Chapter 25
Putting the Puzzle Together
The next morning Alina found herself sitting at a table with Jaden, as they waited for Hammer to be brought into the room. The crass institutional atmosphere was cold and impersonal. The thought of facing Hammer left her feeling totally shaken. Would he be furious that she’d taken the initiative to arrange for Jaden to live with her? If he was hating on her, he wouldn’t want his son with her. She rubbed her moist palms on her pants and tried not to let her anxieties run away with her.
Thinking of Hammer sitting in a cage the last two days had worn on her. Every horrible thought of the kinds of humiliations prisoners were subjected to ran through her head. It ate away at to think of Hammer enduring even more than his disadvantaged life had already dealt to him. The man just couldn’t seem to catch a break.
Suddenly, the door was flung open and he was standing there. His massive form filled the doorway. Alina swallowed hard at the image that filled her eyes. He’d ripped the sleeves off his jumpsuit, which was stretched tight across his massive chest. His narrow hips and crotch were hidden from her view by his muscular arms and gigantic hands, which had been chained in front of him. Jesus, he was a primitive sight with his angry green eyes, wild tousled dark hair and sinister tattoos. He looked like he hadn’t shaved since they picked him up.
As he stalked forward, his aggressive stare had her instinctively lowering her gaze. If the guards had thought that having him bound would make him seem less intimidating, they were dead wrong. He looked like leashed carnage. For some godforsaken reason, it was turning her on at possibly the most inappropriate moment in the history of the entire world. Her mind scrambled to come up with a solution. Don’t look at him and he can’t affect you. That was all the better she could do at the moment.
Hammer sat down in the seat across the long table from them and waited patiently while the guard unchained his hands and then locked each wrist into a specially made metal cuff on the table top. His hands were spread but not enough to be painful.
Looking away was apparently the correct answer, because she noticed that Jaden had politely averted his eyes as well. It suddenly hit her exactly how emasculating this particular situation must be for Hammer. If she’d been hoping for leniency from him, now was not the time expect such favors.
The guard stepped outside the open door, clearly indicating that this arrangement was not one which included any privacy. She’d need to watch what she said. As the most dominant person at the table Alina and Jaden waited patiently for Hammer to speak. Suddenly, Alina found herself intimately acquainted with issues related to power that she’d never had cause to even think about before. It was proving to be a harsh education.
“Jaden, I’m glad to see you. How are you holding up?”
“Fine, sir. As I’m sure you know I’ve been with Miss. Stuart. She’s been real good to me.”
“She’s a professional in early childcare development. Mr. Cavanaugh contacted me for approval before CPS sanctioned your placement in her home. I read over her application carefully and I want you to know she has my support.”
The whole conversation was so absurdly un-Hammer-like that Alina couldn’t help but to chance a glance up at him. She found him staring at him and his expression was stone cold. In a flash she knew the truth. He literally didn’t have anyone else to care for Jaden and her act of kindness really was keeping him out of the system. Needing the woman whom he thought betrayed him, was both humbling and infuriating for him.
“I…I’m glad to be in a position to help Jaden in his time of need. Don’t worry, I will be sure he’s safe and well cared for until you regain custody.”
Stretching his neck, Hammer’s hands fisted in the metal cuffs. He looked incensed. Ignoring her entirely, he turned his attention back to Jaden. “It’s important that you stay at her home and nowhere else. Do you understand?”
Jaden nodded. “No overnight visits with my friends for right now. I won’t cause trouble, dad. I promise.”
A brief expression of humor crossed his brutish face. “I think you’re finished being a handful, son. Just hang tough and we’ll be back home before you know it. What have you been up to since I saw you last?”
”We visited Mr. Chow. He’s in the hospital but they think he’ll be okay. He had a heart attack or something like that.”
“Good choice.”
“We made you and all the other brothers care packages. They wouldn’t let us bring you yours because they said they have to inspect them.”
Hammers head turned to Alina for a brief second before he spoke to his son again. “That was real nice. I know the brothers will appreciate the courtesy.”
“We dumped money in everyone commissary accounts. I don’t know how long you’ll be here but with the holidays coming up we didn’t want to take a chance on you being stuck without provisions.”
“Please thank everyone involved for me, son. How are you filling your time?”
