The Journey

By Marina Martindale

Newlyweds Cassie and Jeremy Palmer seem to be living perfect lives until a car crash leaves Cassie hospitalized and fighting for her life. Her husband, Jeremy, begins his own frightening journey when he meets Denise, one of Cassie's nurses. Denise seems familiar, but while he may no longer remember her, she has neither forgiven nor forgotten how he jilted her, years before. Denise seeks revenge and Jeremy soon vanishes under mysterious circumstances, leaving his grieving wife behind. As Cassie struggles to recover her life will take another strange turn, when an unexpected visitor reveals that things are not as they appear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Good Oak Press, LLC
• Release date: Sep 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9780991089307

Book preview

ONE

The moonlight reflected off the snow-covered mountains, creating a dreamy, picturesque landscape, which could easily hide a deadly hazard. Samantha Walsh stayed on high alert as she drove down the highway.

Is everything okay, Mom? You seem a little tense.

Samantha glanced at the young woman sitting in the passenger seat.

I'm fine, Cassie. I'm just a little tired, that's all. As soon we get to the next exit, I'd like to pull over and have you drive, if you wouldn't mind.

Sure, Mom. Cassie sounded concerned. You haven't been yourself today. Are you sure you're all right?

I'm fine. I'm just tired, that's all. She tilted her head toward the backseat. Looks like your little sister-in-law has finally gone to sleep, so I have some things I'd like to discuss with you.

Such as?

I've decided to sell the diner.

You're kidding?

Max and his wife have made a very generous offer, said Samantha. I'd like to accept, but I wanted to discuss it with you first.

I understand. So, what would you do if you sold the place? You're way too young for retirement, and somehow I can't see you sitting on your front porch in your rocking chair.

Samantha chuckled. I can't see myself there either, but now that you're happily married and on your own, I'd like to finally start pursuing my own dreams. Once was the time when I was going to be a nurse, you know.

I know, Mom. You've told me the story many times. You were going to college, back in Arizona, but then you ran out of money, so you got a job as a waitress at a truck-stop diner.

Back then I was quite the dish, and they tipped me really well.

And you're still a dish. None of my friends believe me when I tell them you're my mother. They all say, 'But Cassie, she's so pretty. She looks so young, and she's so thin. She doesn't have any wrinkles or any gray hair.'

Which is very kind of them to say, but even if I don't look it, I'm starting to feel it. Samantha winced and let out a small groan.

Are you all right, Mom?

I'm fine. It's just a little indigestion, that's all.

You're sure? Cassie tried to mask the concern in her voice. So, what do you have in mind?

I want to go back to Arizona, for at least for part of the year. I'll keep the house in Idaho Springs and stay here during the summers, but I'd like to spend the rest of the year in Phoenix and take some classes at the university. I could still become a nurse, you know. I only had a couple semesters left when I ran out of money, and I was ready to go back when I met your father.

I know, but then you got engaged, and then you got pregnant with me, and then he passed away.

And then I had you to raise, but you know, Cassie, I've never once regretted a day I've had with you. You're what kept me going all these years, and I love you with all my heart. Samantha winced and groaned again.

And I love you too. You're the best mom anyone could have asked for, but right now I'm a little worried about you. Are you sure you're feeling okay?

Samantha tried to reassure her daughter. I think so. Something I've eaten must really be disagreeing with me, but don't worry. I'll be fine.

But you hardly touched your dinner. I think you may be coming down with something. When we get back to your place, I think we should pack a bag and you can stay with us for a few days. I don't want to leave you home alone if you're sick.

Cassie, I'm fine. It's just an upset stomach, although I think you're right. I've probably picked up a bug, but I'll be okay. I don't want to bring it to your house and have the rest of you catch it.

Cassie remained unconvinced. If you say so, but I've also noticed you've been a little down in the dumps lately.

I'm just tired and need a change. I've done very well with the diner and I have the investment portfolio to prove it. But running the place day after day, year after year, has taken its toll on me. You've put in enough hours there yourself to understand. I think the stress has finally worn me down because I'm starting to feel burned out. The last time I saw my doctor he told me my blood pressure was getting too high. This is why I'm ready to sell the place and be done with it. And I don't know why, but for some reason your father's been on my mind more than usual lately. I'm even starting to dream about him again. Must be because you're out on your own now.

