Gun Brooke - Course of Action

"You know, that's not such a bad idea. I get jet-lagged even with the three-hour difference," Harvey said and then suddenly sniffed the air. "Oh, dear God, tell me that's what I think it is."

Annelie, breaking out of her reverie, smiled at the hopeful look on Harvey's face. "If you mean the best hamburgers with all the extras money can buy, it is. The chef's fixing them in the kitchen."

"French fries? Onion rings? Quarter pounders?"

Harvey's eyes widened as Annelie nodded at each suggestion. "And a salad," she added.

"God, are you trying to kill him?" Francine moaned. "He's not a young man anymore. He can't be on a diet like that."

"He won't be after today. This is a special occasion," Annelie said. "We've had so much Italian, seafood, and Japanese food lately. I was in the mood for a regular burger. I can see I'm not the only one."

"All right," Francine muttered. "No onion rings and lots of salad, Harvey."

"Yes, dear." Harvey rubbed his hands. "I'll go see if I can help the chef. Just to carry things out here, dear. Not doing any tasting, I promise." He disappeared toward the back of the plane.

"For an actor, he's such a bad liar," his wife sighed, making the others laugh.

"I'll have to issue a statement tomorrow," Annelie murmured to Carolyn. "Margo said several newspapers and networks won't give up."

"Can't you do it through her?"

Annelie considered. "No, she spoke for me all last week. If this has taught me anything, and you have a big part in this, it's that I have to know when to stop hiding. I'll call a press conference and read a brief statement. If anyone wants any comments after Monday, they'll have to settle for Margo."

"Good girl. I'm proud of you. I know it's not in your nature to do this, but you have a point. You'll do fine." She patted Annelie's knee.

"You're good for me."

Carolyn's heart picked up speed. "And you're even better for me," she whispered.

"Look here, isn't this heaven, I ask you?" Harvey's delighted tone of voice made them turn their heads. He stood next to the coffee table in front of the couch, holding a tray weighed down with hamburgers. "French fries and onion rings coming up!" He shot his wife a sheepish grin. "And salad."

***

Carolyn pulled her cell phone from her pocket, switching it on as she walked through LaGuardia. Her shoulders ached from sleeping in an uncomfortable position on the plane.

"One missed call," she observed, frowning. "Who on earth's calling me at this hour?"

Annelie reached for the phone. "Here, let me show you how to check it. There, it says Joe's Cell . If you press Dial, it'll automatically call his number."

As Carolyn dialed her brother-in-law, an unsettling feeling soured her stomach. No one answered. No one answered at their house either. "Oh, my God, what's wrong?" she murmured. "Why would he call me in the middle of the night, unless—"

Annelie joined Carolyn in the backseat of the waiting limo.

"Do you have any other number you can try? The help they hired?"

"No, I don't have her number. She doesn't work weekends, anyway."

"Did you try your voice mail?"

Wanting to slap her forehead, Carolyn punched in the numbers. She turned the phone sideways so Annelie could listen too.

"Carolyn, it's Joe. Beth's in the hospital. Call me as soon as you can. If I can't answer the phone, call my parents." He gave another D.C. number, making her scramble through her purse for a pen, cursing violently.

"Easy, Carolyn. Wait till I find a pen, and then let me listen to it again."

Carolyn stared at the passing traffic with unseeing eyes while Annelie wrote down the number.

"There. Now you can dial."

"I…What if she's lost the baby?" Carolyn's voice was barely audible. "It'll destroy her. Oh, God…"

"Don't think the worst. Make the call, and then we'll figure out what to do."

Reaching for Annelie with one hand, Carolyn began to dial with the other. Vaguely she noticed her fingers had gone numb.

Chapter Sixteen

Annelie glanced at Carolyn, who sat with her hands clenched in her lap. Driving the Volvo down I-95 toward D.C., Annelie was relieved about the lack of traffic at this hour. The car, which handled easily, was more comfortable than her own small sports car.

"I'm glad we decided to take your car. It's only a four-hour drive, probably less at this time of day." Annelie reached out and caressed the fisted hands. "Why don't you take a nap? You'll be exhausted when we get there."

Cold fingers curled around Annelie's hand. "I know. I'm just so worried."

"I'm sure Joe will try your cell phone again as soon as he can. His parents seem nice."

"Yes, they are. When I talked to his mother, she kept trying to comfort me, even though she's worried too. They've really taken Beth to their hearts."

"So no in-law problems for your sister?"

"Perhaps in the beginning, but that was mostly because of me."

"Because of you? Whatever for?" Annelie frowned, surprised at Carolyn's desolate tone of voice.

"I suspect they thought I was this dubious Hollywood person who'd spoiled her young sister rotten. Finally, they came around and started treating Beth like a long-lost daughter. They even warmed up to me eventually."

Annelie heard the exasperation behind the mock sarcasm. And you suffered through it for Beth's sake, didn't you? You knew how they perceived you and you didn't say a word. Oh, Carolyn, if you only knew how apparent your vulnerability is to me. You may think you're hiding it well, and perhaps you are, from people other than me. Knowing only too well how prejudice stung made Annelie want to protect Carolyn in any way she could. She realized how impossible that was, but, glancing at the pained expression on her lover's face, she vowed to try. You'll never have to face such a thing alone again, Carolyn.

"Close your eyes, Carolyn," Annelie suggested, raising their joined hands to her lips. "I'll put on some music." She turned on the stereo, which was tuned to a station playing classical music. "Excellent."

Carolyn reclined her seat and stretched out. She reached behind her for a blanket from the backseat and spread it over her legs. "She has to be all right," she murmured. "She has to."

"Shh, just relax now."

Annelie set the cruise control to 65 miles per hour and settled back, rolling her shoulders. Traffic was still sparse, and she was confident they would reach D.C. quicker by car than by air. This way, they could drive straight to the hospital where Beth was undergoing treatment for premature labor. According to Joe's mother, who was keeping little Pamela, Beth was hemorrhaging and having contractions.

Carolyn had told her more about Beth's previous miscarriages while they drove from the airport to Carolyn's condo. Not only had she lost the babies, but she'd also gone through some painful complications. Beth is certainly brave to try again after such ordeals.

A soft whimper came from the passenger seat. Annelie turned her head and saw Carolyn curling up, a deep frown marring her forehead. Her breaths came in short bursts as she apparently fought some demons in her sleep. Annelie reached out and shook the shoulder closest to her. "Sweetheart, you're dreaming. Wake up."

Carolyn shied away from her hand, moaning. She was trembling under the blanket, and tears outlined her lashes.

Reading the road signs, Annelie saw they were only minutes from a rest area. She pulled off the interstate, parked, and turned to Carolyn. "Sweetheart? Wake up. Come here." She leaned in to hug her.

Carolyn fought her embrace for a short moment, but then seemed to recognize the touch. She looked at Annelie through tears while blinking fiercely. "Annie?"

"You had a bad dream. You're okay now."