Glancing at Alina he responded. “We have been pretty busy with all that. Haven’t had much time to spare. We want to talk to your attorney. Will he see us?”
“For a fuckin’ thousand dollars an hour he’d talk to the devil himself. I’d like to see him turn my son away.”
“That’s what I thought you’d say but I didn’t want you to think we were going behind your back or anything.”
Again glancing at Alina, he responded tersely. “I would have never thought YOU would go behind my back. I trust you, son.”
Alina’s lips pressed into a firm line. Hammer was an expert at making it clear to his son who he did and didn’t trust. She just had to shut up and go with the flow. Hammer was at an all-time low point in his life. It didn’t make sense to let herself be upset by his anger. Heck, they couldn’t even have an honest dialogue with the guards listening in.
She spoke softly. “Is there anything in particular that you feel we should focus on?”
“Keep my son away from the clubhouse and out of the public eye as much as possible. Maintain a low profile and give Cavanaugh a few days to work this situation out. They can keep a person up to 96 hours before they even charge us. We all got hit with weapons charges and they’re just giving themselves a minute to see what else they can find on us. We’re coming up on the end of that time period. Cavanaugh figures he can get us a bail hearing within the next ten days.”
“That’s not good enough. You’ll miss Thanksgiving dinner.”
Hammer just shook his head. “We got bigger problems than turkey, doll. Best get your head around the mess you made for us.”
Instead of arguing she just made one statement. “You know better than what you’re thinking.”
A loud banging on the open door drew their attention. “Time’s up, convict.”
Alina spoke before she thought. “He’s not a damn convict till he convicted of something.”
“Whatever you say lady.” The man strolled into the room and began unlocking Hammer’s wrists. As soon as they were chained in front of him again Jaden flew at his father, wrapping his arms around the big man. He stood his small head bowed and pressed against his father’s arm. The guard seemed taken aback. Alina immediately moved forward and eased him away, holding him to her side.
Looking up into Hammer’s tear filled eyes, her resolve to maintain control slipped. “We love and miss you, Hammer. If you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be working closely with Mr. Cavanaugh to get you all out of here as soon as possible.”
His expression softened slightly as the guard pulled him backwards out of the room. Jayden jerked out of her arms and stood with one hand against the wall for a brief moment. He was clearly embarrassed by his lapse of control.
“When it comes to family no one is really all that strong. You know, that right?”
“Men don’t cry.”
“That’s not true. They cry, they just don’t wallow in their negative feelings. They take their knocks, stand up, dust themselves off, and get back to the business of living life.”
He nodded but avoided eye contact as she led him out of the building. Dianne stepped out of her vehicle and met them. Non stared wide eyed from the back seat. Though Non was sixteen years old, he seemed so much younger. Jaden didn’t say a word. He just climbed into the back seat with his friend.
“How’d it go?”
Alina could barely hold herself together. “Not very well. I wish you better luck with Marlow.”
“I’m chickening out. Maybe it would be better to give him a chance to read the letter I sent and think it over before I visit him.”
“Want to have lunch with us?”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“Comfort food. Want to do Italian?”
“Sounds good.”
“Let’s call Brian. I bet he’d like to meet Jaden. Non will like him because they’re both computer nerds.”
Dianne laughed. “Sounds like a plan. You text and I’ll drive. This’ll be fun. I’ve never driven a Prius before.”
Getting into the passenger side, Alina pulled out her cell phone. “It’s no different than any other care. It just has a slightly smaller environmental footprint.”
After spending a few minutes on her phone she announced. “He’s just a block over. He’ll get us a table before the lunch rush sets in.”
On the drive Alina listened to the boys whispering quietly in the back and tried to pay attention to Dianne who spoke as she drove. Unfortunately, her mind kept drifting back to the huge hunk of a man setting in lock up. Just seeing him again had brought her womanly needs clawing to the surface. Even when he was so obviously hating on her, she still wanted him. How did the man affect her so profoundly?
She was vaguely aware the Dianne was saying something about gassing up. Alina couldn’t stop thinking about Hammer though. She admitted to herself it was partially the empathy of seeing him caged, the knowledge that he was being held unfairly, and the fact that he was angry with her that made her want to appease him. Disgusted by her own unenlightened feelings, she delved deeper. Knowing that he was in custody and she wasn’t even able to touch him or speak freely, made him forbidden fruit. That must be it.
