Carson, who had one arm around her waist and his head on her shoulder, mumbled and nuzzled her neck. Shivers of delight shimmered down her spine and she rested her cheek against the thick mop of caramel-colored hair beneath her face. She awoke with a jolt when the flight attendants voice came over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re preparing for descent into Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. Please place your seats in an upright position and prepare for landing.”
Carson urged Lorelei and Laurel to remain seated. “Let’s wait until the plane clears a bit.” When the last person passed their seats, he rose and gathered their carry-on luggage.
The fear and uncertainty in Lorelei’s gaze cut like a knife in his heart but he had no idea how to reassure her. The three made their way off the plane and waited in baggage claim for Princess to be unloaded. Animals could be heard whining, but his dog lay like a champ in her kennel without the slightest whimper. That is, until she spotted Laurel. He chuckled at her pitiful howls.
`”Can I pet her just a bit?” Laurel asked.
“Yeah just a little,” he said, as he picked up the kennel. They walked to an unoccupied area and he allowed Laurel to open the door of the cage long enough for a few quick pats and hugs.
“Why don’t you go ahead to the rental car station and we’ll wait right here for you.” Lorelei suggested.
Carson shook his head. “I’m not leaving you two alone with her locked up in this thing. Once she settles down, we’ll go together.”
An hour later they were loaded up and on their way. Carson glanced at his watch and realized though his family may be rising, it was still too early for them to bombard the house. He glanced in Lorelei’s direction. “How about we make a pass through a drive-in for breakfast and find someplace Princess can run for a bit?”
“That would be great,” Lorelei said.
“Yeah, I’m starved.” Laurel chimed.
Carson chuckled. “You’re always starved.”
He pulled into the first fast-food place that served breakfast and placed their orders then drove to a roadside park with a designated pet area.
“Why don’t you take Princess for a quick run, Laurel? Then we’ll eat.”
She did. Five minutes later she joined him and Lorelei at the picnic table. Once seated, she chattered away, asking questions about his family.
Lorelei rubbed her temples with a weary sigh. “Laurel, please.”
Carson laughed. “It’s OK. I promise you’ll meet every member of my family before the weekend is over.”
Laurel finished her meal, and then ran off with Princess again. Carson rose to throw away the trash then held a hand toward Lorelei. “Let’s take a walk.”
They strolled around the park hand-in-hand, careful to keep Laurel and Princess in their sight. When they returned, Carson rested against the picnic table and pulled her in his arms. He lifted her chin in a tender gesture and waited until she lifted a wary gaze to meet his. “Do you trust me, Lorelei?”
She nodded.
“Good. Because we have nothing without trust. I promise everything will be fine, so try to relax and enjoy yourself. OK?”
She blinked hard to stop the flood of tears and swallowed hard.
He traced her bottom lip with his thumb. His voice lowered a notch. “I love you, Lorelei. I won’t let anything happen to you or Laurel.”
Lorelei wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his heart. “I love you, too,” she whispered.
He held her until the morning chill seeped through the warmth of their jackets. Shifting her in his embrace, he brushed his lips over hers in a sweet caress then whistled for Laurel and Princess. After everyone loaded up and buckled in, he drove the few miles to his home on the outskirts of town. A poignant silence filled the vehicle when he pulled into the drive and stopped in front of the old house.
“Oh, man, I’ve missed this place.”
Before anyone could utter a response the door flew open and people bounded down the steps. Carson laughed and bolted out of the truck to be swept into a group hug. Princess tugged against the hold Laurel had on her and woofed and whined, until Carson opened the truck door and let her out. Laurel climbed out behind the dog and he introduced her to his twin brothers and sister. Then he walked around to Lorelei’s side of the vehicle.
Lorelei didn’t wait for Carson to open her door. She did so herself and stepped out. Every ounce of trepidation vanished the moment she looked into his sister’s eyes. The woman enfolded her in an embrace so strong Lorelei thought she might snap in two.
“I am so happy to meet you,” Julie said, and moved back to lock gazes with her.
Lorelei smiled. “Same here.”
Julie laughed—a rich infectious sound that had her smiling in return.
“No you weren’t. Admit it now, you were terrified.”
Heat rose in her cheeks, but Lorelei’s gaze didn’t waver. She nodded. “I was terrified, but not anymore.”
Julie wrapped her arm around Lorelei’s waist. “Good. Let’s go inside and visit while Carson unloads the truck.” She turned to her brother. “I’ll put a fresh pot of coffee on for when you’re done. Then you all look as though you could use a nap.”
Carson and the twins grabbed suitcases and everyone went into the house laughing and talking all at once. The next few days were celebration and reunion. His entire family gathered to welcome him home, and embraced Lorelei and Laurel as though they were long-lost friends. The three of them flew out again early Sunday afternoon to get ready for school and work the next day.
****
As they usually do, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas flew by in a flurry of activity. The closer Christmas drew near, the more restless the kids became. Holiday programs, festivities and shopping filled every spare moment of time, until Carson couldn’t breathe. Though the trip home at Thanksgiving had been a welcome reprieve, visions, dreams and premonitions returned with fervor and intensity. He prayed and sought God early and often. Though careful not to instill fear in them, he admonished Lorelei and Laurel to remain alert to their surroundings. They would drive to Mississippi this time and he looked forward to the two-week break.
