Steve pulled the van into a small parking lot along the pier. “I’ll pick you up at that signpost we passed back there.” He watched as Lori gathered her backpack and sketch pad. “Don’t be late.”
“Steve, honey, I know what I’m doing, don’t worry about me. For the first few days no one will even notice I’m there. We’ve been through all that.” Lori leaned forward for a kiss. “It’s one-thirty, what time you want to pick me up?”
“How about right now, good-lookin’?” He glanced sideways at her. “You’ll see me soon. Look over there by the water, I can see the house and you if I’m standing in that spot.”
Lori looked to where Steve was pointing to the edge of the water on the beach. “You’re going to stand in the same place for possibly weeks?”
“You’ll see, my love.” Steve smiled broadly.
Lori closed the door and watched the van drive away.
* * * * *
At a large table in the dining room, Kevin and Cassie were introduced to the other members of the little family they had joined. Dr. Winthrop had said there were twelve single women and two couples. Women barely fit the description. Some were no older than fifteen or sixteen.
The two couples were both older. Jason and Jessica were eighteen. The other two, Matt and Sarah, were both twenty. Dr. Stanton, one of the two other doctors mentioned earlier, was present along with one of the volunteers.
Everyone was friendly and polite, making it nearly impossible for Cassie and Kevin to believe all the rumored horrific happenings could be true. Neither of them picked up on any bad feelings amongst the residents or staff.
The first day came to a close for everyone except Rick, whose night shift was just beginning. Steve picked Lori up from town and she informed Rick that Cassie and Kevin’s room faced the side street which led to the beach. Kevin had sauntered across the street when he spotted Lori and stopped long enough to tie his shoe while giving their location.
Steve hadn’t appeared in town before the pickup time, but his smile had Lori wondering what he was up to. Whatever it was, Elena must have been involved too because she was no longer moping around. She also seemed to have something in mind.
At nightfall, Rick found a hiding place within striking distance of the house. He wouldn’t have to worry about falling asleep since the ground was hard and uncomfortable. He wasn’t worried though, sleep was never a top priority when he had something to concentrate on and now, because the something involved his wife, he’d stay awake just fine.
With dinner over and the new residents properly welcomed, Cassie and Kevin walked upstairs to their room.
Inside, Kevin pointed to the bed. “You take the bed. I’ll take the floor.”
“Kevin, we don’t know the routine here,” Cassie protested. “Maybe they send someone in after only one knock. How are we going to explain you sleeping on the floor? It’s okay, we’re not in high school. However, you probably should turn around while I put on my pajamas.”
Clearing his throat, Kevin turned around and laughed. She was wearing one of Rick’s T-shirts, which fit her like a gown.
Kevin relaxed and got into the bed, but Cassie walked to the window. Rick was out there somewhere. She held her hand against the glass for a moment then got in bed.
“Rick says I steal the covers.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Kevin whispered. “Good night.”
Rick had seen Cassie in the window and then the lights going out. Sighing softly he leaned back against the hard wall of the stone building and waited for dawn. She’s safe right now, he thought, then frowned when the words for how long crept into his mind.
The touch of soft raindrops falling on his face brought Rick’s eyes wide open. Damn, he’d fallen asleep. Elena was right, he needed more sleep than three hours and he needed more caffeine. He also hadn’t thought of rain when planning on sitting in the bushes for nights on end. Looking at his watch he saw it was just after five in the morning, only an hour after the last time he’d checked. It would be light soon, time he left his hiding place and headed for the pickup point to meet Steve.
Assured no one was around, Rick slowly walked down the side street. He glanced up at the window he’d seen Cassie in and to his surprise she was peering through the glass. He couldn’t risk waving, but Cassie could and did. She was able to see a glimmer of white and knew Rick was smiling enough to show teeth. Then he disappeared from view.
By the time Rick reached the highway, he found Steve waiting in the van. “Sleep well?” Steve grinned.
