THE KEITH CAPER (PART 2)
The sound of a helicopter buzzing the house startled Shirley from her sleep. The kids had insisted she take a tranquilizer, but the peace hadn't lasted long. Or had it? As she bolted upright, she looked at the clock. Eleven p.m. and counting.
Chris and Tracy burst through the door, causing Shirley to jump out of her skin yet again. "Mom, Mom! There's a helicopter circling the house!" The kids ran to the window.
"So I noticed," Shirley remarked. Now it sounded like the thing was landing on the roof.
"Mom." Now it was Laurie at the door. "There's at least a hundred reporters outside. Newspaper, TV, magazines. Keith's disappearance is big news."
Still a little overcome, Shirley led her brood downstairs. There was a commotion at the front door and they saw Reuben fending off a horde of people all with notebooks, and microphones and cameras. He somehow managed to get the door closed, pressing up against it and looking harried.
"Reuben!" Shirley was as wild-eyed as the mob outside.
"It's incredible!" He shook his head. "Every reporter within 500 miles must be out there."
Laurie peered out the window. "What did you tell them?"
"What could I tell them? I told them that as soon as we knew something, we'd fill them in."
A police officer entered from the kitchen. "Okay, Mr. Kincaid. The traces are set up on all the extensions down here."
"Great," Reuben said. "Oh, ah, Shirley, this is Officer Kennedy."
"Traces?" Shirley seemed bewildered.
"Yes, ma'am. If the kidnappers call, we can trace the call and track them down," Officer Kennedy explained.
Then, as if by magic, the phone rang. The Partridges just stared at it as if it were a UFO or something. Kennedy started for the kitchen. "Let's pick up at the same time," he instructed.
Trembling, Shirley scanned her children's faces. They were all wide-eyed and she took a deep breath, bringing the receiver up to her ear. "Hello." She tried to sound as calm as she could.
"Merry Christmas. We have one of your packages," said an evil voice on the other end.
Tensing, Shirley felt the color drain from her face. "Is he all right? What have you done with him?"
The kids clamored around her as she gripped the receiver, still trying to remain upright. She glanced into the kitchen, where the officer, the extension to his ear, motioned to her to keep talking.
"Now, now, Mrs. Partridge," The Voice laughed. "Everything's fine, just fine. He's right here. Would you like to talk to him?"
"Yes!" Shirley gasped.
A few seconds passed, then Keith's voice resonated in her ear. "Mom?"
"Keith!" She shrieked, slumping onto the sofa arm. "Are you all right? Where are you?"
The Voice came over the phone again. "He's fine, Mrs. Partridge. Making sure he remains that way will depend on you."
Shirley could feel her heart pounding as the kids pulled at her. "What do you mean?"
"Listen carefully. We want a million dollars, and we want it by Christmas night. Hundreds and smaller. We'll call you every two hours to see how you're coming. And no stalling. We'll give Keith a little dose of incentive every hour. So, if you want to see your son again in good condition, you will follow our instructions to the letter. And, if you get the police involved, it's bye, bye, birdie."
His words left Shirley feeling numb. Was she really hearing this? "Let me talk to Keith again, please!" She pleaded, springing to her feet.
Another couple of seconds passed, then: "Mom…" Keith sounded tired, weak, but it was music to a mother's ears.
"Keith, darling, we're going to get you out of this. Please don't worry. We're doing everything we can. Are you all right?" Shirley sobbed into the phone.
"I don't know…" it was a moan. "Mom, I -"
Then the phone went dead and Shirley let the receiver slide down into her lap, looking totally exhausted. "Oh, dear Lord…they want a million dollars…" she whispered.
The kids and Reuben reacted with astonishment, crying out all at once. Laurie's fingers dug into Shirley's shoulder. "How is he, did he say?"
Shirley shook her blonde head. "He didn't sound well. But he was talking. I guess that's something." She looked up at Reuben, her tear-filled eyes piercing his very soul. "Oh, Reuben, what are we going to do? Where are we going to get a million dollars?"
Reuben shook his head. "If we play our cards right, we won't have to." He looked over at Officer Kennedy, who was furiously writing at the kitchen table. "Did you get a fix on it?"
The officer smiled. "We didn't get an exact location, but we have a place to start. Don't worry folks. Mr. Kincaid is right. I think we can get Keith back without your having to come up with a dime."
