Plain Truth (Military Investigations)

by Giusti, Debby

  Ella refused to answer.

  The director’s gaze narrowed as she glanced at where the researcher lay. “Is he dead?”

  “Turn yourself in, Nancy.”

  “Absolutely not. All the better if I don’t have to worry about Ross. He was always the weak link.”

  She was even more despicable than Ella had first realized. “You won’t get away with this, Nancy. The police will be here in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll say the special agent shot you and Ross, and make it look like you were out to do us harm.”

  Ella saw movement from the corner of her eye. Relief swept over her. Zach’s eyes were open, and his hand was reaching for Ross’s gun.

  She needed to distract the director. “You sent Ross to my clinic to kill me.”

  “You said you weren’t attending the symposium and charity dinner. But we knew you had information from your husband’s data, records that should have remained at the research center. That was so like Quin, thinking he could bend the rules to fit his own needs.”

  “Someone pushed me onto the MARTA train tracks.”

  “Yet your boyfriend saved you,” the director snarled. “You’re like a cat with nine lives. Ross was a fool. He attacked the wrong person in your clinic, then tried to kill you a number of ways, including using his grandfather’s rifle. He had hoped feigning an accent would throw you off track. Eventually, he decided the best plan was an anaphylactic reaction. He asked the hotel chef to add a light seafood glaze to the entrées served to the head tables. A glaze that was undetectable, but deadly for anyone allergic to shellfish.”

  The director’s gaze narrowed. “But you didn’t eat anything except your salad. We couldn’t let you come back to your clinic and piece together the information. When you called about the flash drive, I was already en route here.”

  “You’ll never find the data.”

  “If necessary, I’ll burn down the clinic to get rid of the evidence.”

  Ella inched her way slowly around the front of the car. She put her hand behind her back and held up three fingers, not even sure if Zach could see them or if he would understand her plan.

  Please, God, let this work, she silently prayed.

  The director continued to talk about what she’d been able to accomplish and the children who had been helped through the research center.

  “Your husband almost ruined all of that, Ella.”

  She held up two fingers behind her back.

  “He was a good researcher, but he was expendable,” Nancy continued.

  One finger.

  Pulling in a breath, Ella pointed behind the director’s head and screamed, “Watch out!”

  The woman turned, startled, expecting to see someone behind her.

  Ella dropped to the ground and scooted to the far side of the car.

  Half lying, half sitting, Zach raised Ross’s weapon. “Drop your gun! CID Fort Rickman,” he cried.

  The director turned back and fired wide.

  Grasping the weapon with two hands, Zach aimed and fired. The shot made its mark. The gun fell from Nancy’s hands. She gasped, clutched her side and collapsed onto the road.

  Ella scurried around the car, grabbed the director’s gun and felt for her carotid artery. No pulse. She opened Nancy’s jacket and began CPR.

  Sirens screamed, and police sedans followed by two ambulances screeched to a stop on the bridge.

  “We’ve got it from here, Doc.” Two EMTS took over the compressions and worked to keep the director alive.

  Ella ran to where Zach sat propped against the bridge. He tried to stand. “Don’t get up. You’re still dizzy,” she told him. She waved over another team of paramedics. “This man needs medical attention.”

  They quickly got Zach onto a stretcher and lifted him into one of the ambulances. “You’re not going without me,” she said, climbing in behind them. “I’m his physician.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Ella sat on the side seat next to the stretcher.

  “I’m okay, Ella,” Zach told her.

  “Maybe, but we’ll let the ER docs decide. And we’re heading to the hospital at Fort Rickman.”

  “It’s farther,” he said.

  “But they’re not short staffed.”

  Ella couldn’t let down her guard; she had to stay in control until she knew Zach was receiving the medical care he needed.

  The ER doctor was waiting when the ambulance arrived. He raced alongside the stretcher, asking questions, as the medical team rushed Zach into the trauma room.

  “You need to wait in the hallway, ma’am.” One of the nurses closed the door, shutting Ella out.

  Standing in the corridor, not knowing if Zach would be all right, was one of the hardest things Ella had ever had to do. She called Sergeant Abrams to fill him in, and was surprised by the information he shared.

  When the door opened and the doctor invited her into the trauma room, she had to hold back tears of relief. Zach still lay on the stretcher, but his color had returned and he was smiling. She even saw a twinkle in his eyes.

  “I’m not sure of everything that happened,” the ER doc said. “But his symptoms point to histamine fish poisoning.”

  Ella nodded in agreement. “I talked to the police. Evidently a number of people at the head tables of a banquet we were at fell ill, eating entrées covered with a seafood glaze. The doctors in Atlanta called it scombroid food poisoning, which coincides with your diagnosis.”

  “How ’bout explaining what it is to the patient?” Zach asked.

  “Basically, it’s caused by spoiled fish,” Ella told him. “Bacteria breaks down protein in the fish and high levels of histamines are the by-product, which causes illness. Although usually not as severe as your reaction, Zach. Public health people in Atlanta are inspecting the hotel kitchen, but the problem could have occurred when the seafood was first shipped to market.”

