“Hello? Buddy? Yeah, this is Chuck. I know, we were due for a chat an hour ago but life suddenly got complicated. I’m on the road with a very pregnant and gun-shot woman. Yes, it’s Grace. Her crazy mother fired at her twice, and at least one bullet caught her in the arm. Can I come to your clinic? Yes, your in-home clinic would definitely be better. I’m driving an ambulance, so I’ll be easy to spot coming in. Just tell me whether I should come in with lights, siren, or silent. Okay, silent it is. Duh! Especially if we’re going to your house. Do you have a garage this beast will fit in? I don’t want it spotted on the road. No, it’s legal – bought and paid for. I’m pretty sure no one’s following me or even knows my destination. Nope. Only you and I know where we’ll be. She already signed the affidavit for the adoptions, but we didn’t have a witness. I’d rather start from scratch with one signed in New Hampshire. Sort of wish you were a notary, too. You are? Aren’t you a bundle of surprises? Yeah, we’ll find out more about those surprises later. We need to take care of her before we get to know each other better that way. All right. See you soon. Ciao!”
The hypnotic drone of studded tires on asphalt and the gentle swaying of dips and curves disappeared suddenly as the ambulance slowed to a stop at the traffic light,
waking up Grace.
“Hey, there, sleepyhead. How ya’ doing?”
Grace blinked and looked around to see where she was, trying to orient herself. Chuck. Okay, but why are we in a car? Why do these traffic lights and buildings look different? “Where are we?”
“Someplace safe. How’s your arm?”
Pulling herself upright, Grace squeaked in pain. “Ouch! What? Wait just a sec. It’s coming back to me…shot in the arm by my own mother. Damn! Where’s one of your dad’s brownies when I need one?”
“I packed lots of your special comfort food and smokes for you, so don’t worry. But we’ll have to wait a few minutes.” Chuck picked up the map from the center console and flipped on the light, verified his location, then went dark again. “Two more blocks to go and we’re safe. Buddy’s a doctor, too. Actually, he’s an obstetrician. Now, before we get there, are you still certain you want to give these two babies up for adoption?”
“Why do you keep asking me? Yes, I’m certain. I already signed those papers you drew up. I want them safe, out of the spotlight, and in a nice boring community, away from Mother.”
“The only reason I ask is because we never had those papers notarized. I can print up another set and have Buddy notarize them. He has several good couples looking to adopt. You can even interview them if you want.”
“No. I’d prefer it if you would do that part. That is if you don’t mind. Damn. You’ve already cleared half your workdays and all of your weekends for me. Are you going to stay here with me until I deliver, or are you just dumping me on this Dr. Buddy?”
“I’m not dumping you. This is sudden, though. I may have to get an imaginary exotic and highly contagious disease to explain my absence.”
“I’m sure you can think of something. Plus, that would be a good reason for you to stay away from our dads and Silas, too. And as far as my disappearance, why don’t you just leave it alone? If the cops start snooping, they’ll figure out my mother and André are involved and bust them for kidnapping. I wouldn’t put it past her to have already sent a ransom note to my dad.”
“You know, you’re pretty smart for only eighteen.”
“I read a lot of mystery novels.”
“Well, your life would be a good one, at least the last seven months. Hey, look up ahead!”
Grace saw a beautiful house directly ahead, the garage door opening at 3 AM, apparently for them. “Is this the place?”
“I think so,” Chuck said, leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the address on the gatepost. “Yup. We’re home. At least, home for the next month or so.”
Grace sighed and leaned back into the seat. “God, I hope time flies. I am so ready for all this to be over.”
Chuck pulled into the driveway, not commenting aloud on her remark. Me, too, Gracie. Me, too.
A tall dark-skinned man with slicked-back hair in navy blue pajamas pointed the way to the designated parking spot in the large subterranean garage. The stranger waited on the passenger side of the ambulance as Chuck pulled in, his hand raised in a fist to indicate stop. Smiling and nodding a quick silent greeting, he opened the door for Grace. Instinctively, the medic held fast the bloodied sweatshirt being used as a bandage. Ignoring the perfunctory medical attention he had just provided her, he said, “Greetings. You must be Grace.”
