by Sioux Dallas
“Just surface skin knocked off. I’ll be okay. It’s better than having a bullet in me. I think I’ll go back home and clean up. It’s nice to see you, Martha. Bye, Contagious and thank you,” she laughed patting him on the head.
Limping back to her house, she took a shower and placed bandages on her cut knees. She left her chin uncovered because it had stopped bleeding. She dressed in green linen slacks and a lime green fuzzy sweater for the trip.
I’m going north in winter weather so I’d better wear boots and socks. I’ll pack a couple of pant suits. No need of a dress because I won’t be socializing. I’ll just leave Mrs. Morton and the babies, check into a motel for the night and get an early start back.
She took gloves and a knit cap out of a dresser drawer and a heavy coat from the closet that she had not worn in years. Packing the pant suits she added underclothes and extra socks. After some thought she put a book in that she had wanted to read. I may want something to read in the motel. I sure would love to know what the intention of the shooter was and who he’s connected with and why.
Checking the kitchen clock she saw it was six forty and needed to leave. She debated with herself about calling Herb and Brian and telling them what had happened and then decided to just go over there. She carefully looked up and down the street as she got in Herb’s car. On the way to Brian’s house she constantly looked in the rear view mirror and the side mirrors to see if she was being followed. She picked up her cell phone and called Chief Wingate at home to tell him what had happened to her.
“Hannah, are you nuts or just having a death wish? Why are you out driving around when you might be followed and shot?”
“Chief, calm down. I’m fine except for some painful cuts and bruises. I’m working on a case and will be out of town for three or four days. Please have someone check my house to make sure there are no break-ins. Herb is occupied in an undercover case which leaves Victoria alone in the office. I would appreciate it if you’d have officers go by the office every now and then in case Victoria needs help.”
“I’ll do all of that and even visit with Victoria myself. I wish you’d tell me what’s going on.”
“Sorry, friend. You know I can’t discuss cases with anyone other than my staff. I’ll see you as soon as I get back. I did try to talk my client into giving you the information but no sale. Bye now.”
At Brian’s she pulled Herb’s car behind the house with Brian’s car. The back door was opened for her as she got out of the car. She ran into the house and thankfully accepted a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll. She hadn’t taken time to eat and was hungry.
While Mrs. Morton was bringing last minute articles down, Hannah told Herb and Brian about the morning. Herb was angry and Brian was frightened.
“Are you sure it’s going to be safe for you to take my family to Richmond? Suppose you’re followed?”
“The van is in your garage isn’t it?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You put everything that we’re taking including car seats didn’t you?”
Herb placed a comforting hand on Brian’s shoulder. “Yes, everything is in the van and it’s well hidden. All we have to do is place food in that Mrs. Morton prepared and the cooler with ice in it is already in the van. We’ll only have to put the babies’ food items and medicines in and get your things out of my car and put them in the van. Brian we’re sending them off with a lot of prayers. Hannah is an excellent driver. I don’t anticipate any trouble for them.”
“Hannah, I personally checked the tires, oil, gas and all features that you’ll depend on while you drive. Call my cell phone as soon as you get to Richmond. Give my cell number to the Sturgills and tell them not to call here at the house. We don’t know who might be listening in.”
Chapter Ten
Brian hugged each baby and kissed their cheek. “Matthew, you be a little man and help the ladies by being very good and doing whatever they say. I love you. Reinata, you don’t understand what’s going on, but some day you will. Mrs. Morton,” he hugged her, “stay safe. I can never repay you for what you’re doing to keep my babies safe. God bless you and keep you.”
“Sure and it’s a fine day when babies can’t stay in their own home and be with the daddy who loves them. I’m proud that you trust me with my little darlings. We’ll be all right. Don’t you worry about us.”
Even with tinted windows, they were very careful to not be seen. Mrs. Morton sat on the cooler in the back and would remain there for the first twenty or twenty-five miles. Both babies were asleep, so a soft, light blanket was placed over them so they would not be seen. Hannah was driving as if she were the only one in the van.
