Somewhere off in the distance, beyond the pounding in her head, Naomi heard someone calling her name. A sense of urgency hovered out of reach.
She needed to move, to get away, but her body felt sluggish. If only her head would stop hurting!
“Naomi?” The voice was louder now, so she did her best to focus on the sound. “Unlock your door!”
Realizing she was behind the wheel of a car helped her remember. A loud banging noise and then a window shattering.
With a wince, she lifted her head and tried to look around. Her vision was blurry. Fumbling for the door, she unlocked the car, then lifted a hand to her head.
Her fingers were wet and sticky with blood, and she could feel a gash along the right side of her temple.
No wonder her head hurt.
“Naomi, can you move?” Sawyer had opened her door and was kneeling beside her.
“Yes.” She managed to swing her legs out of the car. “I’m okay.”
“You don’t look okay.” Sawyer’s tone was grim. “But there’s an ambulance on the way.”
“It’s just a headache.” A whopper of one, but nothing she couldn’t deal with.
“Stay down.” Sawyer helped her out of the car so that she was crouched beside him. “We’re going to get into the squad, okay?”
She couldn’t nod without lightning bolts of sizzling pain shooting through her head, so she simply followed his lead.
Within seconds, they were safe between the squad and the building. Sawyer was still talking into his radio as wailing sirens filled the air.
Loud. It was all too loud. She covered her ears, wincing as she accidentally hit the wound on her temple.
“Help will be here soon.” Sawyer’s tone was encouraging. “Hang in there a little longer.”
Did she have a choice? It wasn’t as if she could go anywhere.
“I need to examine your injury.” Sawyer’s voice was low and husky. She glanced down at her top and realized her favorite pink T-shirt was covered in blood.
“My bag is in the back of my car.” She grasped his arm. “Please get it for me.”
“I will as soon as our backup arrives.” He looked at something over her head and nodded. “And here they are.”
Seconds later, the area outside the restaurant was crawling with cops. It was heartening to know she was safe, but the constant questions were difficult.
“I didn’t see anything,” she said for what seemed like the tenth time. “I was backing up when I heard the sharp sound and my window shattering. That’s it. I didn’t even realize I was hit right away. I wish I could tell you more.”
“I didn’t see anything either,” Sawyer said, his voice full of disgust. “All I can say is that the gunfire came from directly behind us. I think it may have been from a handgun, although I can’t swear to it. I was taken by surprise, we don’t often hear gunfire in the middle of town.”
“We have officers canvassing the area.” The man standing next to them appeared to be the guy in charge. “Ma’am? The ambulance is here.”
“Okay, but I think the injury looks worse than it is. Head wounds tend to bleed a lot.” She knew, based on the pounding in her head, she probably had a concussion too. Too bad. No way was she going to be stuck in a hospital.
The EMTs crowded around her, wiping the worst of the blood away with wet gauze so they could examine her head.
“Looks like she was grazed by the bullet,” one of them said to Sawyer.
“I’m well aware of what happened,” she said, irrationally annoyed with the way they were talking to Sawyer rather than her. She was the patient after all.
“We need to take her to the hospital,” the second EMT said. “They’ll want to do a scan of her head.”
“I’m right here,” she said again. “And I get to decide if I’ll go to the hospital or not.”
“Naomi, please get checked out.” Sawyer looked upset. “You could have a serious head injury.”
“I doubt I’d be talking to you if that was the case.” Naomi was a nurse, although after her mother had passed away, she’d traded in her critical care nursing job for a lower paying role working in the clinic. The job was more routine, but the hours were better for keeping an eye on Kate. “There isn’t much they do for concussions other than rest and make sure the symptoms don’t get worse.”
“I’d rather hear that from the experts,” Sawyer said firmly.
“I’m a nurse, Sawyer.” It occurred to her she hadn’t told him that before. Not that he’d asked. “I’ll agree to get a CT scan, but that’s it. I’m not spending the night in the hospital.”