Less than two hours into the trip they stopped at a convenience store for snacks and potty break. Carson stood at the counter in line with his purchases when Lorelei walked up beside him, her hands equally full of drinks and junk food. “Where’s Laurel?”
“She went to the restroom.”
The restroom was outside and around back of the building. Goosebumps rose on his arms, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. “Alone?”
The tone of his voice must have alerted her. Both dropped their items on the counter and rushed out. Princess was tearing up the truck in an effort to get out. Carson pulled the door open. The dog shot out and ran around the building, barking like a rabid animal. They followed, but were brought up short by the sight that greeted them.
Laurel struggled against Jaxon as he tried to drag her through the wooded area behind the store. “Mom!” She screeched.
Jaxon turned to face them and held a gun to Laurel’s head. “Come near and I’ll shoot her.”
Carson and Lorelei skidded to a stop. Princess lunged and grabbed Jaxon by the arm. He shook her off and with one shot, felled her attempt to rescue Laurel.
“No!” Laurel screamed. “You killed my dog!”
Jaxon turned her in his arm and tried to console the distraught child. “I had to, honey. Don’t you see, she wants to keep you from me, too? You’re my child. I only want to have you in my life.” His whiny tone took on an angry edge. “Your mother has forced me to stay away from you.”
He turned, pointed the gun at Lorelei. “You! You’ve stolen my child! I ought to kill you right now while I have the chance.”
“No!” Laurel’s voice cut through the air. “I’ll go with you, Daddy. We’ll be together.”
“Jaxon, please, we can work something out.” Lorel
ei said, but he shook his head.
“You lie!”
“No. Honestly.”
The sound of sirens rent the air. A panicked look clouded Jaxon’s face. He pointed the gun at Lorelei. “You, get over here. Now!” he screeched when she hesitated.
Carson grabbed her arm. “Lorelei, no!”
She shook him off and ran to meet them. Jaxon aimed the gun at Carson. “If you try to stop us, I’ll kill you and then I’ll kill them.” He hesitated, confusion evident. “Don’t I know you?”
“Remain silent.”
The dictated words were clear in Carson’s mind. He shook his head.
The sirens drew closer. Jaxon grabbed Laurel’s hand and pushed Lorelei forward. “Keep moving.”
Carson gave them a head start then followed at a safe distance. He ducked behind a tree and watched Jaxon push Laurel and Lorelei into the backseat of a car. Dashing to where he could see the license plate, he committed the identifying numbers to mind. Jackson lunged into the driver’s seat and tore away, throwing dust and gravel in his wake.
Carson ran back through the woods and rushed to the counter. “He kidnapped them and shot my dog! Where does the road directly behind here and through the woods go, in which direction does it run?”
The cashier’s eyes widened with fright. “I...I’m not from here,” she stuttered.
Carson spit out a curse and turned to the people in line. “Does anyone know?”
“The road runs north and south.” Someone answered, waving his hand. “Which way did they head?”
Carson pointed.
“That’s north. If you turn right out of the parking lot and keep going, the two roads will intersect about three miles out.”
“Thanks!” He hurried to his vehicle and tore out of the parking lot. Calm washed over him, direction followed. As though in a trance, he pressed the button on the hands-free cell phone device clipped on his sun visor and, using the voice-activated feature, called the police. As concise as possible he relayed information as to where they were, what road they were on and which direction they headed. He gave the plate number of the car Jaxon drove and listened while the dispatcher barked commands over the radio. When addressed again, he told of Princess and asked them to send a veterinarian over to pick her up.
His brain remained lucid while his spirit groaned in supplication. God, please! Watch over them. Shield them under your mighty wings. Send forth Your angels to guard and protect.
“Where are you now? Do you see the suspect?”
“I’m think that’s them straight ahead.” He sped up, noted the plate number. “Yes, it’s them!”
“OK, back off!” The officer ordered. “He doesn’t know what you’re driving does he?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Good! Be careful not to get too close, don’t crowd him. Just stay with him and keep us informed. I’ve got officers on the way and road blocks being set up ahead.”
Carson let up on the accelerator and allowed a car to pass, getting between him and Jaxon, but kept the vehicle in his sight. His mind circled around the officer’s questions.
Did Jaxon know what he drove? How did he find them? At what point did he recognize them and follow? How come he didn’t sense anything amiss until Laurel went to the restroom alone? Why didn’t God warn him?
The road curved to the right and for a moment he lost sight of them. He breathed a sigh of relief when the car between them turned off. He sped up a notch and moved in a bit closer. His heart clenched when Jaxon pointed the gun over the seat and waved it at them. Lorelei shielded Laurel with her body, and glanced out the back window, terror etched in every plane of her face.
Her eyes widened, expression changed, and Carson knew she realized he was behind them. He placed his fingers to his lips to indicate she should remain calm and silent. He gave her thumbs up and twirled a finger to indicate she should turn around. He breathed a sigh of relief when she complied.
