The sound of a barking dog caught Fred’s attention. He paused in his search.
“Damn, I don’t need a dog running around here right now.” Fred grabbed the gun from the chair, shoved it in his back pocket, and stormed out of the shed.
Without hesitation, Sophie rolled on her belly and prayed she remembered the trick her friend had taught her about removing zip ties. At the time, it had seemed like a silly parlor game, yet now she wondered if it might save her life.
Getting herself in the right position, she raised her wrists over her back then brought them down suddenly, snapping loose the tie. With free hands, she managed to get to her feet, and with several hops, she made it to the shelf as she tugged off the gag. She grabbed the clippers, which she used to unfasten her feet.
Angela squirmed, trying to get Sophie’s attention. Sophie glanced to Angela, but was leery to free the girl, afraid she would screw up the escape. Plus, she didn’t trust her. Remembering Fred couldn’t kill Angela first, she decided the girl was relatively safe as long as Sophie was alive.
“I’ll be back,” Sophie whispered to Angela and then eased open the shed door, looking for some sign of Fred. She heard him off in the distance, calling for the dog. Without hesitation, she darted out of the shed and ran in the opposite direction.
As she raced through the moonlit cemetery toward the back entrance, guilt flooded her when she thought of Angela, still bound and gagged in the work shed. It was too late to release Angela now, so Sophie ran harder, determined to find help for both of them.
Running through the pine trees along the rear of the cemetery, she made her way to the back gate. To her horror, she discovered it was locked. Had Fred not been searching for the dog in the west quarter of the cemetery, she could have made it to the front entrance, which had more traffic.
In the distance, she could hear Fred still calling for the dog. He didn’t yet know she had escaped. Frantically, Sophie began tugging at the iron bars of the back gate, until she found several that were loose. She suspected someone had hit them with a car, and she silently thanked their poor driving skills as she pulled them apart just far enough to make her way through the narrow opening.
Sophie pushed them back in place, hoping Fred would assume—should he come looking for her in this direction—that she was still trapped inside the cemetery.
Instead of running in the middle of the road, Sophie ran along its edge, enabling her to duck into the nearby wooded area should Fred come looking for her in this direction. She remembered Adam mentioning a shortcut up ahead that would take her directly into town, yet she didn’t know where it was. Angela knew, but Sophie had made a snap decision to leave Angela behind, afraid that the girl might hinder the escape. Now she regretted that decision.
Her heart felt as if it were about to explode when she spied headlights coming in her direction from down the road. Just minutes earlier, she’d heard Fred calling for the dog, so she didn’t feel he had had enough time to get into his car and make it this far. She couldn’t imagine why anyone would be driving along this desolate road this time at night, yet she wasn’t sure exactly how late it was.
As the headlights approached, she continued to run toward them, trying to decide if she should dash into the shelter of the trees before whoever was driving the car spied her. She had no idea if the car posed a new threat or would be her salvation. When the vehicle was about twenty feet from her, she jumped in front of the headlights, giving little thought to her own safety or the wisdom of such a bold move. The moment the car slammed on its breaks, Sophie realized she had just flagged down a police car. The driver’s side door opened and someone stepped out, but Sophie could not see who it was.
“Sophie?” a voice called out. It was Sam Peterson.
Sophie began to cry, and she raced toward the familiar voice.
“He’s got a gun!” Sophie screamed. “He has Angela locked in the tool shed!”
A second officer got out of the passenger side of the vehicle. As Sophie frantically told them what had happened, Sam got on his radio while the other officer helped Sophie into the back of the police car.
“Okay, Sophie, calm down,” Sam told her. “You said it was Fred Garcia? Why does he have Angela tied up in the work shed? Was he trying to help you?”
“Help me? No, I told you. He said he was going to kill us. He wanted to shoot me first and then make it look like Angela did it.”
“This doesn’t make any sense. Why would Fred want to kill you?”
“I don’t know. That’s just what he said. He must have drugged me or something. I was going out to the car, he said he knew a shortcut, and the next thing I know, I wake up in the shed, tied up, and Angela is there, too.”
“How did you get away?” As he questioned Sophie, two more police cars drove up, pulling alongside them.
“Fred left to get a dog who was barking. I managed to get untied, so I made a run for it. But he still has Angela, and he has a gun.”
“Okay, Sophie, Officer Barnes here is going to take you to the hospital.”
“Hospital?”
“It’s standard procedure, just to make sure everything’s okay. After all, you said he drugged you. But first, can you tell me where the shed is?”
Sophie did her best to give Sam directions. A few minutes later, she was alone in the police car with Officer Barnes, heading in the direction of the Coulson Hospital.
Chapter 33
Sophie sat on the edge of the bed wearing just a hospital gown. Alone in the examining room in the emergency section of Coulson Hospital, she glanced at the clock. It was almost 4:00 a.m. One of the first things they had done when she arrived was take blood and urine samples to determine what drugs were in her system. Reluctantly, she had agreed to the pelvic examination, knowing they would assume she had been raped and by refusing to be examined was in denial, which might result in an extended hospital stay. Sophie did not want to remain in the hospital for one more minute than was absolutely necessary.
