| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted November 24, 2024 | Chapters: |
...19 20 -21- 22... 
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When things don't go as planned
A chapter in the book Miracles
Miracles - Chap 21
by Begin Again
In her search for Rossi and Maxwell, Eleanor had set the bar fight in motion and then followed Tony when he raced down the hall. She'd slipped into the office as Rossi and Maxwell disappeared inside the armoire. Her anger festered when she saw Tony with her paintings.
Memories washed over her. Those precious times long ago when Charles taught her to paint. Instantly, her thoughts switched to Jenna. Her daughter was agonizing over what had happened to Donatelli. She knew the right thing was to tell her that he was alive.
As she passed through the parking lot, she was about to tell Garth about what she'd discovered inside, but when she heard his conversation with Frank, she decided Jenna needed to be told by her and not Garth. With a firm resolve, she made her decision and left.
*****
Her thoughts raced as she approached the mansion. Finding Donatelli in that isolated cottage had been a bittersweet relief. He was alive, yes, but barely — his injuries severe, his mind clouded. She had wasted no time calling for help, summoning Frank and his helicopter to whisk him to safety. But the chaos that followed with Garth and Danni had kept her from Jenna far longer than she'd planned. And now, she feared she'd waited too long.
Her daughter deserved to know the truth, even if the truth might hurt her. She had convinced herself she was protecting Jenna, but deep down, she knew she had also been avoiding Jenna's wrath. Still, the truth could no longer wait.
She materialized in the mansion's living room. She could hear voices coming from upstairs. Rather than pop in on the girls, something Jenna abhorred, she stood at the base of the stairs and called, "Jenna, Rebecca — are you girls okay?"
Jenna appeared at the top of the steps. "Hi, Mom. Rebecca and I were exploring and discovered a box of old letters. Rebecca thinks her ancestors wrote them. Come on up?"
Eleanor knew she couldn't wait any longer. "Jenna — could I have a few minutes with you alone?"
"Sure, are you okay?" Jenna started down the stairs as she addressed her mom. "You look frazzled."
Eleanor swept her hair off her face. "I was caught in the middle of a bar fight."
"A bar fight?" Jenna took the last step and hugged Eleanor. "Mom, what's going on?"
"I started the fight, but Garth, Tango, and Danni were there. It's a long story, and I have something far more important to discuss."
"Mom, that sounds serious." Concern was etched on Jenna's face.
"It is, but let's sit down first. I'm a little winded." Eleanor knew she was stalling, but she thought Jenna should be seated when she learned about Donatelli.
"You need to stop getting into the middle of things. Ghost or not, something bad could happen."
"Honey, I'm already dead. I doubt anything worse than that can happen."
Jenna sat on the sofa beside her mother, unconsciously rubbing her stomach.
Eleanor's hand reached out and touched Jenna's hands. "You're okay, right? There's been a lot happening to upset you."
"I'm fine, but —" She waved her hand in a circle. "It just seems like I'm huge for being five months. At this rate, I'll look like a house."
"Is that what the doctor says?" Eleanor knew Jenna hadn't mentioned seeing a doctor, but she assumed it was because of the rape. "I'm not trying to be nosey but is that how long it's been since the attack?"
Jenna closed her eyes and inhaled. "Yes, and you might as well know I haven't seen a doctor."
"Jenna! You're five months pregnant, and you haven't been to an obstetrician?" Eleanor couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Don't start, please. I couldn't. Besides, I didn't know I was pregnant until Rebecca gave me the test."
"Did I hear my name?" Rebecca came into the room carrying a stack of letters. "Look what we found upstairs."
Eleanor nodded at Rebecca, but her mind was focused on Jenna. "Did you know that Jenna hasn't seen a doctor?"
Rebecca set the letters on the table. "Jenna, tell me that's not true. You know how important it is. There are tests to tell you how far along you are and how big the baby is, not to mention prenatal vitamins and other stuff."
"I don't need anyone to tell me how far along I am. I can count from the day of the attack. And just look at me, and you'll know the baby is growing just fine."
"Still —"
"Stop, Rebecca. You sound like my mother." Jenna turned toward Eleanor. "Now, back to Garth and the fight at the bar."
