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Silence.
The distinct sound of footsteps, not loud but the soft squeak of rubber-soled shoes on tile, came from the hallway. She turned her head, expecting Jim to walk through the door. Hate rolled over her for the man who treated her as if she was less than human. Heart pounding, she grit her teeth, expecting the worst. The door to the room swished open and the curtains opened. It was not Jim who stood there but the nurse. He looked down at her and shook his head and she glared at him. “Why are you keeping me here?
There’s nothing wrong with me.”
“I’m not the one keeping you here.” The man’s eyes met hers. “I just work here.”
Olivia kicked her feet, spilling the blankets off the bed. “Then let me go.”
“Can’t do that, sorry.” He shrugged. “The boss isn’t happy with you trying to leave. He hasn’t hurt you, has he?” He picked up the blanket and laid it over her. “You should be grateful.”
“Grateful?” A shiver of disgust rolled over her. “Have you lost your ever loving mind? He threatened me with a scalpel. I thought he would take out my eye.”
“It’s what he does to all of them. He has a morbid sense of humor.” The nurse examined her wrists and frowned. “He won’t be happy you tried to leave and no doubt he’ll blame me.”
“I don’t really care if he blames you. You just stand by and allow him to scare people to death.” She glanced over toward the curtains. “Where’s Doug?”
“He’s right here.” The nurse moved around her bed and threw back the curtains. “He’s sedated and will remain so.”
She raised herself up in the bed and stared at Doug’s ashen face. “Dear Lord, what happened to him?”
“He bust a few stitches is all.” The nurse turned back and busied himself opening drawers and laying bandages on a tray. “I need to clean up your wrists. The boss will be in later to see you and you must look your best.”
Trembling with anger and disgust, Olivia stared at Doug. “Jim did this. He rammed him with a gurney.”
“Well, that’s none of my concern.” The nurse pressed the needle of a syringe into Olivia’s drip and his eyebrows rose. “I do know the boss gets angry when people try to leave before they’re ready.”
A wave of dizziness surged through Olivia. Her mouth went dry. He had drugged her again. Her limbs became heavy and she worked the saliva in her mouth. She needed answers. “How long have I got to put up with this?”
“That’s not my call.” The nurse unbuckled her wrists and went to work.
Olivia fought the drug. “Please, help me escape and my mom will give you money.”
The nurse’s dark eyes moved to her face. “There is no escape.”
Forty-One
Kane pulled his truck into the driveway of Wyatt Sawyer’s neat brick home. He lived in the more prosperous end of town. The path leading to the house was clear of snow and salt crystals crunched under his feet as he followed Jenna to the front porch. A stack of icicles sat beside the steps as if recently removed. He had done the same with his own porch to avoid walking into them on his way in and out, so he assumed Wyatt Sawyer was a tall man like his cousin.
He glanced through the frosty window to the family room. Inside, a wide hearth held a roaring wood fire with dancing orange flames that curled smoke up the chimney. A basket of pine cones and logs sat beside the hearth. A large comfortable sofa and two matching chairs surrounded the fire and a polished wood occasional table held an expensive-looking bronze statue of a stag. It looked pristine and resembled the perfect scene in a perfect house. He stood to one side as Jenna pressed the bell and heard chimes echoing inside. The door opened to reveal a tall man in his forties dressed in jeans, a dark blue sweater and slippers. He gave them an astonished look.
“What can I do for you, Sheriff?” Sawyer frowned. “Not a break-in at my plant, I hope?”
“No.” Jenna took out her notepad. “Are you Wyatt Sawyer?”
“I am.” Sawyer folded his arms across his chest.
“I’m Sheriff Alton and this is Deputy Kane.” Jenna’s voice gave nothing away. “I believe there was an accident at your plant late Friday and Doctor Weaver attended. Is that correct?”
Kane watched the man’s body language and expression but he betrayed nothing.
“Yeah, that’s right. Is that a problem?” Wyatt raised one eyebrow.
“As it was an industrial accident, yes.” Jenna lifted her chin. “What happened?”
“Nothin’ for you to worry about, Sheriff.” Wyatt stepped to one side. “You’d better come inside. It’s too cold to talk out here.” He turned and led the way into a mudroom beside the front door. “Now, why is my injury a matter for the sheriff’s department?”
“If it happened at the plant, it needs to be reported.” Jenna cleared her throat. “Who was involved?”
