Dangerous Ground

by Smith, Stephanie Jean

  Xavier felt like a teenager who got caught necking in his car. “How much physical therapy will Loretta have to endure?”

  Dr. Marshall eyed the young man in front of him. Loretta’s fiancé was devoted to her in every way. He could tell that they were in love. “Loretta will have to be able to walk with crutches before I release her. It will take about three days of physical therapy to get her to that point. In a couple of months, she’ll be good as new.”

  “Dr. Marshall I’m becoming restless, when can I get out of this bed.”

  “Like I said yesterday, you can sit in the wheel chair for a couple of hours today until you physical therapy starts tomorrow. We’ll have to elevate the leg and keep it still. I’ll have one of the nurses bring down a wheel chair, and will get you set up properly.”

  ***

  Over the next couple of days, Loretta received many visitors. She was totally shocked when Myer Lang came into her room carrying an enormous vase full of carnations, her favorite flower. He didn’t stay long, and Loretta was thankful. There was just something about Myer Lang that made her skin crawl.

  Loretta had been in the hospital for six days and she was looking forward to going home. She could get around pretty good on her crutches, but her hip was still sore. It took her forever to do anything, but she was determined to get back on her feet.

  Loretta’s daydream came abruptly as Diane walked into the room. Loretta hadn’t seen Diane since she left for Seattle last month. “Hi Di, how was your trip to Seattle.”

  “It was fine until I got home yesterday only to find out that you were in the hospital.”

  “Oh Diane, it was just a little accident, nothing for you to get worked up over.”

  Before Diane could reply Xavier and Vincent came into the room. “Hey Diane. When did you get back into town? I heard you were in Seattle having the time of your life.” Xavier kissed Loretta and sat on the side of her bed.

  “I had a fabulous time in Seattle, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my good friend Loretta. When I listened to my messages, I found out that she was in the hospital, and I came right over.”

  Loretta could tell by Diane’s body language that she wouldn’t be visiting much longer. “I’m sorry for being so rude, Diane this is Xavier’s brother Vincent.”

  Diane held out her hand for Vincent to shake. The golden flames in his eyes mesmerized her. For the first time in her life, she actually believed in love at first sight. “It’s so nice to meet you Vincent.” Diane turned her attention back to Loretta. “I better get going, I promised Cookie that I would be over to see the baby.”

  Vincent watched Diane flee from the room before he turned his attention to Loretta. “Well Loretta, I heard that you’re being released tomorrow.”

  “Yes I am, but I get the feeling you’re not here to congratulate me.”

  “Loretta you wound me.” Vincent put his hand on his chest as if he were in pain. “Actually I wanted to see your reaction when Xavier told you his plans for you.

  Loretta looked at Xavier, unable to read his expression. “Okay Xavier, what are you and Vincent up to?”

  “I told Vincent that you were temporarily moving into my house after you’re released tomorrow. For some reason, he thinks that you’re so independent that you’ll refuse my offer.”

  “It’s so sweet of you to let me stay at your house.”

  Xavier was full of exuberance. “I told you little brother my woman knows I only want what’s best for her.”

  Vincent was disgusted with Loretta for caving in so easily. “I’ll see you later, you two lovebirds are making me ill.”

  Xavier had to be sure of Loretta. “I can’t believe that you’re conceding to my wishes without an argument.”

  Loretta gently caressed Xavier’s face. “Baby, why would I have any objection to moving into your house?”

  “As I recall, a certain man asked his woman to move in with him, and she ignored the whole suggestion.”

  Loretta wrapped her arms around Xavier’s neck and pulled him towards her. “The man in question was taking unfair advantage of the woman. He was making love to her so thoroughly that she didn’t have any other thought in her mind except him.”

  “Good answer baby.” Xavier gently pulled Loretta onto his lap and began kissing her neck.

  “Every time I come into this room, you two are in some kind of clinch.”

  Loretta was first to pull herself out of the embrace. “Dr. Marshall, I hope your intrusion means you got some good news for me.

