Baby Doll(36)

“Whatever you need.”

“I’m going to brief your family, let them know that we’re done. And then we’ll figure out the best way to get you out of here without the press seeing you,” Agent Stevens said as she headed for the door, Dr. Zaretsky trailing her.

“Thank you.”

They’d almost reached the exit when Lily called after them.

“How is he? Rick, I mean, how…?”

Lily saw Agent Stevens stop. She made eye contact with Dr. Zaretsky and Lily realized how she sounded. Her voice laced with concern, an intimate tone, the way a wife might inquire about a husband. Disgusted, Lily backpedaled, wanting them to understand what she was asking.

“What I meant was, did Rick say anything about what he did to us? Did he confess?”

“He’s not saying a word. They’ve set a bail hearing for later this afternoon,” Agent Stevens said.

Lily’s whole body tensed. “Bail? He’s going to get bail?”

“There’s no way that’s going to happen. Hanson’s not going anywhere. But he’s still entitled to due process. Just trust us when we say that justice is on your side, Lily. You have to believe that.”

Lily prayed that was the truth. Agent Stevens and Dr. Zaretsky both slipped out, leaving Lily all alone. She could see Mom talking to the agent, Sky dozing in her lap. Lily sat there, digesting everything she’d just told them, wanting nothing more than to leave this place. The door opened and Dr. Amari slipped inside. Abby still hadn’t returned, and Lily was worried.

“My sister… is she okay?”

“Abby’s fine, Lily. She just needed some fresh air but she’s eager to see you.”

Lily stood up.

“I’m ready.”

“Wait, Lily, there’s something we need to discuss.”

Lily knew that there was something wrong, but she couldn’t possibly guess what. Rick was locked away; Abby was fine; Sky and her mother were right outside. Lily sank back down into the chair, gripping her hands tightly, trying to imagine what could have this woman looking so disturbed.

“I want you to know that we’re all here to help you through this. Whatever you need, whatever you decide, there are alternatives.”

Lily was trying to be strong.

“Please just tell me what’s going on so I can get out of here.”

Dr. Amari sighed deeply.

“We did all the standard tests, blood work, urine samples, and it’s confirmed. I’m so sorry to have to tell you this, Lily, but you’re pregnant.”





CHAPTER EIGHTEEN


ABBY


Abby felt like a piece of shit, but she wasn’t capable of hearing any more about Mr. Hanson, about all Lily had endured. She wasn’t proud of it, but Abby had rushed outside, gasping for breath. She’d been cornered by Dr. Amari, who steered her away from the reporters who were gathering and had continued on and on with her psychobabble. She’d finally given Abby a few moments alone and now she felt stronger, like she was finally ready to see Lily again.

When Abby made her way back to the conference room, she could see that the FBI agents had completed their interview. But now Abby could see through the windows that Dr. Amari and Lily were deeply engrossed in conversation. She didn’t know what they were discussing, but the minute Lily stepped out of the room, Abby sensed that something had shifted in her sister. It wasn’t anything she said. She came out of the room, Dr. Amari trailing behind her, and smiled as she scooped up Sky.

“Chicken, you were so good. Now what do you say we blow this pop stand?” Lily asked.

“Yes. Can we go home?”

Lily glanced at Mom and Abby, ignoring Sky’s question.

“What do you say? Can we go home now?”

Before they were discharged, Lily and Sky had a final exam with Dr. Lashlee, the general practitioner who had treated them both last night in the ER. She ran through a litany of medical issues due to their malnutrition and prolonged lack of sunlight and vitamin D. Dr. Lashlee gave Lily and Sky sunglasses to protect their eyesight from the harsh UV rays. She also urged them to visit a dentist and ophthalmologist to see what additional damage had been done. Then she signed the discharge papers, and Lily and Sky were finally free.

Hospital rules stated that a patient must be taken out of the building in a wheelchair. Carol wheeled Lily, with Sky curled up on her lap. Mom wheeled Abby out (she’d fought that battle and lost) while Sheriff Rogers led them toward the hospital’s employee entrance, which would shield them from the media frenzy that had descended outside.

Something was gnawing at Abby, something that was telling her things weren’t quite right. And then it hit her. Wes. Lily knew about Wes. That was the only explanation.

Abby was convinced that her mother had opened her trap, but Mom was too busy trying to buckle Sky into the car seat the hospital had provided. Abby watched as Lily climbed into the backseat beside Sky, her expression revealing nothing. Once Lily and Sky were buckled up in the back, Sheriff Rogers motioned to Mom.

“I’ll lead the way. Stay close to me and we’ll do everything we can to keep you away from the circus.”

Abby tried to ignore the moony-eyed gaze her mother gave the sheriff. She didn’t have time for the Days of Mom’s Lives. Instead she climbed into the front seat, glancing back at Lily and Sky. Her mother navigated the SUV onto the highway, carefully following Sheriff Rogers. Mom prattled on to Lily about new construction and the town’s massive expansion project. As if Lily gave two shits about any of that. Sky and Lily were busy staring out at the passing landscape, like aliens on their first visit to Earth. Sky was fascinated by the Amish horses and buggies, peppering Lily with a flurry of questions. Lily answered, but Abby could sense the muted quality in her delivery.