Chapter 18. Dr. Barnes stepped into the waiting room where six faces turned to him anxiously

Dr. Barnes stepped into the waiting room where six faces turned to him anxiously. Charlie was the only person missing, as he was still in conference with the two police officers. The doctor walked over to where Jacob sat, flanked by his wife and Jeannie. "Mr. CaubleŠI¹m sorry it¹s taken me so long to get back to you, but I wanted to see how your granddaughter responded to the treatment before I spoke to you."

"How is she?" Anna Leigh asked as she spared a glance at Lex and Martha that were over by the windows. The dark-haired woman looked completely lost and alone, and it broke Anna Leigh¹s heart.

"She¹s stable for now. We have her on a respirator to help her breathe so that her heart and lungs are not overworked." Dr. Barnes looked over at the woman by the window. Sometimes I really hate my job.

Jeannie squeezed Frank¹s hand. Her husband sat on the other side of her and pulled her close. "Can we see her?" she asked.

The doctor nodded. "Only for a moment, and not all at once." He turned to face Lex. "And I¹m sorry, but only family members are allowed into ICU." Stupid rule ¯ she¹s obviously very close to Miss Cauble. Maybe I can do something about that.

The rancher nodded wearily. "I understand. Thank you for all you¹ve done, Dr. Barnes." Lex felt Martha put a sympathetic arm around her waist. "If it¹s okay, I¹ll just hang out here for a while."

"Certainly. Thank you for understanding, Ms. Walters." Dr. Barnes turned away from them and stepped to the door. He spoke loudly to the family. "If you will just follow meŠshe¹s in room two-thirty one of ICU. Right next to our supply office." He winked at Lex and led the rest of the family out of the room.

Martha looked after them in surprise. "I do believe that Dr. Barnes is human after all," she murmured to the tall woman next to her.

"You¹ve got that right." Lex smiled down on the older woman. "I¹m gonna give the Caubles some time with her first, then I think Amanda is going to have a Œnurse¹ by her side for a while." She kissed the top of Martha¹s head. "Why don¹t you and Charlie check into a nearby hotel? You look a little worn out." More like a LOT worn outŠ I keep forgetting she¹s not as young as she used to be. These late hours can¹t be too good for her, or Charlie.

"Good idea, sweetheart. We¹ll book several rooms together so that everyone will have a place to rest up," Martha agreed. "That means you too." She gave the rancher one of her serious looks. "And before you give me any trouble, don¹t bother. You¹re not too big for me to still take over my knee."

Lex rolled her eyes. "Yes, ma¹am. Just call and leave me a message at the nurse¹s station so I¹ll know where you are." She pulled the short woman into a strong hug. "Thanks for being here, Mada. I couldn¹t have made it without you."

The housekeeper returned the hug. "Phooey. That¹s what family is for, honey. Now don¹t be too late, all right? You need your rest too, if you¹re going to do Amanda any good." She pulled away just as the door opened and an exhausted looking Charlie stepped into the waiting area.

"Where¹d everybody go?" He asked as he looked around.

"They¹ve gone to see Amanda." Martha walked over to him and rubbed his arm. "Lexie is going to wait here for them, and we¹re gonna go get a few hotel rooms for us all."

Charlie looked over at Lex, who was leaning against the far wall with her arms crossed over her chest. "Are you sure that you don¹t need us to stay with you, honey?"

The young woman shook her head as she pushed away from the wall. Lex stepped over to where the older couple was standing. "I¹m sure, Uncle Charlie. I really just need a little time by myself." She pulled the lawman into a strong embrace. "You take care of Martha for me, all right?" she whispered in his ear.

"You know I will, sweetheart." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "You just call if you need us, and we¹ll be back here in a flash."

"I promise." Lex leaned over and kissed them both. "Now go on, before you both collapse on me." She watched with a fond smile as the couple left the room. There go the best parents anyone could ever ask for. I¹ve certainly been lucky to have them.

