I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY SAFE & HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR!!
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Ma's twist
Over
the next few hours they all sat around the coffee table in the living
room, working from piles of papers, their laptops, reviewing information
& reports as it all came in.
Whitney tried hard to focus, but between her amazement at her mother's revelation and feeling overwhelmed at the feelings she was realizing she had for Ben, it was a hard task. She had to force herself to listen and organize her thoughts.
Around 1pm they stopped for a break. Ginny & Sam moved out to the kitchen to put together some kind of lunch. Ben held an impromptu meeting with their protection detail. The boys took the opportunity to move out of the bedroom & watch some tv in the living room.
Whitney took a hold of her mother's hand and led her into the bedroom she was using. She closed the door behind them & patted the spot beside her on the bed for her mother to sit there.
"Ok ma, spill it, what else are you not telling us?"
"What are you talking about Whitney? I've given you all the information I have. There's nothing left to tell."
"Uh-uh, I'm not buying it Ma. I know you well enough to know that look when you are holding something back. I've seen it when you get ready for our birthday's & other surprises. I know there's more. You know, I am so amazed that you have held back so much information for so long. And I know you did what you did for a god reason. I can't even imagine what Ginny must be feeling right now. She's been so quiet, well quieter than usual. But I know there's more Ma. Unless you want me to ask these questions out there in front of everyone, you better start spill'n the beans."
Her mother looked at her and hugged her. She smiled & then sighed. "Ok Whitney girl. I hope you are ready for this. Because I'm not sure I am. Everything I've told you so far has been true. But you're right, I have left something out. I didn't tell because I don't see how it can be important to your case."
She paused for just a little bit, her head lowered & eyes closed. Whitney closed her eyes also, following her mother in a silent prayer.
Celia cleared her throat a little, "Quint might not have been the baby's father."
Whitney's jaw dropped, her eyes grew large and she was speechless.
"About the time Ginny was conceived, Adelia & Quint were actually not seeing each other. They'd quarrelled about something. I really don't remember what. Anyway Deli, that's what we all called her, had taken up with one of her rich neighbor's sons. Joshua Clark, you might know his family's company, Clark Construction? Anyway they had been going out for just a couple of months. She wasn't calling much then, I was busy with the boys. Your Da had just been promoted to detective. Quint still came by the house. But Deli, she just called every couple of weeks or so, just to tell me about all the fun & fancy things she & this Josh person were doing & how wonderful he was and bla bla bla. Then one day, just out of the blue mind you, she calls and she's sobbing and I almost couldn't understand her. Finally I found out where she was. I called your Da & he went over to the little coffee shop, picked her up & brought her home to our house. When she walked in the front door & I saw the bruises on her arms & her face, my heart just broke!"
She had to stop for a minute. Fresh tears were welling up in her eyes. Whitney went out to the kitchen & got her some water, and while she was there, she told the guys to go on without her because her & her mother were talking. Ginny said they would save them some sandwiches & chips. Ben walked her into the hallway & asked if everything was ok.
Whitney, touched his arm and looked up into his handsome, gentle, reassuring eyes. "Yes, we're ok, I promise you. But this is a something I can't talk about yet, it's Ma's story to tell & I need to get back in there before she's alone too long."
"Ok Whit, but let me know if you need anything?. You know I am here for you. Right?"
"Yes Ben, I know. I seem to know a lot all of the sudden!" She smiled, looked into his eyes, reached up on her tip toes and kissed him gently. Smiled at him again and then went back into the room to let her mother finish her conversation.
Whitney closed the door behind her again, and handeed the glass of water to her mother. "Here Ma, here's some water for you & Ginny said to let you know they are saving some lunch for us. Just, take your time Ma. Take your time."
Celia took the water from her daughter and just looked at her in amazement. Too often she forgot her baby girl was grown up. But today, she just looked so different. She looked like a woman instead of a young girl just out of braces.
"So, where was I? Oh yes, the bruises. Your brothers were so excited to see their "Auntie Deli" they thankfully didn't see the bruises. Knowing them, even if they did see anything, they probably would have thought she'd been playing out in the dirt like they did. Boys! Anyway, Deli hugged the boys and then looked at me like the prodigal sister coming back home. All I could think of was to hug her, hold her and just let her cry herself out until she was ready to talk to me. It took a while. Your Da was off work and took the boys out for pizza. I put on the tea kettle when she got done with her cry'n and she slowly told me her story. Apparently her parents had been pushing her to date this Josh boy, which made Quint mad and one day when they got into a tiff over it, he drove off mad. Her mother heard the fight and wasted no time at all in calling Josh. He called Deli and asked her out that very evening. She was so mad at Quint for not trusting her, she went out with Josh just to spite him and shut up her mother's nagging. Apparently they went out several times and he started with telling her she was stupid to be calling me, why did she need anyone but him. He even finally started controling her and was separating her from her family. Then one day, the day she called me cry'n, he had seen where Quint had called her cell phone. Even when she told him she hadn't answered the call and hadn't called Quint back. This nice Josh fellow up and smacked her, first on her face a couple times, then on her arms, her back, grabbed her arms and threw to the ground and well, he had his way with her. Thankfully he left after that, but not before warning her she'd better think about what she was doing and she'd better not talk to anyone about what happened. That's when she called me"
"Oh Ma, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say."
"There's noth'n much to say my girl. I took her to one of the small clinics over in San Antonio, they did what they could do to make sure there was no permanent damage & tried to talk her into pressing charges. She wouldn't tell them his name and wouldn't press charges. So we went back home" On the way home, she swore me to secrecy. Even your Da doesn't know what happened. She stayed with us for a few weeks. She called her mother and told her she'd gone to California to get away for awhile. We had one of our old high school friends send post cards to her parents. She'd call once in a while and whenever her parents would bring up Josh, trying to get them back together, she would just tell them, no, they were done, and then change the subject. She'd only been there with us a few weeks when Quint stopped by one day. They started talking, they even laughed a little when they realized what they fought over was so silly and small they'd both forgot what it was. It was the first time I'd seen her smile for a long time. When she discovered she was pregnant and figured out how far along she was, she fell apart again. There was no getting around it was Josh's baby. My poor Deli was so scared. She was so sure Quint would never have her once he knew what happened, and embarassed what your Da would think of her. Scared of what her parents would say. I told Quint.
He didn't care and was willing to do anything to protect her. That's when we came up with our story, your Da doesn't know either, he just thinks the baby came early like everyone else did. Though I s'pose he'll have to know now won't he?"
"I don't know Ma. I can't promise he won't, but I'll do everything I can to protect you. It might be better if you told him anyway. If he has to find out, it would be better coming from you."
"You're right my girl. I know you're right. Do you think Ben could get him over here so I could tell him before you tell Ben and Ginny?"
"You stay in here as long as you need to Ma. Do you want me to bring your sandwich and chips in here? Maybe a soda too? Or more water?"
"No dear, just give me a few minutes to pull myself together. You go out and talk to Ben. When I come out we'll just say we were talking about how all this just made me remember Deli. Which is the truth. Is that ok?"
Whitney patted her mother's hand and hugged her so gently. "Yes, sure Ma, it's just fine with me"
Whitney went out of the room and shut the door behind her. Everyone turned and looked at her as she came through the hall. She gathered up her muster and smiled. "Hey Ben, you want to keep me company while I eat my sandwich? Ma will be out in a minute or two."
Ben looked at her face and knew there was more to her request than just keeping her company. "Yea sure, Whit, come on. I need another soda anyway." They stepped into the kitchen and sat down at the table where 2 plates with sandwiches and chips sat, covered with plastic wrap. She made sure she sat where anyone in the living room wouldn't be able to see her, and she was sure they couldn't hear her with the boys making so much racket watching cartoons. Besides, Sammy & Ginny had gone right back to their own conversation once they stepped into the kitchen.
She asked Ben to send a car to pick up her father and promised to tell him why in a few minutes. Ben called the precinct from the burner phone he'd activated and gave the needed instructions.
Whitney took a few bites while she listened to Ben's update on the evidence. Then she started telling Ben what her mother had told her.
Whitney tried hard to focus, but between her amazement at her mother's revelation and feeling overwhelmed at the feelings she was realizing she had for Ben, it was a hard task. She had to force herself to listen and organize her thoughts.
Around 1pm they stopped for a break. Ginny & Sam moved out to the kitchen to put together some kind of lunch. Ben held an impromptu meeting with their protection detail. The boys took the opportunity to move out of the bedroom & watch some tv in the living room.
Whitney took a hold of her mother's hand and led her into the bedroom she was using. She closed the door behind them & patted the spot beside her on the bed for her mother to sit there.
"Ok ma, spill it, what else are you not telling us?"
"What are you talking about Whitney? I've given you all the information I have. There's nothing left to tell."
"Uh-uh, I'm not buying it Ma. I know you well enough to know that look when you are holding something back. I've seen it when you get ready for our birthday's & other surprises. I know there's more. You know, I am so amazed that you have held back so much information for so long. And I know you did what you did for a god reason. I can't even imagine what Ginny must be feeling right now. She's been so quiet, well quieter than usual. But I know there's more Ma. Unless you want me to ask these questions out there in front of everyone, you better start spill'n the beans."
Her mother looked at her and hugged her. She smiled & then sighed. "Ok Whitney girl. I hope you are ready for this. Because I'm not sure I am. Everything I've told you so far has been true. But you're right, I have left something out. I didn't tell because I don't see how it can be important to your case."
She paused for just a little bit, her head lowered & eyes closed. Whitney closed her eyes also, following her mother in a silent prayer.
Celia cleared her throat a little, "Quint might not have been the baby's father."
Whitney's jaw dropped, her eyes grew large and she was speechless.
"About the time Ginny was conceived, Adelia & Quint were actually not seeing each other. They'd quarrelled about something. I really don't remember what. Anyway Deli, that's what we all called her, had taken up with one of her rich neighbor's sons. Joshua Clark, you might know his family's company, Clark Construction? Anyway they had been going out for just a couple of months. She wasn't calling much then, I was busy with the boys. Your Da had just been promoted to detective. Quint still came by the house. But Deli, she just called every couple of weeks or so, just to tell me about all the fun & fancy things she & this Josh person were doing & how wonderful he was and bla bla bla. Then one day, just out of the blue mind you, she calls and she's sobbing and I almost couldn't understand her. Finally I found out where she was. I called your Da & he went over to the little coffee shop, picked her up & brought her home to our house. When she walked in the front door & I saw the bruises on her arms & her face, my heart just broke!"
