Sara's Song

by Fern Michaels

  “That’s just too much to think about right now. I’m going home, Nellie. I’ll get a few hours’ sleep and come back. Perhaps we can have breakfast together. I’ll call my aunt Florence and pack Carly’s things. I want you both to leave right from the hospital. I don’t want Carly going back to the house. We’ll talk later, okay. Thanks, Nellie, for everything, but most of all for being my friend. I have a story to tell you about the Hawk when I get back.”

  “I have one to tell you, too. Go home, Sara, and get some sleep.”

  “I want to see Carly first. I’ll just peek in the door.”

  “Thirty seconds, Sara. Carly needs her rest.”

  “I know. I need to see her, Nellie. I promise not to make a sound.” Satisfied that her sister was indeed sleeping, Sara stayed an extra moment to stare at the cumbersome cast on her sister’s shoulder. Carly would be fine once she adjusted to the discomfort.

  The phone in the kitchen started to ring the moment she entered the house. She armed the security system before she grappled for the portable phone. Thinking it might be Nellie, she answered the phone, her eye on the clock.

  The voice was stern, almost unrecognizable, but she would have known it any where. A smile tugged at the corners of Sara’s lips as she listened. “Dr. Killian . . . Sara . . . I am not a complainer by nature, but don’t you think you should have given me some pain pills?”

  “You could take some aspirin and call me in the morning.” She was flirting and enjoying every second.

  “It is morning, Sara.”

  “So it is. A nice cup of hot tea relaxes a person. You could try it.”

  “What will that do for my rear end? I can’t sit down, because there is a lump the size of a lemon on my rump.”

  “I see. Are we flirting with each other, Adam?”

  “I am. How about you?”

  Sara smiled at Adam’s confession. “Yes, but I’m not very good at it.”

  “Neither am I. Why don’t we cut right to the chase and have a real date. I call you up, you say yes, I bring flowers and ring your doorbell. I have to tell you I’m pretty rusty at the dating thing.”

  “I am, too. When do you think you’ll call me?”

  “Hang up, and I’ll call you right back. You’re going to say yes, right?”

  “Yes, I’m going to say yes.” Sara laughed aloud when the dial tone hummed in her ear. She replaced the phone in the cradle. It rang a second later. “Yes,” she blurted.

  “I didn’t ask you yet. You’re fouling me all up. Will you have dinner with me this evening, Dr. Killian? Someplace casual. No primping and no fussing.”

  “I will if you promise to stop calling me Dr. Killian.” She had a date. With a man who could make her head spin.

  “Do you want to hang up now?”

  “Do you?”

  “No. What should we talk about?”

  “I guess the thing that’s foremost on my mind, the person who is after me. Do you have any idea who it could be?” She almost blurted out she was sending Carly to her aunt Florence, but bit down her lip instead. Nellie always said never tell everybody everything. It was probably very good advice.

  “Do you have an alarm system?”

  “Yes. It was on the day my house was broken into. I’ve locked all the dead bolts.”

  “Not many people have the smarts to disarm an alarm system. Be careful. I have a couple of ideas, plus a lot of suspicions I plan to follow up on today. I’ll report any progress this evening. Is seven good for you?”

  “Seven is fine. How’s the pain?”

  “I lied.”

  “I know.”

  Adam laughed. “I’ll see you at seven.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I am, too.”

  The smile stayed on Sara’s face during her shower and while she turned down the bed. It went into hiding when she brushed her teeth, but surfaced again when she snuggled with her pillow. And then the tears flowed. “Oh, Dallas, I miss you. It should be you and not your brother who is going to take me to dinner. It’s just a silly little dinner date. It doesn’t mean anything. Really it doesn’t.” Seconds later she was sound asleep, her pillow soggy with her tears.

  Sara knew there was a smile on her face when she woke even though her pillow was still damp. She didn’t need a mirror to verify that today was going to be a wonderful day. Nellie would take Carly to Nevada where she would be safe. She was going to deliver the song Dallas wrote for her to Judge Iverson for safekeeping, so she could get on with her life. She hoped that life would include Adam Lord’s friendship in some small way.