Cassie turned her attention to the backseat. Looks like she's out like a light.

Yes, she is, said Samantha. So, are you and Jeremy looking forward to spending some time with her?

I think so. She's a good kid and she'll only be with us for a couple days. Laura says she's supposed to be back on her feet right after her surgery, so Will plans to pick her up the day after tomorrow.

Assuming Laura has no unexpected complications.

It's just gallbladder surgery. It's an outpatient procedure, and it's no big deal.

I know, but it'll be good for you and Jeremy to spend some time with her. It could be like a dress rehearsal for having one of your own

Mom, please. Cassie rolled her eyes. I keep telling you to be patient. Our first anniversary was only two weeks ago. We still consider ourselves newlyweds, and we're not quite ready for kids.

I know, I know, but don't take too long, okay?

Samantha winced again and she appeared to be in distress. She took her left hand off the steering wheel and began flexing her fingers.

Now I know you're not all right, said Cassie. What's wrong?

I don't know. All of a sudden, I feel kind of strange. My left arm is starting to hurt, and my fingers are getting this weird, tingly sensation.

I think you better let me drive. Cassie's voice sounded urgent.

I'm going to, Cassie. As soon as I can find a safe spot, I'll pull over and let you take the wheel.

The car suddenly swerved.

Mom!

They were sliding off the road. Cassie looked at her mother, suddenly slumped against the door. She heard another car honk its horn as she braced for impact. Time seemed to slow down. She felt the car tilt sideways, as if they were in a free fall, before it tumbled downward, crashing into the trees below. As it rolled, Cassie watched her life pass before her eyes. The last thing she saw before her world went dark was Jeremy's face.

TWO

Cassie heard a child crying in the distance. She tried to react, but it felt as if her entire body was on fire. It was hard for her to breathe. She felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her side, and a deep, agonizing pain in her leg. The inside of her mouth tasted like blood and she felt something warm running down her face. She remembered the car skidding and realized they must have crashed. It felt like they were listing toward the right, but at least they were right side up. Finally getting her bearings, she would have to get help fast.

Isabella?

Her voice was barely a whisper. The child was still crying. Perhaps she hadn't heard her. She would have to speak louder, but doing so would take most of her strength.

Isabella?

Cassie? Isabella sobbed.

Are you hurt?

Yes, she said between sobs.

Are you able to move?

Yes.

Isabella, listen to me. You have to get help.

I can't.

Yes, Isabella, you can. You have to get out of this car and find someone to help us.

The child's sobbing subsided. I don't know how, Cassie. I don't know how to get out.

You can do this...Isabella.

The window's broken. Do you want me to call for help?

Yes, Isabella...you...

Cassie?

There was no response.

Cassie! Isabella's voice grew louder, but Cassie still didn't respond, and Isabella panicked. Cassie! Cassie! Somebody! Someone get me out!

A distant voice in the darkness shouted back. We're coming! We're coming!

Isabella looked out the window. A flashlight bobbed toward her. A moment later a black teenager approached the car and peered into the wreckage. She turned to her male companion, talking on his cell phone.

There're three people in here, Tyrone. I see two women, and a little girl. The two women are hurt real bad, but I think the little girl might be okay. She turned her attention to Isabella and tried to comfort her. What's your name, sweetie?

Isabella.

And how old are you, Isabella?

I'm five.

You're five? So you're a big girl. Are you okay?

I hurt my arm.

Don't worry. Help is on the way. My brother just called the state patrol, and I'm going to stay here with you until they get here, okay?

The young woman kept talking to Isabella while her brother checked on Cassie and Samantha. Her name was Chantal, and she and her brother saw their car go off the road. She reached inside the car and stroked the top of Isabella's head as she talked. It seemed to calm the child down. She glanced at her brother, who had disconnected his call and was talking to the woman in the passenger seat.

Chantal! Look!

