Fury's Quinjet set down without a sound on a secret base in the Australian Outback thirty minutes ahead of schedule. He gave May a wide grin before pushing his large frame from the pilot's seat and arching his back in an exaggerated stretch.
"Forty-five minutes to refuel and instrument check," he grumbled as he flicked the switch that would open the ramp at the rear of the plane. "Grab yourself something to eat, be back in thirty." He ordered as he strode down the ramp and disappeared into the darkness.
May waited until she was sure he was gone then rose and rotated her head a few times to get the kink out of her neck. She peered out the windshield into the complete darkness of the runway then turned and exited the plane in a determined march. It took a few minutes to find her way through the minimally staffed base and locate communications. She pushed open the door and smiled with only her eyes when spotted the loan agent stuck with night duty. From the looks of him he probably left the academy last week.
The young man turned and jumped, noticing May standing behind him. He dropped the clipboard and pen he'd been holding and quickly pulled ear buds from his head. May could hear the loud music blaring from them before he clumsily pushed them into a desk drawer and hit a button on his smart phone. He pushed his glasses up on his nose and opened his mouth to speak. May beat him to it.
"Excuse me," she fake smiled as she stooped sideways to see his clipped on badge, "Jackson?"
The kid nodded, nervously expecting a reprimand from what he immediately recognized as a superior agent. He looked like he'd just discovered he had hands and had no clue what to do with them until he found the pockets in his jacket and pushed them inside.
"Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered in a falsetto voice. Immediately he cleared his throat and repeated his reply much deeper. "C-can, can I help you…help you with something?" He cleared his throat a second time as it once again grew higher.
May wasn't sure she should be amused or disgusted. She forced a helpless smile instead. "Well, I hope so." She turned and glanced around the room. "This is communications, isn't it?"
Raymond Jackson nodded around a deep swallow.
"I haven't got much time." She whispered, looking over her shoulder as if someone may be watching. "Seems those jerks in LA gave me the wrong connection server. I've got to get a message to my informant and all I get is dead air." She looked over her shoulder again and moved closer to the kid. "Maybe you could help me out." The agent cringed to herself. She hated undercover even when it wasn't really undercover.
The young man thought for a moment then stepped back. "I…I…that…that wouldn't be proper, ma'am. Tho..those numbers are c-confedential."
May held up a hand. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no…I'm not asking for a number." She pursed her lips and shook her head as she threw an arm around his shoulders and walked him toward his computer terminal. "All I need is for you to get a message to this location." She dropped her arm and pulled a pen from the cup on the desk. She jotted down the number of the phone she'd given William, knowing it had been used once for a voice call and had one text remaining. After that the device would be useless.
Jackson took the slip of paper and stared at the digits she'd printed. His eyes widened. He pushed it back toward her. "Ma'am…no, ma'am…that's, that's the d-director's emer…"
May grabbed the man by the back of his neck and pulled him closer. "Shhhh!" she demanded, once again glancing toward the door. "I can't let him know I screwed up the message in Shanghai. If I get it out in the next hour he'll be none the wiser." She released her hold and helped him to stand straight. "You understand, don't you?" May used her best damsel in distress face as she pushed his hand holding the number back to him.
Raymond stared at her for a beat, looked at the number in his hand and then back to her.
"A kid's life is at stake." Best to hide the truth in a lie…works almost every time.
The young man let out a breath. "What's the message?"
"77345," she rattled quickly.
The young man looked immediately confused. He scratched the top of his head. "There's no reference to that code…" He reached for a thick book on a shelf next to the desk.
"You won't find it," May informed him, stopping his hand. "But the recipient will understand."
He repeated the number, twice then gave a nod. May returned it and moved to stand near the door while the young man did as he had promised. With a quick nod of her own she slipped out. She'd give him about ten minutes before she marched back into the room and reamed him out for ignoring protocol. Rookie never should have agreed to her ruse and he would never EVER do it again. She'd make damn sure he'd need a change of clothes before she left the second time.
