by Carrie Carr
"What's going on?" Another woman came into the office and stood next to Katie.
"I think I may have screwed up," Katie confessed. She turned and had trouble looking her boss, Delores, in the eye. "What's the policy for family members picking up children?"
Delores had been running the preschool for years, and didn't like the tone in employee's voice. "Why?"
"A little girl's grandmother came in, and I don't think the girl wanted to go with her. But she had proper identification."
"Was she on the approved list?"
Katie frowned. "What list? No one ever said--"
Delores pushed by her and opened the bottom drawer of the desk. "What was the child's name?"
"Um, Lorrie. Lorrie Walters." Katie looked over Delores shoulder as the older woman flipped through the files. "What's that?"
"Her file. Any time someone comes in and wants to pick up a child and you don't know who they are, you have to bring out the file and check for instructions." Delores used her index finger to follow the information on the page. "Damn!"
"What?"
Delores picked up the phone. "Only the parents are authorized, unless they call and tell us otherwise." She dialed the contact number on the paper. "This is not good."
BUSINESS SLOWED AT the diner. The lunch crowd was thinning out, and only a few stragglers were left. Lex sat at the counter, working on her third cup of coffee. The newspaper that rested beside her empty plate had kept her occupied for quite a while, but now that she was finished with her meal, Lex was bored.
Francine came by with the coffee pot. "Another refill?"
"Nope. I've been goofing off long enough." Lex took out her wallet and laid several bills on the counter. "Has Monty been in today? I was supposed to meet him about some horses he had for sale."
The waitress picked up the ticket and cash, and was about to give Lex her change, when she was waved off. "Thanks, hon." She pocketed the generous tip and winked at her benefactor. "Actually, I haven't seen him around in a couple of days."
"Damn. Guess we'll get together some other time." Lex folded the paper up neatly and set it on the next barstool. As she stood, her cell phone rang. "Hello?" She only had to listen for a moment before understanding that something was very wrong. "I'm on my way." Lex raced out of the diner, almost knocking down a man as he came inside. She muttered an apology but didn't slow down.
She was in the truck in seconds, with her cell phone tucked between her ear and shoulder. "How long ago did they leave? What was she driving?" Lex didn't bother to buckle her seatbelt as she started the vehicle. "What idiot let that woman leave with my daughter?" She slammed the truck into reverse and wheeled away from the diner. "I am calm, Delores."
A horn blasted to the left of her, making Lex realize she ran a red light. "Do you know which direction she went?" The truck fishtailed as she turned the corner. "Dammit! No, not you. I'm on my way. Call the sheriff." Lex tossed the cell phone into the seat beside her.
The streets were fairly deserted, so Lex felt comfortable speeding up. As she headed toward an intersection, the light began to change. She gunned the engine and raced through, ignoring the siren that soon followed. The flashing lights she saw in her rear view mirror were merely an annoyance, and the congested intersection ahead was the only reason she stopped. Lex slammed her hands on the steering wheel. "Get out of my way, dammit!"
Jeremy had been surprised by the vision of Lex's truck racing by, until he heard the bulletin come across the radio. He got out of his car and walked toward the truck. Once he reached the window, he tapped on it. "Lex, I need to talk to you."
She rolled the window down. "I don't have time, Jeremy. Write me a ticket if you want, but that crazy bitch--"
"I know." The radio on his belt crackled.
Another officer's voice came through loud and clear. "This is Oscar. The suspect passed me, going west on Fillmore. I think she's heading toward the Sunset Lodge motel."
Jeremy clicked the mike that was positioned on his lapel. "That sounds about right, Oscar. From our recent surveillance, it's where she's been staying. Are you still in your personal car?"
"Yeah. Do you want me to follow her?"
"Only from a distance. I don't want her spooked." Jeremy knocked on the truck's door. "Don't worry, Lex. We'll get her back." He jogged to his car.
Lex looked in her side mirror. "Not without me, you're not." She glanced to the right, and drove her truck onto the sidewalk. There was no way she'd sit back and let them go after Elizabeth without her.