Another flashlight was coming their way. The man carrying it appeared to be wearing a uniform. Chantal shouted and waved her arms, trying to get his attention.

We're over here!

The man stepped up to the car. I'm Trooper Jacob Wainwright, with the Colorado State Patrol. What happened?

My brother and I were in the car behind them, when all of a sudden they swerved and went over the edge, so we stopped and came down here as fast as we could.

How many people are in the car?

Three. There're two women in the front.

The trooper stepped up to Isabella. The child looked frightened. It's okay, he said, reassuringly. I won't hurt you. Are you all right?

I hurt my arm, said Isabella.

From what I'm able to see, she doesn't appear to be seriously injured, said Chantal.

The trooper walked up to the driver's door, reaching through the broken-out window to check Samantha's pulse before walking over to Tyrone to check on Cassie.

She's alive, said Tyrone, but she's been going in and out of consciousness.

The passenger side window was also broken. Wainwright reached inside to check Cassie's pulse and quickly radioed the dispatcher to call for backup.

I'm on U.S. Forty, approximately a quarter mile south of mile marker—

What's he doing? asked Isabella.

He's calling for help, said Chantal in hushed tone. We need to talk quietly, so he can hear. The two ladies who are with you will have to go to the hospital.

Are Cassie and my Aunt Samantha going to be okay?

They heard the trooper's voice in the background. He was still talking to his dispatcher.

I need paramedics, two ambulances, and a medical helicopter.

Chantal chose her words carefully. The firemen, and the people at the hospital, are going to do everything they can for them. Try not to worry, okay? She stayed with Isabella as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. Minutes later light from another flashlight appeared in the darkness. A man was making his way down the hill. As he came closer, a horrified expression spread across his face.

Oh my god! He ran up to the wrecked vehicle. Isabella!

Daddy!

Chantal held her flashlight as he looked into the backseat.  Is this your daughter?

Yes.

She says her arm hurts, and I can see a few little scratches on her face. Other than that, she seems to be okay. Unfortunately, the two ladies aren't doing so good.

He spent a moment reassuring his daughter before turning his attention back to Chantal. What the hell happened?

My brother and I were in the car behind them. We saw them suddenly swerve and go off the side of the road. My brother called nine-one-one, while I grabbed a flashlight and ran down here.

And I'll be forever grateful to both you and your brother.

Isabella was becoming agitated. Daddy! I want you to get me out of the car!

In a few minutes, Izzy, he said as he tried to sound reassuring. We'll get you out in just a couple of minutes, okay? But first we have to wait for the firemen to get here. We need to make sure you're not hurt anyplace else before we try to move you.

When will they get here?

Soon, Izzy, soon. They're on their way. Meantime I have to check on Aunt Samantha and Cassie, but I promise I'll stay right here by the car, okay?

He stepped up to the driver's side and peered through broken window. Samantha's head rested on top of the steering wheel, but she wasn't moving. He carefully reached through the window to check her pulse but couldn't find one.

No! C'mon, Sam.

I already tried to find her pulse, said Wainwright, but I'm afraid she's gone. The trooper remained at the other side of the car with Tyrone, who held another flashlight.

How long have you been here?

Wainwright glanced at his watch. Approximately four minutes.

And I tried to check her pulse as soon as I got here, said Tyrone, but I couldn't find one either. The other lady is still alive. She was even talking a little bit, so I decided to stay and talk to her so she'd know she wasn't alone and help is on the way. We were here for about ten minutes or so before the trooper arrived.

He looked at the wreckage and shook his head. Too much time had passed for him to attempt CPR. He sighed as he walked back to the passenger side of the car.

You did the right thing, son. Sometimes you have to focus on saving the ones who have the best chance of surviving, and without a doubt you're talking to her made a difference.

She's been going in and out of consciousness, said Wainwright. I take it you know her.

Yes, I know her, he said as he took a closer look. Blood ran down Cassie's face and into her long, auburn hair. It looked like a grotesque color streak. He took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.

Her name is Cassandra Palmer. She's married to my wife's son. The driver is—was, her mother, Samantha Walsh. The child in the backseat is my daughter, Isabella.

