Chapter 82
Nikki
After being taken to the hospital yesterday, we were examined and held for a twenty-four observation. This morning, the doctor on call cleared us to go home since we hadn’t sustained any major injuries. Maria was okay, and Junior only received two stitches, thank God! I was treated for bruised ribs along with a fractured wrist and a few minor scrapes, but all in all I was good. The baby looked good too. However, I was told to follow up with my obstetrician in a day or two to be sure.
Almost two hours ago I’d called Ms. Claudia to pick us up. While we waited, Officer Kendall continued the line of questioning he’d started yesterday until the nurse had him leave. Not one to miss a beat, he was back first thing this morning with a cup of coffee and a slew of questions.
“Why would someone run you off the road and then hunt you down to kill you?” Officer Kendall asked for the hundredth time.
“Look, man, I’ve already told you. I don’t know!” I paced the hospital floor while periodically checking the window to see if my mother-in-law was outside. The small county hospital had only three floors.
“Mrs. Wallace, I’ve done a little research.” Officer Kendall sat up in the seat he was occupying. “Your husband is the kingpin of a well-known drug ring. In my book that explains a lot.” He gave me the once-over.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I snapped. “Don’t be saying no shit like that in front of my kids.” I looked over to Junior, who was sitting in my hospital bed, coloring. Maria was asleep in the car seat the hospital provided us since we lost ours in the accident.
“I’m sorry.” He raised his hands. “It’s my job to uncover the truth. I’m just trying to figure out what happened, that’s all.”
“Well, while you were digging up my past, you should have seen that I’ve been divorced from my ex-husband for nearly a year! That part of my life is over.” I shook my head and lied as best I could. This wasn’t my first time being interrogated, and I was sure it wasn’t going to be the last.
“I didn’t know that.” Officer Kendall swallowed hard.
“No, you didn’t, because you didn’t bother to look. All you saw in my files was the association to Mario Wallace, whose name is all over the goddamn place right now, and decided to make your own speculation! While you’re sitting here babysitting me you could be trying to find the person responsible!” Last night while watching the news, I found out the assailant was still at large.
“Mrs. Wallace, do you think this was—” Officer Kendall was cut off by the transportation tech.
“Mrs. Wallace, your ride is downstairs.” A young girl wearing a green shirt and khaki pants smiled. She was standing there with a wheelchair.
“Who is that for?” I looked at her suspiciously.
“It’s for you. The hospital has a policy to transport all patients by wheelchair to the front door.”
“Girl, bye.” I shook my head. “I’m good but thank you, sweetheart.” In one swift motion I helped Junior from the bed and grabbed Maria’s car seat. Immediately I doubled over in pain and grabbed my side.
“Are you okay?” Officer Kendall and the tech asked in unison.
“I’m fine. My ribs hurt like hell, that’s all.” With a deep breath, I regained my composure and stood. The tech pushed the chair closer, and grudgingly, I took a seat. Officer Kendall grabbed Maria’s car seat and lifted Junior into his arms.
Once in the lobby, we were greeted by Claudia, Mario’s mother. “Grandma.” Junior damn near leaped from Officer Kendall’s arms when he saw her.
“Hey, big boy.” She smiled wearily. I could tell she had seen better days. Her eyes were red, and her face was puffy.
“Thank you.” Slowly I stood from the chair. The tech made sure I was okay before strolling away.
“Mrs. Wallace, I’ll be in touch as the investigation continues.” Officer Kendall placed Junior on the ground, then reached into his pocket and produced a card. “Take my number and call me if anything jogs your memory. Also, may we run ballistics on your vehicle?” They’d recovered it from the scene of the wreck.
“Suit yourself.” I took the card and shrugged. “Good day, Officer.” I grabbed Junior’s hand and made my way outside. Ms. Claudia carried Maria to the car, then strapped her in. Without a word she got into the driver’s seat but didn’t start the engine.
“What’s wrong?” I looked over to see her head down.
“Nikki.” She sniffed. “What is happening to my family? I’m scared to death.” Her hands were shaking uncontrollably. Even though my entire body was rocked by pain, I willed myself to reach over and embrace her. “Look at you. Look at my grandbabies. Look at my son, Nikki.” She pulled back, then wiped her eyes. “I’m petrified.”
“I know you are, Ms. C, but it will be okay.” I tried my best to reassure her, but it wasn’t working. “We’ve been in hot water before. We’ll be all right.” Although I spoke with confidence, I wasn’t certain about a damn thing. This was by far the hottest water we’d ever been in.