She had to stop for a minute. Fresh tears were welling up in her eyes. Whitney went out to the kitchen & got her some water, and while she was there, she told the guys to go on without her because her & her mother were talking. Ginny said they would save them some sandwiches & chips. Ben walked her into the hallway & asked if everything was ok.
Whitney, touched his arm and looked up into his handsome, gentle, reassuring eyes. "Yes, we're ok, I promise you. But this is a something I can't talk about yet, it's Ma's story to tell & I need to get back in there before she's alone too long."
"Ok Whit, but let me know if you need anything?. You know I am here for you. Right?"
"Yes Ben, I know. I seem to know a lot all of the sudden!" She smiled, looked into his eyes, reached up on her tip toes and kissed him gently. Smiled at him again and then went back into the room to let her mother finish her conversation.
Whitney closed the door behind her again, and handeed the glass of water to her mother. "Here Ma, here's some water for you & Ginny said to let you know they are saving some lunch for us. Just, take your time Ma. Take your time."
Celia took the water from her daughter and just looked at her in amazement. Too often she forgot her baby girl was grown up. But today, she just looked so different. She looked like a woman instead of a young girl just out of braces.
"So, where was I? Oh yes, the bruises. Your brothers were so excited to see their "Auntie Deli" they thankfully didn't see the bruises. Knowing them, even if they did see anything, they probably would have thought she'd been playing out in the dirt like they did. Boys! Anyway, Deli hugged the boys and then looked at me like the prodigal sister coming back home. All I could think of was to hug her, hold her and just let her cry herself out until she was ready to talk to me. It took a while. Your Da was off work and took the boys out for pizza. I put on the tea kettle when she got done with her cry'n and she slowly told me her story. Apparently her parents had been pushing her to date this Josh boy, which made Quint mad and one day when they got into a tiff over it, he drove off mad. Her mother heard the fight and wasted no time at all in calling Josh. He called Deli and asked her out that very evening. She was so mad at Quint for not trusting her, she went out with Josh just to spite him and shut up her mother's nagging. Apparently they went out several times and he started with telling her she was stupid to be calling me, why did she need anyone but him. He even finally started controling her and was separating her from her family. Then one day, the day she called me cry'n, he had seen where Quint had called her cell phone. Even when she told him she hadn't answered the call and hadn't called Quint back. This nice Josh fellow up and smacked her, first on her face a couple times, then on her arms, her back, grabbed her arms and threw to the ground and well, he had his way with her. Thankfully he left after that, but not before warning her she'd better think about what she was doing and she'd better not talk to anyone about what happened. That's when she called me"
"Oh Ma, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say."
"There's noth'n much to say my girl. I took her to one of the small clinics over in San Antonio, they did what they could do to make sure there was no permanent damage & tried to talk her into pressing charges. She wouldn't tell them his name and wouldn't press charges. So we went back home" On the way home, she swore me to secrecy. Even your Da doesn't know what happened. She stayed with us for a few weeks. She called her mother and told her she'd gone to California to get away for awhile. We had one of our old high school friends send post cards to her parents. She'd call once in a while and whenever her parents would bring up Josh, trying to get them back together, she would just tell them, no, they were done, and then change the subject. She'd only been there with us a few weeks when Quint stopped by one day. They started talking, they even laughed a little when they realized what they fought over was so silly and small they'd both forgot what it was. It was the first time I'd seen her smile for a long time. When she discovered she was pregnant and figured out how far along she was, she fell apart again. There was no getting around it was Josh's baby. My poor Deli was so scared. She was so sure Quint would never have her once he knew what happened, and embarassed what your Da would think of her. Scared of what her parents would say. I told Quint.
He didn't care and was willing to do anything to protect her. That's when we came up with our story, your Da doesn't know either, he just thinks the baby came early like everyone else did. Though I s'pose he'll have to know now won't he?"
"I don't know Ma. I can't promise he won't, but I'll do everything I can to protect you. It might be better if you told him anyway. If he has to find out, it would be better coming from you."
"You're right my girl. I know you're right. Do you think Ben could get him over here so I could tell him before you tell Ben and Ginny?"
"You stay in here as long as you need to Ma. Do you want me to bring your sandwich and chips in here? Maybe a soda too? Or more water?"
"No dear, just give me a few minutes to pull myself together. You go out and talk to Ben. When I come out we'll just say we were talking about how all this just made me remember Deli. Which is the truth. Is that ok?"
Whitney patted her mother's hand and hugged her so gently. "Yes, sure Ma, it's just fine with me"
Whitney went out of the room and shut the door behind her. Everyone turned and looked at her as she came through the hall. She gathered up her muster and smiled. "Hey Ben, you want to keep me company while I eat my sandwich? Ma will be out in a minute or two."
Ben looked at her face and knew there was more to her request than just keeping her company. "Yea sure, Whit, come on. I need another soda anyway." They stepped into the kitchen and sat down at the table where 2 plates with sandwiches and chips sat, covered with plastic wrap. She made sure she sat where anyone in the living room wouldn't be able to see her, and she was sure they couldn't hear her with the boys making so much racket watching cartoons. Besides, Sammy & Ginny had gone right back to their own conversation once they stepped into the kitchen.
She asked Ben to send a car to pick up her father and promised to tell him why in a few minutes. Ben called the precinct from the burner phone he'd activated and gave the needed instructions.
Whitney took a few bites while she listened to Ben's update on the evidence. Then she started telling Ben what her mother had told her.
Monday, December 9, 2013
that's when she knew, she was hoplessly in love with him
Whitney had never seen her mom like this before. She had quiet tears running down her face & was shaking so much it took both Whitney & Ben to help her to the sofa. And she just kept saying "I'm sorry, I'm just so sorry", over and over and over again.
After 10 minutes or so Ginny offered Celia a cup of coffee, she took a few sips, aware they were letting her take her time before she spoke.
Celia shuddered slightly then there was a big sigh, finally she felt strong enough to speak.
"I know this won't make much sense at first, but please, just hear me out before you ask your questions." She looked at each of them for agreement & when they all nodded yes, she started.
"Ben, when your guys came to pick up Ginny & the boys the other day, they had a picture of that man on one of their cell phones & I just happen to see it. Don't blame them, I was being myself, snoopy & managed to bring them some coffee when they were looking at the picture. I knew as soon as I saw the picture, that the truth was going to have to come out. I couldn't wait any longer. I can't tell you how difficult this was. Your Da & I were hoping to take this secret to our graves. Your Da wouldn't know the man in the picture, because he only knew his sister, Adelia Dobbins. Adelia & I were best friends before grade school, into high school & college, until the day she died." Ginny & Whitney both gasped a little, & Celia had to take another few minutes as the tears returned. Another sip of coffee and she was ready to continue.
We were in our Senior Year at University when Adelia met Quinton O'Hara. Same year I met your Da Whitney. Adelia & Quinton fell for each other hard, they were stuck to each other like glue. Quint's family adored Adelia & Adelia's family thought so highly of Quint. They respected & admired him for how he was putting himself through college, for how he treated their daughter and sister Adelia. All of them 'cept one. Harrison Dobbins did not like Quint. Truth be told, I don't think Harrison liked anyone but himself. He was always jealous of his siblings, Martin, Adelia, Maryann & Caroline. Harrison was the oldest of the 5, then Martin and then the 3 girls. Harrison was always so bossy & thought it was his place to direct their lives after Mr Dobbins Sr passed. A few years later, when Adelia & Quint discovered they were expecting, they went to Mrs Dobbins & told her the truth. She wasn't happy that they weren't married, but that only lasted a moment & then she was delighted she was going to become a grandmother. They had been together for so long, they had just never got around to getting married, not that they didn't want to, they just could never set a date that worked for everyone & they were so in love, it made no difference to them. They even thought about eloping once, but she didn't want to upset her mother. So they kept waiting for the perfect time. Anyway, when they told her mother, hat's when the real trouble started. She & the girls started helping Adelia to plan a quick wedding. Quint was beam'n from ear to ear, he was so happy. One day soon after she took the boys, Harrison, Martin & Quint into the study & explained what she was going to do. She was adding Quint & the baby into the will. The way Quint told it was that Harrison's eyes went dead cold, then the next minute they were filled with rage, he got up and stormed out of the study. the wedding plans continued, but what they didn't know was that Adelia was further along that what she told anyone and 2 months later, just a few days before the wedding, Adelia gave birth 2 months prematurely, to you Ginny. the wedding was put on hold & delayed until a month later when mother & baby were both safely out of the hospital. the wedding was back on for a week after they got out, but 3 days later, Quint & Adelia were dead, and Ginny was safely tucked away in the nursery at our house."
The room was so silent, it seemed everyone had stopped breathing for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry, could I get some more coffee, please?"
Amy got up and got the coffee pot & poured some into everyone's cup, including her own.
"thank you dear" Celia smiled at Amy and looked around the room at each of their faces. They tried to smile, but they were in shock, waiting for her to continue.
"Quint & Adelia, & you Ginny dear," Celia patted Ginny's arm, "they had to come see me & your Da. They had asked us to be your God parents & they needed to pick up the signed papers, including their will regarding you Ginny, to take to their minister before the wedding & your baptism. They were going to be on the same day." We had agreed to meet them at one of the little coffee houses we enjoyed going to occasionally." Celia sighed & cried a little some more. They were all trying to be so patient, but sitting on pins and needles as this astonishing story seeped out of her.