Rebecca gasped. "Fight? Was Garth in a fight? Was he — did he get hurt?"
Jenna grinned. "And who says they don't have any feelings for the cowboy? Garth wasn't in the fight. My mother was!"
"What? Eleanor, you were in a bar fight?"
"Not exactly, but I did start it on purpose. I needed to see what was going on inside the bar." Eleanor sighed and stood up, walking toward the window. She brushed aside the curtain and stared toward the cottage. "Jenna, I need to tell you something about Matthew."
Jenna's eyes widened. "What about him? Mom, do you know something?"
"I do." Eleanor hesitated, her fingers twisting nervously. "I found him, Jenna. He was being cared for in a cottage not far from here. When I saw him, I knew he needed immediate medical attention. I called Frank, and he flew him to the hospital by helicopter."
Jenna gasped, her hand instinctively going to her stomach. "You found him? And you didn't tell me right away? Why would you do that?"
"I thought I was doing the right thing," Eleanor said softly.
"You thought wrong!" Jenna snapped. "You're unbelievable at times."
"He was in such bad shape. I didn't want to give you hope only for it to be taken away if he didn't survive. And then — things got complicated. I had to help Garth and Danni, and time slipped away from me. I should have come to you sooner."
"And you thought letting me sit here day and night thinking he was dead was better? I — I love him." Jenna couldn't believe she'd said it aloud — it was the first time she admitted how she felt about him.
"Jenna, calm yourself. It's not good for you or the baby."
Rebecca put a hand on Jenna's arm, her face torn between empathy and uncertainty. "Jenna, your mom, was trying to do what she thought was best. Maybe we should hear her out.'
But Jenna shook her head vehemently, tears shimmering in her eyes. 'No, Rebecca. You don't understand. I need to see him. If it were someone you loved, wouldn't you do the same?'"
"Jenna, just give her a chance. She's your mother."
"Don't," Jenna cut her off. "Let's go."
Rebecca hesitated. "Go where?"
"To DiVito's hospital. If Matthew is there, I want to be with him."
"Jenna, wait," Eleanor pleaded, stepping toward her.
But Jenna had already grabbed her car keys. "Don't try to stop me, Mom. I'm done being left in the dark. He needs me."
"He has amnesia. He won't know you. He doesn't even know who he is."
The threatening tears rolled down Jenna's cheeks. "That's more reason for me to be sitting by his side, talking to him, telling him how much I care. If he thinks I was in Garth's arms because I —" She remembered the discarded roses in the trash. "This is crazy. I need to be with him."
Rebecca stood, giving Eleanor a regretful look. "We'll call you when we know more."
Eleanor stood motionless as the front door slammed shut. Her heart ached as she repeated Jenna's words — He needs me. He has to know I care.
She had wanted to protect her daughter from more pain, but instead, she had only pushed her away. And now, Jenna and Rebecca were heading toward the unknown, toward a man who might not even remember them. Could she have made a bigger mess of things?
"Be safe," she murmured, though the knot in her stomach told her safety was no longer guaranteed.
Eleanor stood motionless at the window, her eyes following Jenna's car as it disappeared into the night. A flicker of movement caught her attention — a dark SUV parked down the road, its headlights off. A chill ran through her as the engine roared to life, trailing after Jenna.
*****
Minutes after Jenna's car sped off, Garth arrived at the mansion, his expression grim. He stepped inside, taking in Eleanor's worried pacing.
"Where's Jenna?" he asked, his voice tense.
"She left," Eleanor said.
Garth stared at Eleanor, undecided whether he was angry or deeply concerned. "So, you told her about finding Donatelli?"
Eleanor nodded. "I tried to tell you, but you kept brushing me aside. I'm sorry."
"No, you're right. I got so wrapped up in my own thoughts I didn't leave much room for anyone else. I'm the one who should be saying sorry. Frankie set me straight."
"He's the best." A glimmer of a smile tugged at her lips. "He's a wonderful friend."
"I know, but so are you. Are we okay?"
"Of course we are."
"Now, where did Jenna take off to? I am assuming Rebecca is with her."
