a big help with capturing the crook and freeing you gals.” Iris shuddered. “Oh, girl, I can’t even imagine what you and Rochelle went through. How awful to be held against your will. Craig said you were tied up, gagged, and blindfolded through much of it.”
“Yeah. Hey, Iris can we talk about something else, please? I’m still freaked out.”
“Sure. I was wondering about your housesitters. How do they handle it when people cut a trip short?”
“No problem. I guess it happens all the time. Of course, we had to pay a little extra—a cancellation fee. It was still a good deal. We came home to find the cats and the dog healthy and happy.” She took a deep breath. “Oh, Iris, I’m just so glad to be home.”
“I’ll bet you are. Hey, I’m taking some time off today. Want to go downtown? I’d like to check out a couple of furniture stores. I want to buy some new accessories for the inn. Can you and the kids tag along?” When Savannah remained quiet, Iris said, “I’d love your company. I missed you,” she whined.
“I sure missed you too,” Savannah said. “Hey, Craig said you stayed in touch with him during the…nightmare. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate that.”
“Yeah, they made me the town crier.”
“What?” Savannah asked.
“We didn’t want to bother Michael, but we sure wanted to know what was going on. We were all so worried about you. So your aunt, sister, Bud, Colbi, and Damon relied on what I was finding out from Craig. I guess Brianna talked to your mom a few times.”
“Yes, I think so,” Savannah said. She spoke more softly. “I really appreciate all of the support, even if I didn’t know about it at the time.” She wiped at her eyes. “Hey, about going out today—could we maybe wait a day or two? I just can’t stand the idea of leaving the house yet. You understand, don’t you?”
“Sure,” Iris said. “I’m sorry for trying to rush you. Of course, you need time to sort of regroup.”
“Thanks. Hey, how about Friday? Can you take time off Friday? We can go to lunch. What do you say? I’m sure I’ll feel stronger then.” She started to cry. “Right now, I feel so-sniff-vulnerable.”
“Sure, hon, I understand. Yes, Friday is good. I’ll make it work. Pick me up around eleven, okay?”
****
The women and the children had just finished a light lunch at a popular café the following Friday when Iris asked, “How are you, hon? Feeling better?”
Savannah took a deep breath. “Oh, okay, I guess. I’m still looking over my shoulder, locking doors and windows…” she chuckled and added
, “…looking under the bed.”
Iris laughed with her, then said gently, “You know, I don’t think that’s unusual or abnormal. Of course you’re going to be freaked out for a while. I sure would be.” She looked Savannah in the eyes. “But if this continues for too long, promise me you’ll get help. You may need to talk to a counselor or therapist.”
Savannah nodded. Now weary of the topic, she sat up straighter, wiped at her eyes, and smiled. “So Iris, what’s going on with the Oliver Twist thing?”
“Oliver Twist?” Iris asked.
Savannah chuckled. “You know, what twists have taken place in the Oliver Silver drama?”
“Not much. We still don’t know what it is—you know, what he’s looking for.”
“Have you seen him again?”
“No. Not since that day.” Iris waved her hand in front of her face. “Oh, he’s probably just some old wino who heard an exaggerated story from another old wino and he’s trying to cash in.”
“On what?” Savannah asked, handing Teddy a teething biscuit.
“Well, on whatever he thinks is hidden on our property, I guess.”
“So Oliver hasn’t been around there again?” Savannah asked.
Iris shook her head. “Haven’t seen hide nor hair.”
When Teddy began to squirm in the high chair, Savannah suggested, “Hey, let’s go check out some of those furniture stores you mentioned before we get cranky kids.” She asked, “What are you looking for? Pretty things for your pretty house?”
“For the inn,” she said. “Accessories get kind of worn when a lot of people are in and out.” She looked at the children. “Do you think they’re going to get cranky?”