"I was holding you Ginny, your Da was sitting there beside me," this time she looked at Whitney, as if she were looking for forgiveness for something which Whitney was sure wasn't her fault. Whitney touched here hand softly & left it there until she got a smile from her mother & she continued with her story. "Quint & Adelia asked if we could watch you for just a few minutes, they wanted to run down to the florist a few blocks down & check on the flowers for the wedding. To be honest, as tired as Adelia looked, I'm pretty sure she just needed a little alone time. She told us how nasty Harrison was being towards her & Quint & the baby. He wouldn't even look at the wee little babe, let alone hold her or say a pleasant word 'bout her. He made it very obvious how disappointed he was in his sister and how very much he resented now there was not 4 other heirs, but 6, since Mrs Dobbins had dealt very generously with Quint even before they were married. Anyway, we of course told them we'd be more than happy to watch the wee one. We'd already had enough of our own to know what to do. They got in their car, and a minute later we heard the explosion. Your Da and I looked at each other, with knowing in our eyes. I got up to go with him & he told me no, to stay & wait. He was only gone a few minutes & when he came back in the door of the coffee shop, I knew. I knew they were gone. I held you close Ginny dear & I just sat there & I cried & rocked you back & forth. We also knew that one way or another Harrison had a hand in it. Because Harrison didn't know us, he never came look'n for you. Because your sciency cop stuff wasn't what it is now, they just assumed all 3 of them were in the car when it "mysteriously" blew up. They found your little car carrier & some of your clothes & toys, the whole thing was just such a mangled mess. We took you home straight away & tucked you in our nursery. His family had never met me or your Da, they only new us by our first names. Anyways, it didn't make any difference, nobody ever came looking for you. We told the boys that a young lady had asked us to care for you when she got in the family way. Which was the truth. If anyone ever pushed it, we had all the papers that had been signed. They were left there on the table while they went to check the flowers. Legally, you were ours anyway Ginny dear. And we couldn't love you more if I'd born you myself. When Mike got shot & I heard a little of the case, I wondered then if Harrison had come looking again, but no one ever came again so we just left it be. Until a few days ago. I got a call form Prissy Parkins at the school who said there was man there showing pictures of a boy who looked an awful lot like Neil & was asking if she'd ever heard of Adelia Dobbins. She of course told him no, but since she'd been chum's with us also, she did recognize the name. She never knew the real story, but being my best friend, she knew enough & called me right away to warn me. Then when I saw the picture of that Dobbin's boy, I knew they'd come looking again. I knew it was Martin, he was the kind one, always trying to protect his little sisters & mother from Harrison's ruthlessness & general bad attitude. I don't know how he did it, but I know that I know that I know. Harrison did this. and that means you & my boys are not safe Ginny."
Now she was sounded more like her mother, Whitney didn't know what to say. She was simply astounded not just at the story she was hearing, but that her mother had kept it a secret all these years!
Celia turned to Ben with both determination & a look searching for reassurance on her face, "Ben, you cannot let my girls go back home until you figure out how he did this. Ask me any questions you want, but you have to fix this! You have to nail that little weasel to the wall!!!"
Ben cleared his throat and looked at her with the kindest eyes, "You know I love your daughter and will never let anything hurt her, that goes for Ginny & the boys too of course. But we do or say anything else, I want you to know, I'm amazed at how strong you are, and now I need you to be strong a little while longer." He looked at all of them, then at the guard, "Amy, I need you to radio to have Whitney's Dad picked up & brought over here, as discretely as possible, in an unmarked vehicle & make sure they aren't followed." He looked back at the 3 ladies & Sammy sitting there in their little huddle. "We are going to pray, I think right now we need His wisdom & direction more than anything else. Then we are going to put together all the evidence we have & come up with a game plan. To quote you Mom C, we're going to nail that little weasel to the wall!" He then his best Ben smile ever & that's when Whitney knew, she was hopelessly in love with him.
After 10 minutes or so Ginny offered Celia a cup of coffee, she took a few sips, aware they were letting her take her time before she spoke.
Celia shuddered slightly then there was a big sigh, finally she felt strong enough to speak.
"I know this won't make much sense at first, but please, just hear me out before you ask your questions." She looked at each of them for agreement & when they all nodded yes, she started.
"Ben, when your guys came to pick up Ginny & the boys the other day, they had a picture of that man on one of their cell phones & I just happen to see it. Don't blame them, I was being myself, snoopy & managed to bring them some coffee when they were looking at the picture. I knew as soon as I saw the picture, that the truth was going to have to come out. I couldn't wait any longer. I can't tell you how difficult this was. Your Da & I were hoping to take this secret to our graves. Your Da wouldn't know the man in the picture, because he only knew his sister, Adelia Dobbins. Adelia & I were best friends before grade school, into high school & college, until the day she died." Ginny & Whitney both gasped a little, & Celia had to take another few minutes as the tears returned. Another sip of coffee and she was ready to continue.
We were in our Senior Year at University when Adelia met Quinton O'Hara. Same year I met your Da Whitney. Adelia & Quinton fell for each other hard, they were stuck to each other like glue. Quint's family adored Adelia & Adelia's family thought so highly of Quint. They respected & admired him for how he was putting himself through college, for how he treated their daughter and sister Adelia. All of them 'cept one. Harrison Dobbins did not like Quint. Truth be told, I don't think Harrison liked anyone but himself. He was always jealous of his siblings, Martin, Adelia, Maryann & Caroline. Harrison was the oldest of the 5, then Martin and then the 3 girls. Harrison was always so bossy & thought it was his place to direct their lives after Mr Dobbins Sr passed. A few years later, when Adelia & Quint discovered they were expecting, they went to Mrs Dobbins & told her the truth. She wasn't happy that they weren't married, but that only lasted a moment & then she was delighted she was going to become a grandmother. They had been together for so long, they had just never got around to getting married, not that they didn't want to, they just could never set a date that worked for everyone & they were so in love, it made no difference to them. They even thought about eloping once, but she didn't want to upset her mother. So they kept waiting for the perfect time. Anyway, when they told her mother, hat's when the real trouble started. She & the girls started helping Adelia to plan a quick wedding. Quint was beam'n from ear to ear, he was so happy. One day soon after she took the boys, Harrison, Martin & Quint into the study & explained what she was going to do. She was adding Quint & the baby into the will. The way Quint told it was that Harrison's eyes went dead cold, then the next minute they were filled with rage, he got up and stormed out of the study. the wedding plans continued, but what they didn't know was that Adelia was further along that what she told anyone and 2 months later, just a few days before the wedding, Adelia gave birth 2 months prematurely, to you Ginny. the wedding was put on hold & delayed until a month later when mother & baby were both safely out of the hospital. the wedding was back on for a week after they got out, but 3 days later, Quint & Adelia were dead, and Ginny was safely tucked away in the nursery at our house."
The room was so silent, it seemed everyone had stopped breathing for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry, could I get some more coffee, please?"
Amy got up and got the coffee pot & poured some into everyone's cup, including her own.
"thank you dear" Celia smiled at Amy and looked around the room at each of their faces. They tried to smile, but they were in shock, waiting for her to continue.
"Quint & Adelia, & you Ginny dear," Celia patted Ginny's arm, "they had to come see me & your Da. They had asked us to be your God parents & they needed to pick up the signed papers, including their will regarding you Ginny, to take to their minister before the wedding & your baptism. They were going to be on the same day." We had agreed to meet them at one of the little coffee houses we enjoyed going to occasionally." Celia sighed & cried a little some more. They were all trying to be so patient, but sitting on pins and needles as this astonishing story seeped out of her.
"I was holding you Ginny, your Da was sitting there beside me," this time she looked at Whitney, as if she were looking for forgiveness for something which Whitney was sure wasn't her fault. Whitney touched here hand softly & left it there until she got a smile from her mother & she continued with her story. "Quint & Adelia asked if we could watch you for just a few minutes, they wanted to run down to the florist a few blocks down & check on the flowers for the wedding. To be honest, as tired as Adelia looked, I'm pretty sure she just needed a little alone time. She told us how nasty Harrison was being towards her & Quint & the baby. He wouldn't even look at the wee little babe, let alone hold her or say a pleasant word 'bout her. He made it very obvious how disappointed he was in his sister and how very much he resented now there was not 4 other heirs, but 6, since Mrs Dobbins had dealt very generously with Quint even before they were married. Anyway, we of course told them we'd be more than happy to watch the wee one. We'd already had enough of our own to know what to do. They got in their car, and a minute later we heard the explosion. Your Da and I looked at each other, with knowing in our eyes. I got up to go with him & he told me no, to stay & wait. He was only gone a few minutes & when he came back in the door of the coffee shop, I knew. I knew they were gone. I held you close Ginny dear & I just sat there & I cried & rocked you back & forth. We also knew that one way or another Harrison had a hand in it. Because Harrison didn't know us, he never came look'n for you. Because your sciency cop stuff wasn't what it is now, they just assumed all 3 of them were in the car when it "mysteriously" blew up. They found your little car carrier & some of your clothes & toys, the whole thing was just such a mangled mess. We took you home straight away & tucked you in our nursery. His family had never met me or your Da, they only new us by our first names. Anyways, it didn't make any difference, nobody ever came looking for you. We told the boys that a young lady had asked us to care for you when she got in the family way. Which was the truth. If anyone ever pushed it, we had all the papers that had been signed. They were left there on the table while they went to check the flowers. Legally, you were ours anyway Ginny dear. And we couldn't love you more if I'd born you myself. When Mike got shot & I heard a little of the case, I wondered then if Harrison had come looking again, but no one ever came again so we just left it be. Until a few days ago. I got a call form Prissy Parkins at the school who said there was man there showing pictures of a boy who looked an awful lot like Neil & was asking if she'd ever heard of Adelia Dobbins. She of course told him no, but since she'd been chum's with us also, she did recognize the name. She never knew the real story, but being my best friend, she knew enough & called me right away to warn me. Then when I saw the picture of that Dobbin's boy, I knew they'd come looking again. I knew it was Martin, he was the kind one, always trying to protect his little sisters & mother from Harrison's ruthlessness & general bad attitude. I don't know how he did it, but I know that I know that I know. Harrison did this. and that means you & my boys are not safe Ginny."
Now she was sounded more like her mother, Whitney didn't know what to say. She was simply astounded not just at the story she was hearing, but that her mother had kept it a secret all these years!
Celia turned to Ben with both determination & a look searching for reassurance on her face, "Ben, you cannot let my girls go back home until you figure out how he did this. Ask me any questions you want, but you have to fix this! You have to nail that little weasel to the wall!!!"
Ben cleared his throat and looked at her with the kindest eyes, "You know I love your daughter and will never let anything hurt her, that goes for Ginny & the boys too of course. But we do or say anything else, I want you to know, I'm amazed at how strong you are, and now I need you to be strong a little while longer." He looked at all of them, then at the guard, "Amy, I need you to radio to have Whitney's Dad picked up & brought over here, as discretely as possible, in an unmarked vehicle & make sure they aren't followed." He looked back at the 3 ladies & Sammy sitting there in their little huddle. "We are going to pray, I think right now we need His wisdom & direction more than anything else. Then we are going to put together all the evidence we have & come up with a game plan. To quote you Mom C, we're going to nail that little weasel to the wall!" He then his best Ben smile ever & that's when Whitney knew, she was hopelessly in love with him.