“Go to hell,” Rick growled in Steve’s direction.
“No thanks,” Steve retorted. “I’ve already been there too many times with you. Come on, Rick, this will be over with soon enough.”
“One way or the other,” Rick said softly.
Back at the beach house Rick walked directly to the bedroom and shut the door.
“He’s not in the best of shape for this,” Steve whispered. “I sure hope they find out something soon.”
Lori nodded and went to the kitchen to make coffee.
Minutes later, when the first aroma from the coffeepot became noticeable, Rick walked back into the room. Again, Steve and Lori exchanged one of the many looks Rick had inspired over the years. Ignoring the looks and Steve and Lori, Rick poured his coffee and walked outside toward the water.
“Damn it!” Steve hissed. He glanced at Lori, then walked out the door. “Jarrett!” Steve bellowed, “Get your ass into bed. I told you yesterday, I wasn’t letting you put Lori at risk by her worrying more about you than who was around her. I know you don’t give a hoot about me or Lori right now, so think of Cassie.”
Rick threw the coffee cup across the sand and stood up. “She’s all I’m thinking about.” His brow was creased, but he lacked the conviction to be a threat to Steve.
The two men looked each other in the eye, then very slowly Rick returned to the house. Lori raised her eyes when he entered the room, but she didn’t say anything. Rick nodded at her and Elena and once again closed the door to the bedroom. Seeing Rick disappear into the bedroom as he entered the house, Steve smiled. Elena and Lori also smiled and the three baby-sitters enjoyed a quiet breakfast.
At seven-thirty, Cassie heard a quiet knock. Opening the door, she found Amy, the same girl who let them in the house the day before.
“I was sent to wake you up,” the girl nearly shouted. “We have breakfast at nine o’clock and we help each other.”
“I’ll be down in a minute, okay?” Cassie said. “I need to wake Joe and get dressed.”
“Oh, you don’t have to cook this morning, they just want you there to eat. They’re very big on feeding us lots here, but I barf most of it up.” Amy rolled her eyes.
Oh, thanks for sharing, Cassie groaned inwardly, understanding the feeling. “I’ll see you in a little bit,” she said and closed the door. She returned to the bed and shook Kevin’s shoulders gently. “Wake up, Joe Jones.”
Kevin sat up, momentarily forgetting the situation. Then he smiled. “Rick was right, you do steal the covers.”
They laughed and proceeded to get ready for the day and anything else that might follow.
The breakfast table wasn’t as full as the dinner table had been. It seemed that a few of the girls tended to barf most of it up, as Amy had so delicately phrased it. Amy was three months pregnant. Her pregnancy had come about with the help of a sweet-talking older boy that threw her over for another girl when he discovered she was pregnant. The stories passed around the table by the younger girls were similar. Some hadn’t made a decision about whether they would keep their babies, but most seemed to have a few months to make that decision.
One girl, Natalie, was very close to her time. Cassie and Kevin felt fear for the girl, but relief for themselves if it meant that some action might happen that much sooner. Kevin would keep his eye on the girl and hopefully be able to talk to the other fathers soon, as well. The two young men seemed friendly enough, but not as much with Ke
vin as they were with Cassie. Kevin chalked it up to immaturity.
At dinner the previous night, everyone had been calm, but now the morning brought an atmosphere of tension. If something happened during the night, Rick would have spotted and acted upon it. He wouldn’t have smiled at Cassie, either. Whatever caused the change in attitude, Kevin would have to discover it on his own by making friends with the two other fathers-to-be.
With breakfast over, the girls began clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. Cassie took her cue and started helping. Kevin followed the two young men, Jason and Matt. They went upstairs to a small room where there were various paint supplies and tools.
Matt handed Kevin a pair of overalls. “I hope you like removing paint.”
“Earn our keep, right?” Kevin asked. The other two young men smiled slightly and walked out of the room. Kevin once again followed them. At least they’d smiled.