The EMTs looked at each other, then shrugged. The first one said, “All we need to do is transport you to the hospital. From there you’re on your own.”
“Fine.” She didn’t want to know how much this would cost her. Her mother’s medical bills had taken a huge chunk of her savings, which is why her financial situation was somewhat tenuous.
“Thanks. Please take her to Memorial. Naomi? I’ll meet you there with your bag,” Sawyer promised.
She didn’t say anything as the EMTs dressed her wound, then brought over the stretcher. Feeling foolish, she climbed onto the cart and allowed them to transport her to the hospital.
Having never ridden in an ambulance before, she couldn’t say she enjoyed it. The ride was rougher than she expected, the sudden movements of the driver making her head hurt worse.
The emergency department seemed busy, but they took her back into a room right away. Considering treatments for concussions involved rest and quiet, the place was anything but.
Naomi didn’t see Sawyer again until she’d been poked, prodded, and scanned. When he finally came into her room with her hastily packed gym bag over his shoulder, she grasped his arm. “Please take me home.”
“Easy now, we’re just waiting for the results of your head scan.” Sawyer gazed down at her. “You look better.”
Probably because they’d cleaned up most of the blood. Except for what stained her shirt and jeans. “Tell them to hurry and read it. The noise level here is awful.”
“Okay, sit tight.” He set her gym bag on the chair, then closed the door to her room. The noise level dropped a decibel, making her sigh in relief.
It wasn’t until that moment that the reality of the situation sank in. Someone had taken a shot at her car in an attempt to kill her.
Reaching up to lightly touch the bandage over her wound, she grimaced. Had nearly succeeded in killing her. If the bullet had hit even a fraction of an inch to the left, she’d be dead.
Who had done this? Leering man and his sidekick driver? Why? Because she’d escaped? If so, how had they known where to find her?
Recognizing her damaged car wouldn’t be that difficult, but that didn’t explain how they’d found her at the café. Chattanooga wasn’t that small.
She abruptly sat up, then had to grab the side rail to keep from passing out as a wave of pain hit hard. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to ignore it.
Had the driver of the Buick managed to follow her off the interstate? The thought was terrifying.
Although if that was true, then certainly Melvin Curtis was involved in this and could be brought in for questioning.
Naomi gently eased back down against the pillows and closed her eyes.
Note to self: Do not make sudden jerky movements.
She had no idea how long she rested when the door to her room opened, revealing Sawyer and the female physician.
“Your head scan came back negative for a bleed,” Dr. Rawlings said. “But you really should stay at least twenty-four hours for observation.”
“I’m a former ICU nurse,” Naomi informed her. “I know all too well that patients don’t get as much peace and quiet as they need while in the hospital. I’d rather be released so I can really rest. I promise to come back if my symptoms change for the worse.”
Dr. Rawlings eyed her thoughtfully. “Okay, I trust your judgment. I’ll send through the discharge paperwork. A nurse will be in soon.”
“Thanks.” She tried to smile, but it felt like a grimace.
“You’re welcome.” Dr. Rawlings patted her arm before turning to leave.
“A critical care nurse,” Sawyer repeated with a bemused expression. “You never told me. Very impressive.”
“I’m just a clinic nurse now,” she said wearily. “Better hours for Kate, no weekends.”
“Still, I’m in awe of your talent.”
“It’s nothing, really.” His comment made her wonder what he’d thought she did for work, but she decided he’d assumed she worked in one of the flooring companies. After all, she had mentioned living in the carpet capital of the world. He’d also assumed she was younger than she actually was. “I’d like to change into clean clothes.”
Sawyer put down the side rail and helped her sit up. The room spun for a moment, then thankfully righted. A step in the right direction. She eased onto her feet and slowly bent to unzip the gym bag.
She hadn’t packed many clothes, but thankfully she had an extra pair of jeans and several shirts. She pulled out something to wear and shuffled into the bathroom.