  “I’ve got you prescription for pain medication, and want you to continue to use the flex band every day and I have you scheduled for physical therapy two times a week for the next month. It’s been a pleasure knowing you, and don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.”

  Dr. Marshall was exiting Loretta’s room before she asked him what he meant by that. “I wonder what that was all about.”

  “The hospital staff thinks that I’m you fiancé. That’s the only way they would allow me to stay in the hospital with you.”

  “Thank you Xavier.”

  “For what.”

  “Thank you for caring about me.”

  ***

  Chapter 12

  Eleanor regained consciousness two weeks after she was admitted to the hospital. She looked around the sterile hospital room wondering if she were still in Chicago. Eleanor tried to set up, but the throbbing in her head became much worse. She laid back down and tried to gather her thoughts.

  Dr. Lee came in to check on his patient, and to his surprise he found that she was alert. “Well, hello there, how long have you been awake?”

  Eleanor tried to talk to the doctor, but her vocal cords weren’t cooperating. “M-Must…”

  Dr. Lee rushed into the restroom, grabbed a Dixie cup, and filled it with water. He moved so fast that he end up spilling most of the water before he reached his patient’s bed. “Here drink this, maybe this will help clear your throat.” Dr. Lee supported her head as she drank the water.

  Eleanor drank the water as if she were dying of thirst. “More please.”

  Dr. Lee gladly complied with her wished. By the time he got back to the bed, his patient found the button to elevate the bed and she had been holding out her hand for the glass of water. Dr. Lee watched as his patient gulped the water down. “What’s your name?”

  In that instant, Eleanor remembered the accident with absolute clarity. Marcus tried to kill her, and she knew that he would go after Loretta next. “Loretta…”

  “Your name is Loretta?” Before Dr. Lee could get any more information out of his patient, the Agent Shaw entered the room.”

  “How long has she been awake, and why wasn’t I informed?” Terrence glared at Dr. Lee before approaching Eleanor’s bed.

  “She just woke up five minutes ago.”

  Terrence forgot about Dr. Lee and focused his attention on Eleanor. “Do you remember the accident Eleanor?”

  “It was Marcus,” Eleanor whispered. “You have to help Loretta Brown.”

  “Yes.”

  “Doctor I need a clear telephone line, how about the phone in your office.”

  Dr. Lee had no idea what was going on, but he followed Agent Shaw out of the room. “Whenever you’re ready I’ll show you to my office.”

  Terrence’s agents were on heightened alert. The situation involving Eleanor just became worse. Terrence entered Dr. Lee’s office and put a devise on his phone to block out any surveillance equipment.

  There was something wrong with this whole set up; Terrence thought all along that Marcus Dupree was behind Eleanor’s accident. He couldn’t do anything about it until she identified him. Which brought up another problem, if Marcus found Eleanor, this means he’ll have no problem finding Loretta Brown.

  Marcus Dupree couldn’t have found them by himself, which meant there was someone at the agency helping him out. He called the deputy director stationed in Chicago and informed him about Eleanor’s condition. Terrence was i
n luck, Pete’s secretary answered on the first ring. “This is Agent Terrence Shaw. I need to speak with Director Peter Ryan immediately.” Within a couple of seconds, Peter Ryan was on the line.

  “Terrence, the only time I receive a call from you is if something bad is about to happen.”

  “Pete, Eleanor Freeman regained consciousness. She positively identified Marcus Dupree as her assailant. I have reason to believe that his next target is Loretta Brown. For a positive ID, you’ll have to pull up Marcus Dupree’s file.”

  “Terrence do you have any more information for me.”

  Terrence cleared his throat before speaking. “Pete, I think we have a leak. There is no way that Marcus Dupree could have found Eleanor without help.”

  “Damn it to hell! Are you sure about this Terrence?”

  “How else would Marcus have known to look for Eleanor in Chicago? She didn’t have any family ties in Chicago before we moved her out here.”

  “What about her current husband?’

  “We checked him out he’s clean as a whistle.”

  “Okay Terrence I’ll get right on it. I hope we reach Loretta Brown in time. Marcus already has a two week head start.”

