“Will they be giving her any further updates, or will she have to wait until we get there?”
“I can pass along your number, but more than likely, they’ll reach out to Dr. Kennedy only.”
Chris gave Officer Pratt his contact info just in case.
“I’ll see myself out.”
After locking the door behind the officer, Chris pulled Erykah back into his arms. She turned her face into his shirt, wetting it with tears. Charlie jumped up on the couch and placed his head on her lap.
“I know, boy. It’s up to us to be here for her.”
He couldn’t see how she would get through this. As far as Chris was aware, Ellynn had been Erykah’s only family. Now she was gone. He had no idea whether her brother-in-law had family. That would be something he’d have to find out and help her navigate.
Chris rubbed Erykah’s back until her cries finally subsided, and she shifted in his arms.
“Please tell me it was a dream.” Her bottom lip trembled.
“I wish I could,” he spoke softly. “But I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
“I don’t even know where to begin.” She shot up, almost slamming the bottom of his chin with the top of her head in the process.
“What about the girls?” she cried. “Were they in the car?”
“The detective said no one else was in the car. They’re sending someone to the house to get them.” Chris gave her the Lexington police officer’s information.
“I need to go.” She wiped her face, then pulled her cell from the end table, unlocking the device with facial recognition. “I need a plane ticket out of here.”
Actually ... he did know a man who owned a plane. Grier was associated with one of the board members at Gamble on Nature. Sometimes he flew them around Colorado or other areas if needed. Chris would call him and ask for a favor, but first, he needed to get some prayers going.
Chris
My friend just received some tragic news. Pray for her.
Tuck
Wait *her*?
Chris
Not now. I’ll fill you in later.
Lamont
Praying.
Tuck
Sorry, man. Praying.
Chris got up from the couch and found Grier in his contacts. He spoke low into the receiver.
“Gamble, what’s up, man?”
“Hey, Grier. Listen, I need a favor. Any way you can fly afriend out to Lexington, Kentucky, today? Her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident, and now her nieces are without their parents.”
“Oh my word. I’m so sorry, Gamble. Let me check today’s schedule.”
Chris glanced at Erykah, who had tears streaming down her cheeks while she maintained an intense focus on her phone.