  The clock on the nightstand said it was seven o’clock. She’d had little more than three hours of sleep, and yet she felt on top of the world. In less than an hour she showered, washed her hair, styled it, made coffee, changed the sheets on her bed—just in case—and packed Carly’s bag. The undecorated Christmas tree gave her a bad moment. She decided she could fit decorating it into her schedule as long as she remembered to pick up several strings of lights. And a bottle of very good wine. Just in case. If she was in luck, she might be able to find a new outfit for her casual date with Adam. Then it would be back to the hospital to see that Nellie and Carly got off on their trip. After that she would return to the house, take a bubble bath, and wait for her date. Or, she could juggle things and visit the hospital first. One jam-packed day coming up. She knew she was going to love every single minute of the hustle and bustle she was creating for herself. Maybe she wouldn’t have time to think about Dallas and what she was doing by dating his brother. It’s just a silly little dinner date, she told herself over and over. The sheets and the wine didn’t mean anything.

  First things first. She had to go to the bank to get the tape and the sheet music. Did she need an appointment to see Judge Iverson? If she said it was an emergency, she was certain her father’s old friend would somehow manage to fit her in for a brief appointiment. If things went awry, she could always package up the tape with a letter and leave it with the judge’s clerk. She knew she was doing the right thing by giving the judge the tapes for safekeeping. If anything happened to her or Carly, the judge would be the one to handle their affairs. Carly had convinced her not to leave the tapes in the safe deposit box, reminding her of the time she’d pretended to be Carly and even forged her signature to get her sister’s passport out of the box at the last second before a trip to Europe. Judge Iverson was a sworn officer of the court and would keep the tape safe.

  In the garage, Carly’s keys in her hand, Sara remembered her sister saying her Jeep was out of gas. Damn. Was it literally out of gas or had Carly just said that? She fit the key into the ignition, her eye on the gas gauge. Take a chance or not? There was too much on her agenda today not to chance it. She made it to the gas station six blocks away just as the Jeep started to sputter and cough. She hopped out, pumped her own gas, paid the bill, and was back on the road heading for the bank within minutes.

  Midway between the bank and the courthouse, the fine hairs on the back of Sara’s neck started to prickle. She risked a glance into the rearview mirror. The same dark blue Taurus that had been behind her on the way to the bank was still with her. Was it a coincidence, or was it something else? At the last second she swerved hard right without turning on her blinker. The Taurus kept on going but picked her up a block away. She fumbled in her black bag. The gun was probably at the bottom of the bag. Adam Lord had taken out the clip and hadn’t given it back. The extra clip was in her jacket back at the house. So was the Taser gun she usually carried with her late at night.

  Her heart pounding, Sara executed another right, then a left, and headed back the way she’d come. Her next stop would be Benton Memorial so she could alert the security guard, who in turn would call the police. Now her whole day’s schedule was screwed up.

  The guard listened carefully as Sara rattled off her story. “Look, Mr. Phelps, I didn’t see the person, the windshield was tinted, and the sun was glaring on the glass. All I
know is the car was with me all morning. I’m not sure about this either, but I think there was a car behind the Ford that was tailing me. Whoever it was stayed with us. I realize it isn’t in the parking lot right now, but when I leave here it will be following me. There was no license plate on the front of the car so I couldn’t get a number. I know I don’t work here anymore, Mr. Phelps, but I would appreciate it if you would help me. I don’t think Mr. Heinrick will mind your donating a few minutes of your time. If you need me, I’ll be on the fourth floor visiting my sister.”

  Carly was sitting up in bed, a scowl on her face. Nellie was wagging a no-nonsense finger under her nose. Intimidated, Carly nodded in agreement to whatever the old nurse was saying.

  “You’re looking good, Carly. How do you feel?”

  “I’ve felt better. This damn thing itches. The food is terrible. Six weeks I have to wear this thing!”

  “It could be worse, Carly. Be glad you’re alive and well.”