Herb and Brian stayed inside the house while Hannah drove away just in case someone was watching his house. Brian wanted desperately to stand outside and watch the van as long as he could see it, but Herb convinced him to stay in and make it appear as if Hannah had just been visiting. Later Brian went outside, as if he were alone, and puttered around preparing the flower beds for colder weather. It was difficult for him to go about daily routines as if it were a normal day. His heart was so heavy at the thought that his babies might be in trouble.
Hannah drove as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She got on N Main St on US 501 until she could drive on US 17 N. Here Mrs. Morton came up to sit with Hannah. She drove through Fayetteville, N.C. and on to Wilson where they stopped to change diapers, give Reinata a bottle and Matthew a sippy cup and pieces of apple. Hannah and Mrs. Morton took turn about using the restroom. Hannah bought a Diet Coke and a egg and sausage biscuit. Mrs. Morton bought coffee and a bagel. They bought gas.
Mrs. Morton took Matthew by the hand and let him walk around a little bit while Hannah had Reinata on her shoulder patting her back. They were beginning to feel the November cold as they traveled farther north.
In the van, and ready to go again, Hannah looked with concern at Mrs. Morton. “Are you going to be able to adjust to such an abrupt change in weather? It’s cool, but not this cold in South Carolina.”
“Yes, my dear, I’m prepared. I purchased warmer clothing for the wee ones and I think I can get by with what I have. Anyway, Mr. Brian gave me too much money if I needed it. I shall pay our way with the grandparents, but be careful not to waste it.”
By the time they were going around Norfolk, Virginia, it was really cold. Matthew was wide-eyed constantly asking “Whatat?” They patiently answered him so that he would know what he was seeing. He finally yelled, “Down!”
“Do you need to potty?” Mrs. Morton asked him. He nodded his head so hard Hannah could not understand why he didn’t hurt. Hannah pulled over going around Petersburg and Mrs. Morton took him to a restroom for his business. Both women praised him for being a little man and he was so proud of himself. He wanted something to eat. Hannah pulled over at a fast food place and got a plain hamburger and French fries which he only ate half of each and a few bites of a banana.
It was getting dusky, and Hannah pulled over to call the Sturgills on her cell phone to tell them they were almost there. “We’re going to stop and it looks as if we’ll be there about seven.”
“You will not stop,” Mrs. Sturgill said emphatically. I have a good supper ready for you. I know the babies will need to be fed, bathed and put down for the night. I’ve borrowed two cribs for them and have two rooms ready for you ladies. We can hardly wait to see you. Hurry on in -- but be careful.”
Hannah was grateful that she had been able to make the trip in such a short time. There was little traffic and she did drive fast on the interstates.
She said a prayer of thanks as they pulled into the Sturgill’s driveway.
David and Amanda Sturgill ran out to meet them. They each took a baby. Reinata slept on in her grandmother’s arms, but Matthew came wide awake when his grandfather took him. Suddenly Matthew pointed up and yelled, “At”
“What does he want?” David asked.
“He’s saying, ‘what’s that?’” Hannah
explained. “Sweetheart, that’s snow.”
“No.”
“S s s snow,” she repeated.
“At?” he asked again.
“Something very cold and we need to get in. Come on, ladies, I’ll take what you need out tonight and will get the rest tomorrow.”
Hannah and Mrs. Morton were thankful to get in out of the cold air and know they had arrived safely. Hannah immediately called Herb.
“Hey, buddy. The packages arrived safely and they’re all in good shape.”
“I’m so relieved. My friend has made a quick run to get some items. I didn’t think he should go out, but --. He’s an adult and he has been so antsy. He’ll be delighted to know everything arrived in good shape. Talk to you soon.”
