The Lost Bones (Widow's Island #8)(25)

Cate was tempted to argue the validity of that statement.

“I understand,” she told Rich. “A lot of people feel that way. I’ll just leave some women’s hygiene products. She’ll need them for all the heavy bleeding after—”

“Fine! Jeez.” He grabbed Ashlee’s arm, hauled her forward, and then gave her a shove in the back. “Go get your women’s shit.”

Ashlee stumbled forward, her arms out for balance. She was gigantic, making Cate wonder if she was pregnant with twins. Rich stood back and watched, his arms crossed on his chest, disgust in his eyes. Cate had hoped he’d keep his distance when she gave Ashlee the hygiene products.

Cate quickly set down her box and dug out the sanitary pads. She slipped a small piece of paper out of her pocket. Ashlee approached and Cate stood, holding the paper on the plastic-wrapped pads so that Ashlee could read it.

It was a photocopy of what Ashlee—Cate assumed—had written on the newspaper article. Just the handwritten portion. Seeing her huge belly and Rich’s attitude, Cate had little doubt that it was Ashlee who had described her fear for her unborn child. The young woman froze as she saw the photocopy, and then her gaze leaped to Cate’s.

“Here you go,” Cate said conversationally but loud enough for Rich to hear. “I hope these are helpful after your baby is born. Have you had any contractions?”

“Yes,” whispered the girl, raising a hand to her forehead. “And my head and back hurt all the time.”

Alarmed, Cate looked at Rich. “Did you know your wife has been having contractions?”

“She’s been bitching about pain for months. It’s normal.”

Ashlee winced and put both hands on her belly. Cate swore the abdomen seemed to rise and tighten under Ashlee’s snug shirt.

Holy shit.

“She’s having a contraction right this second.”

“It’s those fake labor things,” snapped Rich. “Leigh, get over here. Now.”

“Can I leave her some acetaminophen for her—”

“No. Nothing else. Just the female crap.”

Confident that Ashlee had recognized the note, Cate crumpled the paper back into her hand and passed her the pack of pads. “Hopefully help for the baby will come soon.” She held Ashlee’s gaze, praying the young woman understood that someone would get her out of this horrible situation soon.

“I hope so too,” the young woman said. Her eyes were bloodshot, and exhaustion surrounded her. But there was a hint of trust that hadn’t been there a few moments before.

“You can count on it.”

I’ve got to get her out of here today.

Cate nodded at her and returned to the other two women, who hadn’t said a word during the entire exchange. The three of them headed back toward the clearing.

“He’s a real asshole,” whispered Selina. “We’ve felt so sorry for that girl. He doesn’t let her do anything.”

“I took them some leftovers a few weeks ago, and he blew up at me,” said Michelle. “Told me his wife didn’t need help taking care of him.”

“Sounds like a real winner,” said Cate. “I’m sure he’ll get what’s coming to him.”

“She looks like she could pop any day,” said Michelle. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when she goes into labor. I’m no help. I can’t be around that type of pain.”

“Me either,” agreed Selina. “And the men won’t be any help.”

“Rich claims he knows what to do during a birth,” said Michelle. “But I wouldn’t trust him.”

“Fuck no,” said Selina.

“I think she might be in active labor right now,” Cate said.

“Dammit,” muttered Michelle. The woman stopped and looked back the way they had come, frustration on her face. “I don’t know how to get Leigh away from him. He’s such an overbearing ass. If we could separate them, there’s a boat that could get her to the clinic on Widow’s—oh . . . that’s where you’re from, right?”

“I’d take her right now in the seaplane,” said Cate. “And leave him behind.”

The health of her baby is far more important than bringing Rich to justice.

Cate touched Michelle’s arm. “How do the other men on the island feel about Rich and her pregnancy?”

Michelle grimaced. “They say it’s Rich’s business. I’ve talked to my man about Leigh a few times. He tells me to keep to myself.”

“Same,” said Selina.

“And if that baby dies because Rich won’t let her have help?”

The woman looked away.

“Leigh could die too.”

“What can we do?” Michelle threw up her hands, anger in her tone. “We’re powerless.”

“No, you’re not,” said Cate, making the women look at her in surprise. “And you’re exactly who can help. Trust me.”

I have an idea.





11


Cate gave Michelle and Selina an encouraging nod as they returned to the clearing, crossing her fingers that the two could talk a little sense into their husbands. They’d agreed to tell their husbands that Leigh was in labor and was showing signs of severe health complications. To convince the women, Cate had emphasized what could happen if Leigh’s headache and exhaustion weren’t addressed. All the husbands needed to do was to get Rich to go fishing, like he had already planned for that day.