***************

The tall figure stepped quietly into the empty corridor. After looking both directions, it stealthily made its way to the intensive care unit.

The nurse seated behind the counter looked up from her paperwork and smiled. "You¹re a little early, aren¹t you? Shift change isn¹t for another forty-five minutes."

"UmmŠyeah. But I couldn¹t sleep, so I thought that I¹d just take a look around."

The young nurse nodded. "I know the feeling. We¹ve got one new patient and her family left a little while ago. It was really close for a while, but it looks like she¹s going to pull through just fine." She looked down at a chart. "I expect the doctor will take her off the respirator first thing in the morning."

Lex almost collapsed in relief. "That¹s great. I¹ll just go in and check on her, if you don¹t mind." Her entire body was screaming to race into the room, regulations be-damned.

"Go on. I¹ll cover for you." The nurse nodded at the uniformed police officer that was standing by the entry door to the unit. After the tall woman closed the door behind her, the nurse picked up the phone and dialed an extension. "Dr. Barnes? This is Nurse Hamil in ICU. I did what you asked. The dark-haired woman is in there now."

"Thank you, Shelly. Don¹t let anyone disturb her, all right? I think that she¹s the best medicine for our patient right now." Dr. Barnes smiled and hung up the phone.

Lex peered through the glass wall before reaching the door. Room two-thirty oneŠ but it¹s too dark to see anything. She pushed the door open slowly and stepped in, allowing it to close quietly behind her. Blue eyes tracked to the bed on the other side of the room. It was tucked in the corner and was surrounded by several different machines. Oh, godŠAmandaŠ

Amanda¹s small body was lying deathly still on the bed with several tubes running between her and the machines. The only sounds in the room were the thump and hiss of the respirator and the quiet beep of the heart monitor. Her upper body was slightly elevated and her hair was in disarray and matted to her head.

"My poor love," Lex murmured quietly as she stood next to the bed. She pulled a nearby chair close and sat down, her eyes never leaving the frail form on the bed. She reached over with a trembling hand and gently grasped the small fingers. "Oh, sweetheartŠwhat I have done to you?" None of this would have happened if you weren¹t with me. How will I ever be able to look into those beautiful green eyes again? WILL I ever be able to look into them? Her other hand began to lightly brush the blonde hair from Amanda¹s face. "I love you so muchŠplease don¹t leave me." She let her hand fall to the unconscious woman¹s shoulder and clasp it gently. Her dark head fell to the bed and she cried herself to sleep, never releasing the hold she had on her lover.

A soft pat on her shoulder caused Lex to bolt upright. "What?" She looked around in fear, only to be faced with the knowing smile of Dr. Barnes.

"I¹m sorry, Ms. Walters, but we¹re going to have to ask you to leave." He saw the panicked look on her face. "We need to move Miss Cauble out of ICU and into a private room. Although I do admit that you look right at home in those scrubs." He smiled at the way the rancher was dressed. The dark green garments flattered the dark-haired woman and fit her form as if they were made for her. She could easily pass as a nurse or doctor, the way they fit.

"What time is it?" Lex asked, as she looked around, disoriented. How could I fall asleep when I was supposed to be watching her?

The doctor checked his watch. "About ten minutes after seven. It seems that Miss Cauble responded well to the medication during the night." Not to mention the specialized care she received from her friend. I¹m glad Ms. Walters could take a hint.

Lex glanced over at the still form on the bed. "Is she going to be all right?" She couldn¹t see any visible change in her friend since she sat down next to her last night. She still looks the same to me.

"Barring any complications, yes. She should even regain consciousness before too long." Dr. Barnes patted the tall woman on the shoulder gently. "Why don¹t you go get changed? We¹ll have her placed in a private room within another hour or so. Nurse Hamil is pulling a double shift, so she¹ll be glad to let you know which room we put her in."

"Thank you, Dr. BarnesŠfor everything." Lex shook his hand and stepped back. She started for the door and then turned back to look at the young woman lying on the bed. "I¹ll be back in a few minutes, love," she murmured softly, tears filling her eyes as she left the room.