May stormed past the other agents in the hall. Each jumped out of her way as anger radiated from her presence. With a loud bang she slammed the swinging door of the commissary against the wall. It bounced back and struck the outer wall with a matching crash. She had no intention of eating anything but a cup of tea would be worth it in this part of the world.
xx
William stirred from a light sleep. He lay in the dark listening to the strange buzz that seemed to be growing louder. He did not remember setting or even having an alarm. He never needed one. In the soft light that shone through his blinds the man was startled to see his trousers jiggle against the chair where he had folded them. Again the buzz sounded and the garment slid with it.
Suddenly it made sense. William pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the mattress. He snatched his pants from the chair and patted the pockets searching for the small flip phone he'd pushed into one of them. It seemed the clothing had become sentient, fighting his effort to retrieve the small device. He wrestled with it for a moment before standing and giving it a hard shake. The phone hit the floor with soft thud and skittered over the hardwood to the base of the dresser. William swore under his breath as he scuffled across the floor and grabbed the object, flipping it open as the buzzing grew almost desperate. He stared at the soft green LED display, at first confused by the five digits.
A smile grew over the older man's face as the memory of those numbers flooded back. Teenage Melinda had sent it to him to let him know she was safe, to let him know she was on her way home and not to worry. She used it even after she'd gone away to that Academy, just to keep in touch, just to let him know all was well. It came from something she did as a child after finding a large conch shell on the beach. She held it to her ear and listened intently before handing it to him with a pout and telling him she heard nothing. He told her it was because all was well, the shell had no complaints. It became their code. If one or the other used the term it meant they were fine. So it only made sense for her to send the numerals 77345. He inverted the small device and smiled at the way the upside down numerals became jaggedy letters spelling out the word ShELL.
Melinda was fine. Melinda was on her way home.
He felt the slight zzzzttt from the phone and noticed the swirl of white smoke drift up from the screen. He dropped it into the metal waste basket. A soft poof preceded a flash of light as the device extinguished itself. William glanced into the container amazed at the effective disintegration of the small phone. Nothing more than a small pile of soft dust remained.
William glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Four-thirty a.m. was much too early to wake his granddaughter even if the news would more than likely bring the smile back to her little speckled face. He pulled on his robe and padded down the short hallway to peek in on the child.
The soft light in Skye's room was enough for William to view the little girl sleeping soundly. He was sure the warm bath and dose of liquid Benadryl had much to do with her peaceful slumber. Celia had told him that it would more than likely make the child drowsy. William quietly crossed the room and tucked the blankets around Skye, brushing her hair from her face. He frowned at the new spots that had erupted since she'd been tucked in earlier. The little girl seemed to shiver under his hand. He felt he had perhaps tickled her with the light brush of his fingertips and laid the palm of his hand on her head for a brief moment. The heat that rose from that touch frightened him. Skye shivered again and pulled her knees to her chest. William tucked the blankets to her chin.
It was not yet five a.m. and no time for making phone calls or knocking on neighbor's doors but the child was burning with fever. William hurried to the kitchen and dialed the number on the small pad next to the phone. It rang four times before he recognized Celia's groggy voice. He explained quickly, trying to keep the panic from his voice. The experienced nurse remained calm and reassured him it was normal with this virus but she would come immediately.
He opened the door before she had a chance to knock.
She smiled as she walked past him to the child's room, immediately turning the heavy blankets off of her. "I know she's trembling, William, but these blankets will make it worse." She explained. "I do hate to wake her." She smiled at the sleeping child, pulled into a tight ball.
Laying the back of her hand on Skye's forehead she tsked once and rubbed her hand gently on the little girl's arm. Before waking her she instructed William to bring a few cool washcloths and fresh pajamas for the child. By the time he returned she was squinting at the line on the thermometer in her hand.
"Slightly below one hundred three," Celia sighed.