  ***

  Loretta was being released from the hospital tomorrow. The days seemed to drag by; she didn’t have anything to occupy her time with. Xavier informed her this morning that he had to leave for Chicago. He only planned to be gone for one day, but one day can seem like an eternity when you’re waiting for someone to return home.

  Xavier and Vincent walked into her room. They may be identical twins, but Loretta had no problem telling them apart. Xavier never wore a hat, and he always looked as if he belonged on the cover of EM magazine. Vincent, on the other hand, always looked as if he were going to play baseball.

  “Hey baby, Vincent just arrived. I’ll be leaving in a couple of minutes, but I think we need to talk first.”

  “Xavier, I’m not a child, and I don’t want you to feel guilty about going to Chicago.”

  Loretta was starting to act like her old self. The brace on her wrist wouldn’t be removed for another month; the physical therapy was doing wonders for her ability to get around. When Loretta laid in bed, she had to use a wedge to keep her leg still. Best of all, Loretta didn’t feel so helpless any more. “I know you’re not a child, but you’re my responsibility. If you were able to travel, I’d take you with me. When I get back into town, we have some serious talking to do.” Xavier kissed Loretta lightly on the lips.

  “Are you two at it again? I never met two people who loved to kiss as much as you and Loretta.”

  “Since I can’t have anything else, Loretta’s kisses will have to do.” Xavier watched the tinge of red creep into Loretta’s face. “When you find the right woman little brother you’ll understand.”

  For some odd reason, Vincent thought about Loretta’s friend, Diane. “Just for the record I don’t believe such a woman exists.”

  ***

  Vincent boxed up all the plants and flowers she received and took them down to his car. If he knew she had so much stuff, it would have moved them last night. He went back into Loretta’s room to grab her bags.

  Loretta was packed and ready to leave the hospital. Since Loretta couldn’t sit in his car, Vincent called a mobile service to help Loretta get settled into Xavier’s home. “Hey lady, you don’t look happy about leaving the hospital today.”

  Loretta was sitting in a wheel chair waiting for the mobile van to arrive. Loretta was missing Xavier, and as much as Vincent tried to entertain her she still felt alone. “Oh I was just thinking about all the work I’ll have to do when I go back to work.”

  Vincent wasn’t fooled for a moment. Loretta had been quiet since Xavier left for Chicago last night. “The mobile van should be here any minute. A nurse is supposed to bring you down, so I’ll see you in the lobby.”

  Vincent was heading out the room before Loretta called to him. “Vincent I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I know you couldn’t have had too much fun babysitting me last night.”

  “Xavier doesn’t ask me to do many favors, and I’m happy to help him out anytime I can. Besides, last night wasn’t too bad, when you weren’t daydreaming about Xavier; you play a pretty mean game of dominos.”

  Loretta laughed for the first time since Xavier left. “Thanks for comforting me Vincent I’ll see you in the lobby.”

  About five minutes after Vincent left, a nurse arrived with the mobile van driver. There was something familiar about the man, but she was certain she never met him before. The man was taller than Xavier, his skin was so smooth and flawless, and that’s Loretta thought he was wearing makeup. The man was probably in his fifties, but he seemed to be in good shape.

  The nurse was the first one to speak. “Hi Miss Brown, my name is Emily. I was on my way to take you downstairs when Mr. Willis approached the nurse’s station. Mr. Willis is with Carlton Mobile, he’s here to take you home.”

  “Hi Miss Brown, I hope I’m not late.”

  “Mr. Willis you’re right on time.”

  The nurse decided to check Loretta’s room again before pushing Loretta into the elevator. “Mr. Willis are you parked out front?”

  “No, the mobile van was too large, so I parked by the emergency exit.”

  “Okay.”

  It took them forever to reach the emergency exit. They went through so many hallways that she couldn’t distinguish them from each other. When they got outside, Mr. Willis took over and pushed Loretta’s wheel chair to the mobile van. This was the first time Loretta had seen a wheelchair access Mobile Van. Mr. Willis opened the rear doors and got Loretta settled on the lift.