  “Special Agent Swain mentioned his mother’s allergy to shellfish,” the ER doc added. “I’d recommend testing. An allergic reaction could have played into his quite significant response. In either case, the epinephrine helped to open his airway.”

  Ella was puzzled. “But I only administered a half cc at most.”

  “I injected myself.” Zach held up his left arm and showed her the vein where a large hematoma had formed.

  “My advice,” the doctor said, “is to keep an EpiPen on hand.” Turning to Ella, he added, “We want Special Agent Swain to stay here until his blood pressure returns to normal. If the lab work comes back without question, we’ll release him in a few hours and you can take him home.”

  When the ER doctor left the trauma room, Ella stepped toward the stretcher and leaned over Zach. “I thought I’d lost you. You could hardly breathe, and I knew you were in severe distress.”

  “I feared Ross would hurl you off the bridge. You can’t swim—isn’t that what I heard?”

  “I’m planning to take lessons.”

  “A good idea.” He touched her cheek and wrapped her hand in his. “You’re very brave, Dr. Jacobsen, and very smart.”

  “And you’re always quick with praise.” She smiled. “Which is so...well, affirming. I’m thanking God that both of us survived.”

  “I’m sorry about Quin.”

  She nodded. “At least I know now that he didn’t take his own life. Somehow it’s easier to accept, this way, although it only shows how twisted the director and Ross were.”

  “Do you have any word on Nancy’s condition?”

  “I told you I called the police when I was in the hallway. Sergeant Abrams said she’s critical, but will probably survive.”

  “And stand trial. What about Ross?”

  Ella shook her head. “But there is good news. I asked one of th
e nurses to call ICU about Mary Kate’s condition.”

  “Tell me she’s better.”

  “How’d you guess? The RN told me she’s turned a corner and is expected to make a full recovery. Her husband was with her.”

  “A lot has happened since that first night at your clinic.” Zach touched Ella’s hair and weaved a strand around his finger. “But in all the headache and struggle, something good occurred.”

  “Oh?”

  “I got to know a wonderful physician who treats sick kids and makes them better.”

  “But I almost lost you.”

  “That wasn’t your fault.” He hesitated a moment. “I know you’re grieving for your husband, but I hope someday you’ll find room in your heart to love again.”

  “I don’t think that will be a problem, especially if you’re talking about a special agent who saved my life about—” Ella glanced up and pursed her lips coyly “—hmm, maybe four or five times. I’d say that’s the type of guy I want to keep around.”

  “I’d like to stay around.” He pulled her closer. “For a long time.”

  Then she lowered her lips to his, and he did what she’d wanted him to do since the first night they’d met. He kissed her. His kiss was extra sweet.

  With a contented sigh, Zach wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer. Then he kissed her again and again.

  Pulling back ever so slightly, she wiggled her nose and smiled. “As a physician, I need to warn you.”

  “About what?” he asked.

  “Kissing could cause your blood pressure to rise.”

  “But mine was too low.” He feigned wide-eyed innocence. “Which means kissing would be good for the patient.”

  She laughed. “Good for the doctor, too.”

  As they waited for the lab tests to be run so Zach could be released, Ella snuggled against him. She never wanted to leave his embrace. So much had happened that had brought them together, and wrapped in Zach’s arms was where she wanted to stay for a very long time.

  EPILOGUE

  Ella opened the oven, and inhaled the rich aroma as she basted the turkey with butter one last time. Then she glanced at the clock and wiped her hands on a towel. Everyone would arrive soon.

  “I’m impressed.” Wendy, her nurse, stood nearby and shook her head in amazement. “You’re cooking your first Thanksgiving turkey for all these people?”

  “I wanted to share the day with special friends. Thanks for joining us and for coming early to help.”

  After stepping into the dining room, Ella checked the table and admired the flower arrangement Zach had delivered ahead of time. The bouquet of mums and daisies interspersed with roses was gorgeous.

  A tap at the entry caused her to giggle with excitement when she saw his car parked outside. “Happy Thanksgiving,” she said, opening the door.

  “Don’t you look beautiful.” Zach kissed her lightly on the lips as he stepped inside. Once she’d closed the door, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, much more decidedly.

  Her toes tingled, and she had a hard time pulling out of his embrace. “Wendy’s in the kitchen,” she finally teased, alerting him that they weren’t alone.

  “You’re blushing.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “She’s seen us kiss before.”

  “And I hope she sees us kissing many more times.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a mock salute. “I can make that happened.”

  Ella laughed and peered into a shopping bag he carried. “What did you bring?”

  “Sodas and sparkling water, and some cheese and crackers to put out before the turkey’s ready.”

  “Perfect.” She motioned him into the kitchen. “Wendy can get those ready if you’ll move some more chairs around the table.”

  The rest of the guests arrived and filled the house with merriment and laughter. When the food was ready, Ella invited everyone into the dining room, and Zach carried the turkey to the table.