She sat on the edge of the bed and coaxed the sleepy child to sit up. Skye whimpered but cooperated without opening her eyes. Celia quickly changed the little girl and held her while she sipped a small dose of children's Motrin®. Skye coughed a few times and her whimper became a soft sob as she reached out her arms.
"May…" the child sniffled in a sleepy whisper, "mommy…" came out on a soft whispered breath as Celia gathered her into her arms and rocked slowly.
William stood back as the older woman patted the little girl's back and kissed the top of her head. She glanced up at him and frowned a 'poor little thing' frown. Skye relaxed into the woman's comfort and within a few minutes of rocking and shushing she was fully asleep. Celia stood and waited for William to smooth the bedding then laid Skye back against her pillow, covering her with a light blanket. The little girl let out a soft sleepy sound and rolled into a ball, pulling her panda close.
"I think she'll be fine for now." Celia whispered. "I'll check her again in a few hours, but I think the Benadryl has really knocked her down. Must be very sensitive to it, but she needs the rest. I don't think she slept at all last night."
William shook his head as he waited for her to exit the room before him. They moved to the kitchen and both let out a relieved breath.
"I am so very sorry…" William began.
"No, no, no…" Celia stopped him with a wave of her hand. "I understand completely." She patted his arm. "I'm glad you called. Now, maybe you can make me a cup of that lovely tea you brew so well."
William nodded and moved to fill the kettle. "I did not expect the child to be so feverish." He shook his head.
Celia took two china cups and saucers from the cupboard and set them on the table. "It is good you checked on her." She nodded, taking teaspoons from the drawer next to the sink.
"I was awakened by the phone." He told her as he turned and added the bowl of cubed sugar to the table. "Mellie is safe and will be home very soon." William smiled.
"Oh, William," Celia gushed as she gave him a friendly hug. "That is wonderful." The woman stepped back. "Have you told her of what's happened? Oh, Skye will be overjoyed." She softly clapped her hands together almost prayerful.
William shook his head. "It was but a short message, but it said much. We did not speak in words only in the assurance she gave me."
Celia cocked her head at the strange reply.
He explained the message over a few cups of very hot tea before offering to prepare breakfast. Celia graciously refused, saying she needed to freshen up a bit before she could enjoy sharing another morning meal with him. She added if he would like to wait for her she would gladly return in an hour or so, then being much more presentable and with a fresh batch of blueberry muffins she had made the night before.
William agreed, suddenly realizing he stood in wrinkled pajamas and a threadbare robe. He hadn't even put on slippers or combed his bed frazzled hair. By the time she returned with her muffins he would also be much more presentable.
xx
May stepped back on the tarmac exactly twenty minutes after she'd first left the plane. If she had been anyone else her jaw would have dropped at the sight of the empty airfield. Instead she swore in every language she knew ending with, "Fury, you damn son of a bitch!" She screamed into the night air.
"Problem, agent?" Fury's calm voice came from behind. He actually sounded amused. May spun to take him. She envisioned how she would put in the nearest ICU.
"What the hell is going on? Where's the damn plane?" She growled instead, tightening her fists.
Fury chuckled as he turned and walked away. "Small problem with the speed. Borrowed another from some friends. If you move your ass instead of complaining, I'll have you in DC in less than eight hours."
May stormed after him. "Don't screw with me Fury. Not even you can get that much out of a jet."
He laughed again. "Depends on the jet…got a friend from some out of the way place in Africa…tells me I can get a Mach-3 out of this one. He's got another goes eight…" He turned and walked backward, still addressing her with that damn smile plastered across his face. "Don't want to show off too much." He turned back, disappearing into the blackness. "Move your ass and I might let you take the stick."
May narrowed her eyes and growled to herself before hurrying to catch up.
xx
The jet had been in the air more than two hours before either of its occupants exchanged a glance and another twenty minutes before the silence was broken. They'd switched positions for this leg of the journey with May piloting the bird while Fury copiloted…mostly he snored…but now he was wide awake.