  Once Loretta was safely inside and ready to go the nurse went back inside the hospital. Mr. Willis opened the side door and strapped Loretta’s wheelchair down so it wouldn’t move while he transported Loretta to her home.

  Loretta wasn’t paying too much attention to Mr. Willis, until she felt a prick on her arm. When she looked over at Mr. Willis he was holding a syringe in his hand.

  “Don’t worry Honey; I’m going to take real good care of you.”

  Whatever he shot into her arm was making her sleepy. Who was Mr. Willis, and how did he know her nickname. “Who are you? What have you done to me?”

  Mr. Willis had already shut the side door, and was in the driver’s seat when Loretta asked her question. “You’ll find out soon enough.” He pulled out of Immanuel Hospital’s emergency exit and headed north on 72nd street. He could reach Interstate 680 before anyone noticed that Loretta Brown had been kidnapped.

  ***

  Vincent put the rest of Loretta’s bags in his car before returning to the hospital’s lobby. He went to the information desk and asked the receptionist to call Loretta’s room. No one answered the phone, so Vincent decided to go check Loretta’s room himself. When he reached Loretta’s room, she was gone. Vincent got an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something was obviously wrong.

  Vincent checked at the nurse’s station, to see if the nurses on duty knew what happened to Loretta. “Excuse me my name is Vincent Johnson.” Could you tell me where Miss Brown in room 408 has been moved to?”

  While the nurse at the desk checked her computer, a pretty brunette walked up to the desk and filed a chart. “Hey Emily didn’t you take Miss Brown downstairs.”

  The brunette turned around and addressed the nurse at the desk. “Yeah, the mobile van driver arrived. He loaded her up about twenty minutes ago.”

  “You say that the mobile van driver loaded her up.”

  “Yes sir, about twenty minutes ago at the emergency exit.”

  “Did he take off?”

  “Yes, sir. Is anything wrong?”

  “Damn he left his cell phone in his car. “I don’t know do you have a phone I can use around here?”

  “Certainly, you can use this one, just remember to dial nine first.

  Vincent dialed the mobile van service he hired to transpor
t Loretta. What he found out was disheartening. One of the mobile vans was stolen this morning, and the van driver was murdered.

  ***

  Chapter 13

  The pain in Loretta’s head just wouldn’t go away. She opened her eyes slowly, at first she had trouble with her vision, and then it cleared up. The last thing she remembered was being discharged from the hospital. The room was shabby and worn, the walls were bare, and the green paint was peeling. The house smelled musty as if it had been closed up for a while.

  She was propped up in bed, and the wedge that kept her injured leg still was in place. Whoever kidnapped her, was well informed about her injuries. The room had a small window, but there was no way she could reach it.

  Loretta heard someone walking around the house she closed her eyes as she heard footsteps approaching. The door was opening, and Loretta was scared out of her wits. If the man wanted to kill her, she would have been dead by now.

  Marcus Dupree smiled to himself as his gazed wandered over Loretta’s body. He could tell that she was pretending to be asleep. “I know you’re awake Loretta or should I call you Honey? That’s the name my son used when he spoke of you.” Marcus leered at Loretta as he took a can a beer from the six-pack he brought into the room.

  Loretta opened her eyes and found Mr. Willis gazing at her with a strange look in his eyes. Loretta tried her best to make her voice appear normal. “Who are you Mr. Willis and why did you snatch me?”

  Marcus saw the fear in Loretta’s eyes, and he enjoyed keeping her off balance. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? I’m your father-in-law.”

  “I don’t have a father-in-law.” Loretta wondered if this man could be Alan’s father.

  “I am Alvin’s father you knew my son as Alan Jackson. His mama ran off with him when he was little and changed his name. Marcus sat down in the only chair in the room and gulped down the beer. “My son told me that you were a cocky little bitch. He said that you were one of those bossy women who liked being in charge. My boy wanted to settle down and raise a family, but you thought were too good to have his child. I wish he could see you now.”