“That’s me,” she answered. Grace reached for the dash, using her good hand to help pivot her in the seat, ready to get out.
“Please allow me to assist. I’m sure it’s been a long ride.” Hand out, ready to help her stand, he said, “Your legs may not be ready for your weight.”
Grace stumbled as she exited the vehicle, embarrassed both that he had been right and that he had to catch her to keep her from falling. “What a first impression,” she grumbled, then straightened up. “You must be Buddy.”
Buddy put his arm around her back and under her arm. “My full name is Guamtam Deepak Jeet, but yes, please call me Buddy.” He looked up and saw Chuck watching them. “And you must be Chuck.”
“Charles Darwin Armstrong, but if you call for Charles, I’ll think I’m in trouble and won’t answer.”
“All right, Chuck. If you would, just inside that door, you’ll find a wheelchair. It might be easier on the lady if she rides.”
“I’m no lady. I mean, I’d prefer it if you called me Grace. I’d rather walk, but I’m afraid my legs don’t agree.” She suddenly reached around and clutched at a back spasm, grunting with the unexpected pain. “Back’s a deal-breaker. Bring out the wheelchair.”
“You must let us take care of you,” Buddy said, resisting the urge to give her a hug. “You are a special, strong lady and we want to help you. I will call you Grace, though.”
“Not for long, though. I mean, no offense, but I hope we’re done once this baby thing is over and I’m back…”
Grace sat down hard in the wheelchair, not bothering to finish her sentence. Where was she going after this was over? She had no life now. She still had her father, but how long would she be able to continue to lie about the twins and where they had disappeared to? He’d be heartbroken beyond repair.
“Chuck, can I have a brownie or two?” she asked, then twinged with a fake back spasm. “I’m hurting pretty bad here.”
Buddy looked up at Chuck, curious about what she was asking about.
“Let’s get you checked out first,” Chuck said. “It appears you only have a flesh wound on your arm, but I want to look over everything. It’s been a long journey in more than one way.”
***
December 5, 1991
“Are you sure this is the best place to meet her?” Hal asked Silas.
“A public place, lots of witnesses, plus she’s less likely to run you over with a truck inside a building.”
“We both know she’s desperate, Silas, but I don’t think she’d ever lower herself to drive a work vehicle.”
“Besides the fact that she’d have to step up to get in a truck, from what Grace told me, she’s more of an intimidation expert who likes to throw sneaky punches. Too bad I can’t frisk her before she sits down. Let’s just hope she’s not desperate enough to shoot you for a life insurance policy.”
“Grace is my beneficiary, not her,” Hal said, sipping his coffee, his eyes still focused on the front door.
“That doesn’t mean she didn’t take out a new policy on you. She could do that as your wife.”
Hal turned back and looked at him, wide-eyed.
“Hey, just saying…”
Ding! Ding!
The brass bell on the diner door announced another person coming in. Or two. Victoria had arrived, swathed in a dark blue scarf, sporting oversized sunglasses. André was at her back, holding the door op
en for her. “Thank you, dear,” she said, looking up to the exotic bodybuilder and smiling with feigned sincerity.
She glanced around the room, spotted Hal and Silas in the corner, then sauntered over to their table, leaving André at the door. After waiting a moment for the men to stand up and acknowledge her or offer a seat, she pulled a chair out for herself and sat down gingerly.
The first thing Hal noticed was her nose. It wasn’t the sunglasses that made it look so big, it really was swollen and was painted with a thick coat of foundation. “What happened?” he asked, then chuckled. “Get too close to a mirror?”
“I’m here about our daughter, Grace,” she said haughtily, totally ignoring his comment.
“Since we only have one daughter, I would assume it’s Grace. So, what did you do to her? Where is she?”
Silas noticed Victoria flinch when Hal asked what she had done to Grace, then blanch in confusion at where she was. Apparently, she had done something to her but didn’t know where she was. Keep up the interrogation, Hal. You’re doing great.