Mrs. Morton and Amanda Sturgill together fed the children, bathed them and got them in bed. Then the adults sat down for David to ask a blessing. The Virginia ham, gravy, biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, pickled beets, deviled eggs and Martha Washington pie were devoured gratefully. In fact, Hannah ate more than she was accustomed to eating it was all so good. She offered to wash the dishes and clean up, but was pushed into the den to talk and answer questions about what was happening in Brian’s house. She kept yawning and apologizing. She was ashamed to be awakened later and followed the suggestion that she go to bed.
Amanda asked Mrs. Morton to stay and tell her more about the children and what she knew of the happenings.
“I wish you would call me Amanda,” she stated. “We’re going to be together for some time. My heart is so full of fear and love for this little family. It broke our hearts when our daughter died and now to find she was actually murdered! Poor Brian. We do love him.” David nodded. “We love him because he loved our daughter and was so good to her. We know how much he grieved and how much he loves the babies.” She sighed.
David broke in. “Please call us David and Amanda.”
“I shall be glad to if you’ll call me Alicia.”
They talked until all of them were yawning and tired. David stood. “Forgive us, Alicia. You’ve had a long, tiring trip and have had a lot of worries and responsibilities. We are more grateful than I can find words to express myself. Go to bed and sleep as late as you like. We’ll take care of our grandchildren.”
Hannah woke to the wonderful odors of bacon and coffee. She stretched lazily and then was horrified to discover that it was nine o’clock. She jumped up, grabbed a change of clothes and ran across the hall for a hot shower.
David greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I hope you slept well and are rested. You had a lot on your shoulders and I’m sure you’re still exhausted.”
Amanda stepped out of the kitchen to give her a firm hug. “We just can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate you. Sit down and have a good breakfast.”
Hannah looked with horror at the plate Amanda placed in front of her. First there was orange juice and coffee. The plate held scrambled eggs, four slices of bacon and two biscuits. A gravy boat was on the side with good old fashioned milk gravy.
“Whoa. Thank you so much, but I never eat this much at breakfast and I had such a big supper that I’m ashamed of myself.” She turned to return Matthew’s cheerful, “Hi!” from his high chair.
Reinata was looking pleased with herself with a big, gummy grin. This was her first experience to sit in a high chair. She had always been in an infant carrier, but Amanda felt the baby was big enough for her own chair. She spread her mouth in a big grin when Hannah laughed. Matthew beat on the tray and laughed loudly thinking they were having a great time.
“Hoooo,” David moaned, holding his ears. “I had forgotten that part of child rearing. Our daughter used to beat on the tray and try to sing loudly.”
“She must have been a wonderful little girl,” Hannah stated. She thanked Mrs. Morton as she handed her a cloth napkin.
“She was the best baby. Of course we thought so, but everyone who knew us commented on what a good baby she was. She never gave us any trouble growing up,” Amanda added.
Hannah patted her stomach. “The food here is so delicious you’re going to have trouble getting rid of me. I’ve appreciated it and certainly enjoyed it.”
David laughed. “No one is running you off. We would love for you to stay as long as you like.”
“Thank you. That’s sweet of you,” she said reaching to take the hand Reinata was waving at her. “I have clients who are depending on me and I have no choice. I must return home today.
“Look outside,” Amanda said smiling. “I don’t think you’re going any where, at least for today. Just be patient. This will be over by late afternoon and you can leave in the morning if you’re determined to go.”
The snow was falling so thick and fast that it seemed impossible to see through the white curtain falling. Hannah gave an exclamation of disgust and used her napkin to wipe her mouth.
“How in the world do you live in this and survive the winters? I would be stir crazy in a short time.”
David laughed. “We’re used to it; besides it never lasts long. If the meteorologists inform us of a possible lengthy snow storm, we hurry out, like everyone else, and stock up on items we’ll need.”
Amanda added, “Yes, we even stocked up on firewood in case we had to use the fireplace for heat. And I have cast iron skillets and a cast iron Dutch oven in case I need to cook over the fireplace.”
“Wow. I didn’t stop to think. Of course you’re prepared. I would be sure to stock up on reading material,” Hannah laughed.