“I hope not,” Savannah said. “If all goes well, Teddy will fall asleep in the stroller as we walk and Lily will enjoy window shopping and playing with her Dolly doll.”
Iris chuckled. “I can’t believe she named her doll after Colbi’s and Damon’s cat!”
Savannah nodded. “Yes, she also has a teddy bear named Buffy and a stuffed bunny she calls Lexie.”
Iris grinned down at the child. “Interesting.”
They’d walked out of the café with the children in the stroller and were heading up the sidewalk toward a collection of home furnishing stores when Iris grabbed Savannah’s arm. “Look!”
“What?” Savannah screeched.
Iris studied her for a moment. “Boy, are you jumpy! I don’t remember you being so nervous.”
“Yeah. Sorry about that.” She began to tear up. “It’s just that…oh Iris, I don’t know how long it takes to get over something like…”
“Of course,” Iris crooned. “I’m so sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“It’s okay,” Savannah said. “I can’t carry the fear around forever.” She looked up the street. “What did you see?”
“Isn’t that Oliver Silver?” Iris asked in a calmer tone.
This piqued Savannah’s interest. “Where?”
Iris pointed. “See him there, standing at the bus stop with that tall guy? Hey, let’s go talk to him. I want to see if he’ll tell us more about that…thing.”
“Okay, I guess,” Savannah said, trying to keep up with Iris. As they drew nearer to the man, she called out, “Hey, why’s he running? Is he trying to ditch us? Why would he do that?”
“Heck if I know,” Iris said. “Got your running shoes on?”
“Um…well…”
“Come on,” Iris urged, moving ahead at a faster clip.
Suddenly Savannah slowed. She grabbed Iris’s arm. “Hey look. It isn’t us he’s running from; it’s that man. He keeps looking back at that man he was talking to. I think he’s afraid of him.”
“Oh, I see,” Iris said. “Yeah, why would he run from us, anyway? Come on, I want to catch up to him and see what’s going on.”
“What if he has a gun?” Savannah said.
“Who? Iris asked.
“Either one of them,” Savannah hissed.
“Don’t be silly, now. Come on, let’s see where he’s going.” Iris had rushed ahead of Savannah, who was struggling to keep up while pushing the double stroller, when Iris suddenly stopped and put her hand over her mouth to muffle a scream. “Oh nooo!”
Savannah looked ahead just in time to see Oliver dart into the street. When she heard the squeal of tires and the crunch of metal on metal, she groaned, “Oh my gosh. Did he get hit?”
“I think so,” Iris said, her voice a mere squeak. More confidently, she said, “If not, it was awfully close.”
Savannah edged her phone out of her pocket. “I’ll call 911.”
“What if he wasn’t hit?” Iris asked. “I think you can get in trouble for false reporting.”
“Didn’t you hear it?” Savannah said. “There was a collision. Now whether Mr. Silver was hurt in the mêlée, I don’t know, but someone probably needs help.”
As Savannah placed the call, Iris continued to make her way swiftly up the block, then suddenly stopped. When Savannah caught up to her, Iris said, “I’m afraid he did get hit.” She grabbed Savannah’s arm. “Come on. I want to talk to him.”
“Now?” Savannah whined, pulling back. “Iris, what are you thinking? I can’t maneuver this stroller through that crowd. Come on, let’s just go look at furniture and mind our own business.”
“Frankly, I’ve kind of lost my appetite for furniture shopping.” Iris pointed. “Here comes the ambulance.” She faced Savannah. “Hey, let’s follow him to the hospital.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Savannah asked.
“No. Florence and I have been looking for him, watching for him, hoping he’d come around again, and now there he is. Who knows if they’ll admit him? This would be a great opportunity to get some of our questions answered. Let’s go.”
Savannah balked. “I don’t think they’ll let strangers into a hospital room, especially if the patient’s badly hurt.” She looked up. “Hey, what happened to that guy who seemed to be following him?”