"Coulson's awake," he grumbled as he readjusted himself in the seat. It was impossible to see if May reacted. Her aviator glasses masked her eyes, if her eyes ever even gave a hint of what she was feeling. "He asked for you." Fury continued.
May gave a silent huff but remained focused on flying and just as silent.
"Probably be out of commission til the new year," now he sounded like he was complaining. "Damn him and things that go BOOM." He exaggerated the word and flung out both hands in an explosion motion.
No reaction.
Fury let out a long frustrated breath and drew it back with a groan. He slapped his hands on his thighs and rocked to and fro for a moment. "Damn it, May. What do you want me to say?"
She threw him a snide glance that he did not see.
"You went in, got the damn object and you're on your way home in less than two weeks." He grumbled. "Special delivery on this fine jet," he emphasized then smiled broadly and gently caressed the instrument panel.
May huffed in disgust.
Silence engulfed them again as both stared into the horizon where the sun was just beginning to rise.
"I've got nothing against kids, May." Fury spoke a little more softly. "I just don't get it and I don't think it's a good idea for any agent to…"
"Don't," she hissed through her teeth.
Fury continued staring straight ahead. "Don't tell you what you don't want to hear or what you already know?"
For the first time she turned toward him, glaring for a few seconds before turning back to the stars and the sunrise all in one view. It never ceased to amaze her. Eventually she would show Skye this fantastic and almost unbelievable sight.
"Why do you think top agents have no ties?" The man let out heavy breaths as he continued. "They never have to make that choice…never." He slammed his hand on the arm rest.
"Let me explain this again," May snarled. "I have made my choice and no one, including you, is going to change that. I will not abandon her. I will not let her down and I won't go back on my word."
"And what happens if you die out there?" Fury immediately growled back. It wasn't meant to be cruel, just realistic. It was just part of the job. There was never a guarantee than any of them would come back from any mission. They all knew that.
"I won't." May answered with finality.
"Won't? You won't?" His voice was a mix of amusement and anger, each vying for control. "And just how the hell do intend to make that promise?" She wasn't quite sure if that was a laugh or a growl. "How the hell are you going guarantee that kid you'll always come back in one piece?"
May let a small smile tickle the side of her mouth as she reached up and flicked a few switches then adjusted her controls to allow for wind sheer. "I won't."
Fury opened his mouth then snapped it shut. "What the hell…you won't…don't you tell me you won't and then go and tell me you won't. Won't do what will you won't…" He rambled on lost in his own anger.
"I won't die and I won't guarantee it." May almost sang, stopping him mid-tirade. The man glared at her with that one furious eye. "Because you will," she finished then turned back to her flying, content to be silent until the jet touched down at their well hidden base in rural Maryland. Their increased speed would have them there by half past noon.
He let out a furious growling breath, shaking his head like an angry beast.
"Who knows, Fury? Maybe someday you'll be dealing with her sitting in this seat." May smiled to herself as the man fell silent.
With any luck he'd sleep the next thousand miles or so.
xx
Skye woke an hour after William and Celia had cleared the table, washed and put away the dishes. It was almost ten. She protested slightly at the sight of Mrs. Gibbons shaking her nasty thermometer but grudgingly cooperated. Her fever had not totally disappeared but dropped to just one hundred and with another dose of fever reducer, the retired nurse gave in to allowing the little girl a transfer to the couch only if she agreed to stay put and try a little breakfast. William chose a bowl of warm oatmeal with a dollop of honey and of course a cup of luke warm tea. Both adults felt the cooler temperature might be easier on the pox that had erupted inside the little girl's mouth.
William set the bowl and cup on a small tray, intent on serving Skye in her new resting spot but the little girl shook her head. "May don't let me eat nutthin in here." She poked her small finger into the arm of the couch. "Thizis the good room. Ya eat inna kitchen." She slipped off the sofa and sighed with a bit of a pout. "An I ain't too good at not makin messes on all this real good stuff."
