by V. B. Tenery
Illuminated in the brightness, Sara Bradford stood, with a hammer raised in defiance.
CHAPTER 28
Robert Cook’s Home
The man made a slow pass by the Cook place not liking what he saw. He drove a mile down the road, made a U-turn, and came back for another slow pass. The windshield wipers struggle to clear his view of the sheriff’s car in the circular drive. He pulled over and doused the headlights. Through the rain, he watched as Joe Wilson and Matt Foley stood in front of the storm cellar door. He should have come earlier.
No doubt they’d found Sara alive. The blow he’d struck hadn’t been hard enough to be fatal. The woman had more lives than a cat.
How had they found her so soon?
He pounded the steering wheel. Getting rid of Sara had just become immeasurably more difficult. If she were smart, she’d hire a fulltime bodyguard. He certainly would in her situation.
Getting rid of her would be more difficult, but not impossible. He knew where she lived, and he had copies of her house keys. He’d have to wait for the right opening—when she let down her defenses.
He smiled as he pulled away from the Cook place. After he rounded the curve heading back to Twin Falls, he switched the car’s lights back on.
****
Relief swept over Matt as he holstered his gun. He took a tentative step towards Sara. “Are you all right?”
She dropped the hammer and collapsed on the sofa, lowering her head into her hands.
Concern for her wellbeing twisted his gut. Dried blood matted her hair. Tears and dust stained her cheeks. Her clothes were wrinkled and covered with dirt.
She looked into his eyes, and her voice caught in her throat. “How did you find me? Who brought me here, and where am I?”
Matt knelt beside her. Tortured visions of what might have happened if they hadn’t found her made him tremble. It had been a long time since he’d felt such helpless anger—fury at the unknown assailant responsible for Sara’s condition. “You’re in a storm cellar on Robert Cook’s property, the man who owned the car that killed Josh. We were about to leave when we heard the radio and followed the sound.” He smoothed the hair away from her face. “You’re giving that guardian angel of yours a workout.”
She rose to her feet. “I know.”
Joe Wilson interrupted. “It would be best to leave the questions for later, Mrs. Bradford. You need to have a doctor look at your wounds. Can you walk? Perhaps we should call an ambulance.”
“I can walk. Just take me out of here.” Her speech was fast and disjointed, her breath coming in quick gasps. “I don’t want to spend another minute in this horrid place. Please.”
Joe caught Matt’s eye. “You shouldn’t move someone with a head injury.”
“It’ll be okay. She’s already been moving around. Let’s do as she asks.”
When she stepped forward, Matt lifted her into his arms. Her head rested against his shoulder. A tremor ran through her body, whether from cold or the long ordeal she’d suffered, he didn’t know. He needed to get her somewhere, warm and safe.
The rain had slowed but still soaked their clothes as they trekked back to Joe’s SUV. Matt placed Sara in the backseat while Joe opened the hatch, returning with blankets and a pillow.
Sara’s teeth chattered as Matt wrapped her in the thick covering and placed the pillow under her head. Joe handed him a barf bag. “Just in case.”
“You are prepared, aren’t you?” Matt passed the bag on to Sara.
“Just like the Marines. Now let’s get this girl out of here.” Joe opened the driver’s side door and got in. As they spun out of the driveway, he switched on the strobe lights and siren.
After opening the vents in the back, Matt turned the heater on high. He grabbed Joe’s radio and called Twin Falls Memorial. “This is Police Chief, Matt Foley. I’m on my way in with a woman who has a head wound. ETA twenty minutes.”
He glanced back at Sara. “You okay?”
She pulled the cover up tight under her chin and closed her eyes. In a barely audible voice, she said, “Matt, I don’t want you to think I’m some wimpy, weepy female. I’m not like that at all. It’s...” She paused and took a deep breath. “This has been a really rough week.”
Just happy to have found Sara alive, Matt glanced over at Joe and couldn’t suppress a grin. “Your secret is safe with us.”