Hannah made a quick call to Herb. “Packages much appreciated. Need to be involved a day or two longer due to weather. All is well.”
Chapter Eleven
Back home in Myrtle Beach Hannah thought she would never be warm again. She moaned to Victoria, “How can any one live in that as long as they do? It is beautiful and I enjoyed it for a few minutes, but my blood is too thin from the warm weather and I could not adjust quickly. Maybe after living there a few years-----,” she laughed.
Victoria laughed. “I was born and grew up in Minnesota. You don’t know cold until you’ve experienced winter there. My two brothers stayed there. They’re both doctors and doing well. My father is still there, but all three of us are trying to get him to move down here. When I came down for college I knew this is where I belong. My mother died five years ago.”
“Well, I’m eternally grateful that you did stay. I could not get along without you. Are there messages for me or something I need to be working on?”
“Yes, and I want to thank you for asking the Chief to send officers to check on me. A few even came in to keep me company sometimes. One has been coming back often and we’ve developed a nice friendship.”
“Oh, really! And who might this special officer be?”
“I don’t think you know him. He’s only been working about seven months. His name is Liam O’Brien. He has such beautiful wavy black hair and I truly think he’s kissed the Blarney Stone, only he’s not Irish.”
“Huh. What is he then with a name like that?”
“His mother came from a country in Africa and was a very light- skinned black. His father is Irish. His mother’s father was from Holland, so he’s quite a mixture of races. Does it matter?”
“Of course not. You know I judge people by their character and I assume you do the same. If you’re happy, then I’m happy. I trust you to use common sense. Don’t forget the wonderful plans you have for your future. Be very sure that whomever you choose will understand your dreams and desires and will respect them.”
“At the present we’re just good friends. I want you to meet him and judge for yourself.”
Hannah stood up. “Right now I’m anxious to hear from Herb and hear if there are any developments in Mr. Harmon’s case.” She went back to her office to call Herb.
“Hey gorgeous. I’m glad you called. I’m having the time of my life. I’ve found a Cribbage player who enjoys the game as much as I do. We’ve found we like the s
ame CDs and mostly the same television programs. But that isn’t why you called. I don’t think he’s found that I’m staying here. By now he’s probably learned that Brian is alone. The phone will ring but no one talks when Brian answers.”
“Don’t you have a tracer on the phone?”
“Yes. The calls are coming from various pay phones over town or from prepaid phone cards that can’t be traced. One day Brian went to Office Depot for supplies for his writing. He hadn’t been gone long until someone rang the doorbell. I kept very quiet, but then had to jump and hide behind a chair in the living room because the person put his face up to the window to try to see inside. I could hear him chuckle and then I heard footsteps going all around the house. When Brian came home there was a paper stuck to the garage door saying ‘Caught you’.”
“Good grief. What did he mean by that?”
“I’ve no idea. I guess he’s just trying to play on Brian’s nerves.”
“Has Brian agreed for you to talk to his pastor?”
“Not yet, but he’s getting there. I think I’ve convinced him that he needs someone on his side that can go to court and be believed if it comes to that.”
“Okay. I really called to see if we can get together for Thanksgiving. Let me know today and I’ll make reservations at the Cypress Room. I always eat with daddy, but he’ll be glad to join us.”
Hannah went out to ask Victoria if she had plans for Thanksgiving and found a tall, very handsome deputy talking to her.
“Hannah, I’m glad you walked out here. I want you to meet Liam O’Brien who has been making sure I’m safe while you were gone.”
“Hello, Liam,” Hannah said walking to shake his hand. “I’m so glad to meet you and want to thank you for looking after my dear friend here.”
“It was my pleasure, Miss Rutherford. We were told to make sure your office was protected.”
“And Victoria came with it,” Hannah laughed. He blushed.
“Victoria, I really came out to see if you had plans for Thanksgiving. I’ve just been talking to Herb and we’re going to try to get together for a meal.”