The paramedics will be here soon, said Wainwright. Fortunately, your daughter doesn't appear to be seriously injured. I wish I could say the same for your daughter-in-law.

The name's Will Mason, by the way, he said as he checked Cassie's neck for a pulse. It was weak and irregular. I'm a veterinarian, but I know enough about human medicine to know she's in deep shock and she's hemorrhaging. She'll have to be air lifted out of here.

Blood gushed out of a small cut on Cassie's forehead, beneath her hairline. Will reached into his coat pocket for a handkerchief and began applying pressure to the wound. Cassie reacted to his touch.

Will? Will? More blood came out of her mouth as she tried to speak.

I'm right here, Cassie. He stroked her arm with his other hand. You've been in a bad accident, but help is on the way. You're going to be all right.

She murmured something and lapsed back into unconsciousness.

The firemen and paramedics were finally making their way down the hillside. Wainwright motioned to Chantal and Tyrone to step off to the side. He questioned them about what they had seen, taking notes as they talked. Will stood by while the firemen rescued Isabella from the backseat. Other than her left arm, she seemed to be uninjured. A paramedic carried her back up to the highway and gently placed her in the back of one of the two waiting ambulances. Chantal went with them and stayed with her while Will remained on the scene, anxiously waiting as the other paramedics took care of Cassie. Her condition was extremely critical. A helicopter circled overhead while the firefighters used the Jaws of Life to open the passenger door. Once opened, they carefully loaded her onto a stretcher and carried her away. Will reached inside the car to retrieve their personal belongings before following the rescuers up the hill. He waited as they loaded Cassie into the other ambulance. It quickly sped away to rendezvous with the helicopter.

They're flying her to Denver, said one of the paramedics. There's a level-one trauma center at Southern Memorial. Hopefully, she'll survive the flight.

Will nodded and turned his attention back to his daughter. How's she doing?

She doesn't appear to be seriously injured, said the medic looking after her. She's complaining of pain in her left arm. I can feel some swelling and she could possibly have a fracture. With your permission, I'd like to take her to Steamboat Springs to have it x-rayed.

Of course, said Will. I'll follow you as soon as you're ready, but first I have to call my stepson. He turned his attention to Chantal and Tyrone, shaking both of their hands. I want to thank both of you for coming to their rescue.

We just did what was right, said Tyrone, and we'll be praying for your family.

As the two teenagers headed back to their car Will stepped away and pulled out his phone. The helicopter took off as he punched up Jeremy's number. He watched the as the blinking lights flew over the treetops and quickly disappeared.

God be with you, Cassie.

He took a deep breath and placed the call, anxiously pacing back and forth while he waited for Jeremy to answer.

Hey, Will, how's it going?

Jeremy, I need to talk to you. His tone was deadly serious. It's about Cassie.

She's not here yet, although I'm expecting her, and Isabella, around eight-thirty or so.

I know. Now listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you.

Is something wrong?

Yes, son, I'm afraid there is. There's been an accident.

What do you mean, there's been an accident?

Will took a deep breath. I'm on the highway, about halfway between the Steamboat Ski Resort and Muddy Pass. According to the eyewitnesses, Samantha's car suddenly swerved and skidded off the road. It rolled down a hillside and crashed into some trees.

Oh my god! Is everyone okay?

Isabella appears to be okay, but they think she may have a broken arm. We're getting ready to take her to a hospital in Steamboat Springs to have it x-rayed.

Oh, wow. I'm sorry she got hurt, but it sounds like she'll be all right. Right?

Yes, right.

So, what about Cassie? Is she okay? Jeremy's question was met with silence. What about Cassie? The angst built in his voice.

At this point, she's still alive.

What do you mean, she's still alive?

Will took another deep breath. Cassie was in the passenger seat. Unfortunately, that part of the car took the brunt of the impact when it crashed. I'm not going to lie to you, Jeremy. As soon as I saw her, I realized she had some serious internal injuries. They've just air lifted her to Denver. She's on her way to Southern Memorial as we speak.

I'm on my way!

