Page 119 of Facing the Enemy

I thanked him. Even so, I wanted to see Risa’s injuries for myself. Then we’d strategize our questions for those in custody. “Once I finish here, I’ll check on Risa.”

“Give me a report once you’re there. If she’s worse than she claims, make sure they keep her.”

“Yes, sir.” I called Myra Cummings and briefly explained the evacuation. “Can you come in to be with these women?”

“I’m on my way, Agent Patterson. Don’t tell them the truth just yet. None of those birth mothers need to go into premature labor. I’ll explain to them what’s happened when I get there.”

“Okay. I’ll ensure a couple of agents and an HPD officer are here to take statements.”

I agreed and made my way back to a meeting room where the female agent and an HPD officer worked at calming the women.

I secured their attention. “Ladies, thank you for your cooperation. HPD and Houston FBI thank you for your patience. Myra Cummings will be here shortly, and you can pose your questions then.”

“Has Ms. Wright been arrested?” a young woman said.

“You’ll be told more when Mrs. Cummings arrives.”

Gasps filled the room, and a few women broke into sobs.

“I’m sorry, ladies. I understand she’s a friend and a mother figure to many of you.”

I walked out to the entrance and noted the Christmas tree. Gifts didn’t have to come wrapped in sparkling paper and bows. Sometimes they came disguised after a difficult trial.Thank You.

My worst fear had been losing Risa. It almost happened.

67

I called Memorial Hermann Northeast ER to check on Risa. A nurse said she was conscious and being treated. A three-car pileup had placed Risa’s treatment after those hurt in that accident. My mind raced. Couldn’t get to her fast enough. Why did the nurse say “conscious”? Had she been hurt worse than a grazed shoulder? Stitches? Internal injuries? Broken bones?

I zipped into an ER parking space and raced to the registration desk. The reality of Risa badly injured hit me like a collapsing stone wall.

After I flipped out my FBI creds, a nurse led me to the area where a doctor examined Risa. I stepped through the blue curtain quietly while my insides tossed with more turmoil than a roller coaster. The doctor glanced at me.

“I’m FBI Special Agent Gage Patterson. The patient is my partner.”

He nodded and resumed stitching Risa’s shoulder. The urge to call her name and hear her speak nearly won over. But I was a professional ... yeah, a professional who had a lot of personal stakes with his patient.

I waited with the patience of a two-year-old.

The doctor finished. “Miss Jacobs, you have a concussion, and I want to keep you overnight for testing and observation.”

“I’m fine.”

“I want to ensure there’s not a problem.”

“Risa.” I stepped opposite the doctor at her bedside. Her face had blue and purple where no makeup would cover, and her left eye had nearly swollen shut. An IV dripped into her good arm. “The SAC asked me to make sure you followed the doctor’s orders.”

She scowled. “I’m in good shape.”

“No, you’re not. I’ll stay with you.”

Her face softened slightly. Then the stubbornness that I’d grown to love flashed across her green eyes. “I don’t have anything with me.”

“Give me a list, and I’ll make a store run.”

“How can you refuse a deal like that?” the doctor said, a young guy, and I wasn’t so sure I liked the way he eyed Risa.

She closed her eyes. “I hurt too badly to argue.”