Chapter 4 Larrisa and Gabe

Was that Annie Hinkle? Gabe asked, every sense on alert. When she nodded, he tried to remain calm. What happened?

Larissas tortured gaze met his. I dont know, but I think we should call the police.

He quickly turned the boat back toward his pier. Are you sure? Maybe she just didnt want anyone to know she was calling you.

She was talking really softly, as if she didnt want anyone to hear her. But then I heard a crash and then nothing. Im worried something terrible has happened to her.

He understood where she was coming from. The dark bruise around Annies wrist had revealed an ugly story despite her claims of falling off the porch. Hed seen his share of domestic violence cases when hed been in Madison, but he couldnt figure out why the women didnt just get out. He knew being a victim was part of the cycle, believing the guy was going to change, thinking that next time the same thing wouldnt happen, but it was still frustrating.

Call 911 and send the deputies over there just in case.

He could hear Larissa on the phone, speaking to Deputy Thomas, explaining Annies abrupt call and the crash shed heard. After she finished, she turned back toward him. They said theyd send a squad out to check things out.

Thats good, he said as he pulled up next to his pier. Wait for me to help you, he cautioned. He made quick work of tying up the boat before giving her a helping hand.

She crutch-walked up the front lawn at a fast pace. He followed close behind. Do you know where Annie and Kurt live? she asked as they rounded the house.

He had a bad feeling about where this was going. Yes. They live in a small house in the woods. They dont have access to the lake, but their house is tucked into the trees. I think Kurt likes his privacy. Privacy that gave him plenty of opportunity to hit his wife without anyone overhearing.

Will you drive me there?

He didnt want to because he was worried about her safety. Both Kurt and Tommy could be unpredictable. Yet how could he refuse? If anything, Larissa might be able to calm Annie down if she was upset since shed established a good rapport with the patient during her last visit.

Ill drive you there, he agreed. But were not going inside until the cops show up.

Larissa looked like she wanted to protest, but she didnt say anything as she slid into the passenger seat. He took the crutches, stuffed them in the back, and then jogged around to the drivers side.

Hurry, Larissa urged.

He was already pushing the speed limit, but he nudged the gas pedal a bit more. Try calling Annie back, see if she answers.

Larissa did as he suggested, but apparently no one answered because she dropped the phone into her lap. I dont like it, she murmured. Somethings not right.

As he approached the south side of the lake, he heard the wail of sirens getting louder. The squad sped past them, kicking up dust and gravel, and he couldnt help feeling a sense of relief.

He could only hope and pray the deputies had gotten there in time.

When he approached the long, winding driveway, he pulled off on the side of the road and cut the engine.

What are you doing? she asked, her tone laced with impatience. We have to check on Annie.

Larissa, the police are there. We cant just barge up the driveway into the middle of what could be a bad situation. For all we know, Annie could be a hostage. There could be weapons involved. And from what hed heard about Kurt, the guy was an avid hunter, so for sure he owned at least one gun, if not more. Lets just sit here for a minute and wait.

Larissas expression betrayed her frustration, but when she bowed her head to pray, he reached over to take her hand in his. Dear Lord, we ask that You please keep Annie safe in Your care, he murmured.

Amen, Larissa whispered.

Larissa stared through the windshield, searching for some sign of either Annie or the police. Both windows were down, too, but they couldnt hear anything, and she wasnt sure if that was a good thing or not. At least there wasnt any shouting or gunfire. But what if everyone was already dead? She couldnt bear the thought.

Usually prayer helped keep her calm, but she couldnt deny an acute sense of urgency. She was pleased that Gabe had prayed with her, and if the situation wasnt so tense, she might have asked him more about what had caused him to stray from his faith.

The sound of muted voices reached her ears, and she grabbed Gabes hand.

Did you hear that? she whispered.

He nodded. Maybe theres nothing to worry about, he suggested.

As much as she wanted to believe that, she knew too well it wasnt likely. Abusive men didnt just turn over a new leaf. They always wanted to prove that they were in control, no matter what it took. And the abuse was always the victims fault.

Youre so stupid! How could you do something so stupid? Whack! Maybe next time, youll think before you open up your mouth! Smack!

Larissa shivered despite the warm air as memories of the past came rushing forward. Her stepfather had beat her mother on a regular basis, but it wasnt until her stepfather started beating Larissa that her mother had finally escaped.

Hey, whats wrong? Gabe whispered. You suddenly got very pale. She needed to pull herself together. Nothing. Im fine.

The sound of a car motor startled her, and she held her breath until the squad car came into view. The two deputies inside looked grim.

What happened? Gabe asked through his open window. Is Annie all right?

The two deputies exchanged a long look. Apparently everything is all right. Annie claims she knocked a pot of hot water off the stove and that her burns are superficial. Shes refusing medical care. And Kurt has promised to take care of her.

Larissa shook her head, knowing that there was way more to the story. But what could they do? If Annie wouldnt come forward to testify against her husband or come in to get medical care, they couldnt take any action against him.

Sorry we bothered you, Gabe said.

Its no bother, Deputy Thomas said with a dark frown. But it is frustrating. At the moment, our hands are tied. Let us know if you hear anything more.

Thanks, Larissa murmured, feeling sick to her stomach. She didnt say anything as Gabe started up the car and drove away. She knew it would only be a matter of time until Annie was hurt again.

The only question remaining was whether or not shed survive the next attack.

