Ripple Effect

-22-

Leaving Lexa sleeping in bed, Ava can't relax, nor, fall back asleep and even though it's early, she decides to give the precinct a call. Stepping out into the hallway, she dials the number and extension that is now burned into her brain and waits as it rings and rings ... before being answered by an out of breath sounding voice. 

"Detective Foden speaking, how may I help you?" 

"Detective, it's Ava Mewis calling; I was wondering, if you have any updates about Gabby?" 

"Ava, I told you last night that I'd be in touch as soon as we had anything."

"Please tell me something. I'm going out of my mind and the next person who tells me that everything will be okay, is gonna get decked." Ava hears him let out a chuckle. 

"Alright, we're in the process of checking out and validating some information we received from a caller on the tip line. I can't give you anymore than that, because, as I said it's under investigation and I don't want to give you any hope until it's confirmed." 

"Okay. I get and appreciate that. Have you been getting a lot of calls?" 

"We have; people are motivated to try and help when there's money involved. Unfortunately, it also means we're having to go through all of the calls with a fine toothed comb in order to determine which ones are worth investigating further. Speaking of investigating, I have a briefing that I need to be getting to, I'll be in touch as soon as I know anything." 

"Thank you, Detective." 

"Bye, Ava." 

Ava stands in the hallway, debating what to do until deciding to walk down a couple of doors and knock. 

"Mom? Momma? Are you awake?" The door opens and Hope looks at her daughter, backing up and allowing her inside before shutting the door. 

"I can't sleep anymore and Lex gave me heck for taking off for a run by myself yesterday morning. I wasn't even gone long, just needed to work off some energy, you know?" 

Hope nods, "I think some exercise would do us all some good. I'm sure we can get together enough gear to have a mini session and besides that we can't have you, Lexa or Mia dropping off form." 

"I can't even think about strapping on the gloves until Gabby's back; my head and heart aren't in it." 

"I get it, kid; more than you'll ever know. We have to take it one day at a time and have faith that everything will be okay." 

Ava chuckles and Hope looks at her questioningly. "Nothing, don't worry about it, Momma. Would it be weird if I asked to lay down with you and Mom?" 

Hope smiles and shakes her head, "You probably don't want to be in the middle, your Mom's hands have a tendency to wander." 

"I did not need to know that!" 

"Suit yourself then." 

"Yeah, umm, you can be in the middle." 

"Thought so." Hope laughs. 

They climb under the covers beside a still sleeping Kelley. "We're picking up the keys for the rental this afternoon. It'll be better to have everyone under the same roof, rather than spread out in the hotel. It's going to be a bit cramped because it's a three bedroom, but, Mia can sleep anywhere and Sam's already called dibs on the couch for when she arrives." 

"Which will be when?" 

"Hopefully within the next few days." 

"Leave it to Sam to misplace her passport and have to wait for a replacement."