Shirley and the kids looked happily surprised, clutching at one another. It was hope against hope, but it was better than nothing.
His hands tied behind him, Keith watched with apprehension as Marty removed the syringe from his pocket. "What…what's that for?"
"Incentive, like I told your mother. Don't worry. You won't feel a thing." Marty grinned wickedly, bringing the needle towards Keith's arm.
Keith instinctively drew back, swallowing hard. "No!" he breathed, trying to squirm away. Vinnie grabbed him by the neck, holding Keith still as Marty administered the injection. Now, Keith realized why his left arm hurt and why he was so wobbly. His heart racing, he stared at the needle as it came back out of his arm. "What's in there?"
"A little of this, a little of that. Don't worry. It won't kill you. Yet." Marty said, his face unemotional. "You'd just better pray that Mom comes up with the ransom, 'cuz the longer she takes, the more of it you're gonna get."
Keith wrenched away from Vinnie's hold. "You're crazy! " He growled. "We don't have that kind of money. You'll get caught before you get anything!"
Marty's stinging backhand across his face sent Keith reeling. He hit the floor on his sore arm and all he could do was lie there in pain. His cheek was already swelling, and he thought he could taste blood. Unwilling to let his captors see his pain, Keith didn't move until Vinnie pulled him back up onto the cot
.
"Y'know, Marty, maybe he's right. What if we do get caught? For all we know, the call was traced and the cops are on the way right now." Vinnie looked nervously down at Keith.
Marty waved him off. "You worry too much. I'm gonna go get something to eat. Don't let him off the cot."
"I doubt he's going anywhere," Vinnie said as Keith coughed, curled up on his side.
His face and arm were still stinging when he heard the door slam. Then everything faded to black.
He came to to silence so thick you could cut it with a knife. His head buzzed and as he opened his eyes, he found his hands were untied. Rubbing the raw wrists, he took a deep breath. He slowly rolled over. The room was void of any other humans and puzzled, Keith valiantly tried to sit up.
Everything began to spin around him and he clamped his eyes shut, falling back down onto the cot. He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes trying to shake the dizziness, but it just got worse, and he felt as if he were on a carousel, feeling the motion until he was woozy. Moaning, he lay as still as he could. He could feel his heart jumping in his chest, going about twice as fast as it should be, trying, he guessed, to keep up with his stomach.
Fighting the nausea, Keith forced his eyes open once again. The dizziness dissipated, only to be replaced with pain that wracked him so severely he was nearly paralyzed. Terrified, he slowly moved his right arm (the left one was out of the question), trying to pull himself up to a half-sit. He could barely get a grip on the metal frame of the cot, but it was enough to do the job.
Pain knifed through him, taking his breath away, but he was determined to get up. He forced his legs up, finally feeling the floor under his feet. He rubbed his legs, trying to get some feeling back into them. Taking a deep breath, he stood up. The dizziness washed back over him and he held his head. The combination of pain and vertigo became too much and he crumpled to the floor in a heap.
Daylight found Reuben, Shirley, Danny and Laurie congregated on the sofa, Danny asleep with his head in his mother's lap. Laurie slept with her head on one of Reuben's strong shoulders, while Shirley's head occupied the other. For a moment, one would think nothing in the world could be wrong. Then, the phone on the coffee table rang.
Everyone jumped awake, confused and befuddled for a brief second before Reuben gathered his senses enough to snatch the receiver. "Hello!" he said dryly, sounding as if his mouth were filled with cotton.
"Is it them?" Laurie's nails dug into his arm.
Reuben waved her away, sitting forward. A big smile exploded across his face. "Yes, yes, we'll be right there! Yeah, I know the place. Thank you!"
He hung up, looking triumphant. "They've got one of the kidnappers and he's leading them to where Keith is."
The Partridges squealed in shock and delight. "Where is he?" Shirley almost couldn't believe her ears.
"In a house way out in Placerville." Reuben said. "They said the guy just turned himself in!"
"All right!" Danny whooped. "Those guys are gonna pay!"
"Wonderful!" Shirley cried as Danny ran eagerly toward the door. "Laurie, you'll have to stay with Chris and Tracy."
"Oh, Mom!" Laurie wailed.
"We'll call you as soon as we get him back. Then you can meet us there, all right?"
Laurie glanced at the staircase in disappointment. "Okay. But promise me you'll call."
