Page 65 of Night Falls on Predicament Avenue
“Mike?” Otto nodded slowly. “Might not be a bad idea.”
“I mean, he did offer to help if I wanted to see Naomi’s case files.” Norah ran her fingers through her hair. “Maybe if I follow up again, push a little ... wouldn’t they want to check the library card for prints or the wallet for any trace evidence? If they found something they could tie back to LeRoy, that might be enough to reopen the case—”
“Now, don’t go gettin’ your hopes up,” Otto interrupted. “Watchin’ all those TV crime shows is going to send you in circles with ideas that won’t get us nowhere.”
“I don’t watch those shows.” How could she? It would be like putting Naomi’s story on replay over and over again.
Otto grunted. “Probably a good thing ya don’t.”
Yes. It was a good thing she didn’t watch those shows. Because half the time, the murders went unsolved anyway, and there was just a lonely 800 number on the screen at the end to call should anyone have anything to contribute to the cold case. As far as Naomi knew, no one ever did, and that phone never rang.
Most bad things happened in the dead of night. This time was no different, and it was a shout from Harper that instigated Norah into a full-on run. She catapulted up the stairs, almost tripping in her too-long flannel pants, in time to see Sebastian holding his daughter around the waist as she struggled to free herself from him. Harper strained toward the window, her hands outstretched as though she were grasping after someone.
“Call 911!” Sebastian shouted at the sight of Norah.
Without questioning, she retraced her steps and snatched her phone from the nightstand by her bed. Moments later, phone in hand and dispatch on the line, Norah was back upstairs as Sebastian picked up Harper’s limp form and laid her on his bed. The covers were tousled, and Harper’s dark hair fanned across Sebastian’s pillow.
“Is she breathing?” Norah repeated on behalf of the 911 dispatcher.
“Yes.” Sebastian had his fingers to Harper’s pulse at her wrist. “Her heartbeat is fast but steady.”
Norah recited the information to dispatch, then informed Sebastian, “Help is on the way.”
Sebastian’s nod was short as he hovered over Harper. His hand had a gentle hold of her chin. “Harper. Sweetheart, are you all right?”
A small moan escaped Harper’s throat.
“What happened?” Norah asked for herself and for the dispatcher.
Sebastian caressed Harper’s forehead, stroking back her hair. “I dunno. I woke an’ she was shoutin’. Somethin’ about bein’ quiet. Tellin’ someone to be quiet. When I got to her, she was delirious. Reachin’ out like there was someone standin’ there, only there wasn’t. None at all.”
Norah heard the sirens and informed the dispatcher. She ran down the stairs again to unlock the door, then hurried back to be by Sebastian’s side. Within minutes, the EMTs hurried into the bedroom, asking similar questions. Taking Harper’s vitals.
“Has she taken any medication recently?” they asked Sebastian.
“Not that I know of.” Sebastian’s hands were planted on the sides of his head, elbows sticking out. His tortured and worried expression dug into Norah’s soul. She moved to his side to try to offer him comfort and was stunned when Sebastian’s arms came down to draw her in close. She hugged his middle awkwardly and felt the trembling in his arms.
“Any past history with heart issues or losing consciousness?”
“No.”
“Are there any conditions we should be aware of?” The male EMT shot questions at Sebastian as the female worked at reviving Harper.
Harper moaned again, her eyelids fluttering.
“No.” Sebastian shook his head while holding on to Norah as if she were a lifeline. “No, she’s in perfect health.”
“All right.” The EMT nodded.
“She’s pregnant.” The moment the words were out of Norah’s mouth, she both regretted them and she didn’t. It was vital information that needed to be communicated, but the way Sebastian stiffened sent guilt pummeling through her. She’d betrayed Harper’s confidence.
“That’s good to know.” The EMT turned to his partner.
Harper’s eyes opened, then closed. “She’s coming to,” they informed them.
Sebastian’s arms dropped, and he pulled away from Norah, staring down at her incredulously. “Whaddya mean Harper is pregnant?”
“I’m sorry. She was scared to tell you, but—” But the EMTs needed to know.
