As soon as it swung open, the Colorado Springs Police Department uniform became obvious.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you have the wrong door?”
“Are you Dr. Erykah Kennedy?” the police officer asked me.
“Yes, I’m Dr. Kennedy.” What did they want with me? Had something happened to my car? Was this related to the emergency last night?
“I’m Officer Pratt. May I come in?”
I nodded, too dumbfounded to do otherwise. Vaguely, I became aware of Chris introducing himself until I found all of us seated in my living room.Focus.
I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, what’s this about?”
“Dr. Kennedy, I have some bad news for you.” His eyes were full of sympathy.
Already my head was shaking. I didn’t like where this was going. I reached for Chris, who instinctively wrapped his hand around mine.
“Unfortunately, there was a tragic car accident that led to the death of your sister, Ellynn Charles, and her husband, Asher.”
“What?” I scoffed. “That’s not possible. I just talked to her yesterday.” I turned to Chris. “We FaceTimed yesterday. I spoke to both of them.” My voice shook as I tried to get them to understand.
“Dr. Kennedy, I’m sorry to say the Lexington Police Department confirmed their deaths. They were in an accident at eight this morning, eastern time. The LPD asked us to notify you.”
It was already nine mountain time. Was he saying they’d been dead for three hours? My breath hitched. How could that be true? I’d talked to them yesterday! “No. It can’t be true.” I squeezed Chris’s hand harder, my own hands shaking. “It’s not true.”
“Dr. Kennedy...” the officer started, but I shook my head.
“No. No.No!”
Strong arms wrapped around me. I was vaguely aware of Chris’s presence, but everything else faded as the roaring in my ears took over. I curled my face into his chest and sobbed.
Ten
Lord God, no....
Chris turned to the officer as he held Erykah and kept his voice low. “What about her nieces? Were they in the car too?”
“Her sister had children?” Officer Pratt’s face reddened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even ask the detective on the case. I have his number and can find out.”
“Please. She has two nieces.” Chris thought back to what Erykah had shared with him. “Um, Cheyenne and Ashlynn are their names, I believe.”
Officer Pratt took out a cell, then dialed a number. “Yes, this is Officer Pratt with the Colorado Springs PD. May I speak to Detective Harold Spence?”
Chris listened as Officer Pratt relayed the information to the detective.
“Hold on.” The officer turned to Chris. “There were no kids in the car. They’re going to send an officer to their house to look for them. Do you know if Dr. Kennedy can fly out there and head to the police station?”
“I’ll make sure she’s on the first plane out.” Even if Chris had to buy the plane ticket himself.
Erykah’s cries hadn’t stopped, but they had gone down in volume. She probably wasn’t even aware of what was going on around her.
The officer conveyed the new info, then hung up. “They’ll have to notify CPS but will note that Dr. Kennedy will be out there as soon as possible. Detective Spence asked me to pass along his number.”
Chris pulled out his cell from his inside jacket pocket. “I’m ready.” He typed in the number, then put the phone away.
Sympathy crossed the officer’s face. “I’m sorry to come with such tragic news. I’m glad she has you with her.”
Chris closed his eyes. She was going to have to bury two of her family members. His breath stuck in his chest as he tried to formulate a prayer.Help her, Lord. Please just help her.
