Gathering all her nerve, she flattened herself against the wall and inched her way toward the front where Dr. Abroon had gone. Holly’s mind jumped from thought to thought. If looters had gained access to the building, they would soon make their way to the back and find them.
She reached a doorway and stopped. She clamped her hand over her mouth. Outside in the parking lot, two men stood looking down at Dr. Abroon. Blood puddled and oozed from under his body, and the friendly spark in his eyes had gone dark. Holly’s legs trembled and threatened to crumble.
One of the men shouted in Spanish to an unseen accomplice. Damn that she’d never gotten fluent in that language. A pickup backed up to the side door. Those men would be coming inside soon. Moving fast, she returned to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes.
Holly concentrated on staying in the present. She couldn’t allow old memories to take over her actions. Hold it together. You can do this.
“What is it?” Irene asked.
“Looters.” Holly decided against telling them about Dr. Abroon. “We have to hide.”
She looked around for a safe place for all three of them to take cover. The cubicle dividers set up for patient privacy offered no real protection. The only choice they had was to take the one hallway leading the opposite direction from the men. She had no idea what she would find at the end of the hall, but she had to take a chance.
“I’m going to push you both down the hall and into one of the classrooms.” Holly took the IV bag off Mr. Barnes’s stand and placed it at his side. Then she walked to the foot of his bed.
“Nobody is pushing me. I’m getting up.” He looked at Irene. “I’m fine.”
“We’ll both walk.” Irene pushed the thin sheet to the side and swung her feet to the floor. She picked up her drip bag and her husband’s. “You lead. We’ll follow.”
Holly would never forget the sight of the Barnes couple holding hands, displaying bravery under horrible circumstances. They gave her strength and courage.
The little troop moved slowly down the hall past classroom after classroom. The tables and chairs had all been removed, leaving the rooms empty. She had to find cover. An outside door gave her hope until she saw the heavy chain and padlock.
After they’d gone far enough that she felt she couldn’t be overheard, she pulled out her cell and dialed 911. After explaining the situation, the woman instructed her to stay on the line.
Holly closed her eyes and made a decision. She ended the call.
“May I have the telephone number of the man who carried you inside?”
Irene pulled the wrinkled card from her pocket and handed it over. Holly’s hand shook as she called the last person she’d ever expected to ask for help.
“Donovan.” The voice was strong and steady.
“This is Holly,” she said, talking fast so he wouldn’t interrupt. “I’m stranded at the school with the Barnes couple. We need help.”
“I’m on my way.” There was the sound of movement on the line. “You called 911?”
“Yes.” Holly saw an exit that wasn’t locked. The chain hung loose. “We’re going out a back door.”
“I’m going to hang up and call the chief of police. I don’t want your phone making a sound, so put it on silent and call me in five minutes.”
“Okay.” She disconnected.
“Stay back.” Irene pressed down on the bar and pushed the door open just far enough to see down one side of the building. She turned and pointed to a classroom. “Take a peek outside.”
Holly ran to the wall of windows, looked both directions, and then rejoined the couple. “The football field is directly behind us. There’s no cover between here and the stands or the field house.”
Irene reopened the door. “Let’s get out of this building.”
“Okay. But we’re going to move slowly. Once we make it to the field house, we’ll find cover.” Holly stepped in front of the couple. “Stay close.”
Holly took a big breath and moved into the open. It had been a few years since she’d felt this vulnerable. They had no time to spare, so she grabbed Irene’s hand. Holly flattened her back against the wall just as she’d done earlier. If they could make it to the end of the main building, then cross the two-lane driveway separating the school from the athletic building, maybe they’d be safe.
She stopped after a few feet to check on Mr. Barnes. Stepping around Irene, Holly pressed her fingers on his carotid artery. His heart rate was weak and irregular.
“I’m fine. Keep moving.” His jaw was set and his lips were drawn into a thin line.
“He’s right,” Irene whispered. “We don’t have options.”
