Page 31 of Fighting for Julia
“Mom, I’m so sorry. Miguel wouldn’t be fighting for his life right now if it weren’t for me. I did this to him.”
Julia could almost imagine the smile on her mother’s face as she replied, “You couldn’t have stopped him from joining you, even if you had tried. Justice assured me of that.”
She took a deep, steady breath. “Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that.”
“You’re welcome. Call or text me as soon as you have news about Miguel.”
“I will.”
Shortly after she ended the call, a compassionate nurse brought Julia a cup of coffee from Starbucks located in the hospital’s lobby. “Or would you prefer tea?” the nurse asked.
“No, coffee is great.” She gratefully accepted the cup. “Would you be able to find out how Miguel Rivera is doing?”
“I’ll try.” The nurse offered a small, reassuring smile.
While she waited, Julia noticed that her cell phone had blown up with messages from Hutch, Tawny, and Owen. The texts were full of support and encouragement and pleas for information. She answered them all and texted Tex, too, to inform him of the situation.
I think a bullet might have hit one of them,she texted,so check clinics and pharmacies.On a whim, she added,vet clinics, too.
Tex instantly replied.I’m on it. Miguel will make it. Have faith.
And then the living embodiment of faith itself, Faith Stoker Morgan, found Julia in the waiting room. The Pulitzer-prize winning journalist had eloped with U.S. Attorney Judd Morgan on Valentine’s Day weekend, and, according to an online article, delighted and surprised everyone who knew them with their marriage.
Julia rose to her feet. She and the new Mrs. Morgan embraced, though they’d never met in person.
“How are you holding up, Julia?” Faith asked as they sat side by side.
“Fair. I guess I know why you’re here.”
Four years ago, Faith had been held hostage by Axel Anderson’s army. To survive, she had to resist the most damaging and invasive brainwashing techniques developed by Dr. Martin Schow, and more than likely, Julia’s own mother.
“I’ve been following the story about the Andersons’ escape from Western State Mental Hospital since it broke. I hope you don’t mind, but Tex told me the truth.”
Julia’s face flushed with a sudden flash of anger. “If you intend to write about the Andersons, please don’t capitalize on my connection to them.”
Faith shook her head. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Julia. You know my history with them. During my captivity at Axel’s compound, I had several encounters with all the Anderson siblings. Each was evil in his or her own right. From what I’ve heard and seen on the news, Axis and Axalia are monsters.”
“Miguel and I should have killed them,” Julia declared in a low, harsh voice. “As soon as they stepped into the safe house, we should have opened fire on them.”
“You and Miguel aren’t like them,” Faith reminded Julia. She spoke in a soft, reassuring tone.
“No. Axalia shot Miguel without blinking an eye.” A sudden idea occurred to Julia, and she sat up straight. “I’m almost positive I wounded one of them. Look, I can’t leave Miguel to track them, butyoucan. Please, Faith. Work with Tex and the authorities and go after them.”
Faith hesitated. Fear clouded her eyes. “It’s dangerous.”
Julia wouldn’t be deterred. “Since when is intrepid investigative reporter Faith Stoker Morgan afraid of danger? Think about the story you could write. An epilogue to Axel Anderson’s master plot. Besides, you have access to all the resources and information you could possibly need through your husband.”
“Who isn’t going to be thrilled when I tell him what I’m up to,” Faith parried.
“You traveled all this way,” Julia pointed out. “All I’m asking is that you pick up their trail and let the authorities do the rest.”
A steely resolve replaced the fear in Faith’s eyes. “All right, Julia. Tell me everything you know.”
Julia hit the highlights and ended with, “They’re driving a dark blue Taurus. There’s no time to waste, Faith. By now, Axisand Axalia might have ditched the Taurus for another car. And don’t forget one of them might be hurt.”
Both rose to their feet. Faith offered a sympathetic hug. “I won’t. I’ll touch base with Tex on my way out.”
“Thanks, Faith. I appreciate your willingness to help us find the Andersons.”