Don Tompkins’ Home
Late that afternoon, Don Tompkins shut off the television and paced. He couldn’t keep his interest on the game. Giving in to the impulse that plagued him all day, he picked up the phone to call Maddie Jamison.
They’d spent a pleasant evening together at the country club dinner. Don found her easy to talk to. They’d shared some common interests, playing bridge, hiking, and reading.
That wasn’t the only reason Don wanted to make the call. True, he enjoyed Maddie’s company, but he also needed to stay close to the Bradford home.
He had qualms about beginning a relationship with Maddie. She impressed him as a very shrewd lady. She would know if his intentions were not sincere. Quite possibly, she would see through his pretext.
After the death of his wife, Don seldom dated. No one would ever accuse him of being a player. Not only were his skills rusty, they were nonexistent. An occasional dinner with a female friend was the extent of his social life.
The hole in his heart left by Debra’s passing still ached. He missed the companionship, the oneness. Still, a relationship with Maddie Jamison would involve a commitment he might be unable to make. Muttering to himself, he cast doubts aside and dialed the number, rehearsing what he would say.
A woman with a slight Mexican accent answered. He gave his name and waited. A minute passed before Maddie came on the line.
“How are you, Don?” Her voice sounded strained.
“I’ve picked a bad time to call, I know, but I wanted to see how you’re doing. I saw the news bulletin about Sara. If you’d rather not talk, I can call back later.”
“No, it’s okay. There won’t be a good time until Sara comes home.” Her voice broke followed by a moment of silence. “I’m sorry. I’m just so frightened for her.”
“You haven’t heard anything?” He knew the answer, but he had to ask.
“There has been no word. Matthew Foley promised to call me the minute he finds out anything.”
“If you have no objections, I’ll come over. Two heads can worry better than one.”
“You may come over, if you wish. A few friends are here now keeping vigil with me. But I warn you, I’m not going to be a very good hostess.”
Sara Bradford’s Home
Don tuned in to the Cowboy game on his way across town. It was the third quarter and the Pokes were behind three points. He’d become a more avid fan after retirement from the force. He had more time on his hands.
Twenty minutes later, he parked in front of the Bradford residence. He’d run into heavy rain on the drive out, but the worst of the storm lay to the north. The sweep of his headlights revealed the three-story brick Tudor design he’d seen when he followed Sara home after the explosion. It was impressive, sitting in the middle of what looked like a hundred acres of rolling meadows and trees. A four-foot white rail fence went as far as the eye could see.
Maddie answered the door. She was dressed in gray slacks, white blouse, and a gray and green plaid jacket, her gray-blond hair casually styled. Her face was scrubbed clean but tired, with the same pretty features he remembered.
He followed her into the den where she introduced him to her pastor, Seth Davidson, Shannon and Colin Connelly, and Jeffery Hayden, who he’d met at the banquet.
Worry lines creased the pale faces of the women. Dark circles under their eyes testified to the strain they were under.
“Have either of you eaten anything today?” He directed his question to Shannon.
She shook her head. “Pastor Davidson has tried to get Maddie to eat something, but she won’t. I don’t think she’s eaten
since lunch yesterday.”
Don turned to Maddie. “Well, I won’t take no for an answer. I make a mean omelet, and if your housekeeper doesn’t toss me out of her kitchen, I’ll have a mouth-watering concoction ready in about twenty minutes.”
To Shannon he said, “Can you point me in the direction of the kitchen?”
“I’ll do better than that. I’ll take you back and introduce you to Beatrice.” Shannon slipped her arm through his. “I love a man who takes charge.”
A large kitchen opened before him, and the faint scents of cinnamon and yeast filled the air. The floor was brick with a long island in the center where copper-bottom cookware hung within easy reach. Someone who loved to cook had designed the space.
The faithful Beatrice welcomed him into her kitchen. She provided everything he needed to make his omelet “a la Tompkins”, a cholesterol nightmare. But the occasion called for good ol’ comfort food.