Eleanor nodded. "She and Rebecca went to Frankie's hospital to see Donatelli."
Garth's eyes widened. "Alone? In the middle of all this? Damn it, Eleanor, why didn't you stop them?"
"I tried," Eleanor said. "She wouldn't listen. She's angry, and I don't blame her."
Garth pulled out his phone and dialed. "Frank, it's Garth. Jenna and Rebecca are headed your way. Rossi's men could be watching. We need to move."
*****
Jenna gripped the wheel tightly, her knuckles white as anger and fear wrestled within her. The quiet hum of the engine was the only sound between her and Rebecca, who sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clenched around her phone. The tension in the car was thick enough to choke on.
Jenna spotted headlights in the rearview mirror out of the corner of her eye. Her stomach tightened as an SUV appeared, its dark silhouette creeping closer with alarming speed.
"Jenna?" Rebecca cried. Her eyes darted to the rear window. "It's approaching so fast."
"I see it," Jenna replied, her voice taut. She tried to remain calm, but the flutter of panic in her chest betrayed her. She muttered, "It's probably nothing."
The SUV gained on them quickly.
Then it happened.
The first jolt was like a hammer striking metal, sending a sharp shock through the car. Jenna gasped, her hands trembling as she tightened her grip on the wheel. "What the hell?"
"They hit us!" Rebecca cried, her voice rising in panic.
Before Jenna could respond, the second hit came harder and more deliberate. The rear tires screeched as the car fishtailed. She fought the wheel. "Hold on!" she yelled, her voice shaking.
The SUV rammed them again, this time with brutal force. The car spun violently, the world outside a blur of headlights, trees, and asphalt. Rebecca's scream pierced the inside of the vehicle. Her hands flew as she tried to brace herself against the dashboard.
The sickening crunch of metal and glass shattered the night as the car careened off the road and slammed into a ditch. The sudden impact hurled them forward, and the seatbelts locked tight, cutting into their bodies. The windshield spiderwebbed from the force, and steam hissed from the crumpled hood.
For a heartbeat, silence fell, broken only by the sound of the other vehicle's engine revving as it sped away, leaving a trail of red taillights disappearing into the darkness.
*****
Garth's SUV raced down the same road minutes later, headlights cutting through the darkness. Eleanor sat in the passenger seat, gripping the armrest. As they neared Frankie's place, it seemed as if they were in the clear. The girls had probably made it without any incidents involving Rossi. Eleanor's scream changed everything.
"There!" Eleanor shouted, pointing to the wrecked car in the ditch. Smoke curled from the crumpled hood. "Oh my God, Garth."
Garth hit the brakes, burning rubber as the car stopped. He jumped out, rushing to the wreck. Jenna was slumped over the wheel, blood trickling from her forehead. Rebecca was unconscious, her head resting against the shattered window.
Garth's breath was ragged. "They're alive."
Flipping open his phone, he dialed again. "Frank, we found them. They're in bad shape."
Within moments, two unmarked vans pulled up, and DiVito's men began carefully extracting Jenna and Rebecca from the wreckage.
"We'll take them straight to the hospital," one of the paramedics said, his tone clipped but professional.
Eleanor stood frozen. "This is my fault," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I pushed her too hard. I should've —"
Garth turned sharply toward her, his anger barely held in check. "Eleanor! Now's not the time for guilt," he snapped, though his voice softened at the end. "We've got to focus on getting them through this."
Her hands wrung together as she stared after the departing ambulances, tears shimmering in her eyes. "She's my baby, Garth. And Rebecca — she's so fragile. I should've protected them instead of arguing." Her voice cracked, and she struggled to compose herself.
Garth exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. "I know, Eleanor. But beating yourself up doesn't help right now. If you want to do something, go to that hospital. Be there for her. For both of them."
Eleanor nodded, her expression resolute despite the anguish in her eyes. "Garth —" She stepped closer."Promise me you'll find Rossi. And make sure he can't hurt her —or anyone else — ever again."
Garth's jaw tightened as he met her gaze. "You have my word." The vision of Rebecca lying lifeless in the car tugged at his mind and heart.
Hang in there, girl. We've just started this story.
