Each of the Sisters had a go bag at the ready. At least two days’ worth of clothes, comfortable shoes, and toiletries. If they needed anything else, they could purchase it. Maggie grabbed her rolling traveler and did an inventory. There was no need to pack treats. She knew there would be enough on the plane. Satisfied she was ready, Maggie headed for the airport, then boarded Annie’s Gulfstream.
Three hours later, the landing gear came down, and they were taxiing toward the hangar where private jets were required to dock. A driver was standing next to an electric shuttle cart, similar to Annie’s, but not as fast. He waved in Maggie’s direction. She hopped on, and he took her to the rental counter, where a small, nondescript SUV awaited.
Maggie punched in the address of the hotel, then followed up with the address of the hospital. They were less than a ten-minute drive from each other. Annie had booked a two-bedroom, extended stay suite, with a small kitchenette. Chances were one of the other Sisters would be joining Maggie at some point, and they needed a home base. Maggie phoned Annie to let her know she’d arrived, then she called the hospital to see if Jeremy Sykes was allowed visitors. She was told, “Only family, one person at a time, and no longer than fifteen minutes.” She guessed she would just have to go see her “cousin” Jeremy tomorrow.
Regina returned to Sunnydale after her lunch break and her secret visit to the hospital. As she approached the security gate, the guard noticed Regina had left the premises. “You don’t usually go out to lunch, Regina. Special occasion?”
“I had to get a gift for my sister.” Regina was surprised at how easily the lie rolled off her tongue.
“Birthday?” the guard asked in a friendly manner.
“Yes. She’s turning thirty!” Regina continued the charade. Her sister was going to be thirty, but not for another eight months. It was a half-truth. “See ya.” She pulled away as soon as he pressed the button that lifted the gate. Regina noticed her palms were sweaty. Had she gotten herself in too deep? Jeremy wasn’t a close friend, but he was a work buddy. Nice guy. Polite. Always held the door open for people. But was it worth getting in trouble for him?
She parked her car in the designated space and made her way back to her office. She was feeling a bit jumpy and was grateful no one was around. She sat at her computer and typed in Jeremy Sykes’s name. Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Surely there had to be something in the company records. She searched for other files, but everything was password-protected except her Excel accounting files. That was when she noticed files from the previous month had been deleted. That was strange. Regina knew that she didn’t delete anything. She usually saved the files in case there were any questions from upper management. In fact, for extra protection, she always made a copy on a flash drive. She opened her desk drawer and was shocked to see that the flash drive was gone. She rummaged through the paper clips, rubber bands, pens, and a staple remover. She could swear she left it in one of the compartments of the drawer organizer. She felt a chill, and goosebumps rose on her arms. Someone had to have taken it. But who? Things were feeling creepier by the minute.
Maggie grabbed a bag of chips that was sitting in a basket of treats. “Annie, you’re a gem!” Maggie said to no one. Once she had her salt rush, she washed it down with a chocolate cookie and a swig of water. She checked her teeth for any debris, splashed some water on her face, pulled her hair back in a clip, and pulled her messenger bag over her shoulder. It was time to get down to business.
Once she arrived at the hospital, she inquired about Jeremy Sykes.
“Family member?” the woman at the desk asked.
Maggie did not hesitate. “Yes, I just flew in from Virginia.” She had no idea where Jeremy’s family was from, but Virginia sounded as good as anything.
The woman gave Maggie a visitor pass and reminded her of the time limit. Maggie thanked her and rode the elevator to the fifth floor. She stopped at the nurse’s station to inquire as to which room Mr. Sykes was in.
“That boy is very popular today,” the nurse said cheerfully.
“Oh?” Maggie asked with a smile.
“A pretty woman—oh, sorry. You’re not his girlfriend, are you?”
Maggie chuckled. “No, a cousin.”
“Well, you are the first family member to arrive.” The nurse leaned over the counter. “It’s a shame they have him shackled. There’s no way that young man is going anywhere.”
“Shackled? Ah, yes,” Maggie sighed. “I’m sure it’s all a big misunderstanding.”
“I hope so. He seems like a nice fella. Not that I’ve had any real contact with him, but he has a nice face and hasn’t hit the call button since he woke up.”
“When was that?” Maggie asked with a smile.
“A few hours ago. Then the lady came, and then a detective.”
“I should go and say hello before they have a hall monitor kick me out for overstaying my allotted time.”
“They do that for the patient’s sake. Sometimes people just want to hover, and it makes it hard for the patient to relax. You know, having someone staring at you all the time.”
“You have a very good point,” Maggie replied. “I’ll be on my way. Thank you.”
Maggie hurried into Jeremy’s room. She knew she had wasted some precious time with small talk. She slowly approached his bed. “Hi, Jeremy. My name is Maggie. I was asked to come here by my publisher. We’re doing a story on the growing number of hit-and-run accidents that are happening across the country.”
He nodded in acknowledgment and let out a deep sigh.
“I don’t want to take up too much of your time; plus, the visitor police will throw me out.”
Jeremy gave her a weak smile.
“Would it be alright if I came back tomorrow? Hopefully, you’ll feel better?”
