Abandoned

by Patricia H. Rushford

  He settled an arm around her shoulders. “You heard that, did you? See, that’s what I mean. It’s a hunch on my part, but I don’t want anything like that to leak out.”

  “Don’t worry, Dad. If she mentions it, I’ll just tell her she needs to talk to you.”

  “Fair enough.”

  Jennie waited for her dad to pull out, then backed her Mustang into the street. With every mile she grew more and more excited. Debra Noble had called her, and Jennie planned to take full advantage of the opportunity to find out exactly what the television anchorwoman was doing in a disguise last Friday afternoon and again on Sunday morning.

  “Why didn’t you call me last night?” Jennie asked the minute Lisa climbed into the car. Jennie usually picked her up on days she had to go in early. Most of the time her mom took her and picked her up.

  “I tried—about five times. Have you talked to Gavin yet?” Lisa’s eyes blazed with excitement.

  “No.”

  “Well, you’re never going to believe who that beige Cadillac is registered to.” Lisa had that smug, I-know-something-you-don’t look.

  “Debra Noble.” Jennie grinned at the surprise on Lisa’s face.

  “How did you—? You lied. You did talk to Gavin.”

  “No, I swear. Dad told me last night. Not only that, but Debra called me this morning and wants to interview me.”

  “Why would she want to interview you?”

  “She says it’s because I caught the arsonist, but Dad thinks she’s going to try to get information on the case he’s working on.”

  “Did you ask her if she was following Annie?”

  “No. If I talk to her about it, I want to ask her to her face so I can see if she’s telling the truth.” Jennie braked at the light and tapped the steering wheel to the rhythm of a sixties song on the radio.

  “Something isn’t right,” Lisa said. “I can’t believe Debra Noble was following Annie. We must have made a mistake—I mean, why would she?”

  “Believe me, I’ve been asking myself the same question all night.”

  Lisa’s eyes widened. “I just had a crazy idea.”

  “What?”

  “It’s too weird, but …” Lisa chewed on her bottom lip for several seconds before answering. “What if Debra is Annie’s real mom?”

  “Interesting.” Jennie didn’t tell her she’d already had the same notion. “There are definite similarities. They both have dark hair and a small build.”

  “Their eyes are nearly the exact same shade of blue.”

  “Debra says she’s never been married and doesn’t have a family,” Jennie mused as she pressed her foot to the gas pedal and eased through the intersection.

  “So? That doesn’t mean she couldn’t have gotten pregnant as a teenager,” Lisa persisted.

  “I don’t know. If she is Annie’s mother, then she’s the one who threw Annie away. She’s a criminal.”

  “You’re right. I don’t think Debra Noble is the kind of person who would throw away a baby.” Lisa sighed.

  “I wish I could just confront her with it and tell her I know she’s the one who was following Annie and see what she says. Problem is, if I say anything about it, she’ll think Rocky told me.”

  “Maybe you should just be honest with her—tell her your dad told you.”

  “Then she’d be upset with Dad. I couldn’t do that. She’s critical enough of him already.”

  “Well,” Lisa said, “you’ll think of something. You always do.”

  Jennie sighed. “I hope so.”

  The next seven hours dragged by as Jennie attended two mandatory classes, sat through an especially boring lecture, and completed her homework in the library during fourth period. Since she had the meeting with Debra, it was easier to stay at school than to go home. When the bell rang at three, Jennie raced to the office to pick up her mail, then bolted for the door.

  “Jennie! Wait up.”

  Jennie whirled around and waited for Annie to join her. “I noticed you were back in school today. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

  “Dad says it’s best to face my fears head on. I guess he’s right. You were right too. My parents are wonderful people, and I’ve decided not to let all this stuff about being adopted bother me. I wanted to thank you.”

  “I didn’t do much.”

  “Yes, you did. You talked me into going home.”

  “Well, the worst part is over.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. There’s still that business with Charity. She and her mom came over last night to apologize. I feel sorry for her, Jennie. You should have seen her. She’s putting on this tough act, but I know inside she’s really sad.”

  “I hope she’s learned a lesson. It’s hard to imagine anyone being desperate enough to do that.”

  “She was so embarrassed. She didn’t even come to school today.”

  “I can see why.” Jennie glanced toward the door, swarming now with students as anxious as she was to leave. “Look, Annie, I have to go. Debra Noble is doing an interview with me before swimming.”

  “That’s great!”

  Jennie nodded and backed toward the door. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Have a good interview.”

  “Thanks.” Jennie didn’t tell Annie about the license number belonging to Debra’s car. She’d asked Lisa to keep the information secret as well.

  An overwhelming sadness settled over her as she thought about Annie. Though she’d said she was doing okay, her eyes told another story. Jennie unlocked the car, opened it, and slid in.

  She didn’t want to think about Annie right now but offered up a prayer that she would come to accept her circumstances. Jennie directed her mind back to Debra and the interview, asking God to give her the right words to say.

  Jennie started the car and made her way through the crowded parking lot to the street. She’d talked to Coach Dayton earlier that day and let her know she might be late. DeeDee didn’t sound very happy about it but told Jennie to get there as soon as she could.

