*Disclaimer:  I am in no way affiliated with Passions, NBC, or JER.  I don't own these characters so don't sue me!

CHAPTER 19

            Crane Mansion

Pilar opened the door of the mansion and set down her bags as she took off her coat.  "Mrs. Crane, I'm here," she called out as she placed her coat and purse in the closet under the stairs.  She hadn't seen any cars when she drove up, so Ivy was obviously still alone.

Pilar called out again, "Mrs. Crane, I've finished running my errands and I picked up your bill from Grace Bennet's shop."

There was no answer; she tried again louder, "Mrs. Crane, are you here?"

Pilar was getting worried.  "Mrs. Crane," she yelled as she hurried up the stairs.  She entered Ivy's bedroom and noticed the half packed luggage and clothes lying everywhere, but Ivy herself didn't seem to be in the room.  Then Pilar saw a hand on the floor peeking out from the other side of the bed.  "Oh dear God, no.  Not again, please," Pilar moved quickly to the far side of the large bed.  She knelt next to Ivy's tortured body, checking for a pulse.  It was there, but very weak and slow.  "Hold on, Mrs. Crane, I'm calling for help." 

"Hello, 9-1-1 emergency.  What's the problem," the operator answered.

"Yes, I'm at the Crane Mansion on Raven Hill.  There's a woman here who's been attacked, and I don't know how long she's been laying here without help…."

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