“I know Grace is pregnant. Very pregnant. She needs to see a doctor. I made a few calls and my gynecologist can clear his afternoon to see her today.” Victoria babbled her practiced spiel, then paused. Her whole face – save her heavily-painted nose – reddened in embarrassment as she realized what Hal had said. Where is she? She didn’t come home? He doesn’t know anything… I’ve just been given a blank check! He thinks I have her!
“Isn’t anyone going to offer me coffee?” she asked, looking for a waitress, avoiding the truth-seeking stares of Hal and Silas.
Silas took the setting from an empty table, then walked behind the counter and grabbed a full pot of coffee. He set the cup and saucer down with a clatter, then splashed the hot black liquid into it, intentionally overfilling the cup and making a mess. “Better?” he snarled.
Victoria looked up at him with disdain, then down at the cup. She huffed and decided to ignore his rude acquiescence and continue. His impromptu dramatic production had given her enough time to devise a plan. “If you’d like to see our daughter again, you’ll transfer five million dollars into my personal account. I know you have the routing numbers. You’ve been watching it for years,” she said, ending her demand with a slight nervous twitch of her upper lip.
Hal sprung up with rage, knocking the table toward her, the cup of coffee spilling into her lap, causing her to jump, too. He grabbed her by the throat. “Where is she? What did you do to her?” he repeated, this time at full volume, spittle flying from his mouth in uncontrolled rage.
André rushed to her defense, but Silas stepped in front of him. He wasn’t as tall or beefy as the wannabe pornstar boyfriend – and was twice as old – but he had more experience as a bodyguard and it showed. “Don’t!” he commanded, chin out in defiance.
The frightened lover took a step back, hands dropping to his sides in defeat. He’d attached himself to another nut. Defeated and frustrated, he shook his head at the woman who had both run out of money and plans to get more. Time to shut the book on this one.
Ding! Ding!
Hal loosened his grip, brought back to his senses by the sound of the doorbell. He looked away from the terrorized Victoria and saw André leaving, his head still shaking back and forth in disgust. “Looks like someone else is fed up with your lies,” Hal said. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer very soon. He’s ‘cleared his afternoon’ for me,” he added snidely.
“And that’s a cut!” Silas said suddenly and dramatically. He looked around the room as if making sure everything was in place, saluting the non-existent hidden cameras. “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. You’ve just participated in a scene from The Plymouth Chronicles. Watch for it in a theater near you the summer of ’92.”
Hal walked over to the waitress, wearing a grin of embarrassment. “Here,” he said, pressing three hundred-dollar bills into her hand. “I don’t think anything more than a cup or saucer was broken, but we did make a mess. Don’t worry. We won’t be back.”
She looked down at the money, spreading the bills apart to count them. “Come back any time!” she said enthusiastically. “And she really did seem like a bitch. Hope all goes well with the divorce. Oh, and that you find your daughter…”
“Yeah, me, too,” Hal said. “Me, too.”
“What now?” Silas asked once they were out of the café.
“All we can do is hope that Chuck calls in. I really did think that Grace was kidnapped after you found the gatekeeper tied up. Oh, and great call on making my attack on Victoria look like a scene from a movie. That was an Oscar-worthy performance.”
“Yeah, well one thing bothers me – other than where in the hell did Chuck and Grace disappear to and why – is how did Victoria get a broken nose? Lord, I hope Grace did it,” Silas said, opening his car door.
“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?” Hal looked at his watch. “I have time to drop in on my lawyer. I’ll meet you at the compound for dinner. Should I bring fish, beef, or salad?”
“I’ll pick up some crab. You go ahead and grab salad makings. I’m pretty sure there are enough steaks in the freezer for everyone if we want to get that crazy. No telling when Doc’s coming home. He’s making a personal appearance at Chuck’s downtown clinic. Lots of folks remember him from way back when. If Chuck left a clue to where he went, Papa Doc will sniff it out.”
“Yeah, well, according to him, he learned from the best. See you at supper.”