The thought surprised him, but he liked the sound of it. He'd felt the attraction from the first moment he saw her. Or was it just because she reminded him of Allie?
As he climbed into his truck, his fingers fumbled with his phone as he dialed.
"Tango," he barked the moment the line connected. "We've got a situation. Rossi's men ran Jenna and Rebecca off the road."
He paused, struggling to keep his emotions in check. "They're alive, but it's bad. Frank's taking them to the hospital. I want every unit and every contact we've got on this. Rossi needs to pay for this — whatever it takes, wherever he's hiding."
On the other end of the line, Tango's voice hardened. "Understood. I'll pull in everyone. He won't get away this time."
Garth ended the call, gripping the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. His chest felt heavy, but his focus burned sharper than ever.
Rossi, your days are numbered.
Eleanor materialized in the passenger seat, her presence filling the air with cold stillness. "Promise me," she said quietly. "Promise me they'll be safe."
Garth met her spectral gaze, his voice like steel. "I swear it, Eleanor. This ends tonight."
The truck roared to life as he sped after the ambulances, a storm of determination and guilt driving him forward.
*****
The hospital's emergency team rushed Jenna and Rebecca through the double doors as Eleanor and Garth trailed behind, their hearts pounding. Frank DiVito barked orders to his staff, but the well-trained crew was already on it.
"Get them to trauma now!"
Eleanor's hands shook as she clung to Garth, her voice trembling with fear. "She's pregnant. They have to save the baby, too."
"Frank's team knows what they're doing," Garth said, his voice low but firm. "Let's give them space." He looked into her eyes and wrapped his arms around her. "It's our job to pray."
"You're right. Everything's in God's hands now." She turned away and whispered, "Dear Lord, bless everyone who touches my daughter and Rebecca. But please, give — my grandchild a chance. Amen."
Near the coffee urn, Garth was saying a prayer of his own — for the girls, the baby, and his men, whom he knew would risk everything in search of Rossi.
*****
Rebecca's team of doctors burst through the first set of double doors like soldiers marching into battle. Jenna's gurney veered off, careening two doors down to the delivery room, where another medical team awaited, their faces tense.
Jenna stirred faintly, her eyelids fluttering as pain etched deep lines across her pale face. The bright overhead lights bore down on her. Nurses swarmed around her like bees, their hands quick and practiced.
"Her vitals are dropping," one of the doctors called out sharply, scanning the monitors.
A nurse positioned an ultrasound probe over Jenna's abdomen, the screen flickering to life. The room seemed to hold its breath.
"The baby's in distress," the doctor monitoring the ultrasound said, his voice clipped.
"We don’t have time," another doctor snapped. "Prepare for an emergency C-section — now!"
Jenna's lips moved, a faint moan escaping. Her hand reached out weakly, grasping at the empty air. Tears glistened at the corners of her half-open eyes.
"My baby," she whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling. "Please — save my baby."
Her plea hung in the air.
In her search for Rossi and Maxwell, Eleanor had set the bar fight in motion and then followed Tony when he raced down the hall. She'd slipped into the office as Rossi and Maxwell disappeared inside the armoire. Her anger festered when she saw Tony with her paintings.
Memories washed over her. Those precious times long ago when Charles taught her to paint. Instantly, her thoughts switched to Jenna. Her daughter was agonizing over what had happened to Donatelli. She knew the right thing was to tell her that he was alive.
As she passed through the parking lot, she was about to tell Garth about what she'd discovered inside, but when she heard his conversation with Frank, she decided Jenna needed to be told by her and not Garth. With a firm resolve, she made her decision and left.
*****
Her thoughts raced as she approached the mansion. Finding Donatelli in that isolated cottage had been a bittersweet relief. He was alive, yes, but barely — his injuries severe, his mind clouded. She had wasted no time calling for help, summoning Frank and his helicopter to whisk him to safety. But the chaos that followed with Garth and Danni had kept her from Jenna far longer than she'd planned. And now, she feared she'd waited too long.
Her daughter deserved to know the truth, even if the truth might hurt her. She had convinced herself she was protecting Jenna, but deep down, she knew she had also been avoiding Jenna's wrath. Still, the truth could no longer wait.