Friday, December 6, 2013
don't give up
just checking in, no time to write, something came up. But don't give up, I'll be back!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
krazy dayz
super busy at work & having internet issues, unable to post except for from my phone which would take way too long to write what I want to write, stupid cable tv works, but connected internet is apparently offline. I don't know, they said something like that when I called in the problem.
should be posting something tonight.
everyone have a very blessed day!!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Whitney woke up early enough to at least jump in the shower before anyone else woke up, but she knew it wouldn't be long before the rest of the them started waking up & needing in the only bathroom. She hurried as fast as she could to shower & put on a little make-up, just enough to make her presentable & get her through the day. A clean pair of blue jeans, green t-shirt & she put her unruly hair up in a pony tail. done! now for some coffee!
She had barely cleaned up her mess in the bathroom & was just putting her things in her bedroom when she heard someone moving around in the kitchen. The door was still shut for the room Ben was sleeping in & she could see the boys still sleeping. Whitney thought to herself how she should have known it would be Ginny getting breakfast started in the kitchen.
"Good morning little miss sunshine, how about some coffee?"
"Thanks Ginny, bathroom is empty, if you hurry"
Ginny just smiled at her, "really?"
Whitney took a good look and realized Ginny had already showered & put herself together.
"oops, my bad Ginny. I should have known you'd already have been up, for what at least an hour?"
"yea, about an hour or so. I'm going to treat the boys & let them pick what they want for breakfast, pizza or waffles. What can I get for you?"
"You don't have to do that Ginny, I'm a grown woman, I can make my own breakfast"
"Umm, you forget, I've seen & tasted your culinary attempts. You are going to need a good sturdy breakfast to get you started today, now what will it be? bacon & eggs? sausage & omelet? you name it, this kitchen is well stocked."
Whitney smiled & thought for a moment, Ginny was the best friend & 'sister' she'd ever known, "actually an omelet sounds really good, thanks Ginny"
Whitney took her coffee & went into the living room. She saw there was a new guard sitting in the chair by the door & offered her some coffee but "Amy" declined, said she'd just finished off 2 cups. Observing that Amy was one of those buttoned up, serious types, she left her be & went over to the little sofa where she & Ben had sat working on their notes last night. She sat her coffee down & got her lap top out of the bedroom.
She'd been reviewing her notes for about 20 minutes when she heard Ben's door open. She turned just in time to see him slip into the bathroom. she noticed he'd changed into jeans & a white t-shirt, he was barefoot, with his hair slightly mussed, he definitely made her pulse race a little bit! the t-shirt showed off his muscular biceps & well formed shape.
Smiling a little, enjoying the idea of Ben waking up in the same house as her, she let her imagination think of the possibilities of a future?
It wasn't long before the smell of food woke the boys. Ben & Sammy (who finally woke up from the big sofa) joined the rest of them for breakfast, omelets all around and they enjoyed each other's company, savoring both the flavor of the food Ginny had so graciously prepared for them, and the distraction it provided from the task at hand. Figuring out what happened to that poor man and why. All of them were wondering when they could go back home again.
Whitney & the boys helped Ginny clean up the kitchen while Ben put his head together with Sammy & the guards to put together a plan for the day for guard duty.
Ben walked back into the kitchen & nodded at Whitney.
She put the dish towel on the counter top & stepped out into the livingroom with Ben.
"So, what's the plan for today Ben?"
"Since I'm still waiting on a report back from the lab for prints on the picture & more info from the crime scene," he saw her cringe a little when he called her kitchen the 'crime scene' & put his hand on her arm for some assurance, "I've sent an unmarked vehicle to go over & pick up your mom. She's already called the station twice, so whatever it is, it must be important. They will bring her over here & we'll see what she has to say. I don't understand what she could have to add about this, but something is definitely bugging her. In the mean time I need to ask the boys some questions. It might be hard, and I know Ginny might not like it, but I will have to show them a picture of Mr Dobbins to find out if they've seen him around before."
"I don't like it Ben, but I know you'll be careful with them so do what you have to do. And you two need to learn to talk a little quieter." Ginny had appeared at the door with the coffee pot and poured more coffee into their cups while she gave Ben the go ahead.
They all sat in the living room & Ben explained to the boys as much as he thought was needed for them to understand what had happened & as little as possible to shield them from any gruesome details. Then he showed them a picture of the man's face, it almost looked like he was just sleeping and there were no wounds showing, so Ginny breathed a little sigh of relief.
Kaci & Neal sat quietly listening to Ben explain what had happened, as vaguely as possible. When he was done he showed them the picture of Mr Dobbins & asked if either of them had seen him before?
Kaci just shrugged his shoulders & shook his head a little bit, "Naw, I haven't seen that guy before. We don't know anyone with those kind of fancy dud's"
Neil took the picture from Ben & looked at it carefully.
"I don't know, he kind of looks like that guy I saw in the principals office the other day. He was talking to Miss Parkin's, the secretary. He showed her some pictures & she was telling him 'no' I guess, cus he left. I remember because as soon as he left the office, she got a real worried look on her face & made a phone call, to Grama"
Ben, Whitney & Ginny all looked at each other at the same time.
"Think carefully Neil," Ginny said quietly, "are you sure that's the same man and that's who Miss Parkins was calling was your Grama?"
"Yea, I'm sure. This guy has the same letters on his collar and Miss Parkins called her 'CeeCee', just like she did at dinner at Grama & Grampa's last month. Why? Is it something bad?" Neil was almost 5 years old, but smart as a whip when it came to his letters and numbers. And apparently when it came to 'reading people' since he picked up on the looks going back & forth between the 3 adults.
Ginny gave her boys a hug & let them go play video games in the bedroom.
Whitney & Ben were just going to start talking about what Neil had just said when there was a nock on the door.
Amy got up & checked through the peep hole & checked with Ben before opening the door to Whitney's mom.
Before they could say anything Celia grabbed both Whitney & Ginny, hugging them as tight as a little 5'2", 110 pound Irish Grama could hug, and started crying.
"I'm so sorry my girls, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I can't believe this is happened, oh my, I'm just so sorry!"
Whitney, took hold of her mom's arms & looked at her, "Mom, what are you talking about? How in the world is any of this your fault?"
She had barely cleaned up her mess in the bathroom & was just putting her things in her bedroom when she heard someone moving around in the kitchen. The door was still shut for the room Ben was sleeping in & she could see the boys still sleeping. Whitney thought to herself how she should have known it would be Ginny getting breakfast started in the kitchen.
"Good morning little miss sunshine, how about some coffee?"
"Thanks Ginny, bathroom is empty, if you hurry"
Ginny just smiled at her, "really?"
Whitney took a good look and realized Ginny had already showered & put herself together.
"oops, my bad Ginny. I should have known you'd already have been up, for what at least an hour?"
"yea, about an hour or so. I'm going to treat the boys & let them pick what they want for breakfast, pizza or waffles. What can I get for you?"
"You don't have to do that Ginny, I'm a grown woman, I can make my own breakfast"
"Umm, you forget, I've seen & tasted your culinary attempts. You are going to need a good sturdy breakfast to get you started today, now what will it be? bacon & eggs? sausage & omelet? you name it, this kitchen is well stocked."
Whitney smiled & thought for a moment, Ginny was the best friend & 'sister' she'd ever known, "actually an omelet sounds really good, thanks Ginny"
Whitney took her coffee & went into the living room. She saw there was a new guard sitting in the chair by the door & offered her some coffee but "Amy" declined, said she'd just finished off 2 cups. Observing that Amy was one of those buttoned up, serious types, she left her be & went over to the little sofa where she & Ben had sat working on their notes last night. She sat her coffee down & got her lap top out of the bedroom.
She'd been reviewing her notes for about 20 minutes when she heard Ben's door open. She turned just in time to see him slip into the bathroom. she noticed he'd changed into jeans & a white t-shirt, he was barefoot, with his hair slightly mussed, he definitely made her pulse race a little bit! the t-shirt showed off his muscular biceps & well formed shape.
Smiling a little, enjoying the idea of Ben waking up in the same house as her, she let her imagination think of the possibilities of a future?
It wasn't long before the smell of food woke the boys. Ben & Sammy (who finally woke up from the big sofa) joined the rest of them for breakfast, omelets all around and they enjoyed each other's company, savoring both the flavor of the food Ginny had so graciously prepared for them, and the distraction it provided from the task at hand. Figuring out what happened to that poor man and why. All of them were wondering when they could go back home again.
Whitney & the boys helped Ginny clean up the kitchen while Ben put his head together with Sammy & the guards to put together a plan for the day for guard duty.
Ben walked back into the kitchen & nodded at Whitney.
She put the dish towel on the counter top & stepped out into the livingroom with Ben.
"So, what's the plan for today Ben?"
"Since I'm still waiting on a report back from the lab for prints on the picture & more info from the crime scene," he saw her cringe a little when he called her kitchen the 'crime scene' & put his hand on her arm for some assurance, "I've sent an unmarked vehicle to go over & pick up your mom. She's already called the station twice, so whatever it is, it must be important. They will bring her over here & we'll see what she has to say. I don't understand what she could have to add about this, but something is definitely bugging her. In the mean time I need to ask the boys some questions. It might be hard, and I know Ginny might not like it, but I will have to show them a picture of Mr Dobbins to find out if they've seen him around before."
"I don't like it Ben, but I know you'll be careful with them so do what you have to do. And you two need to learn to talk a little quieter." Ginny had appeared at the door with the coffee pot and poured more coffee into their cups while she gave Ben the go ahead.
They all sat in the living room & Ben explained to the boys as much as he thought was needed for them to understand what had happened & as little as possible to shield them from any gruesome details. Then he showed them a picture of the man's face, it almost looked like he was just sleeping and there were no wounds showing, so Ginny breathed a little sigh of relief.
Kaci & Neal sat quietly listening to Ben explain what had happened, as vaguely as possible. When he was done he showed them the picture of Mr Dobbins & asked if either of them had seen him before?
Kaci just shrugged his shoulders & shook his head a little bit, "Naw, I haven't seen that guy before. We don't know anyone with those kind of fancy dud's"
Neil took the picture from Ben & looked at it carefully.