He sizzled bacon, ham, and sausage while Beatrice chopped red onions, tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. He beat the eggs until they were light and fluffy, added spices, and then assembled individual omelets for everyone.
While he worked, Beatrice made coffee and toast and set warm plates at the breakfast nook in the bay window.
Still wearing one of Beatrice’s frilly aprons, Don went into the den. “Food’s ready, folks. Come on while it’s hot.”
The group trouped into the kitchen with Pastor Davidson and Maddie leading the way. After the pastor blessed the food, the somber party began to eat. The meal was consumed in short order. Even Maddie finished most of her omelet.
The small group remained at the table, long after Beatrice cleared away the dishes and refilled coffee cups. It felt like a wake as they spoke of good times shared with Sara.
Later when they returned to the den, someone had built a glowing fire in the hearth. They scattered into nearby chairs, silently watching Beatrice bring in fresh coffee and place the tray on the tea cart.
At seven o’clock, the phone next to Maddie’s chair rang, making her jump. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before picking up the receiver. Don understood. She feared the call brought bad news and didn’t know if she could handle it.
Maddie straightened in her chair, inhaled, and lifted the phone. Don scanned her face as worry lines disappeared, and then re-formed as she ended the call.
“That was Matthew...he found Sara.” Her voice caught with a near-sob. Maddie leaned back and sank deeper into the chair. “Sara’s injured but he doesn’t think it’s serious. He and the sheriff are taking her to Twin Falls Memorial. He’ll fill us in when we get there.”
Don and Shannon brought their cars under the portico. They loaded the passengers and headed to the hospital. He had watched Maddie’s ashen face as she spoke to Matt Foley. Had he told her the truth about Sara’s condition? He hoped so, for Maddie’s sake.
CHAPTER 29
Twin Falls Memorial Hospital
Matt waited outside the emergency room bay. His gaze followed Maddie as she weaved towards him, past the IV machines and a stretcher that cluttered the hallway. Don Tompkins followed behind her.
“How is she, Matthew?” Lines of concern creased Maddie’s brow as she placed her hand on his arm with a gentle touch.
“She seems to be okay. They took her for a CAT scan on the head wound a few minutes ago. We’ll know more after the doctor has a chance to read the results.”
“Can you tell us what happened, Chief?” Tompkins asked.
“I haven’t questioned her and she hasn’t said much. We had to take care of her injuries first. She’s had a pretty bad ordeal.”
“Can I see her?” Maddie asked.
“Of course, as soon as she returns from x-ray.”
Maddie lowered her gaze to her hands. Tension tightened the muscles around her mouth. “I can’t believe some maniac is running around Twin Falls trying to harm Sara. Do you have any idea who’s responsible?”
“We’re hoping Sara can fill in some of the blanks.”
Based on the questions Sara asked when they’d found her, she hadn’t recognized her assailant. But he wasn’t about to divulge that information in front of Tompkins.
Twenty minutes later, an orderly wheeled Sara back into the emergency bay. He returned the bed to its previous position in the exam room, and left. Maddie hurried forward and clasped her niece’s hand.
Sara tried to sit up, but winced, then leaned back against the pillow. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself. How are you doing?”
Sara wiggled her hand in a so-so wave.
After a short interval, the curtain slid back and the doctor entered. He drew up a stool. “Well, young lady, you have a slight concussion. As a precaution, we’ll keep you overnight to monitor your progress. Someone will be in soon to move you to a private room. I want you to stay quiet and rest.” He glanced at Maddie. “Try not to tire her too much.”
When the doctor had gone, Matt ducked outside and joined the group in the ER waiting room.
Shannon was the first one to reach him. “Is she all right, Matt?”
“She’s going to be fine. They’re keeping her overnight. I suggest you all go home. You can check in on her tomorrow. The doctor wants her to rest but will probably release her in the morning, unless there are complications.”
