Finding Peace (Love's Compass #1) (18 page)

“Are you expecting someone?”

“No.” She didn’t recognize the car. They parked and she stepped out at the same time that the car’s driver’s side door opened. The woman who got out of the car was one of the last people she expected to see. “Chelsea?”

Her sister grinned as she approached. “Hey! I’ve been out here for about an hour waiting for you.”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“I wanted to surprise you.” Chelsea hugged Laurie gently. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good.” She turned and motioned to Tuck as he joined them. “This is Tuck. And this is my sister, Chelsea.” They shook hands.

“It’s good to meet you.”

“You too.”

Laurie suspected Tuck was surprised by how little the two of them looked alike. Where she had the curly, copper hair, Chelsea had dark blonde. Chelsea was a couple of inches taller and a little heavier. The only feature they shared were their green eyes.

He helped carry everything inside.

“Are you heading home?” Laurie asked.

“Yes.” He tried to hide a yawn. “It’s been a busy couple of days. I feel like I could sleep for a week.” He looked around her small apartment. “I think you’re all set here. Remember, call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” He stepped closer and her chin lifted expectantly.

Their kiss was soft and full of promise. “I love you,” she said, just above a whisper.

“I love you, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned to wave at Chelsea. “Welcome to Kitner. I’m sorry to rush off, but Laurie can explain. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

“Not a problem. See you later.” Chelsea returned his wave.

Chelsea turned to look at Laurie. “Wow. There’s a lot you haven’t been telling me,” she said, the accusation delivered with a good-natured wink.

Laurie felt her face grow red and shrugged. “One or two things.” She nodded towards the car. “Do you have anything to bring in? You’re staying here, I hope.”

“Yes, I’m staying here if you’ll have me. Let me go grab a couple things and I’ll be right back.”

Laurie started opening her new laptop, plugging it in and turning it on. Chelsea entered with a rolling bag behind her and another, smaller bag over her shoulder. “How long are you planning on staying?”

Her sister dropped everything on the floor. “I locked up downstairs,” she said as she closed the apartment door. “And in answer to your question, that entirely depends.”

“On what?”

She kicked her shoes off by the door. “I’m thinking about moving to Kitner.”

Laurie wouldn’t have been more surprised if Chelsea had announced that aliens were landing on the roof. Her sister had gone to school to get her business degree and she had been determined to live in New York and make it big one day. The idea of her moving to their small town would have never occurred to her. “Why would you do that?”

“Gee, thanks for making me feel welcome.” Chelsea was clearly enjoying the shock on her sister’s face.

“It’s not that, and you know it. For you, New York was always the pot at the end of the rainbow.”

Chelsea shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m tired of what my life has become. I don’t see family, I have no friends. My life revolves around my job and it’s not something I particularly care for. There’s more to life than waking up, working, and going to sleep.”

Laurie couldn’t deny the truth of that. In fact, she had often worried about Chelsea working herself too hard. But this turnaround was completely unexpected. “Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”

“Not yet. I figured I would talk to you first. Get myself a game plan at least.” She looked around the small apartment. “One good thing about busting my butt in New York, I’ve got some money set aside. I have a little time to get moved, find a place to live, and open my own place.”

“You’ve already quit? My, aren’t you being spontaneous.”

Chelsea chuckled. “It’s about time, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do.” Laurie hugged her sister. “Tell you what, it’s not much, but that futon over there is all yours. Stay as long as you need. I would love to have you living here.”

The smile that lit up Chelsea’s face was contagious. The sisters took a seat on the futon. She nodded towards Laurie’s side. “How are you feeling?”

“It’s better, thanks. I get the stitches out on Monday.” Laurie stretched her back. “It could have been worse and it’s healing fast. Altogether, I’m feeling incredibly blessed.”

“I’m glad.” Chelsea studied her big sister. “So tell me about this cop of yours.”

~

Laurie set her alarm for early Saturday morning. Getting up wasn’t easy – she and Chelsea had stayed awake way too late. She couldn’t remember the last time they had visited like that. Meanwhile, Laurie had worked on her new laptop, installing the software she would need, and moving over her preferences.

