Point Blank by Diane M. Campbell

Author:Diane M. Campbell [Campbell, Diane M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781736448809
Publisher: DMC Books LLC
Published: 2021-01-21T16:00:00+00:00

Lance was overcome with emotion as he leaned over the still form on the bed. His only child had returned, yet still she remained so far away. Why hadn’t he tried harder to draw her back home at Christmas? He blinked and a tear fell to her swollen, purple cheek.

“Penny?” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Penny, can you hear me?”

No sign of response.

“Penny, I’m here. It’s Dad.” He took hold of her hand. So cool to the touch. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner, but I’m here now. Hold on, sweetie. Everything will be all right.”

He sensed Doctor Matheson draw near. She lay her hand gently on his shoulder. “We’ve been easing back on the meds today in order to begin weaning her from the ventilator. She’ll gradually get closer to consciousness and become more aware of voices. I’m glad you’re here to help guide her back.”

“I should have been here sooner.”

“You’re here now. That’s what’s important.” She maneuvered through the equipment toward the door. “Stay as long as you like. I need to finish my rounds, but I’ll be back in the morning. If you need anything at all, just let the charge nurse know.”

“I won’t be going anywhere.”

Soon after she left, however, Lance remembered Sergeant Clemens. He needed to go back to the waiting area. Reluctantly, he laid Penny’s hand on the blanket and left her room.

As Lance walked up the he hall, he noticed Clemens paging idly through a magazine in the waiting area. In a seat nearby, a young man with dark hair seemed to be studying the officer. Clemens caught Lance’s approach and stood, causing the other fellow’s gaze to flash upward. His face seemed to register recognition before quickly shifting away to study the phone on his lap.

Who was this guy?

Clemens drew his attention with a questioning look. “You took some time in there. Is she—?”

Lance coughed and nodded discretely in the young man’s direction. “Could you come with me, please?”

Clemens caught the signal. “Of course.”

Lance led the way to an area behind the elevators. “Maybe I’m letting my imagine get away from me, but that young man seemed keenly interested in our conversation.”

“Hmm, I hadn’t noticed.” He patted Lance’s back. “Don’t worry too much about it. Curiosity is pretty typical.”

Lance rubbed his brow. “I suppose you’re right. I keep thinking about Penny’s possible connection to the missing college student. It’s got me on edge.”

“That’s understandable. What about the Jane Doe?”

“I would have wagered against it, but your instincts were right. My daughter is in that room.” Lance paused a moment when his voice cracked with emotion. “She’s hardly recognizable.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, doctor, but glad we both know where she is. Will she be okay?”

Lance nodded. “Fortunately, her condition’s stable. The doctor believes she’s ready to wean off the ventilator.”

“That’s good. And now you can be here when she wakes. I’ll contact Maricopa County and let them know we’ve located her. They’ll probably send someone up to interview her.”

“I doubt she’ll be doing any interviews soon.

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