"We will," Shirley vowed. Taking Reuben's arm, she seemed as eager as her middle son did. And why not? "Come on, Reuben!"
She and Danny practically pushed the manager out the door as Laurie shivered with happiness.
Could it be true? They were getting Keith back, and on Christmas Eve! Looking heavenward, she flashed an "ok" sign. "Thank you!" she mouthed.
Reuben pulled his car into the driveway of the abandoned house and he, Shirley, and Danny stared at the activity before them. The place was swarming with policemen, all in uniform and weapons drawn. The black car was sitting just ahead of them and Danny pointed at it excitedly.
"That's it! That's the car!" he yelled.
The three of them scrambled from Reuben's car and were met by an official-looking officer. "Mrs. Partridge, I'm Sergeant Brady."
"Where's Keith?" Shirley looked anxiously around.
"Still inside. I'm afraid he's a little worse for the wear. We're having an ambulance dispatched."
Shirley pushed past him, followed by Danny and Reuben. Gasping, she saw her oldest son lying on the sofa, apparently unconscious, his face bruised, his body battered. Another officer stood guard over him and the policeman moved away as Shirley approached. Danny and Reuben hung back, concerned, and she moved to Keith's side, love and adoration showing in her eyes. She dropped to her knees.
His right cheek was swollen, black and blue and she gently stroked it with her finger as Reuben asked the policeman, "Is he awake?"
The officer nodded. "Drifting in and out. He said his stomach hurt…and something about needles."
"Keith," Shirley said softly, stroking his dirty forehead.
Keith's eyes fluttered open and in recognizing her, he almost smiled, but the bloated lip prevented that. "Hi."
Giddily, Shirley leaned forward, kissing his nose and squeezing his hand. "Are you all right, honey?"
"Sure," Keith said dryly, trying once again to smile. No dice. "Don't I look it?" he blinked sleepily.
Shirley could only shake her head, the tears beginning to slide down her face. Danny and Reuben stepped up behind her.
"Hey, Keith. How ya doin', kid?" Reuben's voice was steady.
Keith blinked in response; his long lashes brushing his swollen cheekbone as Danny reached down, softly punching his shoulder.
"Long time, no see." Danny was visibly nervous. "Uh, if it makes you feel any better, I lost that comic book."
Keith managed a pitiful laugh, wincing from the pain as a stretcher was brought in. The Partridges and Reuben moved back and let the men do their jobs.
"What hospital are you taking him to?" Reuben inquired.
"Mercy General in San Pueblo," one of the attendants answered. "One of you can ride along, if you'd like."
Danny tugged on Shirley's arm. "Let me, go, Mom."
Mussing his already-tousled red hair, Shirley smiled through her tears. "Okay. You two have a lot to talk about. Reuben and I will pick up Laurie and the kids and meet you there."
Danny grinned widely as Keith was gently lifted onto the stretcher.
Reuben and the Group had practically the whole waiting room to themselves as they mulled about, anxious for some word on Keith.
Tracy stared at the clock above them, her freckled nose crinkling more with each passing minute. Finally, she could contain herself no more. "Mom," she pushed her head into Shirley's arm. "What if we don't get home before Santa comes?"
Feeling a mixture of exhaustion and euphoria, Shirley kissed the top of her youngest's head. "Don't worry, honey. Santa will find us just like he has every other year."
"Right. All together," Laurie nodded confidently.
"What could be taking so long?" Danny rested his head on his hand that was propped up on the chair arm. "I thought they were just going to check Keith out."
"They're probably just being thorough. Maybe there's some hidden injuries or something," Reuben rubbed the back of his neck. To the stares he drew with such a comment, he sat forward nervously. "Uh, not that he has any injuries…hidden or otherwise…."
"Except for that welt on his face," Shirley sighed.
"I think he looks better," Danny added. A little lightheartedness was really needed now.
Chris and Tracy giggled at Danny's little put-down, but Shirley looked even more concerned. "Where is that doctor?"
"Mrs. Partridge," the white-coated physician was just rounding the corner and everyone clambered to their feet.
"Wow, Mom's magic!" Chris marveled.
"Yeah, Mom, why didn't you ask that about, oh, two hours ago?" Laurie murmured in her mother's ear as the doctor, his stethoscope dangling around his neck, approached.
"Mrs. Partridge, I'm Dr. Lewis," he extended his hand. He was older, with wire glasses and white hair. "Please, everyone, have a seat."