Glancing at her sister sleeping on the futon, she tiptoed around the apartment. She grabbed something for breakfast and took her computer downstairs to the studio. Once she was set up, she went right to work on Gideon’s photo session. She had two back-to-back photo sessions later in the afternoon. She wanted to make sure she got his photos processed before then.

By the time she was finished, she had twenty-seven images to present to Serenity. She made a copy of each for her website, uploaded them, and sent the link to Serenity by e-mail. She hoped the youngest Chandler sibling was as happy with the photos as she was.

~

The moment Tuck stepped through the door at the Chandler house, Serenity had grabbed his arm and practically dragged him to the kitchen table. “You have to see these!”

He had no idea what she was talking about until he saw the laptop sitting on the table and recognized the logo for Laurie’s studio on the top of the web page. “Oh! Is the session up?”

“Yes! They are amazing. Seriously, better than I ever dreamed they could be.”

Patty and Grams were crowded in front of the screen, watching the slide show as it cycled through the photo album Laurie had set up. Serenity sat down in a kitchen chair and Tuck moved to lean his arms against the back so he could watch, too.

The images were fantastic. From the intense expressions on Gideon’s face as he was lining up animal cookies to the joy as he pushed the trains off the bed and into a box, he thought she captured his personality perfectly. When the images got to those of Serenity and Gideon sitting together in the rocking chair reading, Tuck heard Serenity sniff. He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them.

“Thank you for doing this. It’s the best gift you and Lexi could have given me. I love these.”

Tuck got a napkin off the counter and handed it to her. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re happy with them. You and that nephew of mine make a pretty awesome pair, you know that?” He hugged her from behind and she placed a hand behind his neck to draw him closer.

Tuck’s eyes were still on the images when his cell phone rang. He saw it was Lexi and answered, “Hey, Lexi.”

“I may have a situation here at the hospital.” Her voice was low and he had to leave the kitchen in order to hear her better. “We had someone walk in with a bad infection. He’s got a wound in his shoulder. He claims he injured it in a hunting accident and didn’t want to embarrass his friend. But he matches the description that you guys have gotten for the man that Tess Canton might have hired.”

“Wait. Where is he?”

“He’s in a treatment room. I’m playing dumb, but he’s edgy. I’m going to try and get him on an IV and see if I can sedate him. I’m not even sure he’s going to let me. He says he wants to be patched up, given a prescription, and sent home.”

Lexi was breathless and Tuck’s nerves kicked up a notch. “Keep anything sharp out of his reach. Make sure you alert hospital security. I will be there as fast as I can.”

“Okay.”

“Lexi?”

“Yeah?”

“You keep yourself safe.” Tuck said it firmly, and he meant every word.

“I will. Get over here.”

He ended the call to find everyone standing in the doorway, looking at him. “Our suspect may have gone into the hospital looking for help for an infected gunshot wound. I’ve got to run. Stay here until you hear from me. Please. Someone call Laurie and fill her in. Pray for Lexi.”

Tuck drove straight to the hospital, calling into the station to report. He also called Lance directly because he knew his partner would want to be there if this led to wrapping up the case.

By the time he had walked into the hospital by way of the emergency room entrance, he knew the situation had changed. People were gathered in the hallway and several of the hospital security personnel were there as well.

“What’s going on?” he asked, flashing them his badge.

The taller of the two men stepped forward to report. “We have a patient who has taken a nurse hostage.”

“Weapon? Situation?”

“A knife. They are in one of the treatment rooms. A curtain surrounds one half of the room they are in. He’s informed everyone to stay out or he’ll kill the nurse.”

Tuck sent a silent prayer heavenward and let his instincts kick in. “Okay. I need to see if he’ll let me talk to him.” The first security officer was going to object, but he held up a hand to stop him. “The nurse he’s holding is Lexi Chandler, is that right?” At his nod, Tuck continued. “I’m her brother. I’m also working a case where this man is a suspect. I may be able to talk him out of that room.”

The security officers exchanged a look and stepped back. Tuck went through the double doors and into the treatment area.

“This is Officer Chandler,” he spoke loudly, his voice echoing off the stale, white walls. “I understand you’re holding someone. Is there any way I can come into the room and speak with you? Let’s get this situation resolved.”

Tuck wasn’t sure the guy was even going to respond when finally, a booming voice came from a room ahead and to the left. “Get out of here, cop. I’m not interested.”

