Chapter 12
Refusing to keep looking at my watch, I was finally able to let go; but my sleep was far from restful. When I woke up, God knows how long later, the sun was shining and the pillow and blanket that I had been using were on the floor. Groaning loudly, my incredibly sore muscles protesting any movement, I managed to pull myself to an upright position. I heard Linda and DeeDee talking softly in the kitchen, but couldn't summon up enough energy to get up and join them.
I let my head fall back as I planned and prioritized what to do next.
Unfortunately, I already knew what I had to do and my stomach was churning with the understanding. It wasn't that I was going to have to hitchhike back to LA and remain hidden, and get help. Oh, hell no. I didn't give a damn about that.
God, I was going to have to leave them here. Alone. Linda. DeeDee. Olivia.
With another groan, I squeezed my eyes shut, tight. I dug the heels of my hands into my eyes against the pain. She shouldn't have to go through this again, I thought. How ironic - Steve brings DeeDee up here, then leaves her behind only to get himself killed. He asks me to save her and now I was going to have to do to her - exactly - what her husband did: abandon her with no phone and no car.
I guess I should take comfort in knowing that Linda was with her. And Olivia. Shit, Steve didn't even get to see his own daughter.
At the thought of that innocent baby, my breath hitched. I wondered how she was doing, so with a supreme effort I pulled myself to a standing position and stumbled to the bedroom. I found her on a blanket; sleeping soundly, placed near the doorway so she could be heard, but away from the window so she wouldn't be seen should we have any unexpected visitors.
I sank to my knees next to her, ignoring the discomfort that the action caused and reached out a finger to caress the tiny hand peeking out from the swaddling blanket. I just couldn't stop staring at her.
"Do you want something to eat?"
I nearly jumped out of my skin, when I heard DeeDee's quiet voice behind me and felt her hand on my shoulder.
"Huh?" I quickly stood up.
"Breakfast. Coffee. Aren't you hungry?" She eyed me with concern.
I really wasn't feeling up to food, but I knew I had to eat. Who knew how long it was going to take me to get a ride. "Yeah. Sounds great." I looked back at Olivia. "Is she okay?"
DeeDee smiled. "She's great. She slept for quite a while - I was starting to get worried - I couldn't get her to nurse. She finally seemed to get the hang of it about two hours ago and now that she's full, she asleep again."
"That's great," I said, managing a smile myself. "Let me get freshened up and I'll be right there."
With a nod, DeeDee bent to place a kiss on Olivia and went back out.
I sighed and headed to the bathroom.
Chapter 13
While I was getting dressed in my own clothes, I guess I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't hear Linda come in, carrying a bowl that she placed on the end table. She watched me struggle to get my arms into my shirt, and couldn't help but notice the bruising of my joints.
"Pretty sore, huh?"
"You could say that," I retorted with a grimace and tried with limited success to try and work some of the kinks out. Even after the shower, I was one gigantic hurt.
"Dig in," she indicated the bowl. "It's instant oatmeal, but at least it's apple cinnamon. I've got some advil, too." She patted my head like I was a child and stepped away.
"How about some coffee?" I called out petulantly to her retreating back. When she didn't answer, I slumped back on the bed with a huff, closed my eyes and let my thoughts mull over my schedule for the day. I opened one eye when I saw Linda returning. She placed 4 pills in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. I mumbled my thanks as I downed the pills.
"Don't get all mushy on me – it's just instant." She said with a smirk.
I quirked my lips at her and started in on the oatmeal. Actually, it wasn't too bad. When I finished, I called Linda and DeeDee over and reluctantly told them what I was about to do.
Chapter 14
Linda didn't take the news well. I hadn't really expected her to, but after thirty minutes of discussion, she realized that there was simply no other option. For her part, DeeDee pretty much kept silent, cuddling Olivia close, knowing that she couldn't hike out of here with a newborn just 14 hours after giving birth.
I lost track of how many times I apologized to DeeDee and swearing that she would get back home. Some how, some way, I was going to make sure that she and Olivia would be safe. But DeeDee never said a word. God help me, I couldn't stand to see the tears in her eyes as I gave my spare gun to Linda with instructions on its use.
Linda's hands were shaking as she took the weapon. "I just can't believe this. I've never fired a gun before in my life."
"I'm hoping you still won't have to - but you have to be prepared." I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry to you too, Linda. I never meant for it to be like this. You have to know that."
She dropped her eyes and put the gun on the table. "I do. Please- just - please let my husband know I'm safe."
A fresh wave of guilt washed over me.
"I will. I'm going to take care of this. I swear."
Linda nodded. "Then I guess you better get going."
They both hugged me tightly and I found myself looking down at Olivia, for what I hoped wasn't the last time. I reached over and placed my hand over her head. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'll be back. I promise."
I turned and all but stumbled out the door.
"Take care of yourself," I heard DeeDee call out.
I choked back a sob and never looked back.