Fear Thy Neighbor (61)
Not wanting to go into details about what had happened to her, she said, “Yeah, but he won’t do it again.” Where this newfound confidence came from, she hadn’t a clue, but she’d keep up the pretense.
“Well, let’s hope not. This bus makes a dozen other stops that aren’t listed in your ticket voucher.”
Dang, she hadn’t realized that, but she was not a seasoned traveler by any means. “It doesn’t say that,” she said.
“Never does. They never list the small towns, only the larger cities, which means it’ll take at least three days before arriving in Atlanta.”
Could she remain hidden long enough to leave Ohio behind? Alison knew he wouldn’t follow the bus that far. He didn’t have gas money; plus, the hunk of junk he drove couldn’t make it that far. Assured that she was safe until the next town, she took four more pills from the bottle she’d put in the IGA bag. She chewed them up, then took a bite of the donut to rid herself of the bitter taste, wishing she’d bought a bottle of water.
“Here,” said the older lady. She must be a mind reader, as she offered Alison a large bottle of water. “This should hold you over for a while.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to take your supplies,” she said. Wincing in pain, she did her best to smile at the kind lady.
“I’ve plenty more where this came from,” she said. “You rest up, and I’ll let you know when we reach the next stop. Should be about thirty minutes, if I remember.”
“You’ve been on this route before?” Alison asked.
“More times than I can remember. My son and his wife live in Atlanta. I refuse to fly, so I ride the bus. It’s not so bad as long as you’re not in a hurry.”
Alison hoped he wasn’t following them to the next stop. If he was, she’d get off the bus and hitch a ride to Atlanta.
Chapter Fourteen
“Alison, are you okay?” asked Kit.
Lost in the past, Ali refocused her attention on the present. “I’m good. I was just thinking,” she said—but certainly wouldn’t say what it was she had been thinking of.
Valentina returned to the window, staring out at the gulf. “Wouldn’t this Bice guy have called by now if he found her?” she asked.
“I don’t know. These things could take a while. Remember how large the parks are. And Danielle wasn’t sure which park they were going to. I know it’s hard, but try to stay calm,” Kit told her. Ali had a different view, but it didn’t matter at this point. All that mattered was finding Renée.
Valentina walked away from the window again, sitting down on the sofa. “That’s not so easy when you’re the parent.”
“I know,” Kit told her. “Not in the sense of being a parent, but I know what it’s like to fear for a loved one.”
Ali knew what he meant. It could be due to a number of different reasons other than his sister. His mom had passed; maybe there was more to the story than he told her. That was his story, and any other loss he’d been through that she wasn’t aware of wasn’t her business, anyway. She went over and sat beside her friend on the sofa. “I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you. Whatever I can do, consider it done.”
Val reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Thanks, Ali. I’m glad we’re friends.”
Ali had been sitting with her for a while when the jarring sound of Valentina’s cell phone sent her jolting upright.
“Hello?” Valentina said, answering immediately.
Only hearing one side of the conversation, Ali crossed her fingers, praying whatever Val heard was good news.
“I see,” Val said. “I don’t have a problem with that.”
Alison and Kit waited until she ended her call before bombarding her with questions.
“Have they found her? Is she all right?” Ali asked.
Val nodded, a round of fresh tears snaking down her face. “Yes, they found her, and they said she told them she was fine. Upset, but I wouldn’t expect her to be any other way. They’re going to keep her in custody at a juvenile center for the night. I’ll drive to Orlando first thing tomorrow morning to pick her up.”
“And John?” asked Kit.
Val smiled. “He’s going to jail. Not sure if he’s made his one call to Mommy or Daddy yet. I’m sure they’ll send their private jet to pick him up the second he’s released.”
“Wait a minute—if my understanding of Florida law is correct, there is no bail for abducting a minor and who-knows-what-else he’s done,” Kit said.
“I guess I should call my family attorney and see what he advises. I’ll call him first thing in the morning. Now, all I want to do is take a long, hot shower and call it a night. You two stay with me, okay? There are plenty of rooms. Find one you like and make yourself at home. They’re stocked with jammies and toothbrushes, everything you’ll need.” Valentina took her cell phone, purse, and a bottled water from the fridge, then headed to her room. “Good night, and thank you both. I appreciate all that you’re doing for me and my daughter.”
“Sure,” Ali said, “get some rest.”
Now that she knew Renée wasn’t in immediate danger, Ali went to the door and stepped outside. The night air was warm, the breeze from the gulf just enough to keep her comfortable. Kit followed her outside.