Panic gripped his soul when Jaxon swerved into an abandoned field so suddenly that his car started to fishtail and spun out of control. The scene unfolded before him in slow motion as the car flipped and rolled.
“Oh, God, no!”
Fear escalated into anger. “I’ll never forgive You for this! I’ll never speak to You again if they die!”
A frantic voice over the cell phone caught his attention. “What happened? Where are you?”
Carson screeched his truck to a halt within feet of Jaxon’s car and relayed the information. “He lost control, rolled the car.” He could see it all and talked fast, even as he unclipped his seatbelt and opened the door. “The driver was slung out of the out of the car, but is pinned beneath it. He’s not moving. I don’t know about the passengers.”
“Don’t get out of your vehicle,” the officer ordered.
“I can’t just leave them there!”
“I need you to stay calm. And stay in your vehicle. Where are you?” the voice asked again.
His heart hammered in his throat as Carson looked around and gave landmarks.
“OK we’re in route. Hang tight.”
Within seconds emergency vehicles swarmed the area. Police approached with caution, guns drawn. When one shook his head and holstered his firearm, Carson exited his vehicle. His legs nearly collapsed. He leaned on the hood and took deep breaths as paramedics rushed in to extricate Lorelei and Laurel from the back seat. He nearly fainted when both crawled out, refusing the stretchers nearby. He stepped closer. Lorelei turned, met his gaze, and flew into his arms. Laurel followed on her mother’s heels.
Carson wrapped them in his embrace sobbing with relief. “Oh, thank God. Thank You, God!”
“Sir, Ma’am?” A hesitant voice cut through the joy. “We really need to check you ladies out. Please, get in the ambulance and let’s go to the hospital. I know you both feel fine, but we need to be sure.”
Carson stepped back, but held both an arms-length away. “He’s right. You two get in the ambulance. I’ll be right behind you.”
“The police will need statements too,” the paramedic said.
“I’ll follow you to the hospital,” an officer announced. “The others can clean up here.”
Laurel hesitated, her eyes darting to the scene as firemen up-righted the car. “Daddy?”
Lorelei pulled her close as the officer shook his head. “He’s dead honey. I’m sorry.”
Laurel began to cry. “Why does it hurt so much? He deserved to die! He was so mean and he killed Princess. It shouldn’t hurt so much!”
Carson wrapped his arms around Laurel and Lorelei once more. “No one deserves to die like this, honey. Regardless of anything he did, he was still your father. Come on now; let’s get you and mom to the hospital. We can sort this all out later.”
He waited until both were loaded safely into the ambulance then hurried to his truck to follow. A police unit brought up the rear as the three vehicles sped off to the nearest hospital.
Carson paced outside the ER waiting area while he put a call through to Julie and explained why they would be late.
“Are they all right? What about Jaxon?” Her voice, frantic with worry, cut over the line.
Carson relayed the accident play-by-play. “It’s a miracle they’re alive, much less unhurt.”
“Yeah, but it’s a shame about Princess.”
He sighed and wiped the moisture off his cheeks. “I’ll see if the veterinarian will keep her until after the holidays. We’ll pick her up on our way home and bury her in the yard.”
“Good idea. I’ll let you go now. Call me when Laurel and Lorelei are released, and you’re on your way here.”
Four hours later the girls were released with what the doctors claimed a miraculous event. Both were given pain medication for the bumps and bruises. Satisfied with their statements, the police assured they would contact them should the need arise for more information. Jaxon’s family would be called to retrieve his body, but both Carson and Lorelei offered to handle
burial expenses should no relatives be found to take care of him.
Carson asked for directions and drove to the veterinary clinic where Princess was taken. Pained silence filled the lobby while they waited to speak to the veterinarian. An elderly gentleman walked out and shook hands with Carson and Lorelei, then with a twinkle in his eye put his arm around Laurel.
“I’ll take you to see her but you have to stay calm. Promise?”
Laurel blinked back tears and nodded.
He led the way with Laurel. Carson and Lorelei followed. When they neared a tiny room he turned with a grin and wink then opened the door with a flourish.
Princess raised her head and whined. Her tail thumped wildly. Laurel rushed over to the bed and put her arms around the dog’s neck. “You’re alive!”
“Be gentle, young lady.” The vet explained that the bullet went straight through the dog without hitting any vital organs. He’d picked her up, then cleaned and stitched her wounds. “A few weeks of rest and pampering, and she will be good as new. I’d like to keep her overnight though, just for observation.”
“Sure,” Carson and Lorelei said in unison.
Laurel lifted wide, pleading eyes to the veterinarian. “Can I stay, too?”
Laughter rent the air. The man shook his head. “I don’t have anywhere for you to sleep sweetheart. There’s a bed and breakfast two blocks down the road. I promise to call if there is any change in her condition—which there won’t be. I’ve done this long enough to guarantee she’ll be right as rain and ready to travel within a day or two.”
Lorelei put her arm around her daughter and gave her a hug. “Let’s go get settled in at the B&B. We’ll come back later to check on her.”
Laurel hesitated and eyed the vet. “You promise?”
He chuckled. “I promise. I’ll be here all night with her, so you can come by or call any time.”
Love in Season Page 20