***************

Jeannie walked into the hotel coffee shop where Charlie and Martha were having breakfast. The sheriff had a serious look on his face and the housekeeper was looking down at a half-eaten plate of food. The young woman stepped up to the table and smiled. "Good morning. I hope you two slept a little better than we did last night."

Martha looked up and brightened. "Good morning, honey. Why don¹t you sit down with us?"

"Thanks. Everyone else should be downstairs soon, and then we can all go see Amanda. I called the hospital earlier, and she¹s been moved to a private room." Jeannie sat down and looked up with appreciation as a waitress came over and poured her a cup of coffee. "Thanks."

"I¹m sorry to hear you didn¹t sleep wellŠwere you worried about your sister?" Martha asked sympathetically. She was worried about Lex. The rancher never came to the hotel during the night, and never called. I hope she¹s okay. It¹s not like my Lexie to stay gone so long without at least calling.

The younger woman shook her head. "Not exactly. Well, I meanŠI was worried about Amanda, but the most upsetting thing was having to call my parents and let them know what had happened. They didn¹t take it very well, I¹m afraid."

Charlie looked at Jeannie. "You talked to your folks last night?"

"Yes," Jeannie nodded with a grim smile. "Dad complained that I took too long to call, and Mother complained because I called so late in the evening and woke her up." She rolled her eyes.

"Are they on their way here to see Amanda?" the sheriff asked. After the information that he had received this morning, Charlie really wanted a chance to talk to Michael Cauble. Especially after all the things that Amanda had told me about him and Lex. He only listened with half an ear to the conversation around him, thinking back to the earlier phone call.

When the phone rang at six am, Charlie had thought the worst. He quickly reached over to grab the phone before it could wake Martha. "Hello?"

"Sheriff Bristol? This is Robert Campbell. I¹m sorry to bother you, but we found out late last night where Matt Sterling had been holed up."

"Last night? Why wasn¹t I notified then?" Charlie whispered, somewhat upset. He sat up and turned on the light to find his glasses and a notepad.

Martha sat up sleepily. "What is it, honey? Is it Lexie?"

He turned to his fiancee¹ and covered the mouthpiece on the phone. "NoŠit¹s Robert Campbell. He has some new information on the case for me."

"OhŠgood." Martha nodded and then grasped his arm gently. "Do you want some privacy for the call?" She knew that most of the information that Charlie was given was confidential, and she didn¹t want to put him in an awkward position.

"NoŠit¹s all right, sweetheart." Charlie smiled at his intended. "You might as well get used to it, I suppose." He leaned over and gave Martha a quick kiss. "Go ahead, Robert."

The young prosecutor sighed heavily. "I know that you¹re out of town on a family emergency, but it may be somehow related. After we found the residence," he paused with a chuckle, "It¹s more of a rundown duplexŠnot a condo as the suspect had previously stated."

Charlie laughed. "Sounds about right. But how does finding where Sterling stayed relate to what¹s going on here?" He scribbled down a few notes while he waited for the younger man¹s answer.

"We were also able to obtain the phone records for the time he spent at the residence. It seems that Mr. Sterling received quite a few calls from a nearby hotel, as well as a couple from a Los Angeles exchange."

"Los Angeles? Were they all from the same number?" The sheriff turned slightly so that he could exchange glances with Martha.

Robert shuffled some papers then sighed again. "YeahŠall the same number. It¹s listed as a private office line for a large corporation. We¹re checking into it now to trace it back to an individual. But I thought that I¹d let you know, since one of your earlier suspects in the attempted murder was in California."

"Thanks. But I¹m really hoping that it all turns out to be just a big coincidence." Charlie wrote a little more then closed his notepad. "I really do appreciate you keeping me up to date, Robert. We¹ll be going up to the hospital shortly, so I¹ll call you from there if I find any new developments."