“Maybe we were wrong about that,” Iris said. “I don’t see him anywhere.” She moaned, “Come on. I don’t want to take the chance that he’ll die before we can talk to him.”
“Where are we going, Mama?” Lily asked.
Savannah thought for a moment, then asked her, “How would you like to go to Auntie’s for a little while?”
“See Gizmo, Layla, Jack?” Lily asked excitedly.
“Yes, if Auntie isn’t busy.”
“Where’s your mom today?” Iris asked.
“I’m not sure. I hope she’s doing something fun for herself. She needs some time off.” She chuckled. “For all I know, she’s at Auntie’s house.” Into the phone she said, “Hi, Auntie, how are you this afternoon? Hey, would you like some company? Iris and I want to run over to Straley and try to question Oliver Silver.” She paused before saying, “I don’t want to drag the kids over there.”
“That guy who came to Iris’s and Craig’s with that wild story?” Margaret asked. “That Oliver Silver?”
“Yes. He’s been hit by a car.” She smirked playfully at her friend and said, “Iris wants to ask him some questions before he dies or something.”
“Oh. Well, sure, the kids can come over, or I can go to your house if it’s time for Teddy’s nap.”
“He might want to nap, but he’ll sleep on the floor on a blanket. Lily wants to see Layla and Jack.”
“…and Gizmo, Mommy,” Lily said.
Savannah smiled at her daughter. “Yes, honey.” She said into the phone, “Either way. Is it convenient?”
“It’s a perfect time. Yes, bring them over.” Margaret then said, “Hey, where’s your mom, anyway?”
Savannah smiled. “Having a quiet day to herself, I hope.”
“Oh. Okay, I’ll see you in a bit, then.”
“Thanks, Auntie.”
Chapter 10
Iris and Savannah walked into the hospital lobby a little over an hour later and approached the receptionist. “O
liver Silver,” Iris said. “They just brought him in after a car accident.”
“Oliver Silver?” the receptionist repeated, while running her finger down a list of names. “I don’t see anyone by that name.” She looked at the women. “You say he was just brought in? He probably hasn’t been admitted yet. You might want to go to the emergency entrance to check on his status.” She pointed. “Through those doors, down the hallway, and turn right.”
The women thanked her and walked toward the heavy swinging doors. Before opening them, however, Savannah heard someone say the name, “Oliver Silver.” She turned and saw a tall man of about fifty-five at the reception counter.
She heard the nurse say, “If he’s an accident victim, he may not have been admitted yet. You might find him in the emergency department.” She pointed. “Follow those two women.”
Savannah saw the man walking toward her and she held the door for him, then the three of them walked silently to the emergency room. When the man approached the reception counter, Savannah led Iris to the seating area.
“What are you doing?” Iris huffed.
“I want to see what that guy does,” Savannah whispered.” Listen.”
“My friend, Oliver Silver, was in an accident,” the man said. “I understand he was brought here.”
“He’s no friend,” Iris said, after taking a good look at him. “Oliver was trying to run away from him.” She then said quietly, “Look, they won’t let him in. I guess you have to be a relative in order to visit someone in the emergency room.” She sat quietly for a moment, then said, “…like me.”
Savannah stared hard at Iris. “Say what?”
Iris grinned. “Watch this.”
Savannah tried to stop her friend, but Iris was too quick. All she could do was watch as Iris approached the reception counter. In the meantime, she saw the man walk outside and sit down on a bench. He took a cell phone from his pocket and seemed to be placing a call. Savannah was torn. I want to know what his gig is and I might be able to find out if I listen in on his conversation. She glanced at Iris. But I also want to see Iris in action. She shook her head. I can’t imagine what she has in mind. Savannah stood up, glanced back at Iris, and walked outside. The man didn’t notice her, so she scooted alongside the bench and perched on a wall behind the man with her back to him. She was glad that there wasn’t a lot of activity in that area so she could easily overhear his side of the conversation.