"Thank you, but that's all we've been doing for the past three hours," Shirley said, shaking the doctor's hand.
"Yeah. You have hard chairs!" Tracy complained.
Dr. Lewis smiled down at her. "I'll have to change that, young lady." He patted her head.
"How's my brother?" Danny blurted impatiently.
"Well, he's dehydrated and exhausted, which is to be expected. The thing that's troubling me is that he said that the kidnappers gave him some sort of injection; twice, from what he knew."
The Partridges exchanged worried glances, and Shirley gasped, her hand to her mouth. "In…injection? What kind of injection?"
"That's just it, we don't know. We drew some blood to analyze it, but we won't know the full results for several days."
"What does that mean for Keith? Is that what's causing his pain?" Laurie swallowed hard.
"That, and the dizziness, the rigidity, the nausea, the headaches…" the doctor rattled off an alarming list.
"Stop!" Shirley shuddered.
Laurie put her arm around her mother. "Can you cure him?"
"We have to know what was in the syringe before we can give him any sort of antidote. I'm sorry; there's not much we can do right now except give him a painkiller and hope it does the job. And, if it turns out we can't identify the entire contents then we can't do anything at all."
The doctor's words made Danny sick to his stomach. This was incredible! They hoped it would do the job? What if Keith died before they found anything? Danny Partridge, he told himself, this is all your fault!
Shirley was just as overwhelmed. "Oh, my…" she breathed, her fair skin growing paler and shinier.
"Uh, can we see Keith?" Reuben spoke up quickly, taking Shirley's elbow.
"Of course. He's getting dressed. I wanted to keep him overnight, but he would have none of it."
"How would Santa find him here?" Tracy tsk-tsked.
Dr. Lewis smiled. "You are so very right. I never thought of that." He motioned to Reuben. "Follow me."
Shirley turned to her youngest three. "You kids wait right here."
They nodded as Shirley and Laurie followed the doctor and Reuben. Chris and Tracy flopped back into the chairs as Danny stared down the hallway. Suddenly, he zipped up his jacket, turning to his siblings.
"I'm gonna wait in the car." He hurried out the door.
Continued...
The sound of a helicopter buzzing the house startled Shirley from her sleep. The kids had insisted she take a tranquilizer, but the peace hadn't lasted long. Or had it? As she bolted upright, she looked at the clock. Eleven p.m. and counting.
Chris and Tracy burst through the door, causing Shirley to jump out of her skin yet again. "Mom, Mom! There's a helicopter circling the house!" The kids ran to the window.
"So I noticed," Shirley remarked. Now it sounded like the thing was landing on the roof.
"Mom." Now it was Laurie at the door. "There's at least a hundred reporters outside. Newspaper, TV, magazines. Keith's disappearance is big news."
Still a little overcome, Shirley led her brood downstairs. There was a commotion at the front door and they saw Reuben fending off a horde of people all with notebooks, and microphones and cameras. He somehow managed to get the door closed, pressing up against it and looking harried.
"Reuben!" Shirley was as wild-eyed as the mob outside.
"It's incredible!" He shook his head. "Every reporter within 500 miles must be out there."
Laurie peered out the window. "What did you tell them?"
"What could I tell them? I told them that as soon as we knew something, we'd fill them in."
A police officer entered from the kitchen. "Okay, Mr. Kincaid. The traces are set up on all the extensions down here."
"Great," Reuben said. "Oh, ah, Shirley, this is Officer Kennedy."
"Traces?" Shirley seemed bewildered.
"Yes, ma'am. If the kidnappers call, we can trace the call and track them down," Officer Kennedy explained.
Then, as if by magic, the phone rang. The Partridges just stared at it as if it were a UFO or something. Kennedy started for the kitchen. "Let's pick up at the same time," he instructed.
Trembling, Shirley scanned her children's faces. They were all wide-eyed and she took a deep breath, bringing the receiver up to her ear. "Hello." She tried to sound as calm as she could.
"Merry Christmas. We have one of your packages," said an evil voice on the other end.
Tensing, Shirley felt the color drain from her face. "Is he all right? What have you done with him?"
The kids clamored around her as she gripped the receiver, still trying to remain upright. She glanced into the kitchen, where the officer, the extension to his ear, motioned to her to keep talking.
