Dead of Spring: An Alexa Williams Novel

by Sherry Knowlton

  Jim rolled his eyes. “I predict Ansel will be going everywhere with her. Do you think Isabella allows dogs at yoga?”

  Melissa laughed. “I don’t see why not. Ansel can probably do a perfect Downward Facing Dog. Let’s see how the big guy gets along with this little Frenchie.” Melissa moved into the living room and placed the dog on the floor. Scout sniffed at Ansel and jumped back when the smaller dog rose to put his front paws on the mastiff’s nose. Using caution, Scout approached Ansel again and licked the Frenchie’s face.

  The three humans broke into delighted laughter as the two dogs ran around the room. Scout was gentle with the puppy, which pattered ten steps for every one of the mastiff’s strides.

  Jim stayed in the living room to keep an eye on the dogs while Melissa helped Alexa in the kitchen. “Where’s John?”

  “His shift ends at six. I expected him by now.” As Alexa lifted a stack of plates from the cupboard, the alarm on the lane rang twice. “That’s probably him.”

  Melissa opened the silverware drawer. “Are you OK? I know you were still pretty sore on Tuesday and that’s why you skipped yoga.”

  “I didn’t want to tear the stitches. I should be back in maybe two weeks. My limp is gone. I just tweaked something that needed a few days to heal.”

  As they set the dining room table, Melissa gave her friend a long look. “I’m talking about more than your stitches here. What about your state of mind?”

  Alexa laid down a plate. “I’m OK. I’ve been meditating every morning and evening. I’m still scared, but I can’t imagine they’ll come back here again. I just wish I knew why. Why would someone try to shoot me?”

  Just then, John walked through the door, followed by Graham and Kate. Soon, Haley and her husband, Blair, had arrived. Tyrell straggled in alone a few minutes later. The puppy entertained everyone until Alexa served dinner.

  When Kate mentioned the shooting, Alexa tried to cut off the conversation. She didn’t want this entire group dwelling on the hot tub incident. “I finally connected with Mom and Dad, so I filled them in. But things have been uneventful for the rest of the week. I’m not going to go around looking over my shoulder every minute of the day. Next week, I’m going to be out of town for a couple of days, meeting with a client about a fracking case.”

  “Fracking.” Jim raised his head. The big forest ranger had been putting away the lasagna at an astounding pace. “Where’s this?”

  “Tioga County, up near Mansfield. Why?”

  “There have been some rumors about fracking around here. People are reporting some activity that they think is fracking-related in Michaux over near the Adams/Franklin County line. We’re going to look for signs of illegal test activity.”

  Graham looked puzzled. “I know they’re fracking all over Northern and Southwest Pennsylvania, but I’ve never heard that the Marcellus Shale extends down this far.”

  “They’ve been assessing this at the Chamber,” Haley spoke up. “From the way I understand it, this area never qualified as first tier shale. But, now with the international climate talks, the industry wants to tap every available source. So they’re doing some testing in the tri-county area. The Chamber likes the idea of new jobs but is worried about the impact on infrastructure and air quality.”

  Blair, an investment banker, added, “I’d like to see a cost analysis on the community benefit of fracking.”

  Tyrell pushed his plate away. “I’m skeptical about the benefits.”

  “All I know is fracking has destroyed the beauty of much of Tioga County.” Alexa turned to Haley. “The Chamber should take a field trip up north to see the effects of fracking before they decide to sign on as cheerleaders. And look at the heath risks. My friend Jeannie’s daughter could die from cancer that they think can be traced to the toxic chemicals used in fracking.”

  John pushed his plate away. “I can’t say much, but we’re looking into some illegal activity reported by private landowners.” He shot Jim a cop look. “You and I should talk.”

  “There’s a bill in the legislature to open up public lands to fracking. Word is it could pass this session.” Alexa recoiled in horror at the vision of a fracking tower in the pristine Michaux State Forest adjoining her property. “It never occurred to me it could affect the public land here in Cumberland County.”