"I don't know, he kind of looks like that guy I saw in the principals office the other day. He was talking to Miss Parkin's, the secretary. He showed her some pictures & she was telling him 'no' I guess, cus he left. I remember because as soon as he left the office, she got a real worried look on her face & made a phone call, to Grama"
Ben, Whitney & Ginny all looked at each other at the same time.
"Think carefully Neil," Ginny said quietly, "are you sure that's the same man and that's who Miss Parkins was calling was your Grama?"
"Yea, I'm sure. This guy has the same letters on his collar and Miss Parkins called her 'CeeCee', just like she did at dinner at Grama & Grampa's last month. Why? Is it something bad?" Neil was almost 5 years old, but smart as a whip when it came to his letters and numbers. And apparently when it came to 'reading people' since he picked up on the looks going back & forth between the 3 adults.
Ginny gave her boys a hug & let them go play video games in the bedroom.
Whitney & Ben were just going to start talking about what Neil had just said when there was a nock on the door.
Amy got up & checked through the peep hole & checked with Ben before opening the door to Whitney's mom.
Before they could say anything Celia grabbed both Whitney & Ginny, hugging them as tight as a little 5'2", 110 pound Irish Grama could hug, and started crying.
"I'm so sorry my girls, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I can't believe this is happened, oh my, I'm just so sorry!"
Whitney, took hold of her mom's arms & looked at her, "Mom, what are you talking about? How in the world is any of this your fault?"
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
"Yes, that would be the one. Do either of you know why he might be in your kitchen?"
"HMMMM, I'M SORRY, WHAT?" Whitney mumbled, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Ben is here." Ginny whispered, "why don't you take a few minutes & go tidy up, I'll distract him in the kitchen."
"No, that's ok Ginny, I'm good to go"
Whitney coughed a little bit, "Um, no your not, trust me Whit, take a few minutes, you'll be glad you did. Give me 2 minutes to get him into the kitchen before you slip into the bathroom, and take your little overnight with you."
"what?"
Ginny just nodded towards the bathroom door and left the bedroom to go offer Ben some coffee in the kitchen.
Whitney got up & grabbed her little overnight bag. When she heard them go into the kitchen she quickly slipped into the bathroom & then understood why Ginny insisted she "tidy up". Her hair was a mess, her mascara was smeared & she looked like she needed to check into a day spa! yikes!
A few minutes later, assuring herself they were still in the kitchen, she went back into the bedroom & grabbed a fresh blouse & pair of jeans to replace her uniform. No socks or shoes, she was ready for something more relaxing & comfortable.
The light was still out in the kitchen when she joined Ben & Ginny. She could see the lights of the little community surrounding the safehouse, including a fast food drive through that didn't seem to far away.
Ben saw her come through the doorway into the kitchen and wasted no time wrapping his arms around her & kissing her on her forehead. His height and strength always made her feel so protected.
"Hey you, I'm so glad to see you got some rest. Are you ok?"
Whitney just smiled up at him for a moment, taking in his brawny good looks, especially those gorgeous green eyes! "Yes, I'm just fine. At least I am now that you are here!"
They talked for a few minutes before they realized Ginny had already gone into the living room, leaving them alone. Ben took advantage of their privacy in the darkened kitchen and this time kissed her on her lips, so gently, yet with a masculinity that made her heart nearly jump out of her body. He then just held her head against his chest and wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Whitney did not struggle, but instead, hugged him back and enjoyed the moment.
They both pulled away at the same time, knowing they couldn't continue.
"hmmm, I think we better get to work Ben, before we have to turn the ac on"
"yea, we better"
They held hands as they walked back into the living room & sat down on the couch to go over the evidence, her notes & quiz Ginny some more. Just as they sat down, Whitney reached in her jeans pocket & pulled out an olive green hair scrunchy & pulled her unruly hair back out of her way.
Ginny smiled at them both, "Before you too get ready to grill me & get your heads stuck in that computer, are either of you hungry?"
Surprisingly, after everything she ate on the way to the safe house, Whitney realized she was hungry. "yes, I guess I am, a little bit anyway. What about you Ben? Hey where's Sammy & the guard?"
"You know what I am a little big hungry too. Sammy & Craig are just outside the door, they wanted to give us a little privacy, let's invite them back in & see what everyone wants to eat?"
After everyone figuring out what was open at this late hour & what everyone wanted to eat, Ben sent Craig to the fast food drive inn with some cash & the keys to the officer's car that Ben had borrowed.
As soon as Craig left, Ben, Whitney, Sam & Ginny started going over the evidence & comparing notes.
"Ok Ginny, I know this is not how we would normally do this, but I'm going to show you a picture of the victim we found in the house & I just want you to say if you know him or not. ok?"
"Yea, sure, I'm ready"
Ben turned it over & slid the picture across the coffee table towards her. He gave her a few moments to look at the picture.
"I think this is the guy I talked to yesterday, in the driveway, but do you have a picture of him before he got to the morgue? It might be easier to say if I could see a picture of him in whatever he was wearing when you found him?"
Ben nodded, "ok, I've got one right here." He repeated the process, flip & slide the picture to her & pause.
This time Ginny didn't need a moment, "Yes, that is definitely mr 'i'm looking for the library'. Look at that suit he's wearing! That's high end. The shirt is a different color from what he was wearing yesterday, but that is him for sure. Do we know his name yet?"
Ben looked first at Ginny, then Whitney, "yes, his name is Martin Dobbins."
Now all 3 of them, Ginny, Whitney & Sammy, were staring at Ben.
Whitney was the first to speak, "Martin Dobbins? As in 'the' Martin Dobbins? As in Dobbins Banking & Trust out of New York City? The same Dobbins B&T that recently branched out in San Antonio?" As in Martin Dobbins 'the' golden boy of the Dobbins family, heir apparent?"
"Yes, that would be the one. Do either of you know why he might be in your kitchen?" Ben looked at both Whitney & Ginny.
Whitney & Ginny looked at each other with astonishment & puzzlement on their faces.
Her dark eyes seemed even darker right now. Her wavy, dark, almost black hair, framed her fragile doll's face and right now, that face seemed even more fragile with fright in her eyes. "No, what in the world? Why would a handsome bachelor, notorious play boy, be in our kitchen at all, let alone lying dead on our kitchen floor? that makes no sense at all!!!"
Ben looked at Whitney.
"Don't look at me Ben, I'm as clueless as she is, and I agree, it makes no sense, no sense at all."
Sammy interrupted, "Hey, don't forget about the picture."
"What picture?" Ginny asked.
Whitney cleared her throat, "I don't understand this either, but we found a picture of you and the boys, the one from the hallway, under the victims, I mean, Mr Dobbins body"
Ben added in, "The glass was cracked, like maybe it fell, or he fell on it? The lab is running the glass & frame & picture for prints right now. We also found a kitchen knife on the floor under the edge of the cupboards by the sink. Any chance maybe you dropped their getting ready for breakfast this morning?"
Ginny looked at Ben like he'd finally lost it, "Really Ben? No, all my dishes were done and everything in it's place when I left this morning."
Ben apologized, explaining he was sure it was all in order, he knew how she was about her housekeeping, but he had to ask, procedure & all that.
Before they got much further, Craig was back with their food & they took a few minutes too eat & just chit chat. It was as if they all knew they needed to lighten the mood a little bit.
As they were finally finishing off their burgers & fries, Whitney suddenly gasped & put her hand on Ben's arm. He'd taken off his jacket & rolled up his sleeves, so the touch of her hand on his skin made him gasp a little too.
"Ben, you never did say, what did mom want to talk to me about?"
Ben wiped his mouth with a paper napkin & took a drink of his sweet tea, "oh yea, well she wouldn't say much to me, only that she needed to talk to you herself as soon as she could. She did ask me a lot of questions about what was going on, why you had to be secreted away to a safe house? Of course, I didn't tell her anything, but you were right Ginny, she's definitely on edge about something. And I don't think it's just worrying about you girls. I told her I would have her call you in the morning. I picked up a burner phone & we'll call her in the morning."
Whitney just looked at Ben for a moment, "Well, I know Mom, she's not going to tell us anything until she's ready, so I guess we'll have to wait until morning."
They spend the next couple of hours going over the rest of the evidence, Sammy's & Whitney's notes. At one point Ben & Whitney realized they were the only two talking. Ginny must have gone to bed, sleeping in the 2nd bedroom that had a twin & a set of bunk beds. The boys had of course taken the bunks. Sammy was snoring on the sofa. The 3rd guard was sleeping in the chair by the door.
Whitney & Ben were sitting on the love seat with her laptop on the coffee table in front of them.
Whitney found herself starting to yawn. "I guess it's time for us to call it quits for tonight, I don't know how much longer I can keep my eyes open."
"Yea, I know what you mean. I'm going to grab a blanket out of the closet & head down to the car"
"You know, under normal circumstances I would agree with your plan. But Sammy's on the couch and his bedroom is empty. I'll feel better, safer, if I know you are in the room next door."
Ben chuckled a little, "what about tempation?, you don't think you'd be at least a little tempted?"
Whitney looked at Ben with a sly little smile, "well yes, maybe a little, but not as much as you!" and she nudged him with her elbow.
Ben leaned over to kiss her but she dodged him, closed the lap top, & put it in front of her. "oh no, don't even start, i'm so tired & i won't be tempted, not now! besides....." & she nodded to the sleeping Sammy & guard.
Ben grabbed her anyway & kissed her on the forehead then her cheek. "good night my love, sweet dreams & Whitney, don't forget to say your prayers!"
"oh you!" she reached up & kissed him on his cheek & then wiggled loose. Whitney practically waltzed into her room & heard him checking the locks on the doors, nudging the guard awake & heading the direction of the hall as she shut her bedroom door.
(by the way, i've given at least 3 hints as to where this story is headed, anyone want to venture a guess?)
"Ben is here." Ginny whispered, "why don't you take a few minutes & go tidy up, I'll distract him in the kitchen."
"No, that's ok Ginny, I'm good to go"
Whitney coughed a little bit, "Um, no your not, trust me Whit, take a few minutes, you'll be glad you did. Give me 2 minutes to get him into the kitchen before you slip into the bathroom, and take your little overnight with you."
"what?"
Ginny just nodded towards the bathroom door and left the bedroom to go offer Ben some coffee in the kitchen.
Whitney got up & grabbed her little overnight bag. When she heard them go into the kitchen she quickly slipped into the bathroom & then understood why Ginny insisted she "tidy up". Her hair was a mess, her mascara was smeared & she looked like she needed to check into a day spa! yikes!
