Page 59 of Special Agent Jennie

Chapter Forty-two

“Jennie, what’s happened, girl? You jump every time I speak.”

Jennie hadn’t been able to settle that evening. “Sorry, Baba. I’ve been trying to call Kane and let him know about Melena, but I can’t get through. It’s making me nervous.”

“Like you have ants in your pants. Sit down and eat dinner. I make you special pigs feed and Polish sausage. Me, I only eat soup and bread.”

Jennie laughed at how her grandmother always referred to corn on the cob. Where Baba came from, corn was only fed to the animals. She didn’t hide her disgust that humans like to eat it. And of course, she refused it herself. But once she knew Jennie liked it, she’d often cook a few for her and Lisa.

Jennie sat across from Baba and picked away at her food, eating sparingly to please the older lady since she’d gone to the trouble of preparing a meal for her. All day, she’d wanted to contact Kane but every time she called his phone it went to voicemail. Instinctively, she knew he’d want to be brought up to date on their plans for Melena’s future. And she couldn’t wait to share the exciting news with him. Knowing he worked with Lance, she called his number too, but again, got nowhere.

Finally, Baba cleaned off the table, allowed Jennie to put everything in the dishwasher, and patted her granddaughter’s shoulder, wanting her hug. “I go to my room now. Put on nightclothes, put feet up, and watch my show.”

“Sex and the Vampire?”

Baba laughed and pushed at Jennie. “Bad girl, you no tease. I make one mistake with computer. Crazy machine. Now… I watch my favorite show, Sound of Music.”

“I’m sorry, Baba. I like watching you blush like a young girl.”

“Behave.” Baba chuckled, hugged her hard, and disappeared into her sanctuary.

By the time Jennie had cleaned the kitchen, Lisa arrived from the newspaper – late, bone tired, and disgruntled. Bringing the leftovers out for the microwave, she waved at the table. “Come, sit, eat.”

“You’re beginning to sound like someone we both know and love. Don’t fuss. I grabbed a sandwich. I’ve had it, Mom, I’m beat.” Lisa headed for the sofa so she could collapse and put her feet up.

Quickly following her, Jennie began questioning the girl. “Was the boss upset because you took the morning to see Mellie?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You look pissed.”

“That’s not why. I was just at the hospital, wanted to stop off and see her before coming home. It infuriated me all over again for what she’s suffered.” Jennie plopped down on the sofa beside her daughter and patted her thigh, staying quiet so Lisa could continue. “That poor girl is scared of her own shadow.”

Understanding, but unable to say anything, she nodded in agreement. Jennie couldn’t even go there about Melena. Every time she thought about the girl, she wanted to scream. Instead, she stuck to the topic she could deal with. Reaching over for Lisa’s hand, she squeezed her fingers and returned the conversation back to her job. “I’m glad you didn’t get into trouble at the paper.”

“No, they certainly weren’t mad. Especially when I presented the story I wrote about the incident last night.” She held her hand up before Jennie could break in. “I kept to the facts already known by the other reporters. The only difference was I wrote more about Melena’s situation. Wait… not about her father’s abuse in detail, only that she suffered under his tyranny, and it made her run and seek help from a friend. I tied it into how big a problem this was for many of our young people today.” Lisa’s pride shone through. “Mom, they liked the piece, and it’ll be in tomorrow’s paper.”

“Seriously? Honey that’s super. Wow… your first editorial. I’m so proud of you.” After they hugged, she added, “You know… Kane would be too. I wish I could get in touch with him.”

Lisa seemed thoughtful, as if she wasn’t sure she should talk. Biting her lip, she hesitated and then reached into the backpack by her feet. She pulled out a familiar pad and suddenly Jennie knew why.

“Mom, tomorrow the rally is taking place and those bastards –” Lisa’s apparent frustration stopped Jennie from correcting her language. Knowing her mom very well, Lisa added, “I’m sorry for swearing but I don’t know a better way to refer to those white supremacist jerks. They’re planning to blow up explosives at the rally and Kane will be right in the middle of the whole mess… him and Lance. It’s all I could think of once I’d double-checked the date. I’d hoped you forgot but I should have known better.”

“Oh my God, Lisa. I never noticed the date. There’s been so much happening both here and at work, I’d forgotten the rally is planned for tomorrow.” Jennie felt her pulse speed up. All day, she’d been on tenterhooks without realizing why. She’d put it down to the situation with Melena.

Suddenly, the food in her stomach began to churn and saliva filled her mouth. She swallowed multiple times, a way to stay in control. In response, palpitations in her chest kicked in hard. Sweating, clenching her fists, she stood and began to pace. Gritting her teeth, she groaned, and words shot out before she could stop them. “No wonder I couldn’t get in touch with him.”

Lisa rose to go to her, but she couldn’t stop moving.

“Mom, stop. Listen! I know where their clubhouse is. We could go there. Help him.”

Training kicked in and Jennie became solid ice. “Not a chance. You’re not going anywhere.”

“But you want to go, don’t you?”

“I’m a trained FBI agent.”

“With a gun.”

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