  “I am glad. I’m also glad no one else was hurt. I’m not going, Sara. All Aunt Florence wants to do is play Old Maid and Monopoly. And she cheats. She’s going to fuss and hover. You know I hate hovering. Why can’t I stay with Nellie at her place? I can go to Hank’s place. I still have a key. He won’t mind.”

  “Listen to me, Carly. I want you as far away as possible. You love Aunt Florence. Nellie needs to get away, too. I’ll feel better if I know you’re safe. You aren’t in any condition to ... you know, put up a fight or run or ... stuff like that. Adam and I are going to ... work on this together.”

  “Adam, is it? So that’s what is putting the sparkle in your eye. Why’d you make up that story about running? All you had to say was you have this thing going, and I’ll be in the way.”

  Sara blinked. “I didn’t think you’d go for it.” The sly wink Nellie shot in Sara’s direction was all the proof Carly needed.

  “I knew it! I saw the way that guy looked at you. I thought it would take him longer to come around. At first he seemed like a real tight-ass. He has definite possibilities, and he’s rich. I approve! I know you aren’t over Dallas, so take it slow and easy.”

  “It’s just a casual dinner date. He’s leaving in a few days to go back to South Carolina. I’ll probably never see him again. I’ll be heading for New York soon.”

  “Planes, trains, buses, cars. Overnight mail, telephones, fax machines. Love notes via a fax has to be the greatest. Don’t screw this up, Sara.”

  “Okay, Carly. Can I help you get dressed?”

  “Nope. Nellie said I’m on my own. I feel top-heavy. Guess I’ll get used to it. I was discharged thirty minutes ago. I take that to mean we’re free to go.”

  “Guess, so. Do you have everything, Nellie?”

  “I went home to get everything right after you called. Steven is going to board my cat and dog. We’re taking my Pontiac. The truck would be too jarring for Carly. I’m going to leave the key to the truck and my apartment with you, Sara. You never know if that Tinkertoy Carly drives is going to work or not. My truck is parked in my stall at the town-house building; you can’t miss it. If you prefer, I can drive it over to your house before we leave. Both of us can stay as long as you want us to, Sara. Take care of your business here and call to let us know how things are. Does the old lady really cheat?”

  “Just the way you do, Nellie. Don’t worry about the truck. If I need it, I know where to get it.”

  “Ah.”

  Carly came out of the bathroom. “Are you sure this is the right thing we’re doing, Sara?”

  “I’m sure. Have a good trip and don’t take too many jaunts to the casinos.”

  “Did you go to see Judge Iverson yet?”

  “I’m going to the courthouse when I leave here. Nellie will fill you in on everything. Don’t get that cast wet.”

  “Sara.”

  “Take care of yourself. You’re the only sister I have.”

  “I will. Don’t give Nellie a hard time. Promise.”

  “I promise. C’mon, Nellie, we’re outta here. My sister has things to do and places to go. Translated that means she has to buy some new duds so she sparkles. Use that smoky eye shadow. It makes your eyes look mysterious.”

  “Go!”

  Sara stood by the elevator as Carly settled herself into the wheelchair, a rule of the hospital. When the elevator door swished shut, she heaved a sigh of relief. She headed for the EXIT sign over the door and took the stairs to the emergency room.

  “Any luck, Mr. Phelps?”

  “No sign of a dark blue sedan or any other strange car, Dr. Killian.” The security guard handed her a card. “Detective Nelson said to call him on your cell phone if you spot the car again. He said if you do call him, you’re to keep driving and don’t stop. They’ll send a car to pick up whoever is following you.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Phelps. Have a nice holiday.”

  “You too, Dr. Killian. We miss you around here.”

  Sara smiled and waved, her gaze raking the parking lot. There was no sign of a dark blue sedan anywhere. Maybe it was all her overactive imagination.

  Sara steered the Jeep into the traffic, one eye on the road and the other on the rearview mirror. As she parked the Jeep in the courthouse parking lot, she remembered the gun in her shoulder bag. The metal scanner in the courthouse would pick it up in a second. She stashed it under the seat, crossed her fingers, and said a prayer that it would still be there when she came out. She took several deep breaths before she felt steady enough to climb out of the car. Again, her gaze swept the parking area for any sign of the dark blue sedan. The eerie feeling that someone was watching her stayed with her as she crossed the parking lot to the building.