  Fifteen minutes before her appointment with Debra, Jennie walked into the lobby of the Channel 22 studios. She announced herself to the receptionist, who made a phone call, probably to Debra, then buzzed her through the security door.

  “Ms. Noble’s office is just up those stairs—second cubicle on your left.”

  “Thanks.” Jennie took a deep breath for courage and began the ascent. She counted thirty stairs to the landing. There had to be at least that many butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. The vast room was divided into a number of small cubicles. Jennie recognized several faces of people from the Channel 22 News team.

  Debra stood beside one of the desks and was talking to a man in a suit and tie. They were laughing about something.

  “Excuse me …”

  “Jennie!” Debra smiled. “Welcome.” Turning to the man, she said, “Phil, this is Jennie McGrady. She’s the student I’m featuring in our local hero segment today. Jennie, this is Phil Chapman, the coanchor.”

  Debra didn’t need to introduce him. Jennie had seen him on television so many times, she felt like she knew him. Phil stood and reached for her hand. “Nice to meet you, Jennie. I’ve heard great things about you.”

  “Thanks. Nice to meet you too.”

  “I’ll talk to you later, Phil.” Turning to Jennie, Debra said, “I’m glad you’re early. I’d like to see you privately before we actually do the interview.” She glanced around. “There’s no one in the conference room. It’ll be quiet in there.”

  Debra sat in one of ten chairs around a large oval table and indicated for Jennie to sit next to her. Was it Jennie’s imagination, or did Debra seem nervous? The reporter clenched her hands, brought them to her chin as if saying a prayer, then lowered them to her lap.

  “I … I’d like to
clear something up before we do the interview. First, let me say that I did not choose to interview you because you are Detective McGrady’s daughter. I don’t intend to pump you for information about the murders.”

  Jennie frowned. “I wouldn’t have any to give you.” She found it odd that Debra would mention it; then the light dawned. “My dad called you, didn’t he?”

  Debra gave a half nod. “Yes, he did. He told me in no uncertain terms that he didn’t want me using you to get to him. I assured him that wasn’t my intention.” She tilted her head. “He told me something else as well. He said I should talk to you about … well, about an incident that nearly got me into trouble with the police.”

  “Incident … oh, you mean my turning over your license number to them?” Jennie fiddled with the strap on her backpack.

  “Yes. Officer Rockwell suggested the same thing. Both of them indicated you were a determined young lady and that I might be better off telling you the truth rather than trying to keep you at bay. I’m afraid you caught me in a rather embarrassing situation.”

  13

  “I don’t understand.” Jennie brought her gaze up to meet Debra’s.

  Debra smiled, then shifted her gaze from Jennie to the table, then back again, not quite making eye contact. “The person you saw driving that beige Cadillac last Friday was me, but I wasn’t following Annie. I was heading for the mall and just happened to be behind Annie and her boyfriend.”

  “Why the wig and sunglasses?”

  “For protection. I’m sure you can understand my predicament. I’m fairly well known, and when I go out, invariably people want my autograph or to talk to me about something. It usually entails their ideas on how I can do my job better. So when I go out in public to run personal errands, I’ll often wear a wig and sunglasses. Friday was one of those days. I’m not sure why you thought I was following Annie. I’d have no reason to do that. In fact, I’ve had the experience of being stalked myself. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

  “You came out of a side street near the school and turned in behind her.” Jennie eyed her suspiciously. “Are you saying I jumped to conclusions?”

  She licked her lips. “I’m afraid you did.”

  “What about yesterday—at church. You were wearing your disguise then too?”

  “Yes. As I said, I don’t like appearing in public.”

  “So you weren’t at church because you thought Annie might be there.”

  “No—of course not.”

  Debra was lying. Jennie could see it in her eyes. But why would she? Unless … “You have two cars,” Jennie said. “The teal van and the Cadillac.”

  “Yes. I inherited the Caddy from my parents when they died. I’ve never had the heart to get rid of it. I keep it in the garage and take it out when I’m in disguise.”

  “I thought you said they died in an auto accident.”

  “They did. The Cadillac was their second car.”

  “I still think you were following Annie, and I think I know why. Lisa and I were talking this morning about how much you and Annie look alike.”

  “We do?” The statement caught her off guard.

  “Sure—you even have some of the same mannerisms. We wondered if you might be her real mom.”

  Debra closed her eyes. She looked ready to cry. “Oh, Jennie, I wish more than anything that were the case.” She drew in a deep breath. “Your father was right. You are persistent.”

  “Only when I know I’m right.”

  “I see.” Debra pushed her chair back, got up, and walked to the window. She folded her arms and tipped her head back.

  Jennie wasn’t sure what to say or do. She’d clearly overstepped her boundaries and wondered if Rocky would consider her comments as harassment. “I guess you won’t want to interview me now. Maybe I should go.”

  “No. Stay.” Debra turned back around. “You were right about one thing, Jennie. I was following Annie that day—not following her, exactly, just … I can’t explain it. I feel drawn to her. You are right. She does look like me—she looks like she could be my daughter.”