A few minutes later, assuring herself they were still in the kitchen, she went back into the bedroom & grabbed a fresh blouse & pair of jeans to replace her uniform. No socks or shoes, she was ready for something more relaxing & comfortable.
The light was still out in the kitchen when she joined Ben & Ginny. She could see the lights of the little community surrounding the safehouse, including a fast food drive through that didn't seem to far away.
Ben saw her come through the doorway into the kitchen and wasted no time wrapping his arms around her & kissing her on her forehead. His height and strength always made her feel so protected.
"Hey you, I'm so glad to see you got some rest. Are you ok?"
Whitney just smiled up at him for a moment, taking in his brawny good looks, especially those gorgeous green eyes! "Yes, I'm just fine. At least I am now that you are here!"
They talked for a few minutes before they realized Ginny had already gone into the living room, leaving them alone. Ben took advantage of their privacy in the darkened kitchen and this time kissed her on her lips, so gently, yet with a masculinity that made her heart nearly jump out of her body. He then just held her head against his chest and wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Whitney did not struggle, but instead, hugged him back and enjoyed the moment.
They both pulled away at the same time, knowing they couldn't continue.
"hmmm, I think we better get to work Ben, before we have to turn the ac on"
"yea, we better"
They held hands as they walked back into the living room & sat down on the couch to go over the evidence, her notes & quiz Ginny some more. Just as they sat down, Whitney reached in her jeans pocket & pulled out an olive green hair scrunchy & pulled her unruly hair back out of her way.
Ginny smiled at them both, "Before you too get ready to grill me & get your heads stuck in that computer, are either of you hungry?"
Surprisingly, after everything she ate on the way to the safe house, Whitney realized she was hungry. "yes, I guess I am, a little bit anyway. What about you Ben? Hey where's Sammy & the guard?"
"You know what I am a little big hungry too. Sammy & Craig are just outside the door, they wanted to give us a little privacy, let's invite them back in & see what everyone wants to eat?"
After everyone figuring out what was open at this late hour & what everyone wanted to eat, Ben sent Craig to the fast food drive inn with some cash & the keys to the officer's car that Ben had borrowed.
As soon as Craig left, Ben, Whitney, Sam & Ginny started going over the evidence & comparing notes.
"Ok Ginny, I know this is not how we would normally do this, but I'm going to show you a picture of the victim we found in the house & I just want you to say if you know him or not. ok?"
"Yea, sure, I'm ready"
Ben turned it over & slid the picture across the coffee table towards her. He gave her a few moments to look at the picture.
"I think this is the guy I talked to yesterday, in the driveway, but do you have a picture of him before he got to the morgue? It might be easier to say if I could see a picture of him in whatever he was wearing when you found him?"
Ben nodded, "ok, I've got one right here." He repeated the process, flip & slide the picture to her & pause.
This time Ginny didn't need a moment, "Yes, that is definitely mr 'i'm looking for the library'. Look at that suit he's wearing! That's high end. The shirt is a different color from what he was wearing yesterday, but that is him for sure. Do we know his name yet?"
Ben looked first at Ginny, then Whitney, "yes, his name is Martin Dobbins."
Now all 3 of them, Ginny, Whitney & Sammy, were staring at Ben.
Whitney was the first to speak, "Martin Dobbins? As in 'the' Martin Dobbins? As in Dobbins Banking & Trust out of New York City? The same Dobbins B&T that recently branched out in San Antonio?" As in Martin Dobbins 'the' golden boy of the Dobbins family, heir apparent?"
"Yes, that would be the one. Do either of you know why he might be in your kitchen?" Ben looked at both Whitney & Ginny.
Whitney & Ginny looked at each other with astonishment & puzzlement on their faces.
Her dark eyes seemed even darker right now. Her wavy, dark, almost black hair, framed her fragile doll's face and right now, that face seemed even more fragile with fright in her eyes. "No, what in the world? Why would a handsome bachelor, notorious play boy, be in our kitchen at all, let alone lying dead on our kitchen floor? that makes no sense at all!!!"
Ben looked at Whitney.
"Don't look at me Ben, I'm as clueless as she is, and I agree, it makes no sense, no sense at all."
Sammy interrupted, "Hey, don't forget about the picture."
"What picture?" Ginny asked.
Whitney cleared her throat, "I don't understand this either, but we found a picture of you and the boys, the one from the hallway, under the victims, I mean, Mr Dobbins body"
Ben added in, "The glass was cracked, like maybe it fell, or he fell on it? The lab is running the glass & frame & picture for prints right now. We also found a kitchen knife on the floor under the edge of the cupboards by the sink. Any chance maybe you dropped their getting ready for breakfast this morning?"
Ginny looked at Ben like he'd finally lost it, "Really Ben? No, all my dishes were done and everything in it's place when I left this morning."
Ben apologized, explaining he was sure it was all in order, he knew how she was about her housekeeping, but he had to ask, procedure & all that.
Before they got much further, Craig was back with their food & they took a few minutes too eat & just chit chat. It was as if they all knew they needed to lighten the mood a little bit.
As they were finally finishing off their burgers & fries, Whitney suddenly gasped & put her hand on Ben's arm. He'd taken off his jacket & rolled up his sleeves, so the touch of her hand on his skin made him gasp a little too.
"Ben, you never did say, what did mom want to talk to me about?"
Ben wiped his mouth with a paper napkin & took a drink of his sweet tea, "oh yea, well she wouldn't say much to me, only that she needed to talk to you herself as soon as she could. She did ask me a lot of questions about what was going on, why you had to be secreted away to a safe house? Of course, I didn't tell her anything, but you were right Ginny, she's definitely on edge about something. And I don't think it's just worrying about you girls. I told her I would have her call you in the morning. I picked up a burner phone & we'll call her in the morning."
Whitney just looked at Ben for a moment, "Well, I know Mom, she's not going to tell us anything until she's ready, so I guess we'll have to wait until morning."
They spend the next couple of hours going over the rest of the evidence, Sammy's & Whitney's notes. At one point Ben & Whitney realized they were the only two talking. Ginny must have gone to bed, sleeping in the 2nd bedroom that had a twin & a set of bunk beds. The boys had of course taken the bunks. Sammy was snoring on the sofa. The 3rd guard was sleeping in the chair by the door.
Whitney & Ben were sitting on the love seat with her laptop on the coffee table in front of them.
Whitney found herself starting to yawn. "I guess it's time for us to call it quits for tonight, I don't know how much longer I can keep my eyes open."
"Yea, I know what you mean. I'm going to grab a blanket out of the closet & head down to the car"
"You know, under normal circumstances I would agree with your plan. But Sammy's on the couch and his bedroom is empty. I'll feel better, safer, if I know you are in the room next door."
Ben chuckled a little, "what about tempation?, you don't think you'd be at least a little tempted?"
Whitney looked at Ben with a sly little smile, "well yes, maybe a little, but not as much as you!" and she nudged him with her elbow.
Ben leaned over to kiss her but she dodged him, closed the lap top, & put it in front of her. "oh no, don't even start, i'm so tired & i won't be tempted, not now! besides....." & she nodded to the sleeping Sammy & guard.
Ben grabbed her anyway & kissed her on the forehead then her cheek. "good night my love, sweet dreams & Whitney, don't forget to say your prayers!"
"oh you!" she reached up & kissed him on his cheek & then wiggled loose. Whitney practically waltzed into her room & heard him checking the locks on the doors, nudging the guard awake & heading the direction of the hall as she shut her bedroom door.
(by the way, i've given at least 3 hints as to where this story is headed, anyone want to venture a guess?)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Ok, well, that's definitely something. Sammy, can you text chief that information? I want to get started on my notes. Thanks Ginny, that could be something major!"
"Really Whitney? Why?"
"You know what, I really can't say right now. Give me some time to type up my notes & talk to Ben & Sammy, then we'll fill you in on whatever we can, ok?"
"Right, like I have a choice? ok if i turn on the tv and find something stupid to watch?"
Whitney caught the edge in Ginny's voice, "yes, of course it's ok Ginny. And really, I'm sorry, you know I'll tell you everything I can as soon as I can. I'm not trying to keep you in the dark, I promise. I'm sorry, I know this is hard for you too. Just make sure you and the boys do NOT go outside, if you need something, let us know we'll get it delivered ok? I really am sorry, but until we figure this out, we have to keep you safe"
"And you too, right Whitney?"
"Yes, me too."
For the next 2 hours Whitney concentrated on remembering every thing she could & typing up her notes. She didn't even realize she was eating cold fries or that Ginny kept filling up her coffee cup with hot coffee. She just typed, ate & drank. Sammy did pretty much the same thing, except he occasionally came up for air & went in to the kitchen to check on the boys.
Whitney didn't even notice when someone knocked on the door & Officer Logan checked the peep hole before letting in the "outside" officer. They were apparently changing places.
Sometime later, she looked up while Ginny was getting the boys ready for bed, Sammy was sleeping at the other end of the couch & a new guard was sitting by the door, watching whatever tv program Whitney had been watching. She stood up, stretched & nodded at the guard to meet her in the kitchen.
"Hi, sorry, I didn't catch your name earlier" she said when he followed her into the kitchen.
"Craig, Craig Burnett. Is there something you need ma'am?"
"No, just wanted to say Hi without waking up my partner. and please, don't call me ma'am. Whitney will be just fine. Have we heard from the chief, any news at all?"
"No ma'am, I mean Whitney, sorry. Logan is taking his turn outside with Lonny, we're doing rotations. but no news from anyone."
"Ok, well thanks Craig."
Craig nodded at her & went back to his post by the door.
Whitney went to frig & stood there with the door open for a few minutes before she realized she didn't even know what she was looking for. Just as she was closing the door of the frig she heard her phone buzzing from the living room. She'd set it on vibrate to keep it from distracting her from her notes. She walked quickly into the living room & picked it up off the arm of the couch & returned to the kitchen. The caller id said it was her mom. She knew if she answered it would be breaking protocol, if she didn't she would catch it from her mom for sure! She knew she couldn't take any chances answering it.
Whitney went back out to the living room & asked Craig to borrow his cell.
"Sure Whitney, local right?"
"Yep, local, I'm calling the chief"
Whitney dialed Ben's number & stepped back into the kitchen. She shut off the light in the kitchen & walked to the edge of the window for just a quick second & looked outside, then sat down at the table waiting for Ben to answer.
