Page 28 of Special Agent Anastacia

It took everything he had not to turn around and see for himself how the girls were managing, but he’d promised not to bring any attention their way. Instead, he sauntered at a normal pace to get inside the building. Once clear, he rushed to the nearest window but saw nothing from that angle.

Wanting to get back to the girls as soon as possible, he approached the information desk and asked for directions to Lew’s room, then quickly made his way there. Moments later, he left the elevator and saw where his mom stood, clinging to Ana’s hands.

Moving closer, he heard Maria’s words. “I swear Hanna was fine the last time I saw her. In fact, she offered to go and get the iced tea.” As soon as Maria saw he’d arrived, she rushed to begathered close in his arms and clung, tears cascading down her cheeks. “Nash. It’s Lew. He’s not waking up.”

Nash held her close, his hand patting her back gently. “Mom, Lew’s always been contrary. I’ve no doubt he’ll wake up on his own time. Look, I talked to the doctors on the way here, and they don’t seem too worried. His temperature is back down to normal, and he’s not showing any signs of infection so the antibiotics must be working. You just need to give him a little more time.”

Maria pushed away from his arms and swiped at the mess on her face, accepting the tissues Ana held out. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just so much to deal with, I guess I needed a cry and for you to tell me it’s gonna be okay.”

She turned toward Ana. “I’m sorry. I know you’re worried about Hanna. Like I said, we have no idea what could have happened to the girl. There’s no sign of her anywhere.”

“You say she went through the underground parking to get to the cafeteria quicker?”

“Yes, the nurse told us it’s a shortcut… a lot faster than going through the hospital.”

“Okay, I’ll just go and take a look around and see if there’s any sign that was missed. Nash will stay with you.”

“No. Mom needs to be with Lew. I’ll come along with you.” His determined sternness brought both ladies staring his way. Realizing he’d spoken out of character, he added, “I’m thinking of Hanna. Two sets of eyes are better than one.”

Ana seemed surprised by his commanding tone, but she nodded. “We’ll keep in touch.”

Maria hugged them both before heading back into Lew’s room.

As soon as she turned her back, Nash took Ana’s arm and hurried her toward the door that Maria had pointed out. Once they were in the staircase and out of sight, he drew her close and told her about the incident by the truck. “We need to get backthere. I promised Hanna we wouldn’t give her hiding spot away, so we’ll get in the truck like nothing’s happened and drive away.”

“You say there were two of them?”

“It’s what Hanna led me to believe when she kept referring toweandsheneeds a doctor.”

Walking close together, keeping their voices low, they made their way through the dim parking area. Suddenly, Ana stopped and leaned down, taking Nash by surprise. “What’s that? See under the car?”

Nash crouched and quickly retrieved what Ana had spotted. Standing, he handed over the smashed cellphone. “I think it’s been a victim of a hit and run.” Giddy, happy for knowing that Hanna was alive, and they’d be with her shortly, he grinned at Ana. Seeing her expression, his smile faded. “What?”

“It’s Hanna’s cell. Probably why she never answered any texts or contacted us.”

“Shit me, I didn’t know. It’s a bummer, but a phone can replaced, right?”

Ana stared into his face, and her grim look disappeared to be replaced with a happy smile. “True dat. Let’s go and find out what this is all about.”

Careful not to bring any attention to themselves, they got into the truck, making sure not to glance toward the back while Nash drove slowly out of the lot. He scanned the area, remembering that Hanna had said the devil was driving a car, and since they’d spotted him, she believed he was still searching for them. Nothing seemed out of place and soon they were well on their way.

Again, word for word, he answered Ana’s demands, speaking of what transpired earlier between him and Hanna. Her questions came at him like cannon fire. “She said that he was the devil. Those exact words?”

“Yes.”

“What else?”

“She begged me not to bring attention to them. Not to look their way.”

“Was she crying?”

“Not really. She was whispering, but I heard the panic. When I hesitated, she said something about not wanting to take any chances. Or they’d be dead. He had a gun. He’s a killer.”

“Considering what’s been happening lately, I guess we’ll have to take her at her word. Let’s find a place to pull over so we can see exactly what we’re up against.”

Once they’d driven for a few more minutes and were sure they hadn’t been followed, he pulled into a secluded spot. Both he and Ana went to the back of the vehicle to let the girls out and see what kind of a casualty they’d be dealing with.

Smiling, he lifted the back door. “You’re safe now Hanna. You can come out.”

---