"Now, now, Mrs. Partridge," The Voice laughed. "Everything's fine, just fine. He's right here. Would you like to talk to him?"
"Yes!" Shirley gasped.
A few seconds passed, then Keith's voice resonated in her ear. "Mom?"
"Keith!" She shrieked, slumping onto the sofa arm. "Are you all right? Where are you?"
The Voice came over the phone again. "He's fine, Mrs. Partridge. Making sure he remains that way will depend on you."
Shirley could feel her heart pounding as the kids pulled at her. "What do you mean?"
"Listen carefully. We want a million dollars, and we want it by Christmas night. Hundreds and smaller. We'll call you every two hours to see how you're coming. And no stalling. We'll give Keith a little dose of incentive every hour. So, if you want to see your son again in good condition, you will follow our instructions to the letter. And, if you get the police involved, it's bye, bye, birdie."
His words left Shirley feeling numb. Was she really hearing this? "Let me talk to Keith again, please!" She pleaded, springing to her feet.
Another couple of seconds passed, then: "Mom…" Keith sounded tired, weak, but it was music to a mother's ears.
"Keith, darling, we're going to get you out of this. Please don't worry. We're doing everything we can. Are you all right?" Shirley sobbed into the phone.
"I don't know…" it was a moan. "Mom, I -"
Then the phone went dead and Shirley let the receiver slide down into her lap, looking totally exhausted. "Oh, dear Lord…they want a million dollars…" she whispered.
The kids and Reuben reacted with astonishment, crying out all at once. Laurie's fingers dug into Shirley's shoulder. "How is he, did he say?"
Shirley shook her blonde head. "He didn't sound well. But he was talking. I guess that's something." She looked up at Reuben, her tear-filled eyes piercing his very soul. "Oh, Reuben, what are we going to do? Where are we going to get a million dollars?"
Reuben shook his head. "If we play our cards right, we won't have to." He looked over at Officer Kennedy, who was furiously writing at the kitchen table. "Did you get a fix on it?"
The officer smiled. "We didn't get an exact location, but we have a place to start. Don't worry folks. Mr. Kincaid is right. I think we can get Keith back without your having to come up with a dime."
Shirley and the kids looked happily surprised, clutching at one another. It was hope against hope, but it was better than nothing.
His hands tied behind him, Keith watched with apprehension as Marty removed the syringe from his pocket. "What…what's that for?"
"Incentive, like I told your mother. Don't worry. You won't feel a thing." Marty grinned wickedly, bringing the needle towards Keith's arm.
Keith instinctively drew back, swallowing hard. "No!" he breathed, trying to squirm away. Vinnie grabbed him by the neck, holding Keith still as Marty administered the injection. Now, Keith realized why his left arm hurt and why he was so wobbly. His heart racing, he stared at the needle as it came back out of his arm. "What's in there?"
"A little of this, a little of that. Don't worry. It won't kill you. Yet." Marty said, his face unemotional. "You'd just better pray that Mom comes up with the ransom, 'cuz the longer she takes, the more of it you're gonna get."
Keith wrenched away from Vinnie's hold. "You're crazy! " He growled. "We don't have that kind of money. You'll get caught before you get anything!"
Marty's stinging backhand across his face sent Keith reeling. He hit the floor on his sore arm and all he could do was lie there in pain. His cheek was already swelling, and he thought he could taste blood. Unwilling to let his captors see his pain, Keith didn't move until Vinnie pulled him back up onto the cot
.
"Y'know, Marty, maybe he's right. What if we do get caught? For all we know, the call was traced and the cops are on the way right now." Vinnie looked nervously down at Keith.
Marty waved him off. "You worry too much. I'm gonna go get something to eat. Don't let him off the cot."
"I doubt he's going anywhere," Vinnie said as Keith coughed, curled up on his side.
His face and arm were still stinging when he heard the door slam. Then everything faded to black.
He came to to silence so thick you could cut it with a knife. His head buzzed and as he opened his eyes, he found his hands were untied. Rubbing the raw wrists, he took a deep breath. He slowly rolled over. The room was void of any other humans and puzzled, Keith valiantly tried to sit up.
Everything began to spin around him and he clamped his eyes shut, falling back down onto the cot. He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes trying to shake the dizziness, but it just got worse, and he felt as if he were on a carousel, feeling the motion until he was woozy. Moaning, he lay as still as he could. He could feel his heart jumping in his chest, going about twice as fast as it should be, trying, he guessed, to keep up with his stomach.