THE MOTEL WHERE she had been staying was billed as the nicest in town. To Elizabeth, it was still a dump. She did consider it fortuitous that she was able to park right in front of her room, instead of having to go through a lobby. Especially now that she was saddled with a screaming child. She took Lorrie out of the safety seat. "Would you shut up? I've had about all I can stand of your whining."
"No! I want my momma!" Lorrie kicked at Elizabeth, who dragged her out of the car and into the room. "Momma!"
Elizabeth pushed her into the bathroom and closed the door.
"Stay in there until you calm down, you ungrateful little brat. I've got plans to make, and your nasty little attitude isn't helping." She picked up the room phone and was about to dial out when she heard sirens in the distance. "That's impossible."
She went to the window and peeked through the curtains. There were several cars in the parking lot, but nothing stirred. "I think I'll go see what's happening." She opened the door and raised her voice, to be heard over Lorrie's pounding of the bathroom door. "Grandmother will be back soon, dear. Be good." Elizabeth walked calmly to the end of the building and looked around the corner. She saw several police cars, and realized her plan was unraveling. "Damn! Will nothing go my way?" She hurried to the room and grabbed her purse. A fast retreat seemed the best course of action.
It wasn't hard to leave unnoticed. Elizabeth used the parked vehicles as cover, and watched in amusement as several deputies ran into the motel's office. "Idiots." She knew there was a car rental office across the street, and decided it was time to get a new vehicle.
MARTHA HUNG UP the phone and closed her eyes. Charlie had told her everything he knew, including how Lex was out somewhere "in vigilante mode". He promised he'd call as soon as he knew anything. She only hoped it would be good news. The thought of telling Amanda what was happening worried her. The last few weeks had been rough on the pregnant woman, and Martha feared the toll this would take on her health.
The day-to-day stresses of living with an energetic three-year-old were wearing Amanda down, no matter how she tried to convince everyone to the contrary. Her blood pressure was up, and it was almost impossible for her to get any rest.
"Who was that on the phone?" Amanda came into the kitchen and sat at the table. Her feet and back were taking turns at which hurt the most. "Is Lex on her way home?"
Martha turned from the counter and tried to paste a smile on her face. "No, that was Charlie. I haven't heard from Lexie today." She hoped she could get away with the little white lie. Unable to keep still, she poured a glass of milk and placed it in front of Amanda, then sat next to her.
"That's sweet he still calls you during the day." Amanda took a sip and savored the feel of the cold beverage sliding down her throat. "Oh, that's good." A strong kick from her unborn child caused her to wince. "Someone's active today." She placed her palm on her stomach. "I think she misses her sister. Lorrie's been talking to the baby a lot lately."
The mention of Lorrie brought tears to Martha's eyes. "Oh, that sweet angel." She turned her head away.
"Martha?" Amanda touched her on the back. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." But Martha sniffled and wiped her face with the ever-present dishcloth.
That was more than enough to alarm Amanda. "It wasn't a social call from Charlie, was it?" She waited until Martha turned around. "Is it Lex? Oh, God. Not Lorrie? Please tell me what's happening."
Martha took Amanda's ha
nds in hers and tried to impart all the strength she had into their connection. "As far as we know, she's fine. But your mother took Lorrie from the daycare."
"Oh no." Amanda's heart began to pound. "When? Where's Lex?"
"A little over an hour ago. But they called Lexie immediately, and the entire sheriff's department is looking for her." Martha rubbed her thumbs across Amanda's knuckles. "Evidently, Lexie is out looking for her, too."
Amanda lurched to her feet. "I've got to get to town. What if something happens? I need to be there." She started to leave the kitchen, when a sudden cramp seized her and caused her to double over. "Oh, God."
LEX WAS IN a panic. Although she knew approximately where the motel was, she made several wrong turns in her haste to get there. The truck skidded through a patch of water, and she was barely able to keep it on the road. With a curse, Lex turned onto Fillmore Street.