  Ansel put an end to the glum discussion when he trotted to the front door and whimpered. Melissa jumped up to take the dogs outside, and Alexa cleared the table. “Give me a few minutes to put everything away, and we’ll have dessert. In the meantime, there’s more wine,” Alexa lifted a bottle of red. “And beer in the fridge. One of John’s friends brought in a Vienna Lager from Devil’s Backbone Brewery down in Virginia.”

  Kate stayed to help Alexa clean up while the rest of the crew wandered into the living room with their drinks. “Last one.” Kate handed Alexa a plate for the dishwasher.

  “Thanks for helping.”

  “That’s what sisters-in-law are for.” Kate put her arm around Alexa’s shoulder. “I know you put on a brave face about your hot tub incident. But, Lexie, you must have been terrified. Promise that you’ll be on guard.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” Alexa stepped to the counter and folded the dish towel into a perfect square, wishing that she could feel as confident as she sounded. Not knowing who shot at her―and why―was a constant strain. She turned back to her sister-in-law with a smile. “I appreciate your concern, Kate. But, tonight, I just want to concentrate on having a good time.”

  When everyone had left for the evening, Alexa and John stretched out in the living room. “That was fun, but a lot of work.” Alexa laughed and rubbed Scout’s ears. “And you’ve got a new little friend. You were such a good boy with him.”

  “Excellent lasagna.” John patted his taut stomach. “I ate way too much.”

  “There’s a lot left over. You can have some tomorrow night while I’m up north.”

  “Jim’s news about possible fracking activity in Michaux is disturbing. He and I are going to check it out together next weekend. I have Saturday off.”

  “Speaking of fracking, I have to be out of here by eight tomorrow. I’m going to bed. Thanks for staying with Scout while I’m gone.” Alexa rose.

  A flicker of yearning passed across John’s face. “You know how I feel about that. I’m ready to stay here as long as you like.”

  Alexa leaned over to give John a long kiss. “I know you’re always here for me.” She stopped on the bottom stair and exhaled a long breath. “I’m not looking forward to the next two days. This whole situation with Jeannie and her daughter. It is so damn sad.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  March 30, 1979

  This behavior projection is known as the China syndrome.

  ―Nuclear Physicist Ralph E. Lapp

  Will froze, clutching the scrawled note from Ruth in his hand. He and Randi had to leave town before TMI melted down―but now she’d gone into labor and left for the hospital. His heart beat against his chest in painful thumps. For months he had looked forward to the joy of their child’s birth. But now, Will felt only despair. If Brad was right, this hydrogen bubble at TMI could blow up any minute. Will didn’t understand exactly what happened in a meltdown―other than what he’d seen in that movie, The China Syndrome. His mind ran through the awful possibilities. What if the explosion killed Randi and the baby? What if they survived but were poisoned by radiation? Why hadn’t he listened to Randi’s mother and left two days ago? Why hadn’t the government evacuated everyone in the area?

  Grabbing a pack of saltines and a soda from the refrigerator, Will rushed from the house. He stopped short at the car and came back up the sidewalk to lock the door. As he turned the key, he snorted with hysterical laughter. Why bother to lock the house when he and Randi may never make it back alive? Squaring his shoulders, Will dashed to the Thing and sped toward Harrisburg Hospital, only a few blocks away from the office he’d just fled.

  Will had spira
led into full-blown panic mode by the time he reached the hospital. Driving well above the speed limit in his frantic trip into the city, he’d encountered little traffic in his direction. But the roads were packed with cars streaming out of town. Tumbling into the hospital lobby, he ran into a roadblock at the empty reception desk. He needed someone to tell him where he could find maternity.

  He flew down the first floor hall and grabbed a passing nurse. “Ma’am, my wife’s in labor. Where do I go?” Following her directions, he took an elevator to the right floor, tapping his foot at its glacial pace. The moment it came to a halt, Will threw his body through the opening doors.

  When he skidded to a stop in front of the nurses’ desk, an older woman in a white uniform looked up. “You must be Randi’s husband?”

  “Yes. How is she? Has the baby come yet?”

