Return to The Quarry

Chapter Twenty-eight

The other end of the tunnel was scabbed over with a woody assortment of brambles and wild grapevine, but was easily torn through by Jacob and Max. Everyone emerged into the damp, cool evening beneath the shadowy canopy of the forest that lined NY 30. As they neared the ragged edge of the worn pavement, sirens could be heard in the distance. Soon, the starry night sky was lit up with red and blue flashing lights. Jacob's telephone call made it through just long enough to bring help.

Police and paramedics were the first to arrive. A fire truck and police backup were sumonded. Everyone was examined by the EMTs while police congregated around the main entrance gate further up the road.

It was then, an explosion shook the ground, causing a deafening boom and debris to eject from the entrance of the tunnel. Police doubled back to the entrance of the tunnel, but due to smoke, heat, and unknown structural stability of the tunnel itself, the decision was made to await fire rescue before venturing in to look for the perpetrator.

As additional law enforcement arrived and soon the once dark patch of road was alight with flashing lights and installed flood lamps, as detectives and emergency personnel began detailing what promised to be a chilling crime scene.

Sitting on a metal guardrail on the side of the road, Laura and Max leaned against each other.

"Are you okay with all the cops?" Max asked.

Laura blinked. "Yeah, actually. Wow. I didn't even think of it."

Max kissed the top of her head and she laid her head on his shoulder.

"You saved me, Max."

"Guess we're even now, huh?"

"Even, hell! You gouged out my eye once!" She swatted him playfully. "You still owe me."

Max laughed. "What do you want, a boat? Diamonds?"

"Hmm. That sounds reasonable."

"A house in the Hamptons?"

"Hm, maybe."

He hesitated. "How about the spare room turned into a nursery?"

At first, Laura wasn't sure she heard him correctly. She sat up and looked at him directly.

"Max?"

He took a deep breath and shrugged. "I feel ready now. I think I could be a dad. As long as you're in it with me, I feel we can do anything. You and me. I think we'd be great-"

Laura didn't let him finish. She smothered him in an embrace so big Max feared he might fall off the railing backwards. Neither had been this optimistic about the future – or starting a family – in a while.

Kaitlyn saw them as she crossed the road to where Jacob was standing against the side of the ambulance. Emma, after having her knee looked at, went to go wait with Grace and Anton to speak to an officer who was taking their statements.

Jacob smiled as Kaitlyn neared. He motioned to Max and Laura.

"They're no worse for wear,"

Kaitlyn smiled. "They're not the only ones. So what, are you going to be private security for Ms. Mountebank?"

"I don't know," said Jacob, rolling his eyes, but unable to hide the grin on his face. "It could happen. What about you and Mr. Kaitlyn?"

She hesitated. "I think I'm ready to go home and take him up on the whole marriage counseling thing." She smiled, more to herself than anyone else. "I love him. I really love him. I don't want to lose that."