She could see the flashing lights of several sheriffs' department cars, and was so focused on them she didn't see the person who ran in front of her truck until it was too late. She slammed the brakes and turned the wheel sharply, but the vehicle was still moving fast when it hit the body. The airbag deployed, causing Lex's head to snap with enough force for her to see stars. A thin trickle of blood ran from one nostril, although she was too stunned to realize it.
Once her vision cleared, Lex got out of the truck and stumbled to the front, where she saw the crumpled form of Elizabeth Cauble partially under the vehicle. She dropped to her knees and fought the urge to throw up. Blood was beginning to pool around the unconscious woman's head, and her left leg was twisted at an unnatural angle. Lex was about to check for a pulse when a deputy knelt beside her.
"You'd better not touch her, Lex. I saw what happened, and an ambulance is on the way." Russell put his hand on her arm and turned her to face him. "How about you? Are you okay?"
Still in shock, Lex continued to stare at Elizabeth's motionless body. "It happened so fast. She came out of nowhere."
"I know. There was no way you could have avoided her. She ran from between two cars. I didn't even see her until I heard--"
"Heard me hit her. Yeah." Lex rubbed her face with one hand.
Russell helped Lex to her feet as several firemen moved in. They stood nearby while the men worked to save Elizabeth's life. "Come on. I'm going to have to get your statement."
Lex brushed his hand away. "Later. Have you found my daughter?"
"I'm not sure. We've got guys searching the area, but--" Russell was speaking to an empty space, as Lex ran toward the motel.
Her boots pounded against the pavement of the parking lot, and Lex's lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen while she ran as fast as she could. As she got closer, she saw Jeremy open one of the rooms and go inside. Lex headed toward him, fighting off the men who tried to stop her.
Oscar grabbed her arm. "You can't go in there, Lex. We have to secure the area."
"Back off, Oscar." Lex jerked away and shoved him, which brought three other deputies over to subdue her. "Dammit, let go of me." She kicked one of the men, and elbowed another in the ribs.
Wayne, one of the older deputies, brought out his heavy flashlight and slammed it into the middle of her back, dropping Lex to her knees. He'd never liked the woman, his animosity going all the way to high school. Not convinced that Lex was under control, he pulled it back to swing again, but had it taken away by Oscar.
"Hold it." Oscar knelt beside Lex, who had her head bowed and was breathing heavily. "You okay?"
Lex slowly got to her feet. "Yeah." She gave Wayne a dirty look. "Touch me again and I'll shove that flashlight up your ass." Her attention moved to the motel room door, when Jeremy came out, carrying a hysterical Lorrie. Lex pushed through the group of deputies and took Lorrie into her arms. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm here." She quickly checked her daughter over, to assure herself she was all right.
A fireman started to take Lorrie, but the look on Lex's face caused him to take his hand away. "Ma'am, we need to take her to the hospital, to be sure."
"I'll do it." Lex cradled Lorrie to her chest, stroking her hair and whispering words of comfort. In moments, the exhausted child was asleep in her arms.
Charlie, finally arriving on the scene, moved through the crowd. "Lex, I'll take you." He put his arm around her waist and led her to his car. "I don't want you to get any more upset, but Amanda's there."
Someone had taken the child seat Charlie kept in his trunk and placed it in the backseat of his squad car. Lex buckled Lorrie in and sat beside her. "What do you mean she's there? How'd she know to--"
"She didn't. Martha brought her in." Charlie started the car and eased it through the crowded parking lot.
Lex leaned over the seat and grabbed his shoulder. "What?
Dammit, Charlie, what's going on?"
He flipped on the siren and sped through the streets. "She collapsed. I don't know all the particulars yet." Charlie glanced at her reflection in the rear view mirror. "The doctors were checking her out when I left."
"God no." Lex ignored the tears falling down her cheeks as she struggled to keep from completely losing her composure.
Chapter Thirty-Four
VOICES AND MACHINERY came together in a frenetic symphony, as the emergency room doctors and nurses worked together. Their focus was on a frail form, which was barely recognizable beneath their hands.
One leg was immobilized in an air cast. Elizabeth's left arm hung limply from the table, dried blood covering her painted red nails.
