Page 28 of Salvation

“Some mothers are fucking Superwoman every single day…” Max’s slight snore has me chuckling as I mutter, “And some mothers would rather poison their young instead of caring for them…”

It’s quiet in the car as Davey drives and Max snores. I’m left with the thoughts in my own head for company.

It’s terrifying.

* * *

Luke’s been gonefor a few hours now. He came back from his car with an evidence kit and after adorning gloves, he bagged all three photos, the note, and the envelope. He said he was going straight to the evidence lab to try to see if anything useful could be gleaned from it… like a fingerprint or any DNA.

I keep glancing at my phone to make certain I haven’t missed a call from him, but then I have to remind myself that this is not CSI, or Hawaii Five-0, and that in the real-world things don’t happen as quickly as they do on television.

But that doesn’t stop me from glancing at my phone again.

I can’t concentrate on anything. My nerves are shot, and I can’t stop the questions from rolling through my head faster than the speed of light.

Who is watching me? Who are they threatening?

If love is a weakness… whose weakness is it?

Mine? Luke’s? Gabrial’s?

All of us?

UGH! Stop it, Hope. You need to chill out and let Luke do his job. He’s a damn good detective. Probably one of the best.

If there is anything to be found, he’ll find it.

Though that means he’ll probably also find out what Gabrial is really up to as well.

SHIT!

I never talked to Luke about whatever he needed to talk to me about.

I realize that I opened the envelope right before Luke got here and that when he did, he went straight into “detective mode” and canvassed the office before shuffling me out and then leaving with the offending items.

Shit!

I still need to talk to him about whatever he needs to know.

Gabrial. He needs to know about Gabrial.

Leaning my head back and rolling my neck, I silently scream. I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. I’d also like some vodka and a Xanax, but I’ll settle for the coffee at this point.

Cracking my eyes open, I see the Java and Sweeties cup sitting on the edge of my desk where it’s been since Luke first walked in.

Ahhhhh. Caramel Macchiato with double caramel and salted caramel drizzle… I know it!

Reaching out, I take a sip and grimace as the cold coffee touches my tongue. But I taste the creamy caramel and the hint of salt. The caffeine is welcome. Jumping up, I skip across the room to the tiny microwave in the corner, and after popping the top off, set the x-large cup on the turntable.

Thirty seconds later, my coffee is no longer cold and I’m sighing as the creamy caffeinated deliciousness settles in my belly.

My stomach rumbles as the coffee hits it. I need to eat.

The craving for a Chicken Caesar Melt with crispy bacon and extra crispy fries overtakes me. Glancing at the wall clock, I see the time and grab my purse from the bottom drawer of my desk.

If I hurry, I can grab one from Mother’s Love Deli before they close the fryers.

Maia asks where I’m heading as I pass her desk, so, I mumble, “The deli.” She gives me a strange look before shaking her head and saying that she’s going to finish up and go into the kitchen to grab her own lunch and eat with Michele. I remind her to double check the locks before running out the front doors.

---