Ellen leaned against a wall just out of sight of the loading dock. It was a mild day for February, but the cool air still made her shiver. Or, she wondered, was it listening to that monster Victor Smith talking so calmly with Sheila that chilled her to the bone?
Sheila laughed. “That stupid cop. He tried to cuff me, and I hit him over the head with a bedpan. He dropped like a ton of bricks.”
Ellen could smell cigarette smoke as it drifted toward her.
“Feels like I haven’t had a smoke in months,” said Sheila, her voice hoarse from disuse. “What the hell was that yesterday?”
“Yesterday?” Ellen recognized Theo’s voice and felt relieved to know that her ally was in place.
“Yeah. Was that an earthquake?” asked Sheila.
“What do you remember?” asked Victor. He sounded cagey.
“Not much. I was in my Airstream. Some kid was there. Can’t remember for the life of me who it was. Then everything went dark. And now I’m here.”
Ellen saw a black town car with tinted windows approach.
“This is us,” said Victor. “Ready to go?”
“Am I ever. I’m dying to get out of here.”
Theo spoke up. “Ma’am, are you sure you’re ready to be discharged? That earthquake you mentioned was over six months ago. I think I should escort you back to your room.”
“First of all, do not call me ma’am. And second, bullshit. The earthquake was yesterday. And third, Mr. Smith here has offered to let me rest and recuperate at his lovely home. Much better than a stinky hospital.”
“No, it wasn’t,” said Theo.
“What are you talking about?” asked Sheila impatiently.
“The earthquake. It’s February. Valentine’s Day is next week.”
“Bullshit,” she said.
“Let’s not worry about that right now, Sheila,” said Victor. “The car is waiting. Once you’re settled, we can take a ride on the yacht,” said Victor smoothly. “I have it all gassed up and ready for a cruise on the lake.”
It’s now or never, thought Ellen. She took a deep breath, then stepped out from behind the wall. She stood at the top of the downward slope leading to the loading dock, just in view of the street. “He’s telling the truth, Sheila.”
“Who the hell are you?” asked the drug dealer.
Ellen took in Sheila’s appearance, noting how pale and thin she looked. She wondered how the woman was able to take down a police officer single-handedly. “I’m the mayor of Portland. I helped save your life once, and I’m going to do it again today.”
“Seriously? I’m at a hospital. How much danger can I be in?” asked Sheila. “Hey, Victor. About that ride.” Sheila jumped down from the loading dock, then lost her balance.
Theo was by her side in an instant and put his arm around her shoulders to steady her. “Hey there, ma’am. I really think I should take you back up to your room.”
Sheila leaned on him until her dizzy spell passed, then backed away. “Hands off. I’m fine. Victor, let’s go.” She started toward the car.
Ellen took a step closer. “Sheila, I’m going to have to ask you to stay. I have some questions for you. And if you leave with Victor, you won’t survive the night. Trust me.”
“I resent your allegations, mayor,” said Victor with a smug look. “I’m simply here as Sheila’s employer and friend. She called me for a ride, and I was happy to oblige.”
“And I have nothing to say to you,” said Sheila pointing at Ellen.
“Really? Nothing about the drug operation you were running for Victor?”
Sheila gave her a sullen look and tossed her cigarette on the pavement, crushing out the butt with a slipper-clad foot. “I don’t know anything about that.”
“Dad, are you okay?”
Ellen turned at the voice and saw Patrick, wearing a black leather jacket. Quickly taking in the scene, he stepped close to his father. Ellen noted that the loading dock felt very secluded for the busy Alphabet District. She quickly glanced around. The only security camera was broken and hanging useless from a wire, and she saw that in addition to the town car idling in front of them, two black SUVs had blocked the intersections on either side.
They were trapped.