  “Randi’s in the delivery room right now. She was doing just fine when they wheeled her in there. These things take time. Why don’t you find a seat in the waiting room? Unless you want to go into the delivery room? We do permit that now.”

  “No.” Will shook his head. “Randi doesn’t want me there. She said she didn’t want me to see her like that.”

  The nurse smiled again. “We’re a little short staffed. A lot of our employees have left the area with their families. But I’m here for the duration along with some other RNs. One of us will come and find you when it’s time.” She pointed toward an open doorway. “Your neighbor is still in there; the woman who brought Randi in earlier.”

  Deflated, Will just stood at the desk after the nurse hurried away. He’d rushed to the hospital, anxious to see his new child. Instead, he had to wait for the baby to arrive. Did that mean they still had time to flee Harrisburg? Will contemplated storming the delivery room and dragging Randi away before the baby came. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he muttered. “The baby could be here any minute.”

  With a feeling of incipient doom, Will wandered through the door into a waiting area. Ruth sat along the wall, alone in the sterile room. “Thank you for driving Randi into the hospital.” Will seized the older woman’s hands in his own.

  “Child, that’s no never mind to me. That was the arrangement all along. We knew you might be working when Randi went into labor. That girl called me late this morning and said we needed to get on the road. So I hustled over to your house right away. Like I said in the note, I tried to call but couldn’t get through. Them contractions were coming pretty fast, so I bundled her into my car and drove lickety-split to the ER. They wheeled her up here right away.”

  “The nurse said she’s in delivery right now.”

  “Lord willing, that child will meet his mama and papa real soon. You never know how long a first baby will take though.”

  “Ruth, I feel bad that you’ve been waiting here this long. With this TMI situation, you might want to head home now―or better yet, get out of town. Can you go stay with your son? Isn’t he up in Reading now?”

  The old woman looked up at Will and shook her head. The tight braids in her gray hair never moved. “Don’t you worry about me. I heard they’re evacuating pregnant women and children. And I see how you must be concerned that the baby’s coming in the middle of all of this commotion. But the Lord works in mysterious ways, son.”

  Will lowered his voice and sat down next to her. “It might be worse than they’re telling us. You know I work at DER. My friend heard from the NRC in Washington that the plant might be in real trouble.”

  Ruth patted Will’s elbow. Then she leaned over and pulled up the support stockings she’d rolled down to her ankles. “I don’t put much stock in rumors and whisper down the lane. But, now you’re here, I think I will drive home. That fog this morning was something. It could start to roll off the river again in late afternoon. I hate driving when you can’t see the other cars. My night vision’s not what it used to be. So I’ll say good-bye.”

  “Think about leaving the area. Call your son and talk to him. See what he says.”

  “I just might do that, Will. Thanks for your concern. But I’m in God’s hands. And you’ve got a wife and a new baby to worry about. Call me when you get a chance and let me know if it’s a girl or a boy. I know Randi’s hankering for a girl. But the way she carried so low, it’s gonna be a boy for certain.”

  Will chuckled. “That would make me happy. I’ve been rooting for a boy. Where’s your car parked?” he asked as Ruth picked up her heavy purse and looped it over her elbow. “I can walk you down.”

  “Absolutely not. I’m perfectly fine on my own.” She gave his arm a gentle nudge. “You need to be here to see that precious child the minute he’s born.”

  Alone in the waiting room, Will watched the big, round clock on the wall. Each lurch of the minute hand felt like another dab of mortar sealing the door of his family’s tomb. Will tried to concentrate on the good things, the anticipation of seeing his child for the first time. The baby they’d longed for would be here today. But, the clouds of anxiety and fear that had gathered with Brad’s warning wouldn’t disperse.

  Walking to the window, Will looked down on the Susquehanna River across the street. The dark river flowed a little faster and higher than usual with the spring thaw. A slight mist rose from the swirling water. If he opened a window and tossed a stick into the water, it would float over the Dock Street Dam and straight to TMI. Will looked downstream in the direction of the cooling towers, one of which teetered on the brink of disaster. He couldn’t see the nuclear facility from here, but this hospital was so close. Just about ten miles away. Well within the radius of contamination if radiation escaped the reactor. Well within the range of certain death if that hydrogen bubble blew.