  Levi and a very pregnant Sarah sat across from Tyler and his fiancée. Their Amish neighbors, Isaac and Ruth Lapp, also pregnant and soon to deliver, sat on the far end with their son, Joseph. His blond hair and big blue eyes reminded Ella of the Zook twins, who had been the breakthrough case for CED. A new director had taken over the Harrisburg Genetic Research Center, and Ian was one of the lead physicians on staff.

  Zach carved the turkey while Ella and Wendy brought the other dishes to the table. Sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, summer squash and an array of breads, that Sarah had baked, filled the room with even more delicious smells.

  “I’d like two helpings of everything,” little Joseph said, his eyes wide and a smile on his sweet lips.

  “Joseph, you are growing so big now,” his mother chimed in. “But you need to eat one plateful of food before you ask for more.”

  “It looks so gut, Mamm.”

  Ella appreciated the boy’s compliment and the artful way his mother had used affirmation to build up her son before she corrected him.

  Glancing at Zach, Ella thought of the many times he had affirmed her, which was so opposite from Quin. Sarah’s father had been faint on praise, as well. Concerned about the older man, she leaned closer to her neighbor.

  “Sarah, have you heard from your father?” she asked.

  “Yah, we received a letter. He is happy living in Alabama with my sister, and even his health is better. My sister said he is taking the medicine you prescribed.”

  “I’m glad. What about your brother?”

  “He is working for my brother-in-law to pay off the debts he owed. There is a widow with a young child who lives nearby. She has been a good influence on Daniel.”

  Levi took Sarah’s hand and smiled lovingly at his wife. He and Mr. Landers had reconciled their relationship, and Levi had had an opportunity to see the twins before Mary Kate and Hugh moved to his new military assignment at Fort Riley, Kansas.

  The guests passed their plates, and Ella filled them high with the delectable assortment of food. Before they started to eat, Zach tapped his water glass to get everyone’s attention.

  “Ella asked me to say a few words of thanks. She and I consider all of you a blessing in our lives. Levi and Sarah are wonderful neighbors, and it won’t be long until their baby is here.”

  “A very healthy baby,” Ella said from her seat next to Sarah. “Why don’t you tell them, Levi?”

  “Dr. Ella got the results of the DNA tests not long ago. Our baby will be born healthy, without any of the genetic diseases we worried about.”

  “And on that happy note, let’s bow our heads in prayer,” Zach said. “Father, God, we thank You for Ella coming South to open her clinic, and for all that has brought us together on this special day. Thank You for the land across the street that I was able to purchase and for Levi agreeing to help me farm the property. Thank You for Amish friends, and bless Tyler and Carrie as they prepare for their wedding. God bless this food and those who prepared it.”

  He glanced up and smiled at Ella, causing her to blush with gratitude.

  “And thank You for new beginnings,” Zach continued. “For affirmation and love, for peaceful settings and for all Your blessings. Especially those we love who are here with us today. Amen.”

  Everyone ate their fill and then lingered at the table over dessert. Although Joseph had only one helping of the main course, he found room for two slices of pie.

  After the guests left, Zach washed the dishes while Ella put everything away. Once the kitchen was tidy, they walked into the living room to the window that looked out upon the land Zach had bought.

  “I don’t want to rush you,” he said, “but I’m feeling overjoyed today and so very grateful.”

  She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder as the
y both gazed at the rolling fields and the falling twilight.

  “You’re all I ever wanted in life, Ella, and I’m so thankful to have found you.”

  “I feel the same way, Zach. Being with you brings me total joy and happiness that I want to have continue for as long as I live.”

  He drew her closer. “Then maybe I’m not being too impatient.”

  He dug in his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I know you needed time, but I hope we’ve waited long enough. You’ll have a lot of details to plan, so we won’t be rushing into anything too quickly, but...”

  He looked expectantly at her.

  “But what?” she asked, her lips twitching in a coy smile.

  “Will you marry me and become my wife?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, I want to be your wife, and I’ll go around the world with you, wherever you’re stationed.”

  “How about right here? I’ll get out of the army in another year. Levi can teach me how to farm. We can expand our property and, hopefully, have a family. I can help with the management and upkeep of the clinic, while you treat the children who need your care.”

  “Oh, Zach, that would make me so happy, but I’d be happy anyplace with you.”

  “I love you, Ella, and I always will.”

  “God knew what He was doing when He brought us together,” she reasoned.

  “That’s why He’s God,” Zach said, before he kissed her again.

  Twilight settled over the land and the stars twinkled overhead. A moon glowed in the night sky and showered the earth with shimmering light. Zach and Ella moved onto the front porch and sat wrapped in an Amish quilt, watching the moon rise even higher over the horizon.

  Nestled together, they talked about their future, about the children they prayed God would give them and about their life together, joined by love and surrounded by the beauty of God’s bounty. Freemont, Georgia, and this Amish community would be their home, where they would raise their family and, with God’s blessing, live happily ever after.