Page 68 of Every Last One
Luis switched the feed to the coverage of the fourth floor.
Torres was back at Maddox’s side, and there was another doctor with them. She must have gone to get a doctor for him. Sandra hoped it would be enough to give Maddox the chance of pulling through this.
There was a knock on the door, and Sandra answered to find Eric standing there with two evidence bags in hand.
“Delivering Feeney’s laptop, as promised.”
She took the computer from him as he stepped inside, and she handed it over to Brice. He took it to his station and got to work.
“And what’s that in there?” Sandra asked, gesturing toward the other bag.
“I was just going to get to that. So a chat with Feeney’s boyfriend was enlightening.” Eric told them the story of Feeney’s mother, and Sandra was feverish by the time he’d finished. Feeney’s mother had checked into the hospital for standard treatment but left in a body bag. Losing her mother that way would have been devastating. It was so random, there would be no preparation. Heartbreaking.
Margo, I need you to be all right…
“I found this on Feeney’s dresser.” Eric handed Sandra a framed photograph. “It’s Feeney with her mother.”
Sandra’s heart pinched looking at the image of the smiling women. Their body language confirmed they were close. The way they had their heads resting against each other. But there was pain in both women’s eyes. This picture was probably taken before the unknown bacterial infection devastated her body.
“As if losing her mother wasn’t enough, Feeney was saddled with the medical debt from her mother’s treatment,” Eric said.
“That would be enough to trigger anyone,” Sandra said. “And earlier you mentioned she was being evicted from her house.”
“Lots of bad luck hitting all within a short time,” Eric said.
Neal shook his head. “Like a line of dominoes falling over.”
“I feel for the woman,” Kreiger wedged in, “but we all fall on rough times in life. Most of us don’t storm into a hospital with a gun.”
Brice said, “Desperate times call for?—”
“Please don’t say it.” Kreiger leveled Brice with a hard glare.
“Well, that’s about it for now,” Eric said, turning to leave.
“Hold up. Any more on Cross? The search of his house turn up anything?” Neal asked.
“Not yet, but I’m going to pop over and see how things are coming along.” Eric shot her a look before he left the vehicle,and she debated whether she should follow and have a word with him or not. She decided she would and set the framed photograph on the table before following him.
“Eric? Hold up a minute.” Sandra hurried after him.
He turned around and closed the distance between them. “What’s going on? Are you all right?”
She uncrossed her arms, realizing she’d been hugging herself, and she pinched her St. Michael pendant. When his eyes fell to her hands, she let them fall by her sides.
“What is it?” He stepped within a few inches of her and peered into her eyes.
Sandra licked her lips and shook her head. Tears filled her vision.
He cupped her elbows with his hands. “Talk to me.”
“It’s Mom.” Just two words, but the pain they carried spliced through her. She appreciated he held the silence, letting her pace herself for when and how she continued. “She was taken to Howard University Hospital this morning.”
“Oh, Sandra, I’m sorry. I hope it’s nothing serious.”
His calm energy soothed her. He must have assumed nothing bad because she was still here. “She fainted, and the doctors are running tests. Dana assured me she’s being well looked after, but I worry that…”
He moved like he was going to hug her, but he stopped short. He was aware how she felt about public displays of affection, and this showed he respected her viewpoint. “You can leave, Sandra. Someone else could step up in your place. Heck, Brice is already here.”