She materialized in the mansion's living room. She could hear voices coming from upstairs. Rather than pop in on the girls, something Jenna abhorred, she stood at the base of the stairs and called, "Jenna, Rebecca — are you girls okay?"
Jenna appeared at the top of the steps. "Hi, Mom. Rebecca and I were exploring and discovered a box of old letters. Rebecca thinks her ancestors wrote them. Come on up?"
Eleanor knew she couldn't wait any longer. "Jenna — could I have a few minutes with you alone?"
"Sure, are you okay?" Jenna started down the stairs as she addressed her mom. "You look frazzled."
Eleanor swept her hair off her face. "I was caught in the middle of a bar fight."
"A bar fight?" Jenna took the last step and hugged Eleanor. "Mom, what's going on?"
"I started the fight, but Garth, Tango, and Danni were there. It's a long story, and I have something far more important to discuss."
"Mom, that sounds serious." Concern was etched on Jenna's face.
"It is, but let's sit down first. I'm a little winded." Eleanor knew she was stalling, but she thought Jenna should be seated when she learned about Donatelli.
"You need to stop getting into the middle of things. Ghost or not, something bad could happen."
"Honey, I'm already dead. I doubt anything worse than that can happen."
Jenna sat on the sofa beside her mother, unconsciously rubbing her stomach.
Eleanor's hand reached out and touched Jenna's hands. "You're okay, right? There's been a lot happening to upset you."
"I'm fine, but —" She waved her hand in a circle. "It just seems like I'm huge for being five months. At this rate, I'll look like a house."
"Is that what the doctor says?" Eleanor knew Jenna hadn't mentioned seeing a doctor, but she assumed it was because of the rape. "I'm not trying to be nosey but is that how long it's been since the attack?"
Jenna closed her eyes and inhaled. "Yes, and you might as well know I haven't seen a doctor."
"Jenna! You're five months pregnant, and you haven't been to an obstetrician?" Eleanor couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Don't start, please. I couldn't. Besides, I didn't know I was pregnant until Rebecca gave me the test."
"Did I hear my name?" Rebecca came into the room carrying a stack of letters. "Look what we found upstairs."
Eleanor nodded at Rebecca, but her mind was focused on Jenna. "Did you know that Jenna hasn't seen a doctor?"
Rebecca set the letters on the table. "Jenna, tell me that's not true. You know how important it is. There are tests to tell you how far along you are and how big the baby is, not to mention prenatal vitamins and other stuff."
"I don't need anyone to tell me how far along I am. I can count from the day of the attack. And just look at me, and you'll know the baby is growing just fine."
"Still —"
"Stop, Rebecca. You sound like my mother." Jenna turned toward Eleanor. "Now, back to Garth and the fight at the bar."
Rebecca gasped. "Fight? Was Garth in a fight? Was he — did he get hurt?"
Jenna grinned. "And who says they don't have any feelings for the cowboy? Garth wasn't in the fight. My mother was!"
"What? Eleanor, you were in a bar fight?"
"Not exactly, but I did start it on purpose. I needed to see what was going on inside the bar." Eleanor sighed and stood up, walking toward the window. She brushed aside the curtain and stared toward the cottage. "Jenna, I need to tell you something about Matthew."
Jenna's eyes widened. "What about him? Mom, do you know something?"
"I do." Eleanor hesitated, her fingers twisting nervously. "I found him, Jenna. He was being cared for in a cottage not far from here. When I saw him, I knew he needed immediate medical attention. I called Frank, and he flew him to the hospital by helicopter."
Jenna gasped, her hand instinctively going to her stomach. "You found him? And you didn't tell me right away? Why would you do that?"
"I thought I was doing the right thing," Eleanor said softly.
"You thought wrong!" Jenna snapped. "You're unbelievable at times."
"He was in such bad shape. I didn't want to give you hope only for it to be taken away if he didn't survive. And then — things got complicated. I had to help Garth and Danni, and time slipped away from me. I should have come to you sooner."
"And you thought letting me sit here day and night thinking he was dead was better? I — I love him." Jenna couldn't believe she'd said it aloud — it was the first time she admitted how she felt about him.