Wait! Jeremy, before you go, there's one other thing. He let out a loud, prolonged sigh. It's about your mother-in-law. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Samantha didn't make it. She was dead at the scene.

No!

The coroner just arrived. I'll take care of identifying the body. Do you want me to call your father and stepmother? I know the three of them have a long history together.

That's okay, Will. I'll take care of it as soon as I get to the hospital. You go take care of Isabella.

They ended the call and Will turned his attention to the coroner. Once they finished their business, the ambulance with Isabella drove away. Will followed it to Steamboat Springs and called his wife from the hospital. Isabella was released about an hour later. She had some deep contusions on her arm, but no broken bones or internal injuries. He called his wife again, this time to let her know they were on their way home.

THREE

The closer he came to the hospital, the tighter the knot in Jeremy's stomach grew. As he drove it seemed like every traffic light turned red in front of him, and all the other drivers appeared to be going slower than usual. It felt as if an eternity had passed before he finally turned into the emergency entrance. Parking his Jeep, he raced across the lot, slipping and nearly falling in the slush before reaching the emergency room doors. Once inside, he rushed to the admissions window, asking if his wife had arrived yet.

Her name's Cassie. Cassandra Palmer. They're bringing her in by helicopter.

The clerk typed something on her keyboard. She's not here yet, but we're expecting her to arrive within the hour. She handed him a clipboard with some paperwork and told him to take a seat.

Jeremy pounded the pen against the clipboard. What the hell? You've got to be freaking kidding me, lady! My wife may be dying, and you want me to fill out a bunch of damn forms?

Calm down, sir. Her voice had a firm, no-nonsense tone. The doctors need to know her medical history, what medications she may be taking, and any allergies she might have. Someone will come to talk to you, very soon.

He shook his head and sighed loudly as he grudgingly took his seat. A nurse soon approached him.

Mr. Palmer?

Yes?

Come with me, please.

They took the elevator up to the third floor and she escorted him a small private waiting room. He handed her the clipboard as he took his seat.

The helicopter will be landing shortly, she said. Once it arrives, she'll go straight to surgery. Right now, I need to go over her medical history. She took out her pen and started asking questions, taking notes as Jeremy responded.

Well, it sounds like she's in good health, which will certainly weigh in her favor. I have one last question for you. Is your wife by chance pregnant?

No. Jeremy shook his head. She's been on the pill for the past few years. We weren't quite ready to start a family yet.

A profound sadness swept over him. He might not only lose his wife; he would also lose the family they would never have. As he mulled it over another nurse entered the room. The helicopter had landed. Both women rushed out, and Jeremy followed them down the hall. A pair of double doors opened at the end of the hallway and Cassie was quickly wheeled inside. A group of people wearing dark-blue scrubs with matching caps surrounded the gurney while Jeremy stared in disbelief. Cassie looked more dead than alive. An oxygen mask covered much of her face, but what he could see looked ashen. Her hair was streaked with blood. A large, clear plastic box with bloody fluids hung off the side of the stretcher. Another bag, with cherry-colored fluids, hung off the foot. Cassie was bleeding out. A tube came out of her side and she was hooked up to several IV lines as well as a monitor. He took a few steps toward her as they wheeled her away, but before he could get too close, he felt someone grab him by the arm.

Cassie! No! Wait! Cassie! He kept shouting her name as he tried to free himself.

Come with me, sir, said a woman's voice behind him.

No!

He stood by helplessly as they turned down another hallway and whisked her out of sight.

Please, sir, come with me, said the woman behind him. They're taking her into surgery. Trust me, she's in very capable hands. We have one of our best trauma teams working on her.

He looked over his shoulder. A nurse stood behind him, holding his arm. She was young, blonde, and pretty. As she gently led him back to the small room where he had been before he took a deep breath and tried to keep the tremble in his voice down.

How is she? What's her condition?

I'm afraid I don't know the details. All I can tell you is she's probably going to be in surgery for the next several hours. One of the doctors will talk to you as soon as they're able. In the meantime, is there anything I can get you?

No, thank you. Something about her seemed familiar, although he couldn't place her. I'll be okay, but please, keep me informed on how she's doing.