Both adults smiled at her explanation and agreed breakfast would be eaten in the kitchen but then it was right back to the couch. Skye managed about half of the oatmeal and a few sips of tea before she pushed both away. Celia felt she might feel better if a bit of ointment was dabbed on the itchier spots and getting dressed was probably a good idea. Skye agreed and allowed the woman to help her do both before returning to her new spot in the living room.
The sight of the saddened little girl refusing to face the beautiful Christmas tree was heartbreaking. William had warned his neighbor not to mention it as Skye would not even consider lighting it until May's return. Celia sat on the end of the sofa and gathered the little girl into her arms. "I must say that you have absolutely more Chicken Pox than I have ever seen on one little patient." She hugged her closer.
Skye pulled one foot to Mrs. Gibbons' lap and slipped off her fuzzy slipper. "I think I gotz one unner my toe nail." She tapped on her big toe. "See the red unner it. It's like a eye lookin' out." The little girl pointed out morosely.
Celia smiled and gently massaged the little speckled foot. "Oh, dollie, this nasty virus gives you spots everywhere."
Skye let out a soft sigh and let her head drop against Mrs. Gibbons' shoulder. She was definitely well covered with spots. "I'm not liken these Chicken pots. I want them ta go away."
Celia kissed the little girl's temple and rocked her just a tiny bit. "I know, sweetie. They're no fun. Are they?" Skye shook her head without lifting it. "On the other hand," Celia smiled. "No school for at least two weeks and by then it will be Christmas vacation."
The older woman could have bit her lip at the crestfallen look on Skye's face. A lone tear dribbled from the corner of one eye, ran down her cheek and dripped off her chin. There was no doubt Skye was imagining this promised magical holiday without her beloved May or worse yet, in the custody of that horrid case worker woman. Celia shivered with the thought. William's news would certainly lighten the mood.
Celia had spoken with Skye's pediatrician late yesterday, informing him of the situation. He assured her Skye's records would be reviewed today. He would also be sure to check all lot numbers on his Varicella immunizations. If Skye was as ill as the retired nurse claimed, there could be an outbreak. In any case his recommendation was that the child be kept at home and monitored closely. He felt moving her anywhere would not be in her best interest and would have no problem informing CFSA of his prognosis.
Rocking the little girl gently, Celia felt there was nothing to worry about and that Skye would be overjoyed with William's news. "I know you feel yucky," she smiled up at William, "but, I think your Yéyé might have a surprise that will make you feel much better."
The little girl turned only her head to look toward her grandfather. "Could it be ice cream fer lunch? I think ice cream would make my troat feel a lots better." She sniffed back a tear and sighed solemnly.
William winked at Celia and gave a soft nod. He smiled at Skye, softly brushing a tear from her cheek. "I do not think ice cream is such a good choice, but perhaps we can find something cool to help you feel better."
"Okay," Skye sighed sadly.
"Sunnu, I wish to tell you…"
A loud rap at the door interrupted William. He glanced at Celia then back at the door. He'd heard that frantic rapping once before. A quick look at the clock told him it was too early for the case worker to arrive and he had left three messages since yesterday telling her how sick Skye had become. He had called her office several times and was put on hold or simply did not make the connection. When he finally did get through he was forced to leave a message with a receptionist who told him she would have Mrs. Roffman return his call. When she did not, he called again and told the same young girl that Skye had come down with a very severe case of Chicken Pox and that it would not be proper to take her away as she was quite ill. Again the girl promised to relay the message and told him if there was a problem she would have Mrs. Roffman call him. When she did not, he felt she had gotten the message and all was well.
xx
What William did not know was that Veronica Roffman had been aware of every call he made to her office and she had no intention of speaking to him or his disappearing daughter. She'd made that bleeding heart receptionist well aware of the fact. She was also very sure that there was a doctor on call at the agency. A damn good doctor who took care of every child there and he would be sure to examine that little trouble maker as soon as she dragged her into the center.
