Page 86 of Among the Innocent

“Exactly. You wouldn’t want to catch it, now would you?” He whirled around and headed back inside the flophouse with a smile on his face. This was fun. When this was all over, he’d plan his next game. Someplace different with new players. He couldn’t wait.

Nineteen

Leah’s cell phone rang. Ethan’s number popped up. He’d relieved Sam at Marge’s. “What’s wrong?” Her heartbeat sped into overtime. Ever since she and Dalton had left the overlook and returned to the station, she couldn’t get rid of the bad feeling pressing in.

“I’m worried about her, Leah,” Ethan whispered. “She’s not making any sense. Marge is talking about Ellis as if he’s still here, and she keeps mentioning her son. I think she’s in trouble.”

“I’m on my way.” She ended the call.

“What’s wrong?” Dalton asked.

“Marge is having some type of episode. I have to go.”

He grabbed the cruiser’s keys. “I’m coming with you.” They passed by Sylvia at her station. “You can reach me on the radio if something comes up,” he said without stopping.

Dalton reversed out of the parking spot and headed toward Marge’s home at a rapid speed.

“I’m really worried about her,” she said. “She’s getting worse.”

“I’m sure having the past rehashed is taking its toll. Have you received a response from her doctor?”

“Yes. The doctor wants Marge to come back in. He thinksadjusting her meds will help. But she’s pushing back on making the appointment.” Leah sighed deeply. “With everything that’s happening, I can’t find it in me to force her to go.”

He covered her hand with his. “It will work out. Maybe the doctor can make a house call.”

“I hope so. It’s the only way to get her help.” Her frown deepened. “I don’t understand this thing about her having a child.” With Marge having had a hysterectomy, the doctor had been unable to determine if she’d had a baby in the past. She told Dalton what the doctor said.

Dalton made the turn onto her street before answering. “Maybe she wanted a child when she was young and couldn’t have one. It could be manifesting itself in her current confused state.”

“I guess it’s possible. The stress of reliving Ellis’s death is hard for her. She’s always worried about me.”

Dalton pulled up behind the deputy’s vehicle. “No matter what, I’ve got your back. Whatever you need.”

Despite her concern for Marge, Leah’s heart swelled with something akin to happiness. She got out and they went inside. “Ethan?”

“In here.” She followed his voice into the kitchen and found the officer leaning wearily against the sink.

“Where’s Marge?”

“I finally convinced her to lie down.” Ethan shook his head. “I’m sorry to call you, but I wasn’t sure what else to do.” He acknowledged Dalton with a nod.

“You did the right thing,” Leah said in a thick voice, struggling to hold back tears. The woman who had been her rock was crumbling. “I’m going to check on her.” She headed up the stairs to Marge’s room, cracked the door, and peeked inside.

“I’m awake. I told him not to call you.”

Leah sat down beside her. “Ethan was worried. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. I don’t like everyone fussing over me,” Marge said with a weary sigh. Her eyes were puffy from crying.

Leah let the matter drop. “You want me to bring you some tea?”

Marge clutched her hand. “No, baby girl. Just sit with me for a while.”

Leah smiled and put her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “You got it.”

“Do you think I’m crazy?” Tears hovered in Marge’s eyes.

“Of course not. I don’t think you’re crazy at all.”

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