Bombshell

Merrick pulled out his phone and the image went from his phone to her before the elevators closed.

Before Bombshell was released from the hospital, Mama G, Linda and Tony arrived.

“We thought you might like some help getting Bombshell settled,” his mother said.

“Thanks, guys,” Merrick said.

“She’s ready to go now. Who wants her?” said a voice from behind them.

Everyone turned around and saw a nurse pushing Bombshell in a wheelchair. She was dressed in regular clothes and had her purse on her lap. Merrick thought she looked nervous.

“Merrick?” she said uncertainly. “Do you still want me around?”

Merrick ran to her side and took point behind the wheelchair.

“Yes, I’m taking you home.”

They all piled into the elevator, and no one spoke as they descended to the main level. His phone buzzed, and he checked it. The text was from Agent Carson.

Change of plans, on way now to interview Peters.

Merrick cursed under his breath and quickly shut off his phone. “Tony, everyone – something’s come up at the site - can you guys take Bombshell back to the hotel, and get her settled?”

Bombshell looked alarmed, but Merrick squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be home soon. These guys will take good care of you,” he said motioning to his half-brother, his mother and his cousin.

They all nodded reassuringly.

“But, I don’t want to be alone.”

“No one will leave you alone,” Mama G said. “One of us will be with you until Merrick comes back.”

Merrick watched them drive out of the parking lot, and as soon as they were gone, Agent Carson drove up. His heart raced as he waited to see if he’d noticed their car getting away – but, when Agent Carson stepped out of the car, he relaxed. They clearly had paid no attention to the van full of people leaving the hospital.

Merrick walked over to Agent Carson and said. “What are you doing here? I thought you were flying out of town?”

“Change of plans,” said a man stepping out of the passenger seat of the FBI agent’s car.

Merrick looked at the tall black agent, then back at Agent Carson.

“This is Agent Johnson,” Agent Carson said. “He’s my boss – he saw the flyer and decided he couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”

“Oh, I see,” Merrick said. He glared at the new FBI agent, then spoke to Agent Carson as if the man wasn’t there. “And did you explain to your boss that Ms. Peters doesn’t know who she it? And that she’s just had brain surgery and she was to meet with her psychologist first – before being questioned by anyone?”

Agent Johnson came around from his side of the car. “Mr. Merrick Flynn. Are you trying to obstruct our investigation?”

Merrick didn’t back away. “No. Absolutely not. All I’m trying to do is protect this women from having a serious adverse reaction because you people can’t wait until two o’clock tomorrow, like we agreed.”

Agent Johnson looked at his subordinate. “Did you agree to this?”

“Yeah, well – I mean – you’d asked me to fly out to Misty Falls, so I wasn’t going to be back until tomorrow – and when I was by the hospital, earlier today – I couldn’t question her, because she was still in a coma.”

“A coma?” Agent Johnson worked his mouth, then turned to Merrick.

“Alright. I didn’t realize about the coma. She’s fine now?”

“Yes, but still recovering.”

“Alright. Text Agent Carson where you’ll be tomorrow at two o’clock and make sure you’re shrink sees her beforehand. Any more delays, and I’m going to start wondering if you’ve got something you’re hiding.”