Of course. Just so you know, someone will be coming in to check on you periodically as well. So for now, I'll let you be, but if you need anything, anything at all, come talk to us at the nurses' station. The hospital cafeteria will be open for about another hour or so, if you'd like coffee or a sandwich, and the chapel is just down the hall.

Thanks. I'll be fine. He looked at his watch as she stepped away. It was a few minutes past eight. He wondered how everything could have gone so terribly wrong. Taking a deep breath, he reached for his phone and was about to place a call when it started ringing. His mother was calling.

Are you all right, Jer?

I don't know, Mom. He paced the room while he talked. Are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine. Your stepdad called a few minutes ago. He's on his way home with Isabella.

How is she?

She's fine, all things considered. She's pretty shaken up, and she has a badly bruised arm, but thankfully, she has no broken bones. Any word on Cassie?

Nothing yet, said Jeremy. She just got here a few minutes ago. She looked really bad. She was bleeding and there were tubes everywhere. They took her straight into surgery, but they won't tell me anything.

According to Will, she was awake and talking to Isabella, right after the accident, and he said she tried to come to once or twice while he was there. Hopefully, it's a good sign. He also said he stayed with her until they loaded her into the ambulance.

I know. He called me from the scene. Please, tell him I said thank you.

Of course. She paused for a moment. Jeremy, do you need me to come stay with you? I can postpone my surgery.

No, I'm fine. I need to call Dad and Gillian to let them know what happened. Someone needs to tell them about Sam, and I guess it should come from me.

Will and I would be happy to do it for you.

Thanks for the offer, Mom, but she was my mother-in-law, so it's probably best that I do it. He stopped and sighed. I can't believe she's gone.

Neither can I. It was only a few hours ago when we were all sitting around the table together and having an early supper. Will was out running errands, so they offered to stay until he got back, but I said no. I wanted them to get back to Denver so Isabella would be in bed at a decent hour. They left right after dinner. Jeremy heard the quiver in his mother's voice. We all walked out to her car together and I hugged her goodbye. Her voice broke and she started sobbing.

I know, Mom. He paused for a moment. Look, you haven't been feeling well yourself. Why don't you try to get some rest? You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.

I know. I just wanted to make sure you're all right.

I'm fine, all things considered. I'll call you tomorrow to see how you're doing, okay?

Jeremy walked up to the window after they hung up. Gazing outside, he wondered if the people driving past the hospital took their lives for granted as much as he had. He watched the cars go by a few minutes longer before reaching for his phone and looking up his father's number. His father left Colorado the day after he married Gillian, his second wife. Jeremy's younger brother, Larry, went with them, and they had been living in Arizona for nearly a year and a half. Now he wished his father wasn't so far away. He placed the call, waiting anxiously for his father to pick up.

Hey, Jeremy.

Hi, Dad.

Is everything okay, Jer? You don't sound right.

Jeremy sighed into the phone. You'd better sit down. I have something to tell you, and I'm afraid it's not good news.

What happened?

He took a deep breath as he searched for the right words. There's been an accident, a really bad one. It happened earlier this evening. Cassie and Samantha went up to Steamboat Springs to pick up Isabella, because Mom's having surgery tomorrow.

Your brother mentioned something about that. So, what happened?

They were on the way back to Denver. I'm not sure who was driving. All I know is the car went off the road.

Is everyone all right?

Jeremy took another deep breath and tried to compose himself.

Jeremy?

I'm here, Dad, and no, I'm afraid everyone isn't all right. Apparently, Isabella only had minor injuries. She's back home with Mom and Will. I'm at Southern Memorial Hospital. They just brought Cassie in by helicopter and she's in surgery right now. They're talking like she'll be there most of the night. He paused, fighting to keep his composure. Dad, I'm not sure if she'll make it or not. I got a glimpse of her when they brought her in. Her face was so pale...she looked like she was dying. Jeremy's voice started breaking.

We're on our way, son. Gillian and I are catching the next flight to Denver.

I thought she had a fear of flying.

She does, but we'll deal with it. He stopped for a moment. What about Samantha? Is she there with you?

