Witness on the Run

“And I’m calling security,” the nurse threatened.

Monroe snapped his glare from Jake and went around to release Robin. She turned away, her eyes connecting with Jake’s. He offered a slight smile, wanting to let her know it would be okay. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to her.

“We’re not done,” Monroe shot at Robin.

The nurse motioned for him to leave. “You, too,” the nurse said to Jake.

“No. Can he stay?” Robin asked.

The nurse frowned. “For a few minutes.”

Monroe stormed out with the nurse on his heels.

“You okay?” Jake asked.

“I’ve been better.”

She had a resilience about her that fascinated him. A cop, one of the good guys, had threatened her. but she hadn’t backed down.

“They think I was involved in the shooting?” she asked.

“They think you might have witnessed something. A police officer was killed tonight.”

Her eyes widened. “And that cop thinks I shot him?”

“I doubt it, but cops get crazy when a fellow officer is killed.”

“Yeah, he’s crazy and wants answers.” She sighed. “And my mind is a complete blank.”

“It will come back to you, in time.”

“I get the impression I don’t have time.”

Jake shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. He couldn’t argue with her.

“Someone’s after me,” she said in a soft voice.

“We don’t know that.”

“But if I saw something…”

“You need to focus on healing. You’re safe here.”

“You’re kidding, right? I almost died in the E.R., then a crazy cop handcuffs and interrogates me.”

Jake took a step closer. “It won’t happen again. I’m sorry I let Monroe question you.”

“He’s a cop. It’s not like you could have stopped him.”

“It doesn’t matter who it is. You asked me for help. I’ll make sure no one gets that close again.”

She leaned back against the pillow but didn’t look convinced. A distant memory flashed to the surface to taunt Jake. I won’t let him hurt you again, Mommy. But Jake had failed to keep that promise.

“You know the doctor in the E.R., the one who probably put something in my IV?” she said.

“Yeah?”

“I’ve seen him before.”

“You recognized him?”

“Just his eyes.” She hesitated. “Death Eyes.”

The nurse came into the room and checked Robin’s blood pressure. “Your few minutes is up,” she said, not looking at Jake.

“How are her vitals?” Jake asked.

“Everything looks good.” The nurse smiled at Robin.

With a nod, Jake started for the door.

“Wait, Jake?”

He turned to her.

“Thanks, for coming to the rescue.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Do you…?” She hesitated. “Would you want to sit in here?”

Robin glanced at the nurse.

“If it would make you feel better,” the nurse said.

“It would.” Robin motioned to a chair.

It hit a little too close to home, having recently spent months sitting beside Mom, but Jake read panic in Robin’s eyes. She would feel better if he stayed close.

“Sure.” With a nod, Jake collapsed in a corner chair where he had a clear view of the door.

The nurse finished up and left Robin and Jake alone.

Robin leaned against the pillow and eyed him. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why are you here?”