Chapter 13

"Aw Sarra answer the phone doll, I need to talk to you.....

Sarra sat that at a cold metal table in the interrogation room eyes closed as the recording of her phone message played. It was the third time lieutenant had played it for her, but if he expected her repetition to :wear down he would be sadly mistaking. She simply blocked it out.

"Mrs Jane. Phil said turning off the message."Is there anything you would like to say?"

Find him kill him take him out of my life she thought

"No:"

"Care to explain the gun in your purse?"

"I'm a single mother with a daughter to protect."Sarra said referring to the 33 she started carrying around again."I have a permit."

"Martial arts ,Kickboxing,a pistol. You take protection pretty seriously."

yes.

Phil stared  at her with eyes the color of shit. then suddenly hit the recorder again. Sarra hadn't prepared for it this time. A tidal wave of panic washed over her the sound of Brandon's voice. Bile rose in her throat.

Hold it down don't let the fear rise up. Omaha is still far away.

But the trembling began anyway deep in the center of her bones. she clutched her arms over her chest trying to control the shivers."I need to go" she said trying to keep her voice from shaking too. "Abby will be finished at T ball in a half of hour.

Phil rubbed a hand over his face."The problem is Mrs Jane I think you need to think this over . See if a names comes to mind.:"

"What Abby will be waiting. I have to get her." Phil set his jaw. Sarra couldn't believe it "I haven't been charged with anything You can't keep me here."

He shook his head- slow a weary gesture that made him look older than he probably was."Have it your way." He sighed "Your under arrest for obstruction of justice and failure to cooperate in a police investigation. You have the right to remain silent Not that I need to tell you that. He editorialized."If you give up that right anything that you say________"

"Wait. What about my daughter?"

"Is there someone you can call and get her?"

Desperation clawed at Sarra's heart. I'm in jail Evan can would you get Abby. Hannah would you mind keeping Abby until they release me from jail?

"All right Phil said taking her silence as his answer "I will take care of her Tony Shaw right her coaches name  the lady bugs?"

"Wait Sarra cried shocked at the raw terror that seized her."Brandon James! His name is Brandon James! But you can't touch him He is free and he's coming and as far as the law's concerned he has every right... She was stunned by how close she was of spilling the words out. "Please she whispered.

"Please what?" he asked bending close. "You can stop all this all right now and go get your little girl and take her home. Just tell me the name of the caller and you walk free.."

So simple as if giving the devil a name   would end it. She had to think of Abby keeping her mouth shut today would affect Abby for a couple of hours. maybe for the rest of the night Naming Brandon James would haunt her daughter for the rest of her life. about that much anyway. Adam had been right."Never tell Sarra No one will understand. And just this morning her lawyer confirmed that. Keep quiet Mrs Jane The best thing you can do for your daughter is to never tell anyone and pray we can convince Brandon James to leave you alone..

Beth grabbed the edge of the table looking at Phil through her blurry eyes "Please lieutenant she hated the tears but was helpless to keep them from running down her cheeks."You said you were a father. please Don't let Abby be afraid. Whatever else happens please don't let my daughter be afraid."

Phil cleared his throat"I will take care of her Mrs Jane.

He started at the door and Sarra said "Wait." her voice was barely loud enough to stop him. She cleared her throat "I want a lawyer."