Don't Scream

Chapter 33

The sign on the restaurant had once read Mike and Sammy's diner, But Mikes name had a thin coat of paint over it. and the word diner was missing the vowels. Inside  it was homey.There were a number of customers given the hour. Most appeared to be travelers Most of the license plates in the parking lot were out of state. But a few were probably residents.

Sarra Jane and Abby were already sitting in a booth when Brian and Phil walked in. Another woman sat across from them.

"Whoa Lets watch." Brian said and Phil let out a curse.

"You think she is going to talk to her friend? See the light and come running over to you to save her? Give it up Brian The lady has a plan, and you are not part of it."

"I am hungry. she grumped." Lets watch."

Thirty Min's later Abby was fading Her head on Sarra's lap. Sarra appeared almost at ease despite her yawns. She and another woman talked, eaten bowls of soup, played table games with Abby. They could of been two girlfriends meeting up for a late night snack. Except the suitcase beside the table and justice in the Durango.

When they paid the tab and went to the lobby Sarra bent and hugged Abby fiercely.

"Shit they are saying goodbye.."Phil said."Who the hell is this woman?"

"I don't know but call Eddie."

Phil was already punching it in."Kid and woman leaving the restaurant. Follow whatever car they take call in plates and find out who she is."

"They are getting in Sarra janes's car. lieutenant." Eddie announced." No wait there just taking the dog. OK blue sun fire. that is theirs. local plate, will call it in."

And Eddie was gone. The woman was gone. Abby and Justice was gone.

And sarra disappeared into the ladies room.

They gave her five Min's. then Phil said." You know the gun is probably in her purse now. You sure its Brandon James she is planning to kill?"

Brian's eyes snapped up. shit he never thought of that. would Sarra do something to hurt herself? He started towards the ladies room.

"Wait." Phil said. "She is exhausted, scared, and maybe holding a loaded gun." He caught the arm of the hostess and showed his badge."Keep everyone out of the ladies room,  and don't go around telling everybody."

The girl nodded eyes wide. with their hands hovering over there guns, Brian and Phil entered the ladies room.

Crying. Wrenching, heartbreaking sobs filled the corner stall, the door shut. Phil made a quick check of the other two stalls to make sure they were empty, then perched a hip against the counter a gesture that clearly said she is all yours.

Brian squatted. He could see that Sarra was sitting on the floor against the wall, her knees squeezed tight against her chest. Her purse was sitting on the floor beside her her gun in reach. or maybe in her hands already.

Jesus she sounded like a woman who had decided to kill herself."Sarra." he said the sobbing choked to a halt."Its Brian."

Silence. The air went still.

"I know Brandon James called you tonight. We heard it." "Sarra I know you have a gun. Is it in your purse?"

More silence.

"You don't have to be afraid anymore," Brian said."Two police cars are following your friend and Abby right now. Who is He Sarra?":"Sweetheart Phil is here. I think you  have to talk to us now, Sarra."

"I d-didn't know he was killing people."

Relief poured in the sound of her voice."I know we should have told you." and they should have. "Sarra honey push the gun to me."

A movement in the stall and Brian held his breath, a small black object slid under the stall door. Brian frowned picking it up."Your phone sarra?"

"I was calling you."

A tidal wave of something deep and protected surged through Brian. It startled him with intensity "I am sorry baby my phone got broken this afternoon at the park." he paused."Where is your gun sarra?"

The .22 slid under the stall door and a second later a 9mm slid out as well.

"Christ." Brian said gathering both.

Now for Sarra

"I am coming in. Sarra open the door." His hand was already at the top of the door as he said it.and it gave without any effort. It wasn't locked.

She looked up at him those beautiful brown eyes glistening and swollen."Her name is Emily Fisk ." she said and took him a second to realize she was talking about the woman who took Abby." She is Adams sister. they live in Bay head rd in Jacksonville.But I din't tell them about Brandon. I couldn't"

Phil punched in some numbers and left on his cell phone. Brian reached down and lifted Sarra to her feet. Her gaze narrowed to his face.

"What happened to you?" she asked.

"Jon Hanson happened to me." He waited for that to take a hold.

"Oh god. Is he... Did you...?

"Don't worry he is alright. He gave up his client confidentiality at the drop of a hat though. Real tough guy." He said dripping sarcasm. He gave Sarra a scolding look.

"Your ex husband?"

"I had to tell him something I didn't know what else to do."

Anger slid past worry."But now you do. Now that you know what Brandon is up to you decided to get rid of Abby and go back and blow his brains out yourself is that it? Brian tightened his grip on her arms"I wish I was right here all a long, damn it, You should have told me."

"I couldn't"

"The hell you couldn't" He gave her a shake."Did it ever occur to you that I would keep Abby safe. Did it ever occur to you that if you told me what was happening maybe I could take care of bo___

she broke the air just came out of her, Her body crumbled tears coming fast. Brian cursed dragging a arm full of sobbing female against his chest. Nothing made a man feel more helpless.When the worst had passed and her breathing came more easily he pushed her back and tipped her chin. "Tell me the truth Sarra were those bullets for him or for you?

"Abby needs me." she said simply.

Relief pounded through Brian's veins.

"Well he said " Thank god for Abby.