“Two nines, a crossbow, knives,” he said.
The voice commanded, “Roll out now and give me an assessment.”
“On it,” Helen said, ending the call.“Suit up; we have fifteen minutes to get there.”
Apple didn’t want to admit it, but he was excited to get to work beside The Cranberry.He wanted to experience what Yield had seen.He wanted to sit in on what Lemon had learned about the lady.Passion Fruit of all people spoke highly of the woman and had earned a spot as a bridesmaid in Cranberry’s wedding.
He returned in black pants and a black turtleneck with two weapons holstered under his arms.A crossbow was pointed upwards, and a Bowie knife was sheathed on his hip.
“Okay then,” Helen said, “let’s do this.”
Chapter 16- Dissolution
The house was nothingspectacular, and Helen offered him no information.She remained quiet as she pushed the speed limit to get to the home, to be met with an ambulance, sirens off, and a lone police car.Concern covered her face as she parked the Explorer.She looked over at Apple.
“Unholster, for now,” she said.
He didn’t question because the look on her face made him hold his questions and thoughts.At the front door, Helen tapped lightly and let herself inside, announcing she was ‘coming in.’An EMT worked beside a body, seated on the couch.Apple could see the person, and Helen blocked his view as she bent, taking the hand of the victim.
“Did you give the police officer a description of the man that did this to you?”Helen asked.
When she moved to the side, Apple was able to see the person.He couldn’t hide his shock.It took a moment to collect himself, looking at the woman he knew well.
“Pear?”he said, moving to her side.His arm went around her shoulder as she winced in obvious pain.
Helen stood, taking a good look at the woman who had been worked over.The two other girls were not present, and neither was the one she was sent to fetch and deliver to Pear.Her hackles were rising, and her anger began to return.
Pear said, although her words were muddled with her swollen lip, “Not men.Two women.They took the girl.”
“And the other two young ladies?”Helen asked.
“They were in the basement doing laundry when they arrived and kicked in my door,” Pear said.“She must have a tracker in her for them to find her here.We’ve been homeschooling, so she really hasn’t left the house since you dropped her off.I didn’t think it was safe.”
Helen’s attention went to the police officers.“Do you have everything you need to file the report?”
“We do, although we aren’t clear on why two women would randomly show up to kick in Ms.Muldrow’s door to take a child in her care,” the officer said.