"Sounds good to me." Robert agreed. "I hope everything turns out okay for your family. Let me know if there¹s anything that I can do for you, okay?" the prosecutor offered.

Charlie looked over at Martha and smiled. My familyŠI think I like the sound of that. "Thank you, my friend. We¹re going to go find Lex this morning and try to get her to take a nap. I¹m sure she spent the entire night up worrying. Let me know if you get anymore information."

The prosecutor exhaled heavily. "Sure will. Talk to you later, Charlie." He hung up the phone before the sheriff could say another word.

The sheriff looked back up at Amanda¹s sister. The young woman looked as if she had a bad taste in her mouth.

Jeannie shook her head. "I asked them if they¹d be flying in to see Mandy. Father completely refused because he didn¹t want to run into Lex. Mother said that as long as my sister was involved with Œthat woman,¹ she wouldn¹t feel comfortable here either." She looked over at Martha sadly. "I¹m sorry, Martha. I hope you realize that not everyone in my family feels the same as my parents do."

Martha patted the younger woman¹s arm sympathetically. "You have nothing to apologize for, honey. I¹m just sorry to hear that your parents gave you such a hard time." She shook her head. "I can¹t believe that they¹d leave their own daughter in the hospital hundred of miles away without trying to see her. Maybe they¹ll feel differently about it this morning."

"I doubt it. They were pretty upset when Mandy chose Lex over them," Jeannie explained.

"Just how upset were they?" Charlie asked. "Were they angry at Amanda, or at the situation?"

The young woman looked at the sheriff with a confused frown. "Well, they haven¹t disowned her or anything, so I suppose it¹s more the situation than anything else. Why?"

The sheriff smiled. "Just thinking out loud, that¹s all." He looked over Jeannie¹s shoulder to the door of the restaurant. "Looks like everyone¹s up, now." Charlie waved at the three people standing inside the doorway.

Jacob returned the wave and escorted his wife and Frank to the table. "Good morning, everyone." He held the chair for Anna Leigh and then sat down next to her.

"Good morning to you, too." Martha smiled warmly at the newcomers. "Would you like some breakfast? Charlie and I were just about to go over and check on Lexie. She never came to her room last night."

"You mean to tell me that Lex spent all night in that damn waiting room?" Frank asked incredulously. He sat down next to Jeannie and put an arm around her shoulders.

The housekeeper chuckled. "No, not in the waiting roomŠshe sneaked into Amanda¹s room and stayed with her all night, I¹ll bet."

Anna Leigh laughed in delight. "That explains why Dr. Barnes told us exactly where Mandy¹s room was. I was wondering why he told us about a supply room."

"Me too," Jacob agreed. "I¹m really glad that Lex was there with Mandy during the night. That¹s probably why she improved so quickly."

Everyone at the table nodded in agreement. Charlie stood up and helped Martha to her feet. "I¹m sorry to leave such fine company, but I really want to go check on Lex. I¹m afraid she¹s asleep in a corner somewhere."

Martha laughed. "Knowing our Lexie, she¹s probably curled up somewhere near Amanda."

***************

She stared into the mirror and grimaced. I look like hellŠno wonder Dr. Barnes chased me out of Amanda¹s room. Lex bent down and splashed more cold water on her face. "Martha is gonna kick my butt for sure," she mumbled as she looked into the mirror again. At least my hair still looks halfway decent. I¹ve got to remember to thank her for braiding it. She rubbed her eyes then looked down at her watch, which had been a birthday gift from her lover.

Lex had been awakened by light kisses across her face. When she opened her eyes, she saw Amanda¹s beautiful face smiling down on her. "ŒMorning," Lex mumbled with a smile.

"Happy birthday, love," Amanda offered with a knowing smirk. She leaned down and kissed the dark-haired woman tenderly.

"UmmŠ" Lex licked her lips as they broke apart. "Thanks. But how didŠ?" She paused. "Martha told, didn¹t she?"