"Jenna, calm yourself. It's not good for you or the baby."
Rebecca put a hand on Jenna's arm, her face torn between empathy and uncertainty. "Jenna, your mom, was trying to do what she thought was best. Maybe we should hear her out.'
But Jenna shook her head vehemently, tears shimmering in her eyes. 'No, Rebecca. You don't understand. I need to see him. If it were someone you loved, wouldn't you do the same?'"
"Jenna, just give her a chance. She's your mother."
"Don't," Jenna cut her off. "Let's go."
Rebecca hesitated. "Go where?"
"To DiVito's hospital. If Matthew is there, I want to be with him."
"Jenna, wait," Eleanor pleaded, stepping toward her.
But Jenna had already grabbed her car keys. "Don't try to stop me, Mom. I'm done being left in the dark. He needs me."
"He has amnesia. He won't know you. He doesn't even know who he is."
The threatening tears rolled down Jenna's cheeks. "That's more reason for me to be sitting by his side, talking to him, telling him how much I care. If he thinks I was in Garth's arms because I —" She remembered the discarded roses in the trash. "This is crazy. I need to be with him."
Rebecca stood, giving Eleanor a regretful look. "We'll call you when we know more."
Eleanor stood motionless as the front door slammed shut. Her heart ached as she repeated Jenna's words — He needs me. He has to know I care.
She had wanted to protect her daughter from more pain, but instead, she had only pushed her away. And now, Jenna and Rebecca were heading toward the unknown, toward a man who might not even remember them. Could she have made a bigger mess of things?
"Be safe," she murmured, though the knot in her stomach told her safety was no longer guaranteed.
Eleanor stood motionless at the window, her eyes following Jenna's car as it disappeared into the night. A flicker of movement caught her attention — a dark SUV parked down the road, its headlights off. A chill ran through her as the engine roared to life, trailing after Jenna.
*****
Minutes after Jenna's car sped off, Garth arrived at the mansion, his expression grim. He stepped inside, taking in Eleanor's worried pacing.
"Where's Jenna?" he asked, his voice tense.
"She left," Eleanor said.
Garth stared at Eleanor, undecided whether he was angry or deeply concerned. "So, you told her about finding Donatelli?"
Eleanor nodded. "I tried to tell you, but you kept brushing me aside. I'm sorry."
"No, you're right. I got so wrapped up in my own thoughts I didn't leave much room for anyone else. I'm the one who should be saying sorry. Frankie set me straight."
"He's the best." A glimmer of a smile tugged at her lips. "He's a wonderful friend."
"I know, but so are you. Are we okay?"
"Of course we are."
"Now, where did Jenna take off to? I am assuming Rebecca is with her."
Eleanor nodded. "She and Rebecca went to Frankie's hospital to see Donatelli."
Garth's eyes widened. "Alone? In the middle of all this? Damn it, Eleanor, why didn't you stop them?"
"I tried," Eleanor said. "She wouldn't listen. She's angry, and I don't blame her."
Garth pulled out his phone and dialed. "Frank, it's Garth. Jenna and Rebecca are headed your way. Rossi's men could be watching. We need to move."
*****
Jenna gripped the wheel tightly, her knuckles white as anger and fear wrestled within her. The quiet hum of the engine was the only sound between her and Rebecca, who sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clenched around her phone. The tension in the car was thick enough to choke on.
Jenna spotted headlights in the rearview mirror out of the corner of her eye. Her stomach tightened as an SUV appeared, its dark silhouette creeping closer with alarming speed.
"Jenna?" Rebecca cried. Her eyes darted to the rear window. "It's approaching so fast."
"I see it," Jenna replied, her voice taut. She tried to remain calm, but the flutter of panic in her chest betrayed her. She muttered, "It's probably nothing."
The SUV gained on them quickly.
Then it happened.
The first jolt was like a hammer striking metal, sending a sharp shock through the car. Jenna gasped, her hands trembling as she tightened her grip on the wheel. "What the hell?"
"They hit us!" Rebecca cried, her voice rising in panic.
Before Jenna could respond, the second hit came harder and more deliberate. The rear tires screeched as the car fishtailed. She fought the wheel. "Hold on!" she yelled, her voice shaking.