"Chicken pox, my ass," the small stout woman grumbled. "Kids don't get that damn disease anymore. They have shots for that. Who the hell does that man think he's kidding?" She snarled to herself as she stuffed forms into her ever present satchel.
There was no reason to wait until three p.m. She could take that kid whenever she wanted and she had the signed documentation to prove it. So here she was banging on his door at just past twelve. She'd slam that document into his hand and grab that kid. They'd be back at the agency before two and Mary Sue Poots would be on her way to Maine tomorrow morning. End of story.
She smiled to herself and banged even harder. The young officer behind her shuffled his feet and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow. The case worker had brought him along as a matter of routine. If a child was to be removed from a home it was well to have an agency legal officer just in case things got a bit out of hand. If William May did not open the door in exactly one minute she would have the officer announce himself and force the man to do so. The law was on her side and she knew it.
Veronica Roffman could not help smile.
xx
Celia rose to her feet and set Skye in front of her. She smiled down at the little girl. "Sweetie, why don't you go to you room for a little bit."
Skye shook her head. "I ain't tired Mrs. Gibbons and I wanna know Yéyé's secret," she shook her head then continued. "And it ain't time for tempachur takin." The rapping on the door grew louder and harder. Skye looked from the woman to her grandfather. "Ain't cha gonna see who's knockin'?"
The little girl slipped off Celia's lap and started for the door. May told her never, ever to open that door on her own, but Yéyé was right here and so was Mrs. Gibbons. William reached and snagged the child by the arm. "No, Skye…"
The knock came again, different, less urgent. "William May," a male voice called. "This is DC police. I have an order to take…"
William pulled the door open before the man could finish. Celia stood at the opposite end of the hall with Skye peaking around her. "I apologize," William nodded. "My granddaughter is not well and…"
"That makes no difference." Roffman barked as she shook a form out of its folds and slapped it against William's chest. She pushed past him before he could say a word or read what it said. "I'm here for the girl, Mr. May." She turned with her satchel held with both hands in front of her. "This is Officer Markowitz. He's here to be sure there are no tricks or attempts to hide her again."
William knit his brows and stepped forward, crumbling the paper in his fist. "I did not attempt to hide Skye. There is no reason for you to make such an assumption." His voice belied his anger.
Officer Markowitz stepped forward and placed a hand on William's chest. "It would be better for the kid if we didn't make a scene here, sir." His voice was calm and quiet, almost as if he would rather be anywhere else.
Veronica gave a sly smile. "You don't want to make this any worse than it needs to be."
William shook his head and spoke around the young police officer. "The child is not well. I made that clear to your office with several calls that you did not return." The man rarely raised his voice, but it was becoming more difficult to keep his temper with this woman.
The case worker snorted as she turned away, spotting the little girl peeking around the woman at the end of the hall. "Mary Sue," she used a drippy sweet voice. "Get your things, you are coming with me."
Skye tightened her grip on the sides of Celia's sweater and shook her head. Celia reached down and took the child's hand then turned and bent down to her level. "Go to your room, sweetheart." Skye shook her head faster, debating if she could get around this case lady to her grandfather. Celia nodded and squeezed the little girl's hand gently.
"You stay where you are Mary Sue," Roffman's voice was no longer sweet. The officer will get your things." She jammed one finger toward the floor.
The little girl's breath was coming faster. Celia placed a hand on Skye's chest but did not let go of the child's trembling hand. "Look at me Skye," she said softly and waited until the little girl's eyes met hers. "Go to your room, close the door and stay there until your Yéyé or I come for you. Okay?" Skye's eyes darted to the woman who was ordering her to do the opposite. "Skye?" Celia whispered softly as she bent to the child's ear, cradling her head in both hands. "Okay, Skye…go, sweetie, everything will be fine."