Amanda nodded. "She sure did. But don¹t be angry with her, okay? It just came up in a conversation recently." YeahŠa conversation that started, ŒHey, MarthaŠwhen¹s Lex¹s birthday? I know it¹s sometime in November, but I don¹t know the exact day.¹ She smiled inwardly. "You should have been in the military, honeyŠhaving your birthday land on Veteran¹s Day and everything."

The rancher rolled her eyes. "Oh, yeahŠI¹m sure I¹d have been a great soldier. I take orders so well." She tickled the younger woman. "At least it¹s easy for me to rememberŠ 11-11-71Šguess it¹s my lucky number."

"At least you weren¹t born right after New Year¹sŠ my mother has always whined about missing out on all the hoopla surrounding a New Year¹s babyŠ" the younger woman sighed. "Only a couple of hours late, but to her it was such a big deal," she laughed. "Dad complained because I wasn¹t born in DecemberŠhe had to wait another whole year to claim me as a deduction."

"I¹m sorry to hear that, sweetheart." Lex struggled up to a sitting position. "I normally don¹t celebrate my birthday, but Martha usually makes me a cake and gives me a little something. I go along with her to make her happy." She saw a sad look cross her friend¹s face. "What¹s wrong?"

The blonde passed gentle fingertips across Lex¹s face. "Martha told me about your birthdays before." Amanda ran her hand through the thick dark hair. "I¹m really sorry that there was never much to them. But now I plan to make certain that all of your birthdays from now on are special."

Lex smiled tenderly as she captured the small hand in her hair. She brought it to her lips and held it there, waiting until Amanda¹s eyes were completely focused with hers. "As long as I have you with me every day will be special, my love."

"You¹re sweet," Amanda whispered. "I love you so much, Lex." She opened her hand as the rancher began to kiss the palm. "MmmŠ"

"I love you, Amanda. You¹re the best birthday present that I could ever ask for." Lex¹s eyes opened wide when Amanda reached under a pillow and pulled out a fist-sized box. It was wrapped with brightly colored paper and matching ribbon. "You didn¹t have to do that, sweetheart."

Amanda smiled happily. "I know that you don¹t like a big fuss, so I just got you a little something for now, and then a little bit more for tonight." She handed the package to the still-dazed woman. "Go on, open it."

Lex grinned as she looked at the package in her hand. "It looks almost too pretty to tear into," she murmured. She slowly peeled the ribbon away and set it aside carefully.

"C¹mon, honeyŠjust open it," Amanda urged impatiently. She watched as her friend enjoyed the wrapped package like a small child on Christmas morning. It¹s probably the first gift that anyone besides Martha has given her in a long time.

When the last of the paper finally fell away, Lex was left holding a blue box with the word Seiko etched in silver across the top. With shaky hands she opened the box to reveal a beautiful silver and gold watch. "Oh, AmandaŠ" She pulled the watch from the package and held it up. "It¹s stunning."

Amanda released the breath that she had been holding in anticipation. "You really like it?" she asked.

"It¹s incredible." Lex started to put it on then noticed the back of the watch. Engraved? She turned the watch slightly until the morning light from the windows reflected off its back. I will always protect and cherish your heart ¯ Love, Your Amanda. Lex glanced up with tears in her eyes. "That¹s beautifulŠ" She slipped the watch onto her left wrist and secured the clasp. "Perfect fit." Lex sat the empty box down and framed the younger woman¹s face with her hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. I will cherish it as I do youŠforever."

Amanda leaned forward to meet Lex halfway. "You¹re very welcome," she whispered just before their lips touched. "Just wait until you get your other present tonight."

Lex sighed and pulled her sleeve back down. That had to be just about the best birthday that I¹ve ever had. She took another quick look in the mirror then turned and left the ladies room.

"Ms. Walters!" Nurse Hamil waved to her from down the hall. She waited patiently until Lex walked up to the nurse¹s station. "Good morning."

"Good morning, ma¹am." Lex smiled at the older woman. "You¹ve certainly put in a full day, haven¹t you?" She thought about the deception that she had played on the nurse last night. "I¹m sorry about what I did last night. I really hope that I didn¹t get you into any trouble."

