Page 43 of Vows of Murder

“Sorry, Emma, but we’ve got to get you home so Mommy can come back and sit at the hospital. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I’ll find someone to come and let you out in a few hours.” I’d ask Esmeralda if she’d stop by on her way home, since she lived across the street. I had a lot of fallback people to help with Emma. I guess that’s what made us a community. We were all ready to jump in at a moment’s notice.

When I got to the hospital, Tim was in surgery, so they directed me to that floor to find his wife. Dona was maybe twenty-five and, as I looked at her, at least six months pregnant. Had Greg told me they were expecting? I hugged her and met Esmeralda’s gaze. “How is he?”

“The doctor says the bullet went straight through. They are repairing a tear in his shoulder or something. I never could listen when doctors talk.” Dona rubbed her belly. “Even with this little one. I don’t want to know anything I don’t have to until it’s time.”

“How long will he be in there? Have you eaten lunch?” I glanced at my watch. It was almost four.

“I didn’t want to leave.” She looked up at me. “Is it bad thatI’m starving?”

I smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “You’re eating for two. Esmeralda, can you take her downstairs, and I’ll stay up here and wait for news? If the doctor comes out before you get back, I’ll come get you right away.”

“If you think it will be okay.” Donalooked scared.

Esmeralda pulled her to her feet. “It will be more than fine. Tim needs you to take care of yourself. You don’t want to fall and break something because you’re hungry. How would you take care of Tim ifthat happened?”

Dona took one last look at the double doors leading to the surgery center. Then she focused on me. “You promise to come get me if there’s any news.Even bad news.”

The look on her face almost broke my heart. “Dona, I promise. Go take care of yourselfand your baby.”

As they walked to the elevators to find the cafeteria, Esmeralda turned back and mouthed, “Thank you.”

I nodded, then sank into a chair and pulled out one of the three books I’d brought with me to read. Just in case.

My phone buzzed as I settled into one of the plastic-and-metal chairs to wait. I looked at the text. Itwas from Greg.

Can you ask Esmeralda to go to Kane’s funeral with you tomorrow? I know, don’t judge me. I’d go but everyone here is ticked because we pulled three kids out today who were taken from the parent who had custody. Including the guy you sent me earlier. Just watch for anything unusual. Please and thankyou, Mrs. King.

I smiled at the last message and quickly respondedtime and placebefore he changed his mind.

When Esmeralda and Dona came back, I had good news. I’d been just about to go get them. “The surgeon was just here. Tim’s in recovery and doing well. They’re keeping him overnight and he’ll meet you in room 302 in thirtyminutes or so.”

“Should I go now?” Dona picked up her bag.

I shook my head. “That nurse, Kathy, she’s going to come and tell you when he’s out of recovery. They still have to set up his room. Esmeralda and I can’t go into his room, just family.”

“Okay.” Dona set her bag down, then sat in the chair. “He’s done with surgery and so that’s off my worry list. I need to update my church prayer group and tellthem the news.”

“We’ll be right over here.” I took Esmeralda by the arm. When I was sure that Dona was busy on her phone, I turned toEsmeralda. “Greg wants you and I to go to the funeral at the New Hope compound tomorrow.”

She listened as I told her what he’d said and why we were going instead of him. Then she glanced at Dona. “One of those so-called guards shot Tim. I’m not sure I should be going either. At least I don’t have to have a gun tohurt someone.”

I wanted to laugh, but she was being serious. “I think that’s why he’s sending you with me. I’ll pick youup at eleven?”

“Fine.” She glanced at her watch. “I have a client coming tonight. I’ve called and let him know I might be late, but he said he’d wait. Can you sit with Dona until Tim getsinto his room?”

“Of course. That’s why I’m here. Thanks for filling in until I could arrive.” I leaned closer. “Can you do one more thing, withoutalerting Greg?”

“You want me to work behind his back?” Esmeralda’s face told the story: I’d have to have an excellent explanation.

“Just until we find out if there is fire with this smoke.”

Esmeralda stared at me. I guess that wasn’t a New Orleans expression.

“Look, can you pull up any records on Vince Penn? I’m mostly looking for domestic abuse charges, but anything would help.”

“Amanda’s ex-husband?” The unasked question was clear. Esmeralda knew what I was looking for.

“Exactly. I found out earlier that he hit Molly Cordon on Sunday. Before I tell Greg, I want to make sure he didn’t hit Amanda when they were married. Or else it’s not going to be pretty.” I smiled as I saw Dona close her eyes and curl up into the chair. “I’m glad Tim’s outof the woods.”

---