Find Me When I'm Lost by Cheryl A. Head

Author:Cheryl A. Head [Head, Cheryl A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781612941769
Publisher: Bywater Books
Published: 2020-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

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When they arrived on the hospital’s fourth floor, they walked through service units demarcated by signage and carpeting of different colors. Decals on glass doors announced the cardiology unit, pediatrics, internal medicine and infectious diseases until they arrived at the wing for high-security patients. A long hallway led to Franklin’s room. Outside the door, a patrol officer sat upright in a metal chair, his back straight and his eyes scanning the group approaching him. Detective Wallace leaned against the wall. Both detective and officer stood at alert when they spotted Travers, and the other two DPD muckety-mucks. Wallace and Charlie shared a wary glance.

“Status report, Wallace,” Travers ordered.

“His wife is in there with him,” Wallace said.

“You frisked her before she went in?”

Both the patrolman and detective showed guilty looks.

“Uh, no,” Wallace said. “She refused to be frisked, but we did take her bag.”

The patrol officer removed the giant bag from the arm of his chair and let it dangle on his hand as proof.

“How long has she been in there?”

“Maybe a half hour.”

Travers knocked on the door, then held it open as Fairchild, Charlie, Wallace, and the two lieutenants entered. Wallace signaled to the patrolman to remain alert. Fairchild gave a similar signal to his lawyer.

Franklin sat upright on the hospital bed with Pamela next to him. They had sad faces, red-rimmed eyes, and were holding hands. Franklin caught Charlie’s eye for a second, and Fairchild went into immediate “I’m in charge” mode.

“Franklin, how are you doing?” His voice boomed through the room.

“I’m okay,” Franklin said, adjusting the covers around the waist of his hospital gown. He didn’t make eye contact with Fairchild. Travis stood near the empty side chair staring down at Franklin. The two lieutenants stood near the door with arms crossed over thick belts heavy with the tools of their trade.

Pamela left her perch to stand next to her father near the foot of the bed. Charlie purposely moved up to block Fairchild’s view of Franklin.

“I understand you have, so far, declined to provide us a written statement, Mr. Rogers,” Travers said.

Charlie felt Fairchild shift behind her to see Franklin’s face. She held firm in her spot and hoped Franklin understood the nearly imperceptible shake of her head, which meant now was not the time to come clean. Charlie didn’t think he’d confided in Pamela. She looked sad, but not stunned. The issue was cleared up when she spoke.

“We’ve secured an attorney for Franklin,” Pamela said. “Upon her advice, he won’t be answering any questions or signing any statements.”

Charlie looked over her shoulder. Pamela had squared hers and taken a step away from her father.

“What’s this about an attorney?” Fairchild asked, voice raised. His tension surged through the room, and Charlie felt it against her back. There would be another big argument in the Fairchild home tonight.

The head nurse cut off any additional conversation when she opened the door and asked everyone to clear out. Travers and his men left immediately. Pamela moved to Franklin’s side, and the husband and wife entwined hands.

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