The nurse waved the apology off. "Don¹t worry about it, honey. Dr. Barnes had warned me that you would be showing up and told me to make sure you got in okay." She laughed at the surprised look on the tall woman¹s face. "It¹s okay. You weren¹t wearing any identification, so, normally, I wouldn¹t have let you in."

"I kinda wondered why it was so easy to get through," Lex grinned. "Well, anywayŠI really appreciate everything that you¹ve done for Amanda. She¹s very important to me." That¹s an understatementŠshe¹s the most important thing in my life. She IS my life.

"That¹s what we¹re here for, dear. Would you like to see her now?" The nurse patted Lex on the arm. "C¹monŠshe should be awake any time now." She grasped the rancher¹s forearm and led her to a nearby room.

Lex paused at the door, suddenly unsure. She was afraid of what she might find on the other side of the door. "It¹s okay for me to go in?"

The smiling nurse nodded. "Of course, honey. The doctor left a few minutes ago, and her family hasn¹t made it in yet." She leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "It¹s about an hour before visitors are allowed, but I won¹t tell if you won¹t."

"OkayŠthank you." Lex smiled at the smaller woman. "If anyone calls for me, will youŠ?"

"Sure. Now go on. She¹s probably awake already, and wondering where you are." Nurse Hamil gently pushed the tall woman through the door.

After last nights shock, Lex was relieved to see that all of the machines were gone from Amanda¹s bedside. The only thing left was the intravenous drip that stood discreetly by the headboard. She stepped quietly over to the bed and looked down at her resting friend. "Hi, beautiful," Lex whispered. She reached down and brushed Amanda¹s bangs away from her eyes. "You sure gave us a scare, you know." The rancher looked around for a chair. Not seeing one she decided to just stand by the bed. Her back was still aching from carrying the smaller woman down the stairs last night but she was not about to leave Amanda¹s side. While one hand continued to comb through the blonde hair, her other grasped the small hand unencumbered by tubes. "I would give anything to see those beautiful green eyes again."

Almost as if she heard Lex, Amanda¹s eyelids fluttered open. She blinked several times and finally was able to focus on the tall woman¹s face. Her mouth opened, but only a strangled gasp came out. She reached for her throat in a panic.

"SshhhŠit¹s okay, baby." Lex released her hold on Amanda¹s hand and poured her a glass of water from a nearby pitcher. "HereŠtake a sip or two. They had you hooked up to a respirator during the night. That¹s why your throat is so sore." She helped the younger woman take a few small sips of water. "How¹s that?"

"Better," Amanda whispered with a grimace. "Still hurts, though." She looked up at her lover. "What happened? The last thing I can remember is going to bed after dinner."

Lex thought back to the frightening moment when she woke up with the feverish woman by her side. GodŠI don¹t think I can go through that again. Her eyes teared up and she found it hard to breathe. "WellŠI woke up and you had a really high fever." Lex didn¹t realize that she¹d sat down on the edge of the bed until she felt small fingers tangle with hers.

"Lex?" Amanda¹s voice was still raspy, but she was very concerned for her friend. The rancher¹s eyes had filled with tears and they didn¹t seem to be focused on anything.

"I couldn¹t get you to wake upŠyou got so sick, so fastŠ" Lex continued quietly. "We got you here, and they put you in Intensive Care." She choked back a sob. "Then they wouldn¹t tell me anythingŠI¹m not family, they said."

"HoneyŠ" Amanda could see that Lex was on the verge of a breakdown. "It¹s okay." She coughed slightly, then allowed her lover to help her with the cup of water again. "Thanks."

The rancher had put the cup away automatically and then began to run her fingers through Amanda¹s hair as if to reassure her self that the younger woman was okay. Her other hand continued to hold Amanda¹s tightly. "The police even questioned me. They said that you had been poisoned, and thought that I might have had something to do with it." Lex ignored the tears now trailing freely down her cheeks. "I did, you know."