Skye slowly nodded. She looked into Mrs. Gibbons' eyes and blinked away the tears in order to see clearly. She turned and started for her very own bedroom, maybe for the last time, stopping when the case lady screamed her name and ordered her to stop. For a moment she did. She stopped then took a breath and ran for her room. She slammed the door and for the first time since she had walked into May's house, she locked the door. The child stood staring at it, heavy breaths causing her to almost bounce to the rhythm of her heart slamming against her chest.
Veronica dropped her satchel on the floor and marched in the direction Skye had gone, stopped when Celia stepped in her path. "I don't know who you are but you need get out of my way." She ordered through her teeth. "Right now!" She attempted to shove the older woman out of the doorway.
William eased away from the officer and moved to Celia's side effectively blocking the case worker's advance. "Neither of us will be moving," he announced, a bit louder and more intensely than he had intended.
"Move them," Veronica looked at Markowitz, cocking her head toward the couple.
Celia raised a hand and the officer stopped. "That child," she pointed toward the hallway. "That child is in no condition to go anywhere. It is very plain to see she is not well."
"And there are perfectly good doctors in CFSA that will take very good care of her." Veronica shot back as the officer moved toward them.
"Can you not see that she is ill? Can you not see the rash that covers her?" William added. "Skye's own doctor has stated she should not be taken from her home until she has fully recovered."
The officer stood still, waiting for a conclusion to this discussion. He'd gotten a good look at that kid and she definitely had something. He'd never seen so many blotches and the dark circles under her eyes couldn't be a good thing. He wasn't sure if the kid's red cheeks were more blotches or maybe a fever. Hell, he didn't want to take whatever that kid had home to his own kids. The kid was sick and there was no way he was going to force a sick kid away from these people. Best thing now was to call in for instructions…or better yet someone with a lot more experience in this kind of thing.
Veronica smirked. "Well then I guess we have nothing to worry about because I'm here for Mary Sue Poots." She took a step forward. "And this is not her home." She took a second step, jabbing a finger to the floor. "And her doctor will be waiting at the CFSA center." Her smile was almost maniacal. She looked back over her shoulder and ordered again, "Officer."
The young man shook his head. "I'm sorry ma'am, nothing in that order says anything about taking a sick kid out of here. I'm going to have to check with command."
"Imbecile!" Roffman hissed through her teeth as she spun toward the officer and then back to the couple blocking her way.
"That child has a mild illness, nothing more than an itchy rash. She is not deathly ill or in need of an ambulance but if that's what it takes I can have one here with one call." She pulled her phone from her pocket and held it out shaking it toward William. "This is just another farce. Now either get out of my way or be charged with kidnapping."
"Kidnapping?" Celia exclaimed.
"Mary Sue is a ward of the district. If you keep me from taking her into my custody you are in fact guilty of kidnapping." Roffman informed them with an evil smile. "You shouldn't have a problem with that officer," she spoke to the young man. "Arrest them both."
Markowitz shook his head. The woman was right. That he did not need to be clarified. They certainly weren't holding this kid against her will but they were keeping her from her legal guardian…the District of Columbia…and this Roffman lady was its representative. He unsnapped cuffs from his belt and stepped toward them.
"I'm sorry folks," he sincerely apologized, "but she's right."
Before the young man could use the cuffs or figure out how he would cuff them both, Roffman pushed between the couple and stormed down the hall. She cursed under her breath when the knob did not release the door. She rattled it furiously. "Mary Sue Poots open this door immediately!" She raised a fist and pounded on the wood. "Open the door right now." She rattled and pounded again then turned and marched back to the kitchen. "Where's the key?" she demanded.
William shook his head. "I have not seen a key for this door. It has never been locked. Perhaps it once was here but I cannot say where."
"You have a child locked in that room and no idea where the key might be or if it even exists?" She smiled but shook her head. "You are just digging a deeper hole." She called over her shoulder as she pounded back down the hall once again rattling the doorknob and striking the panel.
Inside Skye pulled herself into the small space between the chest of drawers and the wall. She curled into the tight space and covered her ears with both hands, uselessly choking back the heavy sobs she could no longer control.