Landon glanced around the lot. “Seems like this place only has rollback tow trucks. I’ll need you to make arrangements to have the truck hauled on a flatbed.”
“I can do that,” Russ said.
“Good. Good.” Landon clapped his hands. “I’ll head back to the hospital to talk to Trent. I hope he’ll agree to let me ride with the tow truck driver so I can get to work on the vehicle right away.”
“Hey thanks, man,” Reid said, wondering how they would ever find Fowler if they didn’t have this fine team on their side. Thankfully, God had provided, and Reid should trust in that provision.
So why did he still fear he wouldn’t find Fowler before the creep brought further terror to Megan and Ella?
12
Megan applied her makeup in the hospital bathroom. The night had dragged by. A sleepless night, leaving its mark on her. Emotionally and physically. She dabbed cover-up under her eyes. But why bother? The strongest make-up in the world couldn’t hide the evidence of her lack of sleep.
She’d tossed and turned on the cot next to Ella’s bed. Her mind flashing over the terrifying events, then settling on how good it was to see Reid again. To have him with her, helping to keep them safe. Her traitorous feelings making her mad and sleep eluding her more.
Even her hot shower here in Ella’s bathroom couldn’t keep her mind from Reid stationed outside the room all night. She’d wanted to go out and talk with him, yet feared doing that very thing. Thankfully, he’d taken a break to go talk to the forensic team this morning, and Russ’s wife was on guard duty now. But he could’ve finished with the team and be outside Ella’s door now.
“Enough, Megan,” she said to her reflection in the mirror. “Let it go. You’re wasting your time and effort thinking about him. Hopefully, Ella will be discharged today, and you’ll be out of his life before you know it.”
Maybe. At least, she hoped.
Ella had improved enough after dinner to be fever-free, and her white blood cell counts had reached an acceptable level. If they stayed stable today, the doctor would release her, and Megan could take Ella as far away from Fowler as possible. Fortunately, a generous divorce settlement from Orrin gave her the freedom not to work. She hadn’t wanted to accept his money, but she took it because Ella needed a full-time mother during her illness. With no job holding Megan back, they could go anywhere.
But where would be safe?
The beach house? It had always been a place of refuge when life got too difficult. Like after the bank robbery, Reid’s disappearing act, and especially when Orrin bailed on them. She’d found solace there. No matter the time of year.
Even now, in December, she loved hearing stormy waves crash on the beach. Loved hearing howling winds whip pelting rain against the floor-to-ceiling windows while snuggled in front of a blazing fire, a cup of hot cocoa in her hands. Too bad. That was the last place they could go now. Fowler stole the keys and he now knew about the place.
She shuddered at the thought of him invading her place of sanctuary. She would have to find another place to go.
She packed her toiletries and took one last look in the mirror to put on a cheerful face for Ella before she headed into the room. Ella looked up from watching a video of classic Christmas specials, and Megan smiled.
Ella’s eyes were alive and hopeful in her ashy face. “Is it time for the party now?”
Megan checked her watch. “Ten more minutes.”
“Aw, I wanted to go now.” She tugged Boo-Boo closer.
“Be patient, sweetie. Santa is on his way.” Megan loved seeing Ella in good spirits, but with Fowler on the loose, she wasn’t certain how she felt about taking Ella to a party.
Reid had enlisted help from his fellow teammates to allow her to attend and ensure her safety. Plus, the hospital administrator approved a screening of all attendees before they would be allowed to enter the lounge. Her doctor gave Ella the okay too, as long as she masked.
Megan peered at her sweet little girl. Visions of Fowler standing outside this door yesterday. His malicious and repulsive expression sending a shiver down her body. Despite not being able to confirm him in the grainy video, she was still certain she’d seen him yesterday.
The video ended, and Ella glanced at the door. “Is Jessie here yet?”
“I’m not sure.” Megan dug deep for a smile.
“Can you go see?” Ella grinned, revealing a gap from the tooth she’d lost last week.
“Sure.” Megan had avoided Reid all morning, but she would see him at the party in a few minutes anyway, so she headed for the door.
In the hallway, Jessie and Bandit, along with a female officer who Megan assumed was Russ’s wife, stood by her door instead. Sydney was tall and slim, legs a mile long, with her blond hair pulled into a bun, almost regal-looking despite her drab brown uniform.
She finished chatting with Jessie and turned to Megan. “Hey there. I’m Sydney. Russ’s wife.”
“And my aunt,” Jessie said proudly.