When she looked at her blood-matted hair along the right side of her head in the mirror, she sighed. Of course, she once again looked like an escapee from a horror flick. It seemed Sawyer was destined to see her at her worst.
After washing up in the sink and changing into clean clothes, she felt slightly better. When she emerged from the bathroom, her nurse, Lila, was waiting.
“Dr. Rawlings would like you to change the dressing twice a day and to follow up in a week, or sooner if your symptoms get worse.”
“I understand, thanks.” Naomi took the discharge paperwork, barely glancing at it. She knew the drill better than most.
Sawyer led the way outside where the bright glare of the sun made her wince. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the squad.
Traveling in a police car was beginning to feel routine.
“Can you find me a cheap hotel?” She glanced at Sawyer as he pulled out of the hospital parking lot.
“I’m taking you back to my place,” he said. “For one thing, a hotel is going to want to see an ID and credit card, both of which you don’t have. And for another, I’m worried about you staying in a hotel all alone. I’d rather be close by to keep an eye on you.”
“I’m not going to ignore my health.” His lack of trust stung. “You noticed the doc didn’t argue when I mentioned the lack of peace and quiet in the hospital. Patients are always better off recuperating at home.”
He sighed. “I know, it’s just—that was a close call, Naomi. You could have died.”
“I know. And I think you should look at that Melvin Curtis guy. He’s the only one who could have followed me to the café.”
Sawyer’s mouth thinned. “Yes, I know. We’ve issued a BOLO for him and the black Buick.”
The news was reassuring. With the entire Chattanooga police department searching for Melvin, she felt certain he’d be arrested and willing to give them information about where the girls were being held.
Dear Lord, please watch over Kate until the police are able to rescue her!
Sawyer glanced at Naomi, relieved she appeared to be resting. The gash marring her temple could have been so much worse.
He almost thanked God for saving her, but then he gave himself a mental shake. She was the believer, not him. He was fairly certain she was more than willing and able to pray for herself and Kate.
Sawyer was glad his boss hadn’t minded his taking the rest of the day off. He’d given his statement before heading over to the hospital, and every moment away from Naomi felt like tiny knives piercing his skin.
He hadn’t been able to relax until he’d seen for himself that she was fine. Learning her brain scan was normal had been an even bigger relief.
As he drove to his cabin, he kept his eye out for any sign of the black Buick. It irked him that he hadn’t taken Naomi’s concern over seeing the kidnapper seriously.
Although even if he had, he wouldn’t have expected the guy to shoot at her.
He’d left instructions for her car to be taken to the police station to be searched for evidence, like hopefully the bullet, and when that was finished, he’d arrange for it to be taken to the closest garage. Naomi couldn’t drive it until the rear window was repaired.
At the rate these guys were coming after her, she’d need a replacement vehicle before this was over.
He frowned as he slowed down to pull into his driveway, taking care not to jostle the car too much. Turner had promised to question Naomi about her kidnapping but hadn’t bothered to ask for a meeting. And the incident at the café bothered him. Why had they taken a shot at her? He also didn’t understand why the kidnappers had stayed in Chattanooga when they could have just as easily moved on in search of their next victim.
Unless Naomi had gotten too close when she’d followed the black Buick. Still, he figured they could easily dump the Buick and get another car.
Shooting at Naomi seemed almost—personal. As if the kidnappers were carrying out a vendetta against her. Because she’d escaped? Maybe.
Yet Sawyer felt certain there had to be more to it than that. Again, why hadn’t they just moved on?
Nothing about this made sense.
Naomi let out a low moan and opened her eyes. “You need a smoother driveway.”
He winced. “Sorry about that.”
She lifted her hand. “I’m kidding. Thanks for doing this. Although I wish you’d go back to work. I’m sure I’ll be fine alone.”
“My shift is just about over anyway. And I’ll check in later, see if they’ve picked up Melvin Curtis.”