* * * * *
Lori and Steve’s day didn’t start as early as Kevin and Cassie’s. They wouldn’t head back in town until eleven o’clock so that gave Lori time to continue preparing her sketches. Steve was checking that everything was set for the day when Rick walked out of the bedroom and stopped suddenly.
“What the hell is all that?” he asked.
“Rick, my friend, I think this is going to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever worked on with you,” Steve said casually. He wore a fisherman’s vest full of tackle and had a pole suitable for shore fishing.
“You’re going fishing?” Rick asked, his mouth agape. “That’s how you’re going watch out for—”
“Watch out for what, Rick?” Steve interrupted. “Like Elena here, I didn’t have any assigned task other to taxi Lori and you back and forth. I figured this way I could keep an eye on Lori, watch the house and show Martin that I’m still the better fisherman.”
Rick looked at his friend in amazement. “I hate to admit it, but you make sense. I’ll go with you.”
“No way,” Steve responded. “You don’t exactly have what it takes to be a fisherman on the beach, pal. I can stand there for days and no one will notice me. You’re too antsy.” He moved his head in Elena’s direction. “If Lori’s going to draw her, I figure she needs a reason to be in town and what better reason than to be on a fishing trip with her Uncle Steve? Right, Elena honey?”
“Right,” Elena answered, glancing at Rick. “If I see Cassie, do you want me to give her a message?”
Rick moved close to the girl and kissed her forehead. “That’s the message.” Elena laughed and walked outside. Rick turned back at Steve who was now wearing a floppy fishing hat complete with fishhooks. “You look ridiculous, but then again you will fit in just fine.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Look Steve, if you see her…”
“I know.” Steve grinned and slapped Rick’s back gently. “I’ll see you later.” He then joined the women outside as Rick closed the door behind him.
Chapter Eleven
Cassie held her breath as Dr. Winthrop listened first to her heartbeat and then to the baby’s.
“I want you to start taking these vitamins and be sure to eat plenty of the food provided for you. A lot of young mothers today worry about too much weight gain, but I’m more concerned about your baby being healthy.”
“I won’t argue with you, Dr. Winthrop,” Cassie answered. “Did everything sound fine?”
“Yes, for not having medical attention until now, you’re in splendid shape,” Dr. Winthrop assured Cassie. “After lunch you and Joe should get some fresh air, he’s been removing paint all morning so I’m sure he’ll be happy to go outside. Exercise is also important for you.”
Cassie smiled. This man was so kindhearted it was difficult to suspect he had any involvement in selling babies or mothers. But nice people were often involved with bad people. Cassie had learned that lesson very well.
“Thank you, Dr. Winthrop.” She left the office in search of Kevin.
Lori positioned herself just to the side of the house, giving her a clear view of the front and side doors. It also gave Steve a clear view of her from his position on the beach. Elena sunbathed nearby.
The initial sketch of the house was complete so now Lori could focus on the people. Throughout the afternoon she’d observed only two girls strolling by. Once Kevin stepped out on the porch to verify Lori’s presence, but he hadn’t gone any closer.
As Steve watched Lori he soon realized that it would be a challenge to keep people from gathering around her work. Artists were a regular fixture and the locals always wanted to see their works in progress. Steve had to be content that it was broad daylight and no one suspected Lori of any wrongdoings. Therefore she would be safe. Kevin and Cassie, on the other hand would be more of a concern being inside with no way to communicate other than a chance meeting outside.
The afternoon had been quiet along the beach with only Steve and Elena taking advantage of the sun and surf. His back was to the house when Steve heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Any luck, handsome?”
He turned and smiled. “Hey Cass,” he said softly. “Should you be out here alone?”
“I’m not alone.” She gestured to where Kevin was heading in their direction. “We have to keep walking, how’s Rick?”
“He’s fine, so far. We’ve only had to threaten him twice.”
“Keep it up.” Cassie grinned and turned to greet Kevin.