“Or maybe they could design a car with two gigantic arms that picked up people and dropped them into a large energy generating apparatus made into the back where the trunk normally goes. Then we’d never have to stop for gas. I mean, it’s not like people really need that much trunk space anyway…”
“Wait, what are you talking about? The boys began laughing as she tried vainly to pick up the tread of the conversation.
“You were a million miles away, my friend. I was trying to tell you that we need to stop for gas. That is unless this thing takes diesel.”
“No. It takes regular unleaded. Sorry. I guess, I zoned out for a minute.”
“Yep. Probably thinking of that sexy biker.”
She shot her friend a serious look.
“Sorry, I won’t talk about how sexy Jaden’s dad is when he’s around. Does that make you happy?”
“Eminently.”
“I’m sure the boy has hear that before. Hey Jaden, ever hear a woman call your dad sexy?”
“Only about ten times a day since the day I was born.”
Dianne laughed. “Told you.”
Frowning Alina spoke before she thought. “Maybe it’s me who’s offended by people referring to him in such one dimensional terms. Everyone acts like his defining characteristic is being a sexy biker. He’s a lot more than that to me. He’s intelligent, articulate, and when he cares about someone he doesn’t go about it in a half assed way. I’d want him at my back no matter what my problem was, because he’d find a solution or die trying. He’s…”
Dianne interrupted playfully. “Yea, we get it. You fell hard for the man, so to you he’s not some one-dimensional character that can describe with a catch phrase.”
Alina smiled ruefully at her friend. “Sounds pretty stupid, doesn’t it.”
Jaden spoke right up. “No. It’s not. I get mad when people talk about him like that too. It’s like he scares she shit out of them, so they have to simple him up in their mind so he’s not so intimidating.”
“I think the term you’re looking for is depersonalizing. It makes it easier to discount him and what he stands for.”
Dianne nodded her agreement. “I can see where you two are coming from on that one. I like older men and people are always teasing me about it in a way that makes my choice seem foolish of strange.”
“I forgot. You have your own sexy biker to worry about.”
Dianne smiled knowingly. “He’s a hell of a lot more than just a sexy biker to me.”
“Glad to know we’re on the same page. I think Marlow’s fabulous by the way. He has a caretaking streak a mile wide. It’s a shame he never had kids.”
Dianne bit her bottom lip, appearing deep in thought. “He’d be a really good father.”
When they stopped for gas, Alina heard the sound of a throaty motorcycle. It was one she didn’t recognize. Glancing nervously around, she didn’t see anyone. Maybe it was just her imagination.
As they walked into the restaurant, Brian stood and waved them over. He’d ordered breadsticks and dipping sauces as well as a picture of iced tea.
Dianne laughed. “I can tell you’re from down south because you just assume everyone loves sweet tea.”
“Only thing worth drinking.”
“Well I need unsweetened tea.”
Handing her a little plate and breadstick he quipped. “There no such thing as unsweetened tea. Unsweetened tea is just plain tea. It’s not like you take sweet tea and somehow removed the sugar to make unsweetened tea.”
Catching his point Alina agreed. “In other words, down south you have iced tea and sweet tea.”
“Oh hell no, sweetheart. They call it sweet tea too. As a matter of fact, you should go on a little road trip sometime. The further south you get the larger the glasses of iced tea become until you are just drinking it out a two liter glass jug.”
Alina slapped him playfully on the arm. “Now, I know you’re kidding.”
“Who the hell are you?”
Jaden’s voice was flat and unemotional. Non sat back in his chair, with wide eyes and his computer wrapped in two arms against his chest. Alina recognized it as his about to freak out stance.
Quickly, she explained. “Jaden, this is my friend Brian. We work together. Brian takes care of all the computers for the school system in this area. He helped your father and I find you.”
Suddenly Non’s expression turned interested. Jaden was more hostile than ever. “Why do you call Alina pet names? Are you fucking her?”
Appalled, Alina gasped. “Jaden! That’s enough.”
Brian held up a hand. “Let the boy talk.” Gesturing to Jaden, he invited. “Bring it on, little dude. Got something to say? Spit it out.”
Crossing his arms over his chest he spoke again. “I already did and I don’t like repeating myself.”
Alina worked to keep the smile off her face. Not because the kid was being so belligerent but because his attitude was vintage Hammer.