Holly knew they were right. She nodded and resumed their slow walk. She continued their trek while pulling out her phone and tapping redial.
“Damn it, Holly,” Jake snapped out rapid-fire. “Five minutes was ten minutes ago. What’s happening?”
“We took the south exit out of the main building and are moving toward the football field house.”
“I talked to Chief Santos. You’ll hear sirens soon. That will be him or one of the other units dispatched.”
“You’re not coming?” Right in the pit of her stomach, a large ball formed. He’d saved her life once. Would he do it again?
“Of course I am. But I’m still on the highway. Don’t hang up. Put your phone in your pocket. When you’re safely hidden, tell me where you are, and then I want you to stay put until I tell you it’s okay to come out. Okay?”
“Okay. I don’t understand why the ambulance never showed.”
“Don’t worry about them. You keep your head down.”
She paused and listened for any sounds. “No sirens yet.”
Holly slid her phone into her pocket. Fear washed over her, turning the sheen of tension sweat to rivers of icy chills. They would be out in the open with nothing to protect them. “Ready?”
“Yes,” Irene said.
“Wait.” Holly concentrated on the faint sounds in the distance. She breathed deeply. “I hear sirens.”
“Sounds like angels singing to me,” said Irene.
“Then let’s wait here.” Holly walked the few feet to a set of concrete steps. “This must be the exit that was chained closed.” She reached for Mr. Barnes’s arm. “Let’s get you both off your feet.”
Irene eased herself down next to her husband. “That’s better.”
A woman screamed. The sound was pure terror. Had another one of the nurses stayed behind too? Holly whirled in the direction of the cry.
She saw a woman turning the corner, staggering and running blindly. She stumbled, flailed her arms in the air, and rebalanced, doing her best to stay on her feet. Right behind her was a hulk of a man doing his best to catch her.
The woman’s feet went out from under and she landed face-down. The sound of her face hitting the hot pavement echoed down the alley, sending a gut-wrenching reaction through Holly. She ran to help as fast as she could.
The hulk reached the unmoving woman. He grabbed her shoulders, jerking her to her feet, and tried to make her stand. Blood ran from her forehead, nose, and mouth. He stopped and stared at Holly as if trying to decide what to do. He started dragging the limp woman toward the front of the building.
“Stop,” Holly screamed. “Leave her alone.”
His face contorted in anger. “She’s mine.”
“Hear the sirens? The police are coming.”
The man stopped. An odd expression crossed his face. “She’s mine,” he repeated.
“No.” Holly paused just out of his reach. “She is not yours.”
The man dropped the unconscious woman, and her head hit the hard concrete a second time. He took a step toward Holly. She hoped she hadn’t made a huge mistake by getting too close. She’d never be able to fight him off. Afraid to take her eyes off him, she stepped back.
“You can take her place,” he spit at her. His dark eyes were full of hate.
The sirens grew closer.
&nbs
p; “Angel,” a male voice yelled. “Get your ass over here.”
Without hesitation, the hulk turned and jogged around the corner.
In seconds, the sound of tires squealing mingled with the sirens. Holly batted back tears of relief as she dropped down to her knees. Blood had already soaked through the woman’s hair. Holly took her pulse and found a faint heartbeat. The pavement was hot as hell, but she dared not move the woman to the shade of the building.
“He’s gone. You’re safe now.” She offered soothing words but knew they didn’t help ease the poor woman’s pain. “We’ll get you to the hospital.”
The woman gasped, trying to pull air into her lungs. She coughed and blood bubbled from the corners of her mouth. “He’s crazy. Nobody is safe.”
“Stay with me. The police must be close.” Holly pushed the matted hair away from the victim’s face, and suddenly recognized the addict from her previous visit to the clinic.
“He promised me,” she sputtered.
“Who promised you?”
“Angel. He said I belonged to him.” She gasped. Her breathing was becoming more and more labored. “I tried to get away.”