Elena glanced at Kevin and smiled, but she remained silent. Kevin nodded at Steve then took Cassie’s hand and continued down the beach.
“Rick sure wouldn’t like that,” Steve said absently.
“I think everyone assumes too much about Rick’s feelings,” Elena said. “He wouldn’t mind any more than I do. Cassie and Kevin are just doing a job like the rest of us are.”
“Whatever you say, Elena honey,” Steve said as he cast his line into the sea.
* * * * *
Rick’s prediction that the job would be a waiting game was correct. After three days, Steve caught so many fish that he suddenly found himself surrounded by other fishermen who had become convinced that Elena must be a good luck charm. Not wanting to draw too much attention, Steve moved himself and Elena off the beach and onto a pier, which would still enable him to see the house.
Since Steve could no longer watch Lori personally, Elena was put into her posing-for-the-artist duties. Cassie and Kevin stopped to admire the artist’s work a few times and in doing so, Cassie learned that while he was still very uncomfortable with the entire situation, Rick was settled into enough of a routine for the rest of them to not worry about him.
Rick spent the days trying to sleep and the nights trying to stay awake. He realized that his hands were tied for the most part regarding the activities in town. He had to trust Kevin and that bothered him, though he was careful not to say anything in front of Elena. He did enjoy hearing that Kevin spent most of the time removing the paint from the woodwork. And he smiled broadly when Lori relayed Cassie’s complaint that cooking for so many people wasn’t her idea of being an active member of a Technician Team.
Once it was revealed that Cassie knew what she was doing in the kitchen, she had become sort of the chef in charge. She was also aware that since she was the oldest of the young mothers she was being looked at as someone the younger girls could talk to easily. This was a good thing, giving Cassie the opportunity to question certain facts without the girls realizing that they were being interrogated.
The older girls, Jessica and Sarah, kept to themselves and wouldn’t talk to Cassie unless asked specific questions. Kevin wasn’t able to get too close to their boyfriends either. There seemed to be truth to the fact that if a young mother was lucky enough to have someone with her, she may not be at risk. Jessica was seven months pregnant and Sarah was just entering her sixth month. Yet it was Natalie whose time was quickly approaching. And Natalie was alone. Cassie tried talking to her, but the poor girl seemed afraid of her own shadow.
Convinced Natali
e must have heard rumors about the babies and mothers disappearing, Cassie realized that she needed to gain the girl’s trust. She began by asking Natalie to spend free time with her and Kevin. Within a couple of days the girl had relaxed enough to join them when they walked along the beach.
For the first time since moving into the house, Cassie and Kevin were about to experience their first birth there. They returned early from taking Natalie for a walk because she had complained of a stomachache. Assuming it may be more than that, Cassie summoned Dr. Stanton. He verified that Natalie was indeed in labor and called upon Dr. Winthrop.
It was late afternoon and since babies took their time coming into the world, everyone was instructed to go about their usual duties. Most of the girls were nervous not only for Natalie, but for themselves thinking about when they went into labor.
The two volunteers who were there tried to keep the girls busy with the daily tasks, which now involved getting dinner ready. This brought Cassie back into the kitchen. She hadn’t seen Kevin since they had brought Natalie back. Every now and then Natalie’s cries could be heard, but the volunteers wouldn’t allow the other girls to dwell on it. Cassie may have been older, but she wasn’t above feeling ill at ease with the situation, either. She felt guilty knowing that she would be in a real hospital when her child was born.
Dinner was served at the usual time. Dr. Winthrop joined them long enough to eat and explain that Natalie’s labor might go on for some time since this was her first child and because she was so young.
Cassie and Kevin exchanged an uneasy glance. Was Natalie possibly going to die tonight, too? Or maybe her baby would?
With the promise of something happening during the night, Cassie and Kevin would stay awake in the hopes of not only helping Natalie, but also discovering what was really going on in the house.
My ShadowMy Love Page 15