“Okay.” Her easy acquiescence proved she wasn’t feeling well. Normally he’d expect an argument.
The sooner she was able to get some rest, the better.
He parked the squad and grabbed Naomi’s bag from the back seat. She moved gingerly, and he hoped that wasn’t an indication that she was feeling worse.
“You okay?” He unlocked the door and swept a gaze over the interior, before stepping aside to let her in.
“Yes.” She entered his home and crossed over to the sofa. She smiled wryly. “I don’t suppose you have any acetaminophen?”
“I do.” He set the bag down beside her and hurried into the bathroom. He brought out the over-the-counter meds along with a glass of water. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She downed the pills and handed the empty glass and bottle back. “I’m sure I’ll feel better soon.”
“Go lie down in the guest room,” he suggested. “I’ll make something light for dinner.”
“You don’t have to wait on me.” She pushed to her feet. “I hate that I’m making more work for you.”
“It’s no more additional work, I’d make something for myself anyway.” He picked up her bag and followed her into the guest room. “Please get some rest and let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Sawyer.” She gingerly sat on the edge of the bed. He set her bag down, then left her alone, softly closing the door behind him.
He changed out of his uniform but kept his gun on his hip, partially because he felt naked without it, but more so because he knew the danger surrounding Naomi was far from over.
These guys had taken a shot at her with a police cruiser nearby. A bold attempt, and one that didn’t bode well. It meant these guys were more worried about getting rid of Naomi than getting caught.
A part of him wished he could patrol the city, doing his part to find the black Buick. But there was no way he was leaving Naomi here alone.
Determined to check the exterior of his cabin, Sawyer eased out the front door and moved quietly around the structure. His large vegetable and herb garden ran along the entire west side of his home. The front and the back had large clearings, but the east side was full of trees and other foliage.
That would be the most logical place for someone trying to creep up to the cabin to hide. He went back inside for fishing wire so he could set up several low trip wires. Cameras would be better, but he didn’t have time to set them up, so he was forced to improvise.
When that task was finished, he spent some time pulling weeds from his garden, a never-ending task. Then he gathered carrots, radishes, and green onions for the chicken soup he was planning to make.
He carried his bounty inside and double locked the front and back doors. Many people didn’t bother locking up in this neck of the woods. Especially if they were isolated and away from town. Criminals didn’t bother to come out into the woods to find people to rob.
East Ridge, where Naomi had spotted the black Buick, had a surprisingly high crime rate, but in his experience, most of that crime centered around robberies, drugs, and some gang-related events.
But now he wondered if maybe the sex traffickers had made that part of the city a hub for their business.
When he’d finished chopping the vegetables and precooking the chicken, he placed the large pot of soup on the stove to cook. Then he pulled out his laptop and reviewed the area where Louisa had last been seen.
Louisa and her mother didn’t live in East Ridge, but their home wasn’t that far from the area either. The kidnappers could easily expand their search area throughout Chattanooga without being far from their home base in East Ridge.
If that was where their home base was located.
He sat back in his chair, staring at the computer. Theories weren’t facts, but he very badly wanted to check out the East Ridge gas station where Naomi had seen the Buick.
Maybe later, when she was feeling better.
His cell phone rang, and he recognized his boss’s number. “Lieutenant.”
“Murphy, I just got a call from the state troopers. They found a purse lying at the side of the road.”
He straightened in his seat. “Naomi’s?”
“Yeah, her driver’s license and credit cards were still inside, but no cash.”
“Where did they find it?”
“It was found near the Tennessee-Georgia border, off Highway 60,” Lieutenant Evan Watkins said. “Which is exactly where your witness claims the car crash took place.”
Sawyer blew out a frustrated breath. Naomi would be glad to have her driver’s license back, but the location of the lost purse wasn’t helpful.
The only clue they had was Melvin Curtis. And for all they knew, the guy could be in another state by now.