Fighting the nausea, Keith forced his eyes open once again. The dizziness dissipated, only to be replaced with pain that wracked him so severely he was nearly paralyzed. Terrified, he slowly moved his right arm (the left one was out of the question), trying to pull himself up to a half-sit. He could barely get a grip on the metal frame of the cot, but it was enough to do the job.
Pain knifed through him, taking his breath away, but he was determined to get up. He forced his legs up, finally feeling the floor under his feet. He rubbed his legs, trying to get some feeling back into them. Taking a deep breath, he stood up. The dizziness washed back over him and he held his head. The combination of pain and vertigo became too much and he crumpled to the floor in a heap.
Daylight found Reuben, Shirley, Danny and Laurie congregated on the sofa, Danny asleep with his head in his mother's lap. Laurie slept with her head on one of Reuben's strong shoulders, while Shirley's head occupied the other. For a moment, one would think nothing in the world could be wrong. Then, the phone on the coffee table rang.
Everyone jumped awake, confused and befuddled for a brief second before Reuben gathered his senses enough to snatch the receiver. "Hello!" he said dryly, sounding as if his mouth were filled with cotton.
"Is it them?" Laurie's nails dug into his arm.
Reuben waved her away, sitting forward. A big smile exploded across his face. "Yes, yes, we'll be right there! Yeah, I know the place. Thank you!"
He hung up, looking triumphant. "They've got one of the kidnappers and he's leading them to where Keith is."
The Partridges squealed in shock and delight. "Where is he?" Shirley almost couldn't believe her ears.
"In a house way out in Placerville." Reuben said. "They said the guy just turned himself in!"
"All right!" Danny whooped. "Those guys are gonna pay!"
"Wonderful!" Shirley cried as Danny ran eagerly toward the door. "Laurie, you'll have to stay with Chris and Tracy."
"Oh, Mom!" Laurie wailed.
"We'll call you as soon as we get him back. Then you can meet us there, all right?"
Laurie glanced at the staircase in disappointment. "Okay. But promise me you'll call."
"We will," Shirley vowed. Taking Reuben's arm, she seemed as eager as her middle son did. And why not? "Come on, Reuben!"
She and Danny practically pushed the manager out the door as Laurie shivered with happiness.
Could it be true? They were getting Keith back, and on Christmas Eve! Looking heavenward, she flashed an "ok" sign. "Thank you!" she mouthed.
Reuben pulled his car into the driveway of the abandoned house and he, Shirley, and Danny stared at the activity before them. The place was swarming with policemen, all in uniform and weapons drawn. The black car was sitting just ahead of them and Danny pointed at it excitedly.
"That's it! That's the car!" he yelled.
The three of them scrambled from Reuben's car and were met by an official-looking officer. "Mrs. Partridge, I'm Sergeant Brady."
"Where's Keith?" Shirley looked anxiously around.
"Still inside. I'm afraid he's a little worse for the wear. We're having an ambulance dispatched."
Shirley pushed past him, followed by Danny and Reuben. Gasping, she saw her oldest son lying on the sofa, apparently unconscious, his face bruised, his body battered. Another officer stood guard over him and the policeman moved away as Shirley approached. Danny and Reuben hung back, concerned, and she moved to Keith's side, love and adoration showing in her eyes. She dropped to her knees.
His right cheek was swollen, black and blue and she gently stroked it with her finger as Reuben asked the policeman, "Is he awake?"
The officer nodded. "Drifting in and out. He said his stomach hurt…and something about needles."
"Keith," Shirley said softly, stroking his dirty forehead.
Keith's eyes fluttered open and in recognizing her, he almost smiled, but the bloated lip prevented that. "Hi."
Giddily, Shirley leaned forward, kissing his nose and squeezing his hand. "Are you all right, honey?"
"Sure," Keith said dryly, trying once again to smile. No dice. "Don't I look it?" he blinked sleepily.
Shirley could only shake her head, the tears beginning to slide down her face. Danny and Reuben stepped up behind her.
"Hey, Keith. How ya doin', kid?" Reuben's voice was steady.
Keith blinked in response; his long lashes brushing his swollen cheekbone as Danny reached down, softly punching his shoulder.