  Jennie sat quietly, waiting for her to go on. Gram had taught her that when you keep quiet, people will often give you more information than they might otherwise. Silence makes them nervous and they talk. All you have to do is listen.

  “Only she isn’t. You’re completely wrong about that,” Debra went on. “For one thing, I could never do what Annie’s birth mother did. Of course, some people would think what I did was ten times worse. At least Annie lived. My baby didn’t.”

  “You said you’d never married.”

  “I hadn’t. My boyfriend left me when I told him I was pregnant. I was only seventeen at the time. My parents were on one of their long trips to Europe. I didn’t have the heart to tell them. I had every intention of giving birth and giving the baby up for adoption. But as the time came closer, I panicked. What would I tell my parents? I went to a doctor, and he told me it wasn’t too late to have an abortion. I … I agreed.”

  Jennie didn’t know what to say. How terrible it must have been to be faced with a decision like that.

  “You’re pro-life, aren’t you?” Debra paced back and forth in front of the window.

  “Yes.”

  “So am I—now. Back then I didn’t think much about it one way or the other. Abortion was legal, so it must be okay. I wanted to go to college and have a career. My parents would never have forgiven me. Besides, they were older and basically unavailable. Being alone and unmarried, I felt it was the best option at the time. The doctor was so kind. He even—” She shook her head. “I never thought the aftereffects of having an abortion would be so painful. He told me it would be a simple procedure—I’d have some labor pains, but the fetus was still small and I wouldn’t suffer too much. He neglected to mention that aborting my baby would leave a hole in my heart the size of China. I took the easy way out, or so I thought. I told myself it was for the best, and the doctor agreed.”

  She stopped and pressed both hands on the table in front of Jennie. “Even with all that, I made the wrong choice. Not a day goes by that I don’t regret my decision. I look at every child with longing in my heart. The doctor didn’t tell me if it was a boy or a girl. I never asked. So you see, Jennie, Annie’s birth mother may have put her into the trash, but she did call the police, and Annie was rescued. I murdered mine.” Tears filled her blue eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” Jennie wanted to tell her it wasn’t her fault, that it wasn’t really murder … but would she be right? Somehow she didn’t think so—not when she thought of the tiny baby growing inside her own mother’s uterus.

  “So am I, Jennie. You will never know how sorry I am.” Debra straightened and went back to the window.

  “Why did you follow Annie?” Jennie asked. “If you had an abortion …”

  “I’m not sure. When I first saw her, my heart felt as though it would explode. I know intellectually that Annie isn’t remotely related to me and that she couldn’t possibly be my child. Wishful thinking, I suppose. I’d like to think the abortion didn’t happen and that my baby is still alive. All I know is that when I saw Annie’s picture in the paper after she and the others were elected to the Fall Festival Court, my heart melted. I wanted to know more about her. I obtained her records and found out she’d been discarded by her mother, then adopted by the Phillipses. I know she isn’t mine, but I can still dream.”

  Debra glanced at her watch and came back to the table. “We need to go. I hope I can trust you not to mention our discussion to anyone. I’m not sure why I even told you all that. You’re a good listener.”

  “I’m glad you did. And don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” As long as you leave Annie alone, she added to herself. Jennie had an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. She believed Debra now, but there was more to it than that. If she could trust her intuition—a
nd she often could—this case was far from being solved.

  Jennie picked up her bag and followed Debra out the door and down the hall. Four agonizing minutes later they began the interview. Jennie wished she hadn’t come. She wished she had Lisa’s taste in clothes and her petite figure. She wished she had Allison’s poise. She wished she could stop worrying about making a fool of herself and that her mouth wouldn’t feel so dry. Jennie wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. Jeans—good grief. She should have had Lisa pick something out for her. She hadn’t even thought about her clothes—she just grabbed something clean. Her shirt was okay, a white knit with a V neck. Calm down, McGrady. She tried giving herself a pep talk. You look fine. You’re here now, and you are not going to back down, so make the most of it. There are only a few hundred thousand people watching. People who might help to restore Trinity’s losses.

  “Relax, Jennie,” Debra interrupted her thoughts. “You’ll do fine. You’re an inspiration, and I know there are kids out there—adults too—who will admire your courage.”

  Courage? Jennie felt anything but courageous. She’d have preferred stepping into a snake pit. As long as they weren’t poisonous. She shivered at the thought and looked at the cameras trained on her and Debra. Well, maybe not snakes.

  Debra began by introducing Jennie as a student at Trinity High and reminded the audience about the arson fire. “Over the past few weeks we’ve seen the church community rebuild and flourish. I think that’s largely due to the quality of the people involved. They don’t back down in the face of tragedy. If anything, they come back stronger than ever. They are survivors. Jennie McGrady is one of those survivors. She is, in my opinion, a hero. Jennie has achieved excellence in sports as well as academics.”

  Jennie wasn’t sure she liked where the conversation was going. With every accolade she felt herself growing smaller and her cheeks growing more red.

  “Jennie, I understand you plan to go into law enforcement.”

  “That’s right. I’d like to get a law degree.”

  “So you plan to become a lawyer?”