“Troy Privet. That is your name, am I right?”

Silence.

“I want to come in and speak with you. I’m the only one on this side of the door.”

“I’m supposed to believe that?”

“Believe it or not, that’s your choice.” He looked through the window of the door behind him and saw Lance looking back. “Let the nurse talk. I need to know she’s still okay, and then I’m going to remove my gun and hand it to my partner who is on the other side of the door. I’ll be completely unarmed.”

Another bout of silence before Lexi’s timid voice found its way to Tuck’s ears. “I’m here. I’m okay.”

“Good. That’s great. Okay, Troy, I’m taking my firearm and handing it to my partner now.”

When the door was open a crack, Lance whispered, “You sure you got this?”

“Yeah, I’ve got this. It’s Lexi in there.”

Lance nodded and took the gun from him. He didn’t say anything, but Tuck relayed his understanding.

“Okay, I’m unarmed. May I come in and speak with you face to face?”

“Come in slow, hands up. I have a knife to this gal’s throat. If you do anything, she’ll drop before you have a chance to breathe. Got it?” The voice was menacing, but there was an undercurrent of pain. From what Lexi had said over the phone, the man was probably in some intense discomfort over that infection. It would make him desperate – but also careless.

“I understand. I’m coming in and my hands are up.” Tuck used his elbows to part the hanging curtain. When the white linens were out of his eyes, he honed in on the slightly taller than average man who had a large knife to his sister’s throat. He studied Lexi’ face and saw that she was unharmed. She was also holding herself together well with no sign of fear on her face. That was his big sister, always up to a challenge. He gave her a nod and then turned his gaze on the man. “Why are you doing this, Troy? Why are you threatening a woman who was only trying to help you?”

The man held his knife arm steady, but he rotated his left uncomfortably. Beads of sweat had popped out on his forehead and he kept shifting his feet. “I wanted to be patched up and given a prescription. But this one,” he jerked his head towards Lexi, “kept insisting I needed an IV. I know a distraction when I see one.”

The more Tuck watched the man, the more certain he was that the sweat wasn’t from nerves, but primarily due to the high fever his infection was causing. He caught Lexi glancing at a metal tray sitting on a table and then back at him. Tuck frowned, trying to discourage her from making a move. Not before he had a chance to diffuse the situation.

~

The door to the Chandler house swung open before Laurie and Chelsea had even reached it.

“Thank you,” Laurie said as the older woman closed it again behind them. “Has anyone heard anything?”

“Not a word.” Grams got up from her chair at the table. “I’m keeping an eye on the news in case there’s a report. The news stations seem to catch wind of a situation before the police sometimes do.”

Laurie tossed her bag under a chair and then leaned against it. She introduced everyone to Chelsea who, to her credit, was taking the whole thing in stride. Reaching over, she ruffled Gideon’s hair while he concentrated on his snack. “I hope that, if it is the guy, they are able to catch him. I’m ready for this to be over.”

“Everyone, get in here!”

Grams’ summons had all of the adults in the kitchen bolting for the living room as she turned the television volume up. “The reporters are saying it’s a hostage situation.”

Patty’s hand flew to cover her mouth. Laurie moved to put an arm around her shoulders and give her a hug. She could feel her own heart pounding as she tried to imagine what was going on inside the hospital. Was it Lexi who was being held hostage? Or the hospital in general? Was Tuck there?

The woman on the news seemed to read her mind. “We’re getting reports that a man, wielding a knife, has taken a nurse hostage. I’ve been told that a police officer has gone in, unarmed, to try and convince the man to turn over his weapon and let the nurse go.”

The camera turned from the reporter to a large number of people that had gathered in the main part of the emergency room waiting area. There were hospital security personnel keeping people back.

“Look, there’s Lance.” Serenity pointed when the camera stopped and they could see the tall man near a set of double doors. “I don’t see Tuck. He’s got to be the officer that went in to talk the guy down.”

Laurie had known that was the case, but hearing it spoken out loud made her stomach roll. She took a seat on the couch next to Grams and folded her arms over her middle. She prayed that God would keep Tuck safe and give him the wisdom to handle the situation. She also prayed that Lexi would have both peace and courage. She didn’t even want to think about something happening to either one of them right now. She couldn’t.