***
Papa Doc pulled up to the gate and rolled down the window. “How’s the head?” he asked the guard.
“I still have a headache, but the embarrassment is the worst part. I’ve been working here for ten years, Doctor Armstrong, and never a lick of trouble. Then one woman comes in and blindsides me.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad it wasn’t something more serious. Let me know if you see either Victoria or that boyfriend of hers snooping around. Don’t engage them; just call me immediately and we’ll go from there. Oh, and anything on my number three son?”
“No, sir. I haven’t heard from or seen him in about a week.”
“All right. I’m in for the evening,” Papa Doc said, then drove up to the house, frustrated, defeated, but still hopeful.
As soon as he walked in the door, Silas looked up, suddenly crestfallen that Doc was alone. “So, I guess it’s just three old bachelors for dinner? Anyhow, what did you find out downtown?”
“Chuck sent a fax in from a restricted phone number. ‘We’ve been exposed to Ebola virus. Must stay isolated to protect all. Chuck.’” Papa Doc crumpled up the copy of the fax and tossed it into the trash.
“Hey, maybe there’s a clue or two on there,” Silas said.
“Already found it. Chuck’s saying, ‘Leave us alone for a while. We have some crap we have to work through.’ Damn. I know he cares a lot for that woman, even if he is gay. Still, he’s taking her away from her father,” Doc said, looking at Hal.
“I’ve seen those two together,” Hal said. “He’s doing it because she wants him to, not the other way around. All we can do is be patient. If we stir up crap, this place will be a feeding frenzy for the press. Keep on keeping on so the roads remain clear and unwatched, ready for them when they decide to come home.”
“Them and the babies,” Papa Doc said hopefully.
Hal and Silas looked at each other and winced. Either Doc hadn’t noticed that Grace hadn’t ordered one piece of baby clothing or furniture, or he was choosing to ignore that glaring fact. Either way, neither of them would bring it up.
Chapter 11
Oblivion
December 3, 1991
“Not much needed for that,” Chuck said, sealing the gauze on Grace’s upper arm with adhesive tape. “You were lucky.”
“Will it scar?”
“Probably,” Chuck said, “but you can say you walked into a sharp branch or fell on a piece of pipe if you don’t want bragging rights about being shot at close ran
ge by a crazy woman.” He kissed her on top of the head. “Now, how is everything else?”
“I hurt everywhere. I feel like I’m a gray whale trapped in a harbor seal’s body: bloated and ugly and ready to pop out of my skin no matter what.” Grace looked over at Buddy, waiting silently on a stool in the corner. She knew he was letting Chuck take care of her injury before intruding on her emotionally delicate situation. Both men were handsome, gentle, and considerate: no wonder they were attracted to each other.
“Buddy, do you want to check me out so you two can have some time getting acquainted? I’m sure you have a place for me to sleep when you’re done. Or at least, try to sleep. I can’t find a comfortable position these days, but I’m still willing to look for one.”
“Yes, I have a room. How about you lie back, so I can listen to those three heartbeats.”
“Three?” Grace squealed.
Chuck, standing behind Grace and out of her line of sight, frowned at Buddy. “Three,” Buddy clarified with a nervous smile. “The two babies and yours.”
“Oh, yeah. I guess I wasn’t thinking of it like that.”
“Can I check her BP for you?” Chuck asked, trying not to flirt but still remain helpful and close at the same time.
“Yes, please,” Buddy said. “May I?” he asked Grace, his hand on the hem of her maternity shirt.
“Go for it,” she said, then tried to relax into the examination table. “Chuck said twins usually come early. Please tell me he’s right? I don’t want to wait six more weeks.”
“Usually two weeks early is fine. As long as the babies are around five pounds each, they should be healthy enough to live outside of the mother. The lungs are usually developed by then.”
“Four more weeks to go?”
“Yes, but I can make your wait much more comfortable. Hold still a moment and let me listen to heartbeats. Then I have a surprise for you; one you will be very happy with.”
The Set Up (Triplets: Three Aren't One Book 1) Page 11