The SUV rammed them again, this time with brutal force. The car spun violently, the world outside a blur of headlights, trees, and asphalt. Rebecca's scream pierced the inside of the vehicle. Her hands flew as she tried to brace herself against the dashboard.
The sickening crunch of metal and glass shattered the night as the car careened off the road and slammed into a ditch. The sudden impact hurled them forward, and the seatbelts locked tight, cutting into their bodies. The windshield spiderwebbed from the force, and steam hissed from the crumpled hood.
For a heartbeat, silence fell, broken only by the sound of the other vehicle's engine revving as it sped away, leaving a trail of red taillights disappearing into the darkness.
*****
Garth's SUV raced down the same road minutes later, headlights cutting through the darkness. Eleanor sat in the passenger seat, gripping the armrest. As they neared Frankie's place, it seemed as if they were in the clear. The girls had probably made it without any incidents involving Rossi. Eleanor's scream changed everything.
"There!" Eleanor shouted, pointing to the wrecked car in the ditch. Smoke curled from the crumpled hood. "Oh my God, Garth."
Garth hit the brakes, burning rubber as the car stopped. He jumped out, rushing to the wreck. Jenna was slumped over the wheel, blood trickling from her forehead. Rebecca was unconscious, her head resting against the shattered window.
Garth's breath was ragged. "They're alive."
Flipping open his phone, he dialed again. "Frank, we found them. They're in bad shape."
Within moments, two unmarked vans pulled up, and DiVito's men began carefully extracting Jenna and Rebecca from the wreckage.
"We'll take them straight to the hospital," one of the paramedics said, his tone clipped but professional.
Eleanor stood frozen. "This is my fault," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I pushed her too hard. I should've —"
Garth turned sharply toward her, his anger barely held in check. "Eleanor! Now's not the time for guilt," he snapped, though his voice softened at the end. "We've got to focus on getting them through this."
Her hands wrung together as she stared after the departing ambulances, tears shimmering in her eyes. "She's my baby, Garth. And Rebecca — she's so fragile. I should've protected them instead of arguing." Her voice cracked, and she struggled to compose herself.
Garth exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. "I know, Eleanor. But beating yourself up doesn't help right now. If you want to do something, go to that hospital. Be there for her. For both of them."
Eleanor nodded, her expression resolute despite the anguish in her eyes. "Garth —" She stepped closer."Promise me you'll find Rossi. And make sure he can't hurt her —or anyone else — ever again."
Garth's jaw tightened as he met her gaze. "You have my word." The vision of Rebecca lying lifeless in the car tugged at his mind and heart.
Hang in there, girl. We've just started this story.
The thought surprised him, but he liked the sound of it. He'd felt the attraction from the first moment he saw her. Or was it just because she reminded him of Allie?
As he climbed into his truck, his fingers fumbled with his phone as he dialed.
"Tango," he barked the moment the line connected. "We've got a situation. Rossi's men ran Jenna and Rebecca off the road."
He paused, struggling to keep his emotions in check. "They're alive, but it's bad. Frank's taking them to the hospital. I want every unit and every contact we've got on this. Rossi needs to pay for this — whatever it takes, wherever he's hiding."
On the other end of the line, Tango's voice hardened. "Understood. I'll pull in everyone. He won't get away this time."
Garth ended the call, gripping the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. His chest felt heavy, but his focus burned sharper than ever.
As he climbed into his truck, his fingers fumbled with his phone as he dialed.
"Tango," he barked the moment the line connected. "We've got a situation. Rossi's men ran Jenna and Rebecca off the road."
He paused, struggling to keep his emotions in check. "They're alive, but it's bad. Frank's taking them to the hospital. I want every unit and every contact we've got on this. Rossi needs to pay for this — whatever it takes, wherever he's hiding."
On the other end of the line, Tango's voice hardened. "Understood. I'll pull in everyone. He won't get away this time."
Garth ended the call, gripping the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. His chest felt heavy, but his focus burned sharper than ever.
Rossi, your days are numbered.
Eleanor materialized in the passenger seat, her presence filling the air with cold stillness. "Promise me," she said quietly. "Promise me they'll be safe."