"Hello?"
"Ben, it's me, I borrowed the guards phone."
"Hey, are you doing ok?"
"yea, I'm fine, missing you though. But that's not why I called. Mom called my cell and ..."
"You didn't answer it did you?"
"NO, of course not Ben. But what I'm worried about is why she's calling. She knows our safety protocols. She might not have been on the police force, but she's been married to it & mothered it long enough to know better than to call someone's cell when they are taking refuge in a safe house. Can you call her yourself & check up on her? Something's not right. Ginny said Mom was quiet, too quiet when she left the house. You know my Mom, one thing she's not is quiet."
"Yes, of course I will. Hey listen, I've got a crew fixing your doors, at least temporarily & I've posted guards at the house. The CSI crew is done, at least for tonight & I'm almost done with my report. I'll call your mom right now & find out what's going on, tell the guard to expect a call back from me on of our burners. I don't want to take any chances until we know what's going on. I don't want any one to have any way to trace your location. Just in case. I'm going to borrow someone's car from the station to drive over there. But I'll call you as soon as I talk to your mom ok?"
"Sure Ben, that's great. I've got my report done. Bring a flash drive with you so you can pull it off my laptop. Oh, and before I forget. Ginny said she saw a guy fitting our victim's description walking up to the house yesterday just as she was leaving. He "said" he was looking for the library, but Ginny was pretty sure he was just making up an excuse for why he was there. Anyway, how much longer do you think before you get here?"
"Hmmm, that's interesting information. We'll talk to her some more when I get there. It might be an hour or so yet. I miss you too, but I want to have as much done as I can get done before I get there. Why don't you take a nap or something, we might be up for awhile once I get there."
"Yea, that's a good idea, except I don't know if I'll be able to fall asleep. I think Ginny has been refilling my coffee cup for the last 2 hours and I just kept drinking it. But I'll try anyway. See you in a while?"
"You got it Whitney, I'll call you back in a few minutes though after I talk to your Mom, ok? or do you want me to wait until I get there?"
"No, if it's important, call me. but if it will wait, then we'll talk when you get here."
"Ok, hey, I'll talk to you soon, one way or the other, ok?"
"Yea, Ok. Talk to you soon."
Whitney hung up the phone & gave it back to Craig. She let him know the chief might be calling her back & to wake her if he called or when he got there, whichever. She then went into the bedroom where her bags had landed & laid down on top of the bed. In no time at all she was sound asleep & stayed that way until Ginny came in an hour and a half later to tell her Ben was in the living room.
"Really Whitney? Why?"
"You know what, I really can't say right now. Give me some time to type up my notes & talk to Ben & Sammy, then we'll fill you in on whatever we can, ok?"
"Right, like I have a choice? ok if i turn on the tv and find something stupid to watch?"
Whitney caught the edge in Ginny's voice, "yes, of course it's ok Ginny. And really, I'm sorry, you know I'll tell you everything I can as soon as I can. I'm not trying to keep you in the dark, I promise. I'm sorry, I know this is hard for you too. Just make sure you and the boys do NOT go outside, if you need something, let us know we'll get it delivered ok? I really am sorry, but until we figure this out, we have to keep you safe"
"And you too, right Whitney?"
"Yes, me too."
For the next 2 hours Whitney concentrated on remembering every thing she could & typing up her notes. She didn't even realize she was eating cold fries or that Ginny kept filling up her coffee cup with hot coffee. She just typed, ate & drank. Sammy did pretty much the same thing, except he occasionally came up for air & went in to the kitchen to check on the boys.
Whitney didn't even notice when someone knocked on the door & Officer Logan checked the peep hole before letting in the "outside" officer. They were apparently changing places.
Sometime later, she looked up while Ginny was getting the boys ready for bed, Sammy was sleeping at the other end of the couch & a new guard was sitting by the door, watching whatever tv program Whitney had been watching. She stood up, stretched & nodded at the guard to meet her in the kitchen.
"Hi, sorry, I didn't catch your name earlier" she said when he followed her into the kitchen.
"Craig, Craig Burnett. Is there something you need ma'am?"
"No, just wanted to say Hi without waking up my partner. and please, don't call me ma'am. Whitney will be just fine. Have we heard from the chief, any news at all?"
"No ma'am, I mean Whitney, sorry. Logan is taking his turn outside with Lonny, we're doing rotations. but no news from anyone."
"Ok, well thanks Craig."
Craig nodded at her & went back to his post by the door.
Whitney went to frig & stood there with the door open for a few minutes before she realized she didn't even know what she was looking for. Just as she was closing the door of the frig she heard her phone buzzing from the living room. She'd set it on vibrate to keep it from distracting her from her notes. She walked quickly into the living room & picked it up off the arm of the couch & returned to the kitchen. The caller id said it was her mom. She knew if she answered it would be breaking protocol, if she didn't she would catch it from her mom for sure! She knew she couldn't take any chances answering it.
Whitney went back out to the living room & asked Craig to borrow his cell.
"Sure Whitney, local right?"
"Yep, local, I'm calling the chief"
Whitney dialed Ben's number & stepped back into the kitchen. She shut off the light in the kitchen & walked to the edge of the window for just a quick second & looked outside, then sat down at the table waiting for Ben to answer.
"Hello?"
"Ben, it's me, I borrowed the guards phone."
"Hey, are you doing ok?"
"yea, I'm fine, missing you though. But that's not why I called. Mom called my cell and ..."
"You didn't answer it did you?"
"NO, of course not Ben. But what I'm worried about is why she's calling. She knows our safety protocols. She might not have been on the police force, but she's been married to it & mothered it long enough to know better than to call someone's cell when they are taking refuge in a safe house. Can you call her yourself & check up on her? Something's not right. Ginny said Mom was quiet, too quiet when she left the house. You know my Mom, one thing she's not is quiet."
"Yes, of course I will. Hey listen, I've got a crew fixing your doors, at least temporarily & I've posted guards at the house. The CSI crew is done, at least for tonight & I'm almost done with my report. I'll call your mom right now & find out what's going on, tell the guard to expect a call back from me on of our burners. I don't want to take any chances until we know what's going on. I don't want any one to have any way to trace your location. Just in case. I'm going to borrow someone's car from the station to drive over there. But I'll call you as soon as I talk to your mom ok?"
"Sure Ben, that's great. I've got my report done. Bring a flash drive with you so you can pull it off my laptop. Oh, and before I forget. Ginny said she saw a guy fitting our victim's description walking up to the house yesterday just as she was leaving. He "said" he was looking for the library, but Ginny was pretty sure he was just making up an excuse for why he was there. Anyway, how much longer do you think before you get here?"
"Hmmm, that's interesting information. We'll talk to her some more when I get there. It might be an hour or so yet. I miss you too, but I want to have as much done as I can get done before I get there. Why don't you take a nap or something, we might be up for awhile once I get there."
"Yea, that's a good idea, except I don't know if I'll be able to fall asleep. I think Ginny has been refilling my coffee cup for the last 2 hours and I just kept drinking it. But I'll try anyway. See you in a while?"
"You got it Whitney, I'll call you back in a few minutes though after I talk to your Mom, ok? or do you want me to wait until I get there?"
"No, if it's important, call me. but if it will wait, then we'll talk when you get here."
"Ok, hey, I'll talk to you soon, one way or the other, ok?"
"Yea, Ok. Talk to you soon."
Whitney hung up the phone & gave it back to Craig. She let him know the chief might be calling her back & to wake her if he called or when he got there, whichever. She then went into the bedroom where her bags had landed & laid down on top of the bed. In no time at all she was sound asleep & stayed that way until Ginny came in an hour and a half later to tell her Ben was in the living room.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Please forgive me.....
PLEASE FORGIVE ME.....
hopefully last week was the last week of my long days. I'm going to bed here in just a few minutes, so I can get up early tomorrow. plan is to get off earlier & then write here tomorrow night. soooooooo sorry, but i should have something on here by the end of this week, hopefully by tomorrow or tuesday night???
y'all be blessed!!! (& thanks for your forgiveness, for details why, check out my *TOLCIC* blog
hopefully last week was the last week of my long days. I'm going to bed here in just a few minutes, so I can get up early tomorrow. plan is to get off earlier & then write here tomorrow night. soooooooo sorry, but i should have something on here by the end of this week, hopefully by tomorrow or tuesday night???
y'all be blessed!!! (& thanks for your forgiveness, for details why, check out my *TOLCIC* blog
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Apologies
Pausing the story because I have run out of time this weekend. I'll try to write either tomorrow night or Tuesday night, possibly Thursday night, and then again next weekend. My apologies!!!!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
lost child found: just like the poor victim she found laying on her k...
lost child found: ust like the poor victim she found laying on her k...: Sam put a hand on her arm to stall her opening the door, "It's ok Whit, I know we usually use one of the unmarked cars for ...
just like the poor victim she found laying on her kitchen floor!
Sam
put a hand on her arm to stall her opening the door, "It's ok Whit, I
know we usually use one of the unmarked cars for delivering someone to a
safe house, but since this involves one of our own, Chief decided to do
a rental car, under his mom's name, Ginny drove herself & the boys
here, followed by another rental car, under my dad's name, with plain
clothes police. We're not taking any chances. And before you say
anything, there was another plain clothes cop in the car with Ginny
& the boys. They are taking a little more "touristy" route to get
here, just to make sure they aren't being followed. I guess you didn't
notice we took a couple of detours too?"
"Well
I did notice, but I figured you were just being careful & it wasn't
worth mentioning, but why didn't you tell me about Ginny driving
herself here? We didn't want to say anything over the radio or the
phone, just in case."
"Sammy,
where did you put my laptop at, i want to start writing my report, get
as much down as i can before Ginny & the boys get here."
"Sure,"
he said, "I was just thinking of the same thing. I put them both over
there by the couch. I'm going to find something boring on tv to create
some kind of noise while we work. make it seem more 'real' for the
neighbors"
"Ok, you do that, I'm going to go make some coffee. If you hear from Ginny or Ben you'll let me know?"
"Of course! Look I know this is all a little crazy for you, but it's going to be ok."
Whitney
just looked at him & smiled a little bit, then she walked into the
kitchen to get the coffee started. She got the coffee started and went
to the kitchen window to just take in the scenery and get some idea of
the layout around the apartment. She was still looking out the window
when she saw the car drive up & Ginny & the boys got out.