Gabe glanced over at Larissa, whod been unusually quiet during the ride back to his place. How about some steaks on the grill? he offered.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise, and he mentally braced himself for rejection. Actually, she said slowly, that sounds wonderful.

Despite his intent to keep Larissa in the friendship category, he was thrilled that theyd be spending the evening together. He assumed that Larissa didnt want to be alone, and he couldnt blame her, especially since he knew she was as depressed as he was about Annies situation.

But he was glad all the same.

I hope you dont mind if I stop at a grocery store, he said. I need to pick up something to go along with the steaks.

Sounds good. Id be happy to pay for salad fixings, she offered.

Ill pay for the salads, he said firmly as he executed a U-turn in the road to head back toward town. A few minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot of the local grocery store.

He helped her out of the car, once again distracted by her vanilla scent. He quickly pulled her crutches out of the back seat and handed them to her. Ready? he asked.

Of course, she said, swinging into a crutch walk like a pro.

He grabbed a basket and followed her to the produce section. Oooh, the tomatoes look delicious, she gushed.

He grimaced. If you like tomatoes.

Her jaw dropped in mock horror. You dont like tomatoes? How is that possible? Everyone likes tomatoes!

I dont, he said with a wry grin. But help yourself. Do you like cucumbers?

Of course, whats not to like?

What about salad dressing? he asked when theyd filled the basket with veggies. I have ranch dressing at home, but if you want something else, thats fine.

I love ranch dressing, so Im good.

Ridiculous to be pleased that they had some tastes in common. They made their way over to the checkout lines, and he I ignored the surprised glances in his direction as he paid for the groceries. It was a little late now to be worried about the gossip mill, considering hed already attended church with Larissa.

After the way Rebecca had ruined his reputation at Madison, hed tried to avoid attracting attention here in Crystal Lake. He hadnt been seen with a woman before now.

But there was no denying that hed been living a lonely existence. And what was the harm of picking up veggies for dinner with Larissa? He didnt care what people said about him outside the hospital. As long as his reputation within the Emergency Department remained untarnished, he was fine.

The drive back to his house didnt take long. Once inside, Larissa took over the kitchen. Ill make the salads, she said, running the veggies under water to clean them. You can grill the steaks.

Yes, maam, he teased as he pulled the steaks out of the fridge, where hed been marinating them all afternoon. The fact that hed planned on having dinner with Larissa all along made him pause for a moment.

Was he really considering breaking his cardinal rule against dating co-workers?

No, he wasnt. He couldnt afford to do anything that might jeopardize his career. They were friends, thats all. And friends could certainly share dinner on occasion. Not a big deal.

He glanced up from the grill when Larissa came out through the patio doors, his breath catching in his throat at the pretty sight she made with her flowery skirt, her pink top and the soft smile that tugged at her mouth as she dropped into one of the deck chairs. Salads are ready whenever you are, she announced. And dont worry, nary a tomato to be found in yours. Mine, of course, is loaded with them.

His response was strangled in his throat, and he had to pull himself together with an effort. Sounds great, he finally managed. And how do you like your steak? he asked, trying to find his balance even as his thoughts raced. How had this suddenly turned into a date?

Medium-rare, she said. And let me guess, youre the kind of guy who likes your meat to moo at you.

He couldnt help but laugh. Not me, I like my steaks medium-rare, too. They ate out on his deck, overlooking the lake, and he couldnt remember ever enjoying a meal more. When the sun set over the horizon and the mosquitoes came out, they reluctantly went inside. Since Larissa was on crutches, he brought all the dirty dishes in and set them on the counter. She tried to start the dishes, but he shooed her away. I have a dishwashing machine, theres no reason for you to do them.

All right, she agreed. Its time for me to head home, anyway. Thanks for dinner, Gabe.

Youre very welcome, he said huskily. As much as he didnt want her to leave, he knew that it would be best for him if she did. He was already far too aware of her. And far too comfortable around her. Do you need help getting out to the car?

Hey, Im a pro with these things by now, she said, propping the crutches beneath her arms. Although you were right about the fact that crutch walking isnt as easy as it looks. My arms are already tired and sore from one measly day.

He knew exactly what she meant. Youll get used to it after a few days. I hope so.

He held the door open for her so she could make her way outside. The ride back to her apartment didnt take long, another novelty of living in Crystal Lake compared to Madison. All the streets in Madison led to the capitol, which made traffic a total nightmare every day.

Are you working tomorrow? Larissa asked, breaking into his thoughts. Yes, are you?

No, Im off one more day. Was that a flash of disappointment in her features? It was difficult to tell in the dim light. For a moment, he considered asking one of his colleagues to cover for him so they could spend another day together.

Bad idea, he told himself. Really bad idea. Besides, hed see her the following night.

He tried to find a neutral topic. If your ankle isnt better, get in to see your doctor. I still think you might need that MRI.

I will, she promised.

He pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building and shut off the car so he could help her out. Of course, being Larissa, she was already trying to get out on her own.

Trying not to roll his eyes, he hurried around to assist. She attempted to pivot on one foot and teetered to the side.

Ive got you, he said, catching her before she could fall against the door. Her small frame fit into his arms perfectly, and suddenly, he didnt want to let her go.

Thanks, she said breathlessly, her face buried against his chest.

He stood, fighting against the desire to wrap his arms around her, drawing her even closer. But then she pulled back a bit and tipped her head to look up at him. And he couldnt seem to help himself.

He lowered his mouth to capture hers in a tender kiss.