Instinctively, Sophie knew she hadn’t been raped, but it was a difficult point to argue, considering she had been unconscious for hours. Absently, she rubbed her wrists, which bore red marks from the confining zip ties. Aside from needing a thorough massage to alleviate her achy muscles due to the uncomfortable position she’d been forced to lie in for an extended period on a cold concrete floor, she felt relatively good—aside from the guilt. She prayed Sam Peterson would get to Angela in time, and she regretted her hasty decision to leave her nemesis behind.
According to Fred, his intention was to frame Angela for Sophie’s murder. But why? Sophie couldn’t think of a reason the man would wish her dead; they barely knew each other. She wondered if Angela was actually the primary target, and Sophie was nothing but collateral damage—providing Fred a good reason to kill Angela. Perhaps Fred had some connection to the real estate agent Angela had murdered.
If Fred killed Angela, it would be her fault, Sophie told herself. As much as Angela terrified her, Sophie regretted what she believed was a cowardly decision. Yet, for as much as she chastised herself for leaving Angela behind, she honestly could not say she would do anything different if given the opportunity to relive that moment.
They had moved her from one examining room to another since her arrival, and she hadn’t thought to grab her clothes, thinking she would be returning to the original room. When Sophie realized she had left them behind, she had asked the nurse if she could get them, but the nurse just smiled and assured her there would be time for that later. Sophie wanted her clothes now.
The door to her room opened, and the physician she’d seen earlier walked in. Dr. Gamble, a friendly-looking, middle-aged, slender man with thinning brown hair, peered over his glasses as he approached the bed, clipboard in hand.
“How are you feeling, Ms. Marino?” He glanced from the chart on the clipboard to Sophie.
“Like I told you earlier, I feel fine. Really. But, have you heard anything about Angela Carter, the girl w
ho was taken with me?”
“Didn’t the nurse come in and tell you?”
“No. Tell me what?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I assumed she would. They’re bringing Ms. Carter into the hospital now.”
“Is she all right?”
“It appears so, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
“What about Fred Garcia, the man who took us?”
“You’ll need to talk to the police chief about that.”
“Are you saying he’s still out there?”
“Ms. Marino, you don’t have anything more to fear from Mr. Garcia, I promise you.”
“Is he dead?”
“I think you should wait to talk to the police. You need to focus on yourself right now.”
“I asked the nurse if she’d bring my clothes, so I can get dressed, but she hasn’t brought them yet. Could you please see if someone would bring them to me?”
“I’d like to keep you overnight for observation.”
“Technically, it’s already morning, so I’ve been here overnight. I’d really like to go.”
“I tell you what…” Dr. Gamble let out a sigh. “There’s someone here to see you. Why don’t I let him in, and then we can discuss this further.”
“Dr. Gamble, I’d really like to get dressed before I see anyone,” Sophie insisted. Assuming the visitor was Adam, she didn’t want him to see her in the hospital gown.
“I think you’ll be all right with this visitor.” The doctor smiled and left the room, ignoring her protest.
It wasn’t Adam Keller who walked through the doorway a moment later but Sophie’s father, Tony Marino.
“Daddy!” Sophie cried, leaping off the bed and into her father’s arms.
Sophie had thought she was over the tears, but seeing her father brought them back. Sobbing, she clung to him. Tony Marino held tightly onto his only daughter, afraid to let her go.
“Oh, baby, you haven’t called me Daddy since you were a little girl,” he murmured, stroking her hair.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, pulling away slightly so she could look up into his dark eyes. With the back of her hand, she wiped away her tears.
“You didn’t think I’d come?”
“I… I guess I just didn’t think you would know to come.”
“Nick called me, told me you were missing. You have no idea how terrified I’ve been, believing I may have lost you. You can’t do this to me again. Do you hear me? You can’t let anything happen to you, I couldn’t bear it!” He hugged her again.
“Oh, Dad, I love you.” Sophie held onto her father, feeling safe in his arms.
When he finally released her, she sat up on the edge of the bed again while he took a seat in one of the chairs facing her.
“The doctor tells me you’re in good shape.”
“Yes, and I feel fine. I don’t want you to worry—I wasn’t raped or anything.”
“But the man gave you drugs.”
“I know. I figure I was unconscious for almost twelve hours. But according to the preliminary toxicology tests, the doctor doesn’t feel I’m going to experience any negative after effects—although he did say he was sending out for some other tests, just to make sure. But it will take a while for those results to come in.”
“I’m just grateful you’re okay. What do you know about the man who took you? I understand there was another girl.”
“Not much, really. He works at the cemetery and part time at a nursing home. I met him when I first came into town and stopped at Grandfather’s grave.”
“You went to his grave?”
“Yes, I told you I was going to.”
“I had no problem with you coming to Clement Falls, meeting your cousin. But please, I don’t want you wasting your time glorifying that man.”
“Dad, I’m not glorifying him. I just wanted to learn more about my grandfather. He’s your father.”
