"We need to discuss Lola's long-term needs. I told Mr. Bailey I have deep concerns about Lola's condition when she arrived at Horizon."
Trask's right eye twitched. "She was caught in an explosion."
"Yes, I’m aware of that. But her underlying condition goes beyond that. She was malnourished, neglected and showed signs of fetal drug exposure. She is fragile and will require constant care for some time."
"What are you trying to say, Doctor?" A vein on Trask’s forehead throbbed.
"I understand Mr. Bailey adopted Lola. Believe me, that is wonderful. We ask every parent to create a care plan, and then we’ll assess his ability to follow the plan before we can discharge Lola to a safe environment with confidence."
Dennis Bailey was even-keeled in the most trying times, but his temper flared. "Doctor, let me make something very clear to you: my son Martin will move heaven and earth to take care of this sweet baby. Don't you for one second think otherwise."
"I hope you're right, Mr. Bailey." She left the room.
Dennis Bailey arched his brow at Trask. "I don't like that woman. My granddaughter does not leave this room on her authority."
Two doors down, Tighe guarded Lissa. The little girl was growing more alert. It amazed him that she giggled at the children's television programming. On cue with a commercial, he asked, "Lissa, can we talk for a few minutes?"
"Uh huh." Lissa gave him her attention.
"Lissa, can you tell me about being at Uncle Boyd's?"
"I don't wanna." She held the Raggedy Ann Tighe brought her.
"Would you draw me a picture?" He set her up with paper and crayons. As time went on, Lissa started to draw. He texted for assistance at the first glimpses of her art.
The Thursday morning sun rose above the horizon as sweaty palms gripped his laptop. Martin's fingers were callused from scrolling back and forth, reading and rereading every report, hoping for anything positive. Hailey Ullman and Pietra Hahn remained missing. Checks on traffic cameras, ATM cameras, Lyft, Uber, cab companies, and buses came up empty with the exception of the cab Hailey escaped in. It dropped her off in the center of town. No cameras picked her up after that.
The ache in the back of his throat added to his roiling stomach. Troy was returned to segregation and denied a meeting with Sutton. The petition she made to the court would not be heard until Monday. Kevin “Boomer” Harper, a Bravo team member working as a guard reported,
Troy out of view for three hours. At first available check-in, Troy didn't use the duress word. He could not make eye contact. Scheduled to be returned to the general population after the evening meal. Will attempt second contact as soon as possible.
"Zach, Troy's been out of sight too long. I'm worried. Should I pull him?" Martin doubted himself.
"Wes is going to make contact tonight. He's assigned to the adjoining cellblock. Troy won't want to be pulled," Zach insisted.
Martin spoke in a monotone, "When are they going to make that apology to Elizabeth?"
"We’re heading to Ragan's office around ten. Martin, you’re exhausted. Get some rest. I'm taking you off notification unless mission critical until noon,” Zach advised.
Fay Bailey joined them, carrying three substantial shopping bags, and unpacked a huge breakfast. "I know this is breaking the rules, but you aren't eating."
A crisp piece of bacon crunched in Martin's mouth. "Mmm. Thanks, Mom."
Eric smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Bailey. Could you bring Pete and Tuck theirs? We’ll save ours until we go off shift."
"Let me, Mrs. Bailey." After assuring Martin took a portion, Zach headed out with the bags and Fay beside him.
Jamie patted the bed beside Elizabeth. "She's off the cooling blankets. Her temp is normal. C'mon, lie down beside her. You need some real sleep. We won't let you miss anything."
"You're sure?" Martin kicked off his shoes, spooned her and fell into his first good sleep in days. "I'm here, Sunshine."
Mike initiated a video conference call with Kieran. Tate, Ford, Zach, and Julian sat at the table with him.
"How's everyone holding up?" Kieran checked in on his senior operators.
"We're fine. Martin is hurting and exhausted, so we took him offline. I'll brief him after he gets some rest," Mike said.
Kieran rolled his eyes. "Pete filed his report. Martin is behaving—that’s worrisome. Where are we in the investigation?"