A police car slid around the corner and came to a stop right in front of them. A uniformed police officer exited the cruiser.
Relief washed over Holly. “Thank God,” she said. “This woman needs help.”
“Are you injured?”
“No. This is her blood.”
“Step back and let me take a look,” the officer said. “I was a medic a few years back,” he answered Holly’s unasked question.
She backed away, knowing steadier hands needed to take over.
A second car stopped behind the first. Another officer and Dalton Murphy got out.
Holly started to speak, but the only sound she made was teeth chattering. Suddenly, she was freezing in ninety-degree weather. Energy leached from her system faster than water down the drain. Something blocked the sunlight. She looked up.
Without saying a word, Jake Donovan lifted her to her feet and guided her to some steps, holding her elbow as she sat. He rested his hand on her back, his fingers spread as he rubbed a spot between her shoulder blades. Unexplained peace enfolded her, comforting her. She turned and looked into his sea-blue eyes.
CHAPTER 6
The relief Jake saw in Holly’s eyes punched him in the gut. “I’m here. Nothing is going to happen to you.”
“Thank you,” she said. “You got here faster than I expected.”
“The chief sent an escort.” His gaze dropped to the injured woman’s face. She was either unconscious or dead.
Dalton and a police officer approached. “That couple has to be transported to a hospital.” She pointed toward Mr. Barnes and Irene, who were leaning against each other. “The man has a weak heart. He needs a doctor. Now.”
Jake looked in the direction Holly indicated. “That’s the Barnes couple. Why are they still here?”
“Good question.”
“We’ve got this.” Dalton and the officer helped the couple into the back of a police cruiser.
The cop who had taken over for Holly stood up and shook his head. “She’s dead.”
“She fell, and then a man chasing her grabbed her. I yelled, and he just dropped her.” Holly pulled away from Jake.
“I’m sorry.” Jake wanted to say something to offer comfort, but not one soothing word came to mind. At least none that didn’t sound cheesy as hell.
“I’ve seen her before. She came into the clinic wanting pain meds. But she wasn’t hurt, so I refused.”
The chief walked around from the front of the building and joined them. Jake made introductions.
“I’m pleased to officially meet you.” Rey shook her hand. “Sorry that it’s not under better circumstances.” He squatted and rocked back on his boots.
“Me too.”
“I understand the Barnes couple is on the way to the hospital. You can stop worrying about them,” Rey said.
Two men came over, placed the dead woman on a stretcher, covered her with a blanket, and took her away.
“Dr. Abroon is dead too.” Holly’s body trembled.
“There was nothing you could’ve done for him.” Rey paused as the dead woman’s body was loaded into a van. “I understand you led Mr. and Mrs. Barnes to safety. That was brave.”
“Not brave. Scared.” Holly glanced around at all the activity. Once again, Jake felt her pain in the deepest part of his gut.
Chief Santos nodded. He leaned over and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Two of my men are with the doctor’s body. The medical examiner and his men will take good care of him.”
Dalton walked back to them. “How can I help?”
“You didn’t go to the hospital with the Barnes couple?” she asked.
“No. I figured Kay and Nate would want me to make sure you’re okay.” His gaze drifted to Jake. “Jake, I’d heard you were in town.”
Jake stood and extended his hand. “Good to see you.”
“You too.” Dalton clasped Jake’s hand.
So, détente was still in force. Jake wondered if this uneasy peace would last if they had to work together. He could understand that Dalton was distant. After Jake’s brain surgery, Dalton had been instrumental in Jake Donovan’s probation. But that didn’t mean they had become best friends.
“I’m sorry you went through this,” Dalton said, moving closer to Holly.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said. Jake immediately stepped away, giving Dalton room.
Another patrol car and an unmarked vehicle came into view seconds later.
“My CSI crew is here,” the chief said. “Ms. Hoffman, how about I drive you to the hospital. On the way, you can fill me in on all the details.”