Amanda shook her head. "No, you didn¹t. Don¹t say that." She could feel Lex¹s anguish and it tore at her heart.

"It¹s trueŠa kid slipped it into our drinks at the mall. He was probably trying to get to me." Lex sniffled and blinked to try and clear her vision. "It¹s all my faultŠI killed her."

"Who, love?" The conversation was tiring Amanda quickly, but she fought the sleep that pulled at her. She needs meŠI don¹t think I¹ve ever seen Lex soŠlost.

Lex looked down at their linked hands. "That old woman at the mallŠI gave her my drink, and now she¹s dead." Her breathing quickened as she fought her emotions. "And I almost killed you."

Amanda pulled Lex forward until the older woman was cradled against her chest. "ShhhŠ. You did no such thing. Whoever put that stuff in our drinks did that, not you." She felt Lex tremble and then begin to sob. "It¹s okay, honeyŠeverything is going to be okay." She looked up over the rancher when she heard the door open. Amanda raised one hand from Lex¹s back and waved at her grandmother, who nodded and stepped back through the door closing it quietly behind her.

"I almost lost youŠ" Lex murmured. She had both arms wrapped tightly around Amanda as she continued to cry. "Oh, godŠ"

"ShhhŠ" Amanda continued to rub her lover¹s back comfortingly. "I¹m fine, really. It¹s all going to be okay, LexŠ" She looked at the tubes that ran down to her left hand. Guess it was pretty close. Poor Lex. But why would someone try to poisonŠ? Oh, no! That means that someone else besides Ronnie¹s brother is after Lex!

***************

Anna Leigh looked at the people gathered in the hallway with her. "Why don¹t we all go get a cup of coffee in the cafeteria? Lexington is with Mandy right now." She saw knowing smiles all around. "From what I could see, they both looked just fine."

"That¹s great news!" Charlie exclaimed. "I¹ll even buy the coffee." He took Martha¹s hand in his and began to lead her down the hallway.

Jacob looked at his wife, then at Jeannie and Frank. "We should give them a few minutes alone anyway, don¹t you think?" He reached for Anna Leigh¹s hand and began to follow the sheriff.

Charlie had only taken a few steps when his pager went off. He looked down at the display and turned grim. "Let me just make a quick phone call, and I¹ll meet you all there." He leaned over and kissed the top of Martha¹s head. "I won¹t be but a minute, sweetheart."

"C¹mon, MarthaŠyou can tell us some embarrassing stories about Lex while we wait." Jeannie took the older woman by the arm and began to lead her down the corridor.

The sheriff watched his friends leave as he made his way to the row of payphones nearby. He smiled as he picked up a receiver and dropped his coins into the phone. After he dialed, he waited impatiently while the phone on the other end of the line rang.

"Campbell here."

"Hello, RobertŠI just received your page." Charlie pulled out his notepad.

The young man on the other end of the phone sighed in relief. "That was fast. Thanks for calling back so soon."

The sheriff clicked his pen and opened to a clean sheet of paper. "No problem. What¹s up?"

"I¹m afraid you¹re not going to like it." Robert could be heard shuffling papers in the background. "We traced those phone calls that were made to Sterling."

"Great! Where did they come from?"

"We traced one number back to a local hotel where a man fitting the description of Mark Garrett had rented a room for the past two weeks. He paid cash, so we really have no solid proof that it was him." The prosecutor sighed heavily. "But it at least gives us a connection."

Charlie wrote for a moment, then stopped. "A connection? What sort of connection? We already knew that Garrett posted bond for Matt Sterling."

Robert paused for a moment. "We have a connection between Sterling and the person whom I believe is behind this whole mess. Seems his boss was calling from an office in his home."

"Really? Then we have a positive ID on the employer?" The sheriff continued to write furiously. "Do we have a name?"

The prosecutor paused a beat before answering. "The phone number was traced to a private office in the home of Michael Sean Cauble."

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