"Sammy, they're here!" It was all she could do to keep herself from running out the door and grab all 3 of them for a big bear hug!
Sammy
watched from the living room window and saw the other car pull up &
park across the parking lot. The plain clothes police guard got out
& walked around to let Ginny out of her door, held her hand &
put his hand on the small of her back as they came up the stairs, in
case anyone was
watching. The boys had already bounded up the stairs, snickering quietly and jostling each other a little bit, typical boys. They waited by the door and when the guard got there he unlocked the door & let them all in.
Ginny
barely got in & they shut the door when Whitney grabbed her, hugged
her, & reached for the boys for a big group hug.
"Whitney, are you ok? What's going on?" Ginny
pulled away just a little and grabbed Whitney's arms to steady her &
looked in her eyes. She'd never her seen Whitney rattled, ever! But
that's what she was now, definitely rattled!
"Let's
sit down. Boys, there is food on the table in the kitchen, bring your
mom & me our salads, shakes & some fries please? the rest is
all yours. o wait, leave some for Sammy and, I'm sorry, I don't even
know your name?" She looked at the guard who came in with Ginny.
"Logan ma'am, Bob Logan, I'm not hungry though, I ate before I got the call to come over to Neligh for extra duty"
"Thanks
officer Logan, but go get a bight to eat anyway, there's soda in the
frig & coffee brewing. In fact if you could let me know when it's
ready I'd appreciate it"
"Logan
ma'am, just call me Logan, I'm not an officer yet, still in training,
and of course, I'll bring the coffee out as soon as it 's ready"
Sammy went into the kitchen with Logan and the boys after checking the door one more time.
"Let's
sit on the couch Ginny, I need to get my laptop out & start making
notes. How's Mom & Dad doing? How are you doing?"
"Dad
is his usual stoic self, pacing holes in the floor while he "looks
strong". Mom is just plain worried, but she's really quiet for a
change, too quiet, like there's something brewing inside her brain. I'm
kind of worried about her, but they have guards inside the house &
the boys will be there soon, maybe one of them can get her to talk."
She paused when Logan brought out the coffee pot & Sammy brought out their salad's & shakes. Sammy sat on the chair next to the couch & got out his lap top too.
She paused when Logan brought out the coffee pot & Sammy brought out their salad's & shakes. Sammy sat on the chair next to the couch & got out his lap top too.
"This
is just too weird Whitney? Why was that guy in our house & why
would anyone want to kill him? Are you ok? Can you tell me anything?"
"There's
not much to tell right now Ginny, We are still sorting out the
evidence, and I need to write out my notes & report. Ben's coming
by later & we'll hopefully have more information then. But I need
to ask you something Ginny. Have we had any strange calls at the house
in the last few days? Has anyone come to the door that might have
seemed just a little off?"
"Mmmmm,
no, I can't think of anything, I've been really busy with the boys
activities & getting ready for the church yard sale. I can't say
I've been home much during the day, just mostly got home in time to make
supper every day & get the boys busy with their homework." She
took a long sip of her shake. "oh, wait, there was some one who came by
yesterday, I was just leaving the house when I saw him walking up the
driveway, I thought it was kind of odd because when he saw me he seemed
surprised & asked directions to the library. I remember thinking
why would someone be looking for the library in a residential
neighbourhood, it seemed like he was just making something up. It
didn't even seem like he was coming to the front door, like he was
walking up the driveway to go around back. He left when I gave him
directions, got in my car and pulled out my cell phone. Remember, I
called you to ask you to get some flowers from the little florist by the
police station & I told you some dork got himself lost in Neligh,
like Neligh Texas is big enough to get lost in."
"that's right, i remember that now. what did he look like, do you remember?"
"well,
yea, I remember he was kind of nice looking, and very well dressed,
nice suit, high end & shiny shoes, but very generic, you know, black
suit, black tie, black shoes, white shirt, gold cuff links & tie
clip. very nice, expensive looking."
Whitney,
looked at Sammy & knew he was thinking the same thing, that sounded
just like the poor victim she found laying on her kitchen floor!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
please know, you, my readers, are always welcomed & encouraged to please leave helpful hints, questions, etc. thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
please know, you, my readers, are always welcomed & encouraged to please leave helpful hints, questions, etc. thanks!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
"So, Sammy, Chief just asked me something a little odd? He wants me to recall who made what phone calls, any weird calls we might have received over the last few days. You don't suppose the killer, or our unfortunate & uninvited 'guest' would have been stupid enough to call us or even more stupidly would have used our phone to make a call?"
Sammy let out a little snort "yea, that's not likely, they'd have to be pretty stupid. yet if Chief is asking, there has to be a reason."
Conversation halted while they ordered coffee & fries & some more "snacks" for everyone.
Once they were back on the road Whitney sipped her hot coffee & took a bight of her 2nd order of fries, "good grief, I can only imagine calories I've already sucked down, I'm going to gain so much weight if we don't hurry up and figure this out! Hey Sammy, isn't that the turn coming up?"
"yep, it sure is." Sammy slowed to take the turn to the last 5 minutes of the drive to the safe house, in this case really just an apartment in one of your average apartment complex, not high class condo's & not slums, just average.
Sammy slowed down to the speed limit of 30mph, since it was a residential area, "So Whitney, can I ask you something personal?"
"We share a car 40 plus hours a week, you mean there is something you DON'T know about me? Yea, so go ahead & ask"
"Well, I was just wondering, have you and the chief thought about making your relationship more public, officially I mean?"
Whitney turned & looked at Sammy with a shocked look on her face, "Sammy, have you lost your mind?"
"C'mon Whit, I've known since you two first started flirting, everyone at the station knows you're dating. I mean you'd have to be blind & deaf not to know there is something between you too."
"What? I mean, I know you know about us, but the whole station knows? How, we're so careful, at least, well, at least I thought we were?"
"oh yea, they all know, plus their wives, husbands, and half the town? Not to mention anyone else who walks into the station when you are both there! You thought it was a secret? Now who's kidding whom?"
Whitney was not sure what to say, "Do you think Chief is aware of everyone knowing about our "relationship"? I would NEVER want to embarrass him or jeoporize his position or the respect people have for him!"
"Whitney, you could never be an embarrassment to anyone. We all respect the chief just fine, maybe even more so because he works so hard to protect you. & we respect you too."
"What do you mean he's protecting me Sammy?"
"Whitney, he's not going to go public until YOU are ready. I'm pretty sure he's just waiting for a signal from you."
"And you're telling me this NOW because?"
Sammy smile & glanced at her as he pulled into a parking spot not to close to the apartment, "Because, he loves you & adores you, because you love him & adore him. Because you seem to be afraid of what would happen to both your careers instead of enjoying what you have together. Everyone knows and we all think it's great! So I guess I'm telling you to face your fears and here, let me ush you off the cliff to help you along the way! Silly girl!!
Sammy shut off the car but they didn't get out yet, "Well OK Sammy, so don't be shy about it or anything. I get it."
"Hmmmm, I wonder?" Sam whispered, with a little bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure.
Whitney grabbed a hold of the door handle, "Ok Sam, I hear you, thanks for sharing. But for right now , how about we get back to the case at hand and get this food & these bags into the apartment & get settled before Ginny & the kids get here?" she paused, "wait, shouldn't they be here already? where are they? Sammy, WHERE ARE THEY?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
please know, you, my readers, are always welcomed & encouraged to please leave helpful hints, questions, etc.
thanks!
Sammy let out a little snort "yea, that's not likely, they'd have to be pretty stupid. yet if Chief is asking, there has to be a reason."
Conversation halted while they ordered coffee & fries & some more "snacks" for everyone.
Once they were back on the road Whitney sipped her hot coffee & took a bight of her 2nd order of fries, "good grief, I can only imagine calories I've already sucked down, I'm going to gain so much weight if we don't hurry up and figure this out! Hey Sammy, isn't that the turn coming up?"
"yep, it sure is." Sammy slowed to take the turn to the last 5 minutes of the drive to the safe house, in this case really just an apartment in one of your average apartment complex, not high class condo's & not slums, just average.
Sammy slowed down to the speed limit of 30mph, since it was a residential area, "So Whitney, can I ask you something personal?"
"We share a car 40 plus hours a week, you mean there is something you DON'T know about me? Yea, so go ahead & ask"
"Well, I was just wondering, have you and the chief thought about making your relationship more public, officially I mean?"
Whitney turned & looked at Sammy with a shocked look on her face, "Sammy, have you lost your mind?"
"C'mon Whit, I've known since you two first started flirting, everyone at the station knows you're dating. I mean you'd have to be blind & deaf not to know there is something between you too."
"What? I mean, I know you know about us, but the whole station knows? How, we're so careful, at least, well, at least I thought we were?"
"oh yea, they all know, plus their wives, husbands, and half the town? Not to mention anyone else who walks into the station when you are both there! You thought it was a secret? Now who's kidding whom?"
Whitney was not sure what to say, "Do you think Chief is aware of everyone knowing about our "relationship"? I would NEVER want to embarrass him or jeoporize his position or the respect people have for him!"
"Whitney, you could never be an embarrassment to anyone. We all respect the chief just fine, maybe even more so because he works so hard to protect you. & we respect you too."
"What do you mean he's protecting me Sammy?"
"Whitney, he's not going to go public until YOU are ready. I'm pretty sure he's just waiting for a signal from you."
"And you're telling me this NOW because?"
Sammy smile & glanced at her as he pulled into a parking spot not to close to the apartment, "Because, he loves you & adores you, because you love him & adore him. Because you seem to be afraid of what would happen to both your careers instead of enjoying what you have together. Everyone knows and we all think it's great! So I guess I'm telling you to face your fears and here, let me ush you off the cliff to help you along the way! Silly girl!!
Sammy shut off the car but they didn't get out yet, "Well OK Sammy, so don't be shy about it or anything. I get it."
"Hmmmm, I wonder?" Sam whispered, with a little bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure.
Whitney grabbed a hold of the door handle, "Ok Sam, I hear you, thanks for sharing. But for right now , how about we get back to the case at hand and get this food & these bags into the apartment & get settled before Ginny & the kids get here?" she paused, "wait, shouldn't they be here already? where are they? Sammy, WHERE ARE THEY?"
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please know, you, my readers, are always welcomed & encouraged to please leave helpful hints, questions, etc.
thanks!
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