"I'm not getting a pulse," a nurse announced, her gloves stained with blood.
The doctor looked at a monitor, where a long tone and flat lines verified what he already knew. "We've done all we can do." He raised his eyes to the clock on the wall. "Time of death, four twenty-six."
THE HOSPITAL STAFF tried to take Lorrie from her, but Lex wouldn't let go. She sat on the edge of the stretcher with Lorrie in her lap. The last thing she wanted was for her daughter to be alone around strangers.
Lorrie clung to Lex fearfully, and only allowed the physician the barest contact. She tucked her head against her mother's chest and whimpered as the doctor listened to her lungs.
"She seems fine, Ms. Walters. I don't see any indications of abuse." The doctor removed his stethoscope and let it hang freely from his neck. He snapped off his gloves and tossed them in the nearby trash. "You may want to have her pediatrician give her a more thorough exam though."
"I'll do that." Lex looked down at the child in her arms. "Are we done here?"
He nodded. "Give us a call if you need anything else."
"Thanks." Lex stood and left the room, anxious to find Amanda. When she saw Charlie leaving the elevator, she picked up her pace to meet him. "Did you find out anything?"
He lightly grasped her arm and guided Lex to the elevator. "She's upstairs and the doctor's with her."
They rode the elevator in silence, both too caught up in their thoughts to speak. Lorrie dozed off during the ride, her day finally catching up to her.
When the doors opened, they were quickly met by Martha. Her reddened eyes spoke volumes. "I'm so glad you're here."
"How is she?" Lex wanted to brush by her, but Martha placed her hands against her hips.
"Dr. Vaughn is still in there." Martha touched Lorrie's head. "How's this little angel doing?"
Lex swallowed hard and bit her lip. "The doc said she's fine, only exhausted." Her legs shook when the day's events finally hit her. Only Charlie's strong grip kept Lex from falling.
He guided her to a chair in the nearby waiting room. "Might as well take a seat. There's no telling how long the doctor will be in with Amanda." He sat on one side of her, while Martha took the other.
"I should be in there with her." Lex was about to stand again when Lorrie opened her eyes.
"Momma?" Lorrie touched Lex's cheek. "I wanna go home."
Lex blinked the tears out of her eyes. "I know, baby. We will later." She turned her head and kissed Lor
rie's palm. "How are you feeling?"
"Love you, Momma." Lorrie giggled when Lex nibbled on her fingers. The earlier terrors had already begun to fade from her memory.
The door to Amanda's room opened and Dr. Vaughn stepped out. She brushed one hand through her hair and glanced around. When she saw Lex, she took a deep breath and went to stand in front of her. "I'm glad you're here."
Lex quickly stood. "How is she?"
"I'm not going to lie to you, it could have become very serious." Dr. Vaughn held up her hand to stop Lex from replying. "Thankfully, your mother got her here quickly, and we were able to stop the contractions."
"Contractions? You mean she went into labor?" Without being aware of it, Lex allowed Martha to take Lorrie, who went willingly into her arms. When her hands began to shake, she tucked them into her pockets. "Is the baby okay?"
Dr. Vaughn finally smiled. "They're both fine. But I'm going to have to insist she stay here with us until the baby's born. Her blood pressure worries me, and if we don't get it under control, I don't see any way she can deliver this baby without a caesarean." At Lex's pale look she patted her arm in reassurance. "I plan on doing everything I can to make this as smooth a delivery as possible. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it."
"All right." Lex exhaled heavily. "Can I see her now?"
"She was resting when I left, but as long as you don't upset her, I think it'll be okay."
"Thanks." Although she felt like hugging the doctor over the positive news, Lex settled for shaking her hand. She gave her a bashful smile and hurried to Amanda's room, where she stood at the door for a moment, before straightening her shoulders and going inside.
CHARLIE WAS LEFT by himself while Martha took Lorrie to the bathroom. He stood, stretched, and was caught off guard when he heard Wayne's voice behind him. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be guarding Elizabeth Cauble. I don't want that woman to have any opportunity to get loose."