Garth met her spectral gaze, his voice like steel. "I swear it, Eleanor. This ends tonight."
The truck roared to life as he sped after the ambulances, a storm of determination and guilt driving him forward.
*****
The hospital's emergency team rushed Jenna and Rebecca through the double doors as Eleanor and Garth trailed behind, their hearts pounding. Frank DiVito barked orders to his staff, but the well-trained crew was already on it.
"Get them to trauma now!"
Eleanor's hands shook as she clung to Garth, her voice trembling with fear. "She's pregnant. They have to save the baby, too."
"Frank's team knows what they're doing," Garth said, his voice low but firm. "Let's give them space." He looked into her eyes and wrapped his arms around her. "It's our job to pray."
Eleanor materialized in the passenger seat, her presence filling the air with cold stillness. "Promise me," she said quietly. "Promise me they'll be safe."
Garth met her spectral gaze, his voice like steel. "I swear it, Eleanor. This ends tonight."
The truck roared to life as he sped after the ambulances, a storm of determination and guilt driving him forward.
*****
The hospital's emergency team rushed Jenna and Rebecca through the double doors as Eleanor and Garth trailed behind, their hearts pounding. Frank DiVito barked orders to his staff, but the well-trained crew was already on it.
"Get them to trauma now!"
Eleanor's hands shook as she clung to Garth, her voice trembling with fear. "She's pregnant. They have to save the baby, too."
"Frank's team knows what they're doing," Garth said, his voice low but firm. "Let's give them space." He looked into her eyes and wrapped his arms around her. "It's our job to pray."
"You're right. Everything's in God's hands now." She turned away and whispered, "Dear Lord, bless everyone who touches my daughter and Rebecca. But please, give — my grandchild a chance. Amen."
Near the coffee urn, Garth was saying a prayer of his own — for the girls, the baby, and his men, whom he knew would risk everything in search of Rossi.
*****
Rebecca's team of doctors burst through the first set of double doors like soldiers marching into battle. Jenna's gurney veered off, careening two doors down to the delivery room, where another medical team awaited, their faces tense.
Jenna stirred faintly, her eyelids fluttering as pain etched deep lines across her pale face. The bright overhead lights bore down on her. Nurses swarmed around her like bees, their hands quick and practiced.
"Her vitals are dropping," one of the doctors called out sharply, scanning the monitors.
A nurse positioned an ultrasound probe over Jenna's abdomen, the screen flickering to life. The room seemed to hold its breath.
"The baby's in distress," the doctor monitoring the ultrasound said, his voice clipped.
"We don’t have time," another doctor snapped. "Prepare for an emergency C-section — now!"
Jenna's lips moved, a faint moan escaping. Her hand reached out weakly, grasping at the empty air. Tears glistened at the corners of her half-open eyes.
"My baby," she whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling. "Please — save my baby."
Her plea hung in the air.
 Recognized |
Eleanor - ghost detective
Jenna - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, and falling in love with Donatelli
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie)
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge and current inmate at Joliet State Prison
Vince Rossi - mob lawyer
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Donatelli
Rebecca - new girl in town and Jenna's assistant
William - highly skilled crook
Miriam - a spirit from days gone by
Phillip Henderson - Attorney - Wills and Trusts
Bruiser - the bouncer at the Hideway
Tony - the bartender
Crystal - the cocktail waitress
Trevor Cascio - deceased owner of the estate
Owen Maxwell - special prosecutor
Joseph DeLuca - detective
Jason DeLuca - retired detective
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Jenna - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, and falling in love with Donatelli
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie)
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge and current inmate at Joliet State Prison
Vince Rossi - mob lawyer
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Donatelli
Rebecca - new girl in town and Jenna's assistant
William - highly skilled crook
Miriam - a spirit from days gone by
Phillip Henderson - Attorney - Wills and Trusts
Bruiser - the bouncer at the Hideway
Tony - the bartender
Crystal - the cocktail waitress
Trevor Cascio - deceased owner of the estate
Owen Maxwell - special prosecutor
Joseph DeLuca - detective
Jason DeLuca - retired detective
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
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