It was the question he hoped his father wouldn't ask. He cleared his throat and loosened his tie as he struggled to find the right words. It would be best to get straight to the point.

No, Dad. Samantha isn't here. She didn't make it.

You mean she stayed behind. Did they take her to a hospital in Steamboat Springs?

No. She's not in a hospital. He stopped for a moment. Samantha was killed, Dad. I don't know all the details. All I know is she was dead at the scene.

Oh. Dear. God! His father went silent, and he heard his stepmother's voice in the background.

Ian? What's wrong?

It's Jeremy. There's been...an accident... He too was having trouble getting the words out. Gillian quickly came on the line.

What happened?

Gillian! Thank goodness.

Jeremy and his stepmother shared a special bond, having become close friends before she married his father. He filled her in about Cassie. Now came the hard part. He would have to tell her about Samantha, her best friend ever since college. He heard his father's voice in the background. He too was trying to prepare her for the blow. Jeremy took a breath, but before he could speak, Gillian jumped in. Her voice sounded strained.

You know Jer, back in the day, when Sam and I lived a few doors down from one another, we used to talk a lot. I remember this one morning when she stopped by my apartment. We were sitting there, having our coffee, and she said, 'You know, Gillian, I had the strangest dream last night, and it was so real.' She said she'd dreamed she was driving a car which skidded off the road and rolled down a hill. She said the dream really scared her and she'd woken up in a cold sweat. Gillian paused for a moment. Jeremy heard her softly sobbing. Sometimes Samantha would dream about things which were going to happen to her in the future. She paused again. This was one of those dreams, wasn't it?

Yes, Gillian, I'm afraid it was. I'm so sorry. She didn't make it.

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. His father came back on a minute later. He too sounded strained.

Okay, Jer. While you and Gillian were talking, I went online and booked a red-eye flight to Denver. It leaves at ten forty-five tonight and arrives in Denver at twelve-twenty tomorrow morning. I also found a twenty-four-hour rental car company, so I've reserved a car. We'll head straight to the hospital from the airport. We should be there around one o'clock or so.

Thanks, Dad. Do you know where to find me?

I have a pretty good idea of exactly where you are. Remember, I was one of the architects who designed the trauma center, so I know the place inside and out. Don't worry, I'll find you.

Jeremy disconnected the call and grabbed the TV remote. He spent some time channel surfing, but he couldn't concentrate. He finally turned it off and looked at the clock as he tossed the remote aside. It was only eight forty-five, but he felt as if he had been there for hours.

Looking around the room, he took in his surroundings. Along with a few chairs there were two well-worn sofas, placed at a ninety-degree angle. One of the chairs had an ottoman in front of it. Several dog-eared magazines were stacked on top of a coffee table, and a collection of children's toys sat in a corner. The room was obviously meant for family members waiting for word of loved ones. He wondered how many ended up hearing good news. His phone soon rang again. This time his brother was calling.

I just got off the phone with Dad. Are you all right, bro?

No, Larry, I'm not.

I understand. I'm heading out to take him and Gillian to the airport.

Thanks. I appreciate your help. He paused for a moment. Gillian has a fear of flying. I wonder how he's going to get her on the plane.

He mentioned something about that. Apparently, she said you'd be amazed at what you can do when you really have to, so I have a hunch she'll be fine. Any word on Cassie?

Not a thing. They said she'll probably be in surgery for hours. Right now, I'm thinking no news is good news.

You hang on to that thought, bro, said Larry, and Jeremy, I'm really sorry about Samantha. She was a good lady. I liked her too.

Thanks, Larry.

I gotta run. Do you want me to call you after I drop them off?

Yeah, I would. Just make sure you're not calling while you're driving, okay?

I won't. Hang in there, Jer. I'm praying for you and Cassie.

Jeremy paced around the room after they disconnected, feeling like a caged animal. He finally stepped into the hallway, in search of a vending machine. Along the way he saw the hospital chapel, so he stopped and cautiously opened the door. The little room was softly lit with three small pews. It appeared to be designed to accommodate people of different faiths. The altar was a simple, rectangular-shaped wooden table in front of a large,