"Long time, no see." Danny was visibly nervous. "Uh, if it makes you feel any better, I lost that comic book."
Keith managed a pitiful laugh, wincing from the pain as a stretcher was brought in. The Partridges and Reuben moved back and let the men do their jobs.
"What hospital are you taking him to?" Reuben inquired.
"Mercy General in San Pueblo," one of the attendants answered. "One of you can ride along, if you'd like."
Danny tugged on Shirley's arm. "Let me, go, Mom."
Mussing his already-tousled red hair, Shirley smiled through her tears. "Okay. You two have a lot to talk about. Reuben and I will pick up Laurie and the kids and meet you there."
Danny grinned widely as Keith was gently lifted onto the stretcher.
Reuben and the Group had practically the whole waiting room to themselves as they mulled about, anxious for some word on Keith.
Tracy stared at the clock above them, her freckled nose crinkling more with each passing minute. Finally, she could contain herself no more. "Mom," she pushed her head into Shirley's arm. "What if we don't get home before Santa comes?"
Feeling a mixture of exhaustion and euphoria, Shirley kissed the top of her youngest's head. "Don't worry, honey. Santa will find us just like he has every other year."
"Right. All together," Laurie nodded confidently.
"What could be taking so long?" Danny rested his head on his hand that was propped up on the chair arm. "I thought they were just going to check Keith out."
"They're probably just being thorough. Maybe there's some hidden injuries or something," Reuben rubbed the back of his neck. To the stares he drew with such a comment, he sat forward nervously. "Uh, not that he has any injuries…hidden or otherwise…."
"Except for that welt on his face," Shirley sighed.
"I think he looks better," Danny added. A little lightheartedness was really needed now.
Chris and Tracy giggled at Danny's little put-down, but Shirley looked even more concerned. "Where is that doctor?"
"Mrs. Partridge," the white-coated physician was just rounding the corner and everyone clambered to their feet.
"Wow, Mom's magic!" Chris marveled.
"Yeah, Mom, why didn't you ask that about, oh, two hours ago?" Laurie murmured in her mother's ear as the doctor, his stethoscope dangling around his neck, approached.
"Mrs. Partridge, I'm Dr. Lewis," he extended his hand. He was older, with wire glasses and white hair. "Please, everyone, have a seat."
"Thank you, but that's all we've been doing for the past three hours," Shirley said, shaking the doctor's hand.
"Yeah. You have hard chairs!" Tracy complained.
Dr. Lewis smiled down at her. "I'll have to change that, young lady." He patted her head.
"How's my brother?" Danny blurted impatiently.
"Well, he's dehydrated and exhausted, which is to be expected. The thing that's troubling me is that he said that the kidnappers gave him some sort of injection; twice, from what he knew."
The Partridges exchanged worried glances, and Shirley gasped, her hand to her mouth. "In…injection? What kind of injection?"
"That's just it, we don't know. We drew some blood to analyze it, but we won't know the full results for several days."
"What does that mean for Keith? Is that what's causing his pain?" Laurie swallowed hard.
"That, and the dizziness, the rigidity, the nausea, the headaches…" the doctor rattled off an alarming list.
"Stop!" Shirley shuddered.
Laurie put her arm around her mother. "Can you cure him?"
"We have to know what was in the syringe before we can give him any sort of antidote. I'm sorry; there's not much we can do right now except give him a painkiller and hope it does the job. And, if it turns out we can't identify the entire contents then we can't do anything at all."
The doctor's words made Danny sick to his stomach. This was incredible! They hoped it would do the job? What if Keith died before they found anything? Danny Partridge, he told himself, this is all your fault!
Shirley was just as overwhelmed. "Oh, my…" she breathed, her fair skin growing paler and shinier.
"Uh, can we see Keith?" Reuben spoke up quickly, taking Shirley's elbow.
"Of course. He's getting dressed. I wanted to keep him overnight, but he would have none of it."
"How would Santa find him here?" Tracy tsk-tsked.
Dr. Lewis smiled. "You are so very right. I never thought of that." He motioned to Reuben. "Follow me."
Shirley turned to her youngest three. "You kids wait right here."
They nodded as Shirley and Laurie followed the doctor and Reuben. Chris and Tracy flopped back into the chairs as Danny stared down the hallway. Suddenly, he zipped up his jacket, turning to his siblings.
"I'm gonna wait in the car." He hurried out the door.
Continued...