Brain tried not to smile as well. “I’m certainly not interested in Alina that way. I only date men.”
Jaden frowned. “Makes more sense. You’re one of them. We got one at the clubhouse.”
Non whispered, “Cam”. Until that moment Alina hadn’t realized that Cam was gay.
Brian didn’t bat an eye. “Is that his name? I wondered. He’s cute but I only date the good looking stupid ones. I don’t like partners that try to tell me what to do.”
“Then you should definitely stay away from Cam. He’s good at trying to tell others what to do. Several of the brothers will nail anything moving if it good looking enough, so pay attention when you’re around them.”
“Thanks for the tip, little Dude. Glad you’re okay. Snatched by gang members must have been hard. I saw that tape they made. You’re a tough little guy.”
Relaxing a little he took a drink of tea. “Yea it sucked ass. Don’t want to do that again anytime soon.”
“You got a mouth on you for a kid.”
“I know. My dad says I should watch it, cause in order to lead you can’t sound emotional and uneducated all the time. Guess I should listen.”
Non spoke up. “How’d you find him? I looked through everything and didn’t find anything helpful.”
“Well, this ain’t my first rodeo cowboy. I get asked to perform forensic evaluation of computer hard drives off and on. You know that wild boy they found two years ago? The one who’d been locked in a cage and never went to school?”
Non nodded, clearly captivated by their conversation.
“Well he didn’t come from some hick family. He was raised by this millionaire recluse and his wife. I went through his credit cards and bank information. Discovered they had a diaper service. There’s no need for diapers unless there’s a child around. They got a court order and found him and a younger brother locked down in the basement. Always follow the money. People have to pay for things and not many people use cash these days.”
Non replied thoughtfully. “That makes sense. Did you find anything else interesting?”
“Funny you should ask. Once I figured out who Miguel Sandoval was, I dug through his credit card statements, bank information, and tax forms. He’s a cautious man. He has a private security firm doing spot checks on his crew. That tells me that he doesn’t trust them. He’s had both is sperm and his blood frozen. Means he doesn’t want to have to worry about nailing down a real relationships anytime soon but he wants kids at some point in the future. He’s apparently too paranoid to use blood from the local blood bank so he donates his own and has them keep it on hand for him. He pays a modest monthly fee to ensure it can be delivered to any hospital in the city in a timely manner.”
Alina was in shock. “Jesus, he is crazier than I thought.”
“Another interesting thing caught my eye. He’s been a criminal his whole life but never gotten arrested. That tells me he is pretty meticulous about keeping a few layers of minions between himself and the hands on portion of his criminal enterprise. He’s got some shipping containers by the big dock on the Armantrout River. I think he’s getting regular shipments and I don’t think it’s drugs. He has what he calls ‘expiration dates’ on merchandise being stored there.”
“What do you think he’s storing there?”
“I can’t even imagine and we may never know. Getting to and from that dock takes them right through Kingsmen territory. They did some fancy maneuvers to make sure they didn’t bump into Hammer’s regular…umm…shipments. They seemed to know enough about the Kingsmen’s comings and goings to stay out of their way.”
Jaden gasped. “How would they know that? I don’t even know their shipping schedules and products. Only a fully patched brother would know that kind of stuff.”
“Sounds like Hammer has a turncoat in the ranks.”
Jaden fell silent, jamming a breadstick roughly into a ramekin of sauce and stuffing his mouth full. Alina once again didn’t correct him. It was a lot, even for her to digest at one time.
Brian sighed. “Are you ready for the grand finale?” Looking from person to person he announced. “I think he’s dying. He’s been having regular treatment at the local cancer center. People only go there for one thing.”
The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place in Alina’s head. “That makes so much sense. He said he wanted to keep Jaden. He said Jaden was the only thing he had left of his mother and accused Hammer of not being able to protect him. I got the feeling he wanted a son or something but now it makes actual sense.”
Jaden ground out roughly. “That makes no sense at all.”
Dianne explained. “When people get old or have a terminal illness, it makes something in their brain flip. Suddenly, life’s not about accumulating wealth and power anymore. They turn their attention to leaving a legacy. Miguel spent his whole life building his club. Once he dies it’ll go to a bunch a guys that he obviously doesn’t trust. He clearly wants an heir.”
