Two Months Later
“Why’s Bruce always gone when there’s a family get-together or a holiday? He should be here to wish you luck on your cruise and to wish you a happy early anniversary. What’s with him?” Katie looked down at the menu to find something that sounded good to eat. She was with her parents at a nice restaurant in Boise for lunch. It was their thirtieth wedding anniversary and they were leaving on a European cruise the next day.
“He has some clients in California with big money and couldn’t pass on the deal. Bruce said he’d try to make it back today if he could,” June said.
“I’ll keel over dead if he does.”
“Katie, be nice. Your brother means well and he already gave us a card,” Gary said. “It also seems after your ribs healed, you’ve been a no-show at our house too.”
Before Katie could answer, the waitress refilled their water, placed a bowl of chips and cup of dip on the table, and took their order.
“I’ve become addicted to running. After work I go home, spend a minute with Ivy M, change my clothes, and run a few laps around the park or on the river path.”
“I’ve noticed your clothes are looking a little baggy. Now you have a reason to use your gift card to Julian Clothing Store and get some new ones,” June said. “Melanie keeping you busy at work too?”
“She tries. There haven’t been a lot of batches to put in overtime. She also likes to kidnap me at night to go bowling, skating, and whatever else crosses her mind.”
“You said Mitch got back in August?” Gary asked.
“Have you seen him much?” June patted Katie’s hand.
“He’s been on the graveyard shift ever since he got back. He sleeps until four or five in the evening and then has a confidential project he gets up and starts working on. He can’t even give me a hint.” Katie pouted.
They chatted about her parents’ cruise and what they were going to do in the two weeks they were gone. Katie promised to check on their house. The food arrived and they spent at least fifteen minutes just eating, no talking.
Out of the blue June asked, “Are you going to get serious with Mitch? He seems like a great person.”
“I’d like to get serious, but I’m scared. I try, but then back off. Mitch is understanding and I told him about my past.”
“I can tell he cares about you.”
Katie nodded, dug into her purse, and pulled out a card. “Thanks for the lunch, and happy early anniversary.”
“You paid for it, so thank you,” Gary said.
Goodbyes were said on the way out to their cars. Her parents were going to spend the rest of the day playing around and window shopping in Boise.
On the drive home, uneasiness drifted through Katie’s body as she looked at the sky. The sunny afternoon turned into a gothic day as dark clouds hovered over the Treasure Valley.
***
The sound of her cell phone ringing woke Katie out of a deep sleep. She rolled over and looked the clock—it was 11:30 p.m. “Hello.”
“Hi, it’s Mitch. Sorry to call this late. I didn’t want to surprise you by knocking on your door. My partner, Keith, and I are in your parking lot and will see you in a minute.”
“Okay.”
He ended the call before Katie could say another word. She grabbed her robe and put it on when she heard the knock. She opened the door and didn’t like the look on Mitch’s face. “Come in.”
“There’s been a bad accident about twenty miles from town.” Mitch stepped forward.
She scratched the side of her head, a little confused. “Oookay, so…”
Mitch placed his hands on her arms. “Did you see your parents today at any time?”
“I had lunch with them to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Why?” She looked over at Keith and then back at Mitch.
He put his hands in his pockets. “It looks like your parents were involved in a hit and run like yours. It was done deliberately and their car is badly damaged.”
Katie stared at Mitch as if she hadn’t heard him correctly. Mitch turned Katie around and guided her back to her bedroom. “Get dressed. We’ll wait for you by the door.”
She closed the door and changed her clothes.
The ride to the hospital was silent. Katie sat in the backseat of the police car with Keith driving and Mitch in the passenger seat. He kept looking back at her to see if she was doing okay.
When they pulled into the ER entrance, Katie jumped out and ran inside. Mitch was behind her and grabbed her arm. “Slow down. Don’t want you getting hurt again.”
“My parents. I need to see my parents,” Katie said in a rush.
Mitch and Keith both showed the receptionist their badges.
She put some papers in a folder before she replied. “I will buzz the doctor. Would you like a wheelchair for the missus?”
Mitch looked at Katie. She shook her head. “We’re fine,” Mitch said.
The doctor came around the corner and took them to the ICU. Keith stayed in the waiting room.
The doctor flipped through a couple pages on his clipboard. “I’m Dr. Philips. You must be the patients’ daughter?”
“Yes. Will they be okay? Can I see them?”
“Their vital signs are steady but we need to keep an eye on them for the night.” He looked at her. “No broken bones, but they both have slight whiplash.” He opened the door and motioned for Katie and Mitch to enter.
Katie hesitated for a few seconds. She was scared. Would they have bruised faces like she did? Ears cut off, no eyes? She shivered and hated that she was letting her imagination get carried away. She stepped into the room.
The room was set for three patients, but the third bed was empty. There were no drapes pulled to separate her parents. Both had IVs but looked to be in one piece. No missing body parts.
Mitch squeezed Katie’s hand. “I’ll leave you alone and go wait with Keith in the waiting room. Take your time.”
Their room sounded like an orchestra rehearsing before a concert with the blood pressure cuffs and heart monitors doing their jobs. Katie stood between her parents’ bed. Both were looking at her with a grin. “How can you do this? You’re not supposed to follow my example,” she said with a shaky laugh. “I’m so glad you’re both okay.”
“We’re fine. A bit shaken, no broken bones, and only sore necks,” Gary said.
“What happened?”
“We were going for a drive,” June adjusted herself in the bed, “and stopped at a couple of antique stores out on State Street. On our way home, a car rear-ended us, not just once but a few times.” She reached for her cup of ice and Katie handed it to her before sitting down.
“It’s like my moving back has been a disease and it’s spreading to my family. Next it’ll be Bruce.”
“Don’t say that. Things happen by accident or because of crazy people driving around. We were at the wrong place at the wrong time. The doctor will let us out tomorrow afternoon, so I’ll call and tell you when to take us home.”
Katie knew she could stay all night if she wanted but was glad her parents were fine. She kissed them good night and left.