  Aware now of everyone and everything, Sara scrutinized each person who came near her as she made her way to the seventh floor where Judge Iverson had his offices. She spent forty-five minutes being shuffled from room to room before a clerk escorted her to the judge’s office.

  Judge Ronald Iverson was a tall, handsome, robust man in his middle sixties. He worked out with a vengeance four days a week and a low-fat diet, coupled with his strenous exercise routine, allowed him to maintain his weight. If he touched up his hair with Grecian Formula, he was the only one who knew it. Sara was amazed at how well he was aging each time she saw him. A widower for six years, he was rumored to like very young women and never stayed long with any one of them because he believed variety was the spice of life. If memory served her right, he would retire at the end of next year. Then it was Palm Springs, golf, tennis, and long-legged beauties for the rest of his life.

  “Sara Killian. Excuse me, Dr. Sara Killian. It’s so good to see you. How’s Carly? Sit down sweetie. I have ten minutes before I have to take the bench. Is anything wrong? Ah, don’t tell me you got one too many traffic tickets,” he joked, his pricey porcelain caps glistening in the lamplight. Sara wondered how he could stand being in a room without windows all day long.

  “I wish it were that simple, Judge. I hope I can get this all out in ten minutes. Just let me blurt it out, and if there is anything you don’t understand, I can fill you in later. I need you to keep something safe for me.” Sara rattled on, the words shooting out of her mouth faster than bullets. “I don’t know who it is, Judge. The only thing I know for certain is I am deathly afraid something is going to happen to Carly.”

  “Good Lord. I don’t believe what I’m hearing. I’m having cocktails with the police commissioner this evening. I’ll goose him a little. You know Carly has a level head on her shoulders. She outgrew that bubble-headed business years ago. You need to stop mothering her, Sara. She can take care of herself. Now let me be sure I have all of this straight. What I’m holding in my hand is the song Dallas Lord, the famous rock star, wrote for you. It’s worth millions of dollars to the owner, who at the moment is you. Mr. Lord’s brother wants to buy it from you for a paltry amount of money so the world can enjoy Dallas’s last song. How am I doing so far?”

  “You’re doing fine, Judge
.”

  “You want me to keep this safe for you until you know exactly what it is you want to do with the song. I can do that, Sara. I have a safe right here in my office. No one has the combination but my clerk and me. Is this the only copy you have and is this the only handwritten paper in your possession?”

  A devil perched itself on Sara’s shoulder. “The paper is a photocopy. I haven’t been able to find the original. I guess it’s in the pile of papers Dallas gave me to keep for him.” Sara lied and didn’t know why she was lying. “Yes, that’s the only cassette,” she lied again. “Dallas wrote the song just for me. It was supposed to be a wedding present.”

  “So this is what they call the master copy?”

  “I guess so. Dallas just handed it to me. I don’t know what the difference would be between a master and a copy. Perhaps the sound. You’ll keep it for me then?”

  “Of course. Do you ever plan to sell it, or are you going to give it back to the estate? Do you have some kind of a plan? Millions of dollars are at stake here, young woman. I can understand why some chicanery might be going on.”

  “I’ve had so many plans I don’t know if I’m coming or going. Nothing seems to work. I’m afraid to stay in the house.”

  “Listen. I have an idea. I own a cabin in the Alpine Forest, where I like to go when things pile up on me. There is plenty of food, water, and firewood. It’s a snug cabin, and you and your sister will be very comfortable. I want you to go there and stay for a while until whatever has been happening around here blows over. It sounds to me like the brother is a greedy bastard. Your father would never forgive me if something happened to either one of you girls. I want you to take this key and go up there today. Here, I’ll write out directions. I don’t want to worry about you.”

  “I can’t go today, Judge. I ... we can go tomorrow. I ... Carly and I can stay with friends this evening and leave in the morning when it gets light.”

  “I want you to call me the minute you start out. I’ll alert the troopers to watch out for you. Give me your promise, young lady.”