10:15 p.m. Sunday, December 31
Leaning over, Sylvia cupped Lina’s hand with her own and encouraged the girl to take another sip from the teacup. Pleased to find the girl was no longer shaking, Sylvia pressed a cold washcloth over the girl’s forehead to soothe the nasty bruise. I’m surprised there isn’t a bump.
“I told you hot tea would help,” Sylvia said. “How’s that scrape on your head?”
Looking bewildered, the girl brushed Sylvia’s hand away and sat upright in the leather seat beside the stove. “Where are the Tollmans?”
“I don’t know, dear.” Patting Lina on the shoulder, Sylvia’s sympathy increased. The attack must have been worse than we thought.
“Is it New Year’s Eve, Mama?”
Sylvia hesitated. Poor thing really is confused. Who would do this to a young girl like her? “Yes, dear. Sit back and don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“What’s the time? Did I miss him?”
“About a quarter past ten, and no, Warner hasn’t returned yet.”
“Good,” Lina smiled. “Luke should a got the call by now.”
Sylvia couldn’t think of anything to say. Is she becoming delusional? If she’s got a mild concussion we should get her to a hospital before she gets worse.
“I wanna try it on, Mama,” Lina said, reaching out toward the locket dangling around Sylvia’s neck.
“Just sip a bit more tea,” Sylvia said, brushing the hair from Lina’s face. “Soon as Warner gets back we’ll get you some help.”
“Letting me wear the locket is gonna make me feel better.”
Sylvia’s brow furrowed. I don’t want her to wear it. I don’t even want her to touch it, but—. She frowned and looked down at her now-precious locket. If wearing it helps, even in her mind—what can it hurt?
“Only for a moment,” Sylvia said, reaching behind her neck and releasing the clasp, before holding the necklace out.
Scooting forward with excitement, Lina snatched the locket from Sylvia’s hand and fastened it around her neck with a practiced ease. Pressing the dangling silver heart to her chest, she said, “He’s gonna be so surprised when he sees I come back for him like I promised.”
Sylvia raised her eyebrow in worry, and then steadied herself. “Warner already knows you came back, dear. I just hope Bella’s okay.” Please bring them both home safely. She may be just a dog, but she’s like a child to Warner.
“Mama, I been waiting for this day for a long time—”
“Please dear, it’s not… appropriate… to call me that. Your mother’s not here.”
“Don’t be silly,” Lina said with a lighthearted laugh.
“I’m not…. but you’re safe now. We’ll see you get help.” Sylvia paused before asking the question that had been troubling her for the past hour. “Do you know why Chad took Bella?”
When Lina pouted her lower lip and shrugged, the apparent lack of concern surprised Sylvia. Something is definitely wrong with the girl. Feeling a chill, Sylvia glanced at the dwindling fire and stepped over to stoke the flames. After placing a small log over the coals, she picked up a half-empty container of starter fluid and sprayed a stream of liquid across the wood. Using a nearby long-necked lighter, she lit the fluid with a whoosh. The initial burst of warmth was comforting, but all she managed was to keep the fire from dying out completely. Closing the stove’s door, Sylvia rose to her feet using the arm of a chair and noticed Lina now stood in front of the French doors, staring out into the darkness.
“Dear, please step away from there. Anyone could be watching,” Sylvia said, taking a seat at the dining table.
“What time’s it, Mama?” Lina glanced over her shoulder at Sylvia.
“Stop calling me that,” Sylvia complained, glancing at her watch. “It’s ten-forty. Now come sit down before something else happens.”
“Less than an hour to go. He’s gonna be so surprised!”
“Surprised by what? Who?” Sylvia felt a stab of trepidation. “You’re not making sense.”
“You’ll see,” Lina said, turning back to face the darkness with a smile.