Maddie walked up behind him. “They’ve taken Sara to a private room.” She turned imploring eyes on Matt. “Will she be safe? Perhaps I should stay the night. I don’t want to let her out of my sight.”
“You need to get some rest. I’m posting a guard outside her door until she leaves the hospital.”
“I’d like to stay with her for a while, if that’s okay,” Maddie said.
“Absolutely.”
Seth Davidson, Jeffery Hayden, and Shannon and Colin left. Don Tompkins caught Maddie’s gaze. “I’ll wait here until you’re ready to leave, then I’ll drive you home.”
Matt watched Tompkins take a seat in the waiting room, then followed Maddie to Sara’s room. What was Tompkins doing here? Something Matt intended to ask Maddie. The man headed Matt’s list of suspects. He didn’t like the idea that the security guard was involved in Sara’s personal life.
While he waited for the officer to arrive, Matt slipped into Sara’s room to check the windows. The turns this case had taken heightened his concern for her safety. Someone wanted her dead. That wasn’t going to happen, not if he had to handcuff Sara and lock her in a cell.
He opened the window locks, re-bolted them, and then drew the curtains.
Maddie stroked Sara’s hand, smoothed her hair away from her face, then gave Sara’s hand a squeeze. “Guess I’m ready to leave.” She turned to Matt. “Will you stay until the guard arrives?”
“I won’t leave her unguarded for a minute.”
Later, when the police guard arrived, Matt pulled him aside. “Don’t leave this door for any reason. I’ll send a patrol car by to relieve you for breaks. This lady is in serious danger. I’m depending on you to keep her safe tonight.”
The fresh-faced young cop gave a solemn nod. “Don’t worry, Chief. I’ve got it covered.”
With the guard in place, Matt stopped at Sara’s bedside. Eyes closed, she looked pale and vulnerable against the white sheets. As if sensing his presence, her eyelids fluttered, then opened wide. “Oh, it’s you, Matt, I thought...”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted to check on you before I left. I’ve posted an officer outside your door tonight so you can rest easy. I’ll come back tomorrow morning and take you home. Then I’ll want to hear everything that happened.”
“Thank you, Matt. For finding me...” Her voice trailed off again. The after-effects of her ordeal had kicked in.
“You’re welcome,” he said but she’d fallen asleep. Matt pulled the door closed behind him.
Matt stopped in front of the guard. “Remember, nobody goes into that room but hospital personnel. Check their ID. No ID, no entry.”
Th
e guard straightened his posture. “Yes, sir.”
Joe waited outside to take Matt to the restaurant to get his car. They drove in silence for a while. Stopped at a red light, Joe glanced across at him. “I think what happened tonight was a God-thing. If we hadn’t gone out to Cook’s place, the kidnapper could have come back and killed that woman. What made you decide to go there tonight?”
Matt leaned against the headrest. “Who knows where hunches come from? All I can tell you is that for some reason, I wanted to check the place out to look for clues that might help me find her.”
“How long have you known Sara Bradford?”
“I’ve known of her for more than ten years. She was Mary’s best friend. But I didn’t really know her. She and her husband moved in different social circles.”
As they waited for the light to change, Joe’s gaze swept over Matt’s face. “Did I imagine it, or did I see something developing between you two?”
The question caught Matt off guard. Was there something happening between him and Sara? True, he’d admitted to Seth he felt an attraction there. “I don’t know, Joe. I really don’t know.”
Sara Bradford’s Home
Maddie rode with Don in silence from the hospital through the empty late-night streets. She didn’t feel the need to make conversation. Don seemed to feel the same way. He maneuvered his SUV with practiced efficiency through the streets of the industrial area that surrounded the hospital. He turned left at the stop sign, then merged onto the freeway.
At home, Don pulled under the portico and stopped.
“Would you like to come in for coffee? It’ll only take a minute to make.”
“That sounds like a winner.” Don got out and came around to open her door.
Before Maddie could insert her key, the door swung open. Beatrice stood in the entrance, face pale and drawn, an unspoken question in her eyes.