“He was a sperm donor, Sophie. Nothing more. And please, I don’t want to argue with you. Not now. Life’s too short, and you’re precious to me. You’ve no idea how much I love you… how worried I was.”
“I’m sorry, Dad…”
“It’s okay, honey,” he said in a soft voice.
“When did you fly in? I’m surprised you were able to get a flight so quickly. Did you go standby?”
“Nick’s wife—her grandfather sent his company’s jet to pick me up. Under normal circumstances, I’d reject such a generous offer.”
“They have a jet?”
“After seeing their home, does that surprise you?”
“I haven’t seen Kim’s house in Coulson. She lives part time with her grandfather. I assume she must help take care of him, I understand he’s in his nineties and in a wheelchair.”
“It’s not exactly a house. Nick’s wife lives in a three-storied mansion—quite impressive. It even has an elevator and a remarkable library. As for taking care of Mr. Coulson, I imagine their household staff manages that, but after meeting the man, he seems quite capable despite being confined in a wheel chair.”
“I haven’t seen their house or met her grandfather. Just the bed and breakfast Nick and Franklin run.”
“Kim’s invited us to stay with her in Coulson until we can get a flight home. There’s no reason for Mr. Coulson to fly us back to Portland.”
“Where are Kim and Nick now?”
“They’re out in the waiting room with another young man, Adam Keller.”
“Adam is here?”
“Yes. He’s been quite anxious to see you, but I wanted to see you first. Alone. Is there something going on between you and Adam Keller?”
“Why do you ask that?” Sophie looked down at her feet.
“Considering his behavior since I first met him—and how you just looked when I mentioned his name…”
“What about his behavior?”
“If I didn’t know better, he was more worried about you than I was—which, of course, is impossible. You should have seen the expression on his face when he heard you were all right and being taken to the hospital. But, unless I’m mistaken, you haven’t even known him a week. What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on, Dad. His mother is married to Kim’s uncle. We’ve become close friends. That’s all. He owns a restaurant in town—like yours, it’ a family restaurant, started by his parents.”
“You mean like ours. It’s not just my restaurant, Sophie. Someday it will belong to you.”
“I don’t want to talk about that now.”
Before Tony could respond, the doctor came back into the room.
“I hope you two had a nice visit. Ms. Marino, I believe they’re ready to move you up to the first floor.”
“What do you mean move me?” Sophie frowned.
“I think it would be a good idea to keep you under observation for forty-eight hours.”
“Forty-eight hours? I thought you said overnight?”
“I’d prefer to err on the side of caution.
“No, absolutely not. I want to get out of here. Now!” Sophie insisted.
Tony stood up and walked to his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Calm down, honey. The doctor just wants to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am okay, but I won’t be if they make me stay here much longer. Please bring me my clothes.”
The doctor looked at Tony, seeking support, but Sophie’s father gave a little shrug of defeat.
“If you insist, but I’d like to run one more test, and there must be someone who can keep an eye on you for the next forty-eight hours. I don’t want you to be alone.”
“If you bring me my clothes first,” Sophie insisted.
“I’ll be with her, doctor. Exactly what should I watch for?”
“I tell you what, Mr. Marino, I’ll have the nurse bring your daughter her clothes and prepare some instructions for you. While she’s dressing, you can meet me in the hall, and I’ll go over the list with you.”
As pro
mised, the nurse brought Sophie her clothes. After the last test was taken, Sophie dressed while her father left the room to speak to the doctor.
“Can I leave now?” Sophie asked when the nurse returned to the room.
“As soon as the doctor signs your release papers. He’s going over some things with your father right now.”
“Do I have to stay in here?”
“I tell you what, since your father arrived, there has been a very nice looking young man badgering the admitting nurse, wanting to know how you are doing. Why don’t I show him in here, and he can keep you company while you wait for the doctor.”
“Oh, would you? Thank you… but how do I look?”
“Well… not bad, considering what you’ve been through tonight.”
“Darn, I was going for you look terrific!” Sophie laughed.
“You wanted me to lie?” the nurse teased.
“I suppose.”
“Trust me, Ms. Marino; the way that young man has been fretting over you all night, when he sees you, he’ll think you’re the most beautiful sight in the world.”
Chapter 34
After the nurse left to get Adam, Sophie looked into the stainless steel paper towel dispenser, trying to see her reflection. There was no mirror in the room. Combing her fingers through her dark hair, she attempted to make herself presentable. With her thumb, she wiped the corner of each eye.
Somewhere in her misadventure, she’d lost her purse. Therefore, she had no makeup, no brush… and her clothes were wrinkled and stained. Glancing down at her new slacks, she noticed the oil marks and assumed they were from the shed’s floor. She was just grateful her clothes and purse were her only casualties. It would be nice to take a shower and slip on some clean clothes. However, she had to admit she preferred her soiled garments to the hospital gown.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Come in,” Sophie called out, feeling suddenly nervous.
The moment Adam walked through the doorway and looked at her, tears brimming in his hazel eyes, Sophie felt her own tears welling up again. Adam opened his arms and without hesitation, Sophie moved into his embrace. Once again, she began to cry.
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