“Fuck that.”
For once, Alina agreed with Jaden’s colorful retort. Then it seemed as if all the air had been sucked from the room. She began hauling in deeper and deeper breaths trying to get oxygen.
“Oh my God, she hyperventilating. We need a paper bag.” Dianne’s voice seemed clouded and far away.
“I’m fine. It’s…just…a panic…attack.”
Dianne wetted a napkin and put it against her forehead. “Close your eyes and just slow your breathing. You can do this. Just force yourself to think of something calm. Do you have a safe place? Somewhere nice and quiet. Maybe floating on a raft in the ocean…”
Non cut in.” She afraid of drowning. Don’t use that one.”
Dianne barely missed a beat. “Okay…maybe you’re lying in a field of flowers looking at the clouds. They’re light and fluffy cotton candy type clouds. Can you make out any images?”
Alina forced herself to slow down and come back to the moment. Her eyes popped open and she gasped. “That means this isn’t over by a long shot. Miguel will still come for Jaden. When that happens what are we going to do?”
Brian spoke softly. “You need to get someplace safe. Do you have any place to go?”
“Not when I risk having a killer on my tail. Miguel already told me it was nothing personal when he tried to kill me before. I don’t want to bring that kind of danger to anyone else’s door.”
Brian opened his cell phone. “I know a couple of guys. They’re pretty rough but they accept private duty security assignments.”
“I’m resorting to hired thugs now?”
Brian tilted his head slightly. “Look, girl. You’ve got no choice. Hired thugs are better than no thugs when the bullets start to fly.”
“Fine. Call them. I don’t mean to be difficult.”
“They’re expensive. Got any money saved. If not I can cover you for a few weeks.”
Jaden spoke up. “Money is not a problem. I can get my hands on around a hundred grand inside of a few hours.”
Brian shook his head. “Little dude’s the shit. The Russians work as a team and can guarantee your safety for a grand a day.”
Alina sighed. “I’ll pay them for a week up front and see what happens after that.”
“You got it.” He texted back and forth while they ate. The conversation flowed back and forth as everyone got used to being around each other. Even the ever ascetic Non began to loosen up. He and Brian discussed things about computers that had everyone else starting their own conversations.
During dessert two men approached. They were wearing business suits and had bulges along the waistband. Alina was getting good at playing the what doesn’t match the other things game. The men pulled up chairs and sat without being asked.
“Good day, Mr. Brian.”
Brian looked confused. “Ivan, I’ve told you a million times it’s just Brian.”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Brian. You mentioned your friend needed our professional services and here we are.”
Alina spoke up. “My name is Alina Stuart and this is Jaden and Non. I am their guardian. We need protection. Are you available?”
Eyeing her suspiciously the man answered. “I am Ivan. This is my brother Serge. We have very special skills, yes we do. If you have no one to turn to, we will provide protection every minute of the day for a modest price.”
“Brian has told us about your fees. One thousand dollars a day for the both of you. Is that correct information?”
“Yes, Miss. Alina. That is correct. There is one thing we must know.”
Alina glanced away, suspecting this was the deal breaker.
“Who pray tell, is hunting you?”
“Jaden’s father and my ex-gentleman friend is Hammer Hark.”
“Say no more.”
“Don’t you want to hear about the Grim Crew?”
The Kingsmen have many enemies. You would do well to remember that. Focus on one, to the exclusion of the others at your own peril.”
Alina gritted her teeth. “This day just keeps getting better and better. You two are proving to be a bargain, for even thinking along those lines.”
“We aim to please, madam.”
“You’re hired.”
“We will be needing your car keys, your telephone, and any other electronic devices you carry with you.”
Alina looked like she was going to object, but Ivan cut her off.
“And, of course your full cooperation. We are willing to risk our lives to keep you safe but we will not fight with you every step of the way.”
Brian chimed in. “Do it Alina. You won’t regret it.”
Alina handed over her car keys and phone. All heads turned to Non. Alina had a feeling that he was going to have a total meltdown because he was clutching his computer to his chest again.
Thankfully, Brian interceded. “How about you leave Non’s computer to me? We’ve worked together before and I know what needs done.”
Ivan was already scrolling through Alina’s cell phone. “That will be fine, Mr. Brian. We need a moment to clear your vehicle. From now on you will be riding with us 100% of the time.”