“I’m fine.” She held up her hand. “Protocol. I get it. I don’t need to see a doctor.”
Rey blew out a slow breath. “If I put you with a forensic artist, do you think you can describe the man who was chasing the victim?”
“Yes.” Holly closed her eyes. “I’ll never forget his face.”
“Great. I’ll make arrangements to have our best artist meet us at the station. We’ll take your statement and get started on a drawing while things are fresh in your mind.” Rey started to walk off.
“What happened to the ambulance?” Holly reached for him, catching him by the back of his shirt. “We waited and waited, but it never came.”
Words had spilled from her mouth and tears trickled down her cheeks. The pain in her voice sliced through Jake. He had never felt so helpless.
“We found an ambulance a mile or so from here on the side of the road. The EMTs are dead.” Rey muttered something under his breath. “Neither of them carried a weapon. Whoever stopped them ransacked the ambulance and murdered two innocent people.”
Jake understood enough Spanish to understand the chief’s mumble. He’d referred to the killers as sons-of-bitches. The weight of the city seemed to be riding on Rey’s shoulders. It showed in his eyes, hardened now, and determined.
“If you’re sure you don’t need medical attention, let’s get started.” Rey took a step back, allowing Holly to stand. “You can get cleaned up at the station, and then I’ll take your statement.” He turned to Jake. “Can you give Dalton a ride to his motel?”
“Sure thing. Or we can follow you and wait. She’ll need a ride.”
“I’ll provide transportation to her motel.”
Jake opened his mouth to protest but clamped it shut. He had no right to disagree. “Good enough.”
“I would like the both of you to stop by my office around seven in the morning. We’ll talk assignments.” Rey escorted her to his cruiser.
Holly glanced back. Her gaze skimmed Dalton and then landed on Jake. She held him in limbo, telegraphing a message. He hadn’t seen her in a long time, but he’d never forgotten how she used to look at him when she stopped by the Lost and Found office to see Kay. He read the fear in her eyes. It felt goo
d to know he wasn’t the cause of her discomfort.
He sincerely hoped she’d return to Dallas and get out of harm’s way.
In just the short time he’d been here, he’d witnessed total strangers breaking a sweat to help each other clear debris and rebuild. Yet at the same time, there were the sorry bastards who came to Connersville to loot and steal from residents who had already lost so much.
Jake and Dalton walked to the pickup. Neither spoke as they got inside and buckled their seat belts. Jake started the engine and drove around front to the stop sign.
“Are we just going to sit here?” Dalton turned off the radio. “Why don’t you dig that burr out of your ass and tell me what’s on your mind?”
“Look. I don’t have an ax to grind with you,” Jake said. “Especially if you and Holly are together.”
“All you saw was me trying to calm her down.”
“All I’m saying is more power to you.” Why had his eye twitched? “She deserves somebody who’ll make her happy.”
“What are you talking about? There’s nothing but friendship between us.”
He paused for a second, then “Where’s your car?” A load slipped off Jake’s shoulders. He didn’t want to feel relieved, but there it was. He pulled away from the stop sign and drove to the main road.
“At the Broad Street Precinct.”
“And that would be where?”
Dalton laughed. “We got a case of the blind leading the blind unless that GPS works. I have no idea where we are.”
“It works.” Jake entered the information and waited until the map appeared on his screen. Then he realized that the mood inside the pickup had gotten lighter. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“Around six this morning.” Dalton looked at his watch and chuckled. “Fourteen hours ago.”
Jake blended in with the traffic. “Keep an eye out for a place that might be open.”
“Take the Main Street exit. The tornadoes bypassed the downtown area. The rain washed out a number of the town’s businesses, but some of them are up and running. It’s fucking amazing how one entire section of town is destroyed, yet other parts of it survive.”
Dalton was right. The farther Jake drove into the heart of Connersville the more shops he saw open. Water pooled in a few places, but this area had been lucky.
No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4) Page 5