Tying up Loose Ends

Abby continues to wait in the drab hospital room for the last of her lab results. I wouldn't have agreed to come if I'd known it'd take this long. She thinks, fidgeting around in bed. Abby figured they'd stitch her up and send her on her way, and they almost did. Until she nearly fell while getting dressed. Seeing how unsteady she is, the doctor orders a few more tests. Claiming he wanted to ensure nothing else was going on.

She gazes down at her watch and discovers it's only been ten minutes since she last looked. Time sure goes by slowly when you're by yourself. She sighs. John stepped out to make a few quick calls. 

She and John learned a lot about each other during the extensive wait. Both were pleasantly surprised to find they have a lot in common despite the age difference. He's a Catholic-raised farm boy, ten years her senior. Abby grew up in the country and hoped to return someday, but she hasn't attended church in quite some time. John asked why she was on the run, so Abby quickly explained what happened in Illinois. She then told him about the flash drive she'd found the home invasion and threat to her life. John said he and his team would see what they could do. 

Abby glances around the cold, sterile room for the umpteenth time. There was much to look at besides the hospital equipment scattered about, and she was sick of staring at that. I might as well rest until John gets back. Leaning back in bed, Abby closes her eyes. The heart monitor's soft, melodic, steadyly beeping lulls her into a deep, peaceful sleep. She first dreams about all the fun times she and her friends shared through the years. Abby then imagines her and John walking hand in hand under a starry sky. 

It's a warm summer's night. Tiny night creatures sing all around them. A cool, gentle breeze blows off the ocean. The sand cradles their feet in its warm, cushiony comfort.

He turns towards her and says, "I love you more than I've loved anyone in my entire life."

"And I love you," she whispers.

John wraps his arms around her and pulls her in close.

She can smell his cologne drift through the air as they gaze into each other's eyes. John lowers his head. His soft lips brush against hers. Excitement surges through her when he presses his mouth against hers. I'm in heaven. Abby sighs, feeling herself melt in his arms.

A cold, hard object clamping against her wrist startles her out of her beautiful dream. "What the?" She asks, trying to move her hand away. Feeling cold metal press against her skin, she looks down to find she's handcuffed to the bed. "What's the meaning of this she asks as the restraint clanks against the rail.

"Elizabeth Muller, AKA Abby Miller, you are under arrest for criminal contempt and possession of a controlled substance. You have the right to remain silent."

With tears in her eyes, Abby looks up at the officer and says, "Please don't do this to me, oh please."She bawls. 

"You did this to yourself when you decided to flee."

Hearing footsteps shuffling down the hall, Abby looks over to find John standing at the door. "Help me, John, please help me," she cries. The restraint rattles against the metal rail when she lifts her hand.

Dropping her gift on the floor, he races to her side. He glances at the handcuffs and then the officer and says, "What's the meaning of this?"

"Who are you?" the officer questions.

He straightens his posture and says, "John Graham, I'm Elizabeth's attorney."

"Your client is under arrest for criminal contempt and drug possession with intent to sell. She'll be transported to the station when the doctor releases her."

"You're not taking her anywhere."

"I have my orders, so please step aside." He pushes John out of the way.

Infuriated, the attorney steps between them. "Those charges have been dropped. Glancing at his watch, John continues, "As of an hour ago. So, I advise you to take these cuffs off her before we sue the city for false arrest."

"Not according to this." He hands John an arrest warrant, then adds. "Please step aside before I arrest you for hindering prosecution." 

John scans the paper. Wadding it up, he tosses it on the floor. "I suggest you call your captain and confirm."

The officer's phone rings. Glaring at John, he says, "She's coming with me." Taking the device from his pocket, he steps into the hall.

"Is it true, John, are the charges dropped?"

"Thanks to the fine work of the Berryville Police Department, the drug charges are dismissed." 

Elizabeth's face lights up. "I don't believe it; I'm free. I'm finally free. No more secrets. No more worrying about the law or waking up at every little sound. I can wear pajamas to bed instead of my clothes. Oh, John, this is a dream come true, a miracle. I didn't think this day would ever come. How am I ever going to thank them, thank you for what you've done?"

"Well, I... "

Elizabeth bounces with excitement. "Thelma and Ned will be so happy. And the children. Oh, those sweet children, I miss every one of them so much."

"You weren't even gone a day." He chuckles.

"But it seems like forever. It'll be like old times again, only better now I don't have to hide anymore." The invader's threat echoes in her mind. Elizabeth's hands begin to tremble; her face turns ghostly white. Her heart pounds fiercely in her chest. Feeling dizzy, she grabs the bed rails for support.

"Are you alright?"

She turns towards him; tears fill her eyes. "I can't go home, John, I just can't. I'll never be able to go home again." She bawls.

***

Romero paces back and forth in the grand entryway, waiting for the car to arrive. The foyer is in a Palazzo design from the Aalto collection. The elegant marble floor is gold and red, with a touch of blues and greens. The sturdy white pillars on either side of the stainless glass door add to the majestic feel. 

Romero does a quick mental inventory of his business dealings as he paces to and fro. He wants to ensure he ties up all loose ends before he flees. It's an important lesson he's learned from watching others fail.

This Abby Miller, or whoever she is, has to be dealt with. He told Antonio not to worry about her, but after giving it more thought, he realized what a threat she could be, especially if she connected what she saw on the tape with a few happenings at the gym. It'd be like her to throw me under the bus to save her own skin, Romero concludes, picturing how her interrogation would go.

Antonio told him she died in the pileup, but an EMT later informed him that a doctor was treating her at the hospital. He even sent snapshots to confirm it was her. Brian went on to say a woman resembling her had died in the wreck.

Romero picks up the phone and dials Manny's number. Brian is handy for many things, but murder isn't one of them. "Manny, Romero here. I need you to do a job for me. It's easy, and I'll pay double your normal fee."... "Elizabeth Mueller, AKA Abby Miller, needs to be taken care of. She's at Saint Frances hospital in Tulsa."... "Right."... "I don't care how you do it, just be sure to get it done asap."