“Yeah,” he says, and I walk to the stall across from Rayeanne’s.
“What the hell happened? I thought you were back in Maine?” I tell him as I go to access him.
“I don’t know. One minute Nora and I were chatting, and the next I couldn’t move, not one muscle, then the bitch hit me with something. How long have I been out?” he asks.
“If you are just waking up, then hours and we need to get you checked out along with the women.”
“Women?” he asks.
“Courtney White and Rayeanne Burton,” I tell him.
“I have a lot to catch up on. Did you get her?”
“Yes, you do, and yes, we did. Everyone is safe now,” I tell him.
Shane comes back in with bolt cutters, and we get everyone out of the chains just as the ambulance shows up. We get Courtney loaded and sent to the hospital first to make sure she and her baby are okay, then Heath and Rayeanne ride in the second one.
Shane and I drive to the hospital and interview both Courtney and Rayeanne. I call Eric and let him know to tell the Burton family Rayeanne is safe, and I will be bringing her home as soon as she is released.
The doctor’s check everyone over, and they are all fine. Courtney will need to stay in the hospital so she and the baby can be evaluated, but Rayeanne and Heath are cleared to leave.
I hand Rayeanne my phone so she can call her family and let them know she is safe and coming home.
“Wow, we solved several different cases with one case,” Shane says, and I laugh.
“Yes, we did, and I’m happy we did it together,” I tell him.
“Me too,” he says with a smile, but then the smile fades, and he says, “I will need to stay here and do the reports to submit to the D.A. office.”
“I know, and I need to get Rayeanne home and do my own paperwork about this case for our jurisdiction,” I tell him sadly.
“Take our car, that way I have a reason to take the train and come up. We will figure everything else out,” he tells me and I nod, trying to keep the tears at bay.
“Hey, we aren’t over. No way am I going to find you, just to allow us to walk away,” he tells me, and it makes my heart sore. “We will figure out our next steps,” he says demandingly.
I smile because I love when he gets demanding.
“I know. It doesn’t mean I won’t miss you, and that’s why I’m sad,” I tell him before I kiss his lips.
Shane passes me the keys, and I lead Heath and Rayeanne out of the hospital and to the parking lot where the car is. I drive to Shane’s house to get my bag and laptop before we hit the road to Maine.
“We need to stop for food,” Heath says, whining.
I laugh, “I will, you both need to eat,” I tell them.
We stop at Mr. Lionel’s place for sandwiches to go. “Thank you, Mr. Lionel,” I tell him, and not for the sandwiches.
He smiles and winks at me knowing, and we get back on the road.
I drive straight to the Burton house, and Eric is there waiting for us. I open the back door, allowing Rayeanne to get out, and she runs into her parents’ arms as they all cry together. Detective Burton wraps his arms around all of them as he mouths, thank you.
“You both did good. How is your head, Heath?”
“It still hurts a bit,” he answers honestly, “But I’m glad we accidentally found her,” he says, pointing to Rayeanne.
“Make sure to go see your primary physician tomorrow and get fully checked,” Eric says.
“I will, boss. Any news?”
“No. I’m headed to church to say a few prayers. You both go home, reports can wait until tomorrow.”
“Yes, Boss,” we both say at the same time. Looking at the family that is still hugging, I smile before Heath and I get back in the car, and I drive him home before I go home.
When I walk in, I text Shane, letting him know we made it safe, and Rayeanne is home. I don’t get a reply, but I’m sure he’s busy. I walk into my bedroom, strip, and climb into bed. Today has been a whirlwind, and I need to sleep.
I wake up to my phone ringing. I look at the time and see it’s midnight, and Shane is calling.
“Hey, babe, what’s going on?”
“I know I woke you, but I wanted to hear your voice,” he tells me, and I melt. “Oh, and to tell you, you should probably answer your door.”
“Huh?” I ask, getting up and putting my robe on.
I walk to the door, and when I open it, the best present is standing there. “What are you doing here?” I ask him, hanging up the phone and jumping into his arms.
“I had to be with you. I didn’t like how we had to part ways today.”
“I didn’t either, but I understand we both have our jobs,” I admit to him.