  With envy, Will watched a hawk soar over the dark river, flying upstream away from the towers. Even the birds were fleeing certain destruction.

  A tension headache gnawed the back of his neck, just minutes away from roaring into a full-blown migraine. Will leaned his forehead against the cool windowpane in an effort to calm down.

  “Mr. Armstrong?”

  Will turned at the nurse’s voice, the same woman who had spoken to him earlier.

  “Congratulations. Randi asked me to bring you back to her room.”

  Will followed the nurse down a short hallway. “Is she OK? How’s the baby?” His voice cracked on the questions.

  “Mother and baby are doing fine.” She opened the door to a room and smiled. “As you can see for yourself.”

  “Hello, Dad. This little guy would like to meet you.” Randi beamed at Will as she held their newborn in the crook of her arm.

  He kissed the baby on the forehead, then his wife on the mouth. “A boy?”

  Randi nodded. “A boy. Walden Armstrong, meet your Daddy.”

  “Really? You’re going along with Walden?”

  “As long as we can use my father’s name for his middle name, Walden Anthony Armstrong.”

  An ecstatic Will replied, “Of course, honey. How are you? Was it terrible?”

  “Yep. But it’s over. And now we have this perfect little angel.” Randi looked up from the bed. “He fell asleep already. Do you want to hold him?”

  “Is it OK?”

  “Of course it’s OK. You better get used to it. We’ll all be home in a few days. Although they made me sign a paper that said I could be sent home early due to staffing shortages or something. Something to do with TMI. I hope they don’t kick us out early. I’m so tired.” Her voice faltered. “I need to just rest for a few days. ”

  Will didn’t want to worry Randi, so he held his silence on the potential danger looming from TMI. His beautiful wife looked so fragile and worn. Heart sinking, he quashed any thought of bundling her and the baby in the car to leave town. Instead, Will cradled the newborn in his arms, supporting the head as he’d been taught in childbirth class. He marveled at the child’s tiny size and gently lifted a hand to look at each miniature finger. “Walden, you are perfect.” He gave Randi a long, loving look. “And your mother i
s too.” The baby opened his eyes and stared at Will. “Do you want to go back to your mama? Here she is.” Full of joy and dread, Will placed his son back in Randi’s arms.

  Later, the nurses moved Walden to the nursery down the hall so Randi could sleep. Will had called both Randi’s parents and his own with the news of Walden’s birth. He’d also reached Ruth, still at home. The friendly nurse, who seemed to be working an endless shift, told Will he could sleep in one of the many empty rooms in the delivery wing and arranged a tray of food for him. Exhausted, Will carried the hospital food to a waiting room farther down the hall and turned on the television, keeping the volume low.

  The news did little to calm Will’s fears. The local broadcast focused on the thousands of people who were evacuating the Harrisburg area. As Will watched the crowds escaping this coming disaster, he kicked himself again for not listening to Randi; for not fleeing earlier. She could have delivered the baby in a safe hospital up north where her parents lived. The local station showed a news clip of a man from the NRC, Harold Denton, who had flown into TMI from Washington to take charge of the crisis. The balding man told reporters that the White House was concerned the public wasn’t getting full reports with hard data. Denton and his team were going to do their own inspection of TMI.

  The national news devoted almost half of the show to the crisis. Will’s body went cold at Walter Cronkite’s opening statement. In a serious voice, the country’s most famous newscaster said, “The world has never known a day quite like this. It faces the considerable uncertainties and dangers of the worst nuclear accident of the atomic age.” He went on to warn, “It could get much worse. It is not an atomic explosion that is feared, the experts say that is impossible, but the specter was raised that perhaps the next most serious kind of nuclear catastrophe―a massive release of radioactivity.”

  What about the hydrogen bubble, Will wondered. Wouldn’t that be an atomic explosion? Panicking yet again, he lost track of what Cronkite was saying until, “While it is not likely, the potential is there for the ultimate risk of a meltdown.”