Jethro sped up, following the navigational directions. “Does she have any health problems?”
“No,” Gemma said, finding it difficult to even shove out words. What was wrong with her baby? The blood was terrifying. “She’s had a couple of ear infections and a cold once, but that’s all. Nothing like this.”
“She’ll be okay.” Jethro sped up even more, and the lights of the hospital showed through the murk. He drove to the front door and ran around to help Gemma out. The night sky was black with faraway stars and the temperature below zero, but Gemma didn’t feel any of it. She ran inside and up to the desk, and the kindly looking, gray-haired receptionist immediately had Trudy taken to an examination room.
A doctor instantly arrived to examine the girl while a nurse took notes about Trudy’s medical history. The doctor was a young woman with kind brown eyes and efficient movements. Finally she settled Trudy in a bed with a drip. “We’ll do tests, but I don’t have a diagnosis yet,” she admitted. “She’s behaving as if she has ingested poison.” She looked over at Gemma. “Is there anything in the house or where she’s been that she could’ve taken?”
Gemma sagged against the wall. “Not that I know of, but we are staying in a newly built house. It’s possible there’s something under the sink?” God, she hadn’t done her job as a mother. She hadn’t even thought of childproofing the home, she’d been so caught up in running from Monty and then her fear of Fletcher.
Trudy was the most important person in her life.
“I just don’t know,” Gemma whispered.
Jethro dug his phone out of his pocket. “I’ll call home and have the guys search the house.” His rugged face was set in harsh lines of concern as he moved into the hallway tomake the call.
The doctor checked out Trudy again. “Her blood pressure is too low. We’ll have the tests back soon, and then we’ll know how to help her.” She cast a worried look at the nurse.
Gemma drew a chair up to the bed and held her daughter’s hand. Trudy looked small and defenseless in the big bed, and her skin was so pale she looked barely alive. “Trudy?” The girl didn’t move. Her eyes were open, but she didn’t respond. “Honey? You’re going to be okay.” Gemma scooted even closer, resting her head next to Trudy’s.
Trudy’s breathing grew labored.
The girl struggled for a couple of hours, and Gemma stayed by her side with Jethro always near. Finally the doctor returned.
“All of the tests came back negative,” the doctor said. “We need to do another round, and I want your friends to search your house again.” The twins hadn’t found anything. “She’s negative for E. coli and salmonella, but I’m still waiting for other results.” She patted Gemma’s hand. “Hang in there. I’m going to call a couple of colleagues to consult.” She quietlyleft the room.
Jethro set his hand on Gemma’s shoulder. “She’ll be all right.” His voice was reassuring despite hisobvious shock.
She nodded, her bladder protesting and her heart ready to scream out of her body. Trudy had settled a little. “I have to run to the restroom.Stay with her?”
“Of course. It’s just around the corner.” Jethro took her seat when she stood, his hand looking huge on Trudy’s.
Gemma barely kept the tears in check until she hit the bathroom, where she grabbed the sink and held on tight. Okay. She could handle this. Trudy was strong, and the doctor seemed more than capable. Trudywould be okay.
Gemma nodded, used the facilities, and washed off her face, prepared to put on a brave front again.
The other stall opened and aman walked out.
Gemma started. She’d gone into the wrong restroom? Then his features took shape. She opened her lips to scream just as Fletcher covered her mouth with a rag held inhis large hand.
“Hello, Gemma,” he said as the world went dark.
* * * *
Jethro had never felt more helpless in his entire life. He was a fixer. When there was a problem, no matter how dangerous, he fixed it. As he gently kept his hand over Trudy’s, he could barely breathe. He had to fix this.
His phone buzzed and he used his other hand to bring it to his ear. “Hanson.” It hurt to even force out words.
“Hey, it’s Ian. We searched the entire house again and couldn’t find anything. We’re headedyour way now.”
Jethro hung his head. “The food we had for dinner was mild and nobodyelse is sick.”
“She didn’t eat much at dinner,” Ian said. “Maybe she was sick before?”
Jethro lifted his head. “Good point. Thanks. See you soon.” He clicked off, made sure Trudy was still breathing, and then dialed Barb.
“Um, hello?” She sounded groggy and confused.
“Hi, it’s Jethro.” He explained what was going on and asked if Barb had any insight or if any of the other kids from the day carehad fallen ill.