Alina turned to Brian, feeling a little lost. “I know whether to kiss you or kill you for getting those two involved.”
He’d already started going thought Non’s computer. “If you’re still here to debate the choice next week, I’ll consider it a win. Girl, you had to go and get involved with some total bad asses.”
Leaning over the table, she hissed. “You’re one to talk. The two men crawling all over my car look like former KGB agents or something.”
“Hey, girl. That’s racial profiling and it’s so not cool.”
Alina balled her hands into fists. “Being politically correct is among the least of my worries right now.”
“Calm the hell down, girl. They’re licensed private detectives. Honestly, you’re losing touch with reality.”
That information helped her calm down. They really were PI’s instead of thugs. God knows, she had enough of those in her life with Miguel and his gang gunning for them. Rubbing her hands over her face, she wished for the hundredth time that Hammer was out of jail. He’d know what to do to keep his son safe. She was just muddling through with the advice of friends. The thought of having to tell Hammer about the Russians, made her sick to her stomach.
The two Russians were very thorough. They literally thought of everything as they shadowed them through the rest of their day. If she were being honest, Alina would have to admit that having them watching out for them was a real blessing. She found solace in their never ending polite and professional behavior. They traded off taking watch while the other rested.
She put the boys in her spare room which she had outfitted in pink ruffles and a nice day bed with a trundle unit. They didn’t seem particularly wild about the feminine decor but appreciated not having to sleep in the same bed. They were lights out early, giving her some time to herself.
Thinking about Hammer and worrying if anything was happening to him kept her awake. Her phone rang and when she picked up the cordless from her bedside table she heard that Ivan was already speaking to Hammer.
“Who the hell are you?”
“Miss. Alina has hired me and my brother Serge to perform some security upgrades to her home.” There was a long pause then Ivan spoke again. “Her system is very antiquated. Do you have suggestions for features you would like to see integrated into the system.”
Hammer apparently caught his meaning and responded in similar code. “I have always been worried about people coming in the back or side doors.”
“I agree. One never knows quite what side trouble will from. I will ensure her system is…comprehensive.”
Hammer’s voice became lower. “And has some built in protections for you youngsters. They can’t always recognize a danger when they see it.”
“Certainly. Our system will include a full array of safety features including an automatic after school locking system that voice prompts any children in the home to call a parent or guardian. It’s the latest design. We even offer tracking devices…for family pets. To ensure they don’t wander away and get lost.”
“Though sounds like an excellent feature. Be sure to include every…pet in the home. She has kittens, you know.”
“Yes sir. We observed her interacting with two very playful and unruly kittens.” Jaden and Non where clearly the kittens in question.
“Yes. Well, if she ever lost them I know she’d be heartbroken.”
“We will include the family pets in the safety plan, sir. Would you like to speak to Miss. Alina now?”
“Yes, I would.” Alina didn’t miss how Hammer’s voice became steely again.
“Hello, Hammer. It’s me. Thank you Ivan. Please continue with the installation.”
“Yes, mam. Shout if you need me.”
“The security upgrade was a good idea.”
I was afraid you were going to be mad about that.”
“You are the acting guardian for my only son. I’d prefer he be as safe as possible.”
“I’m doing my best to see to that. How are you holding up?”
“I actually called to speak to Jaden.”
“He’s asleep. I’m sure he’d love to speak to you. Should I wake him?”
“Let him sleep. How is he handling all this?”
“He nearly had a piece of Brian today over lunch.”
“What did Brian do that pissed him off?”
“I don’t know. He called my sweetness and it went all over him. Once Brian explained that he prefers men, Jaden calmed down.”
“He probably still thinks…well it doesn’t matter what he thinks.”
“It matters to me what you think.”
“I know. I got your letter. Not buying what you’re selling, doll. You bringing Jaden to see me tomorrow?”
“I’ll bring him every day, if you allow it.”
“I hate for him to see me in here but it’s best if he knows the reality of our world early in life. We don’t need him running around wearing rose tinted glasses like some people I know.
“Hammer, I don’t care what you believe anymore. I just want you to know that I care about you and I miss you.”
“Whatever, doll. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sleep well.”
Instead of answering, she heard the phone go dead in her ear. Curling onto her side, she allowed the tears to quietly fall.