Abducted

CHAPTER 14

After ensuring that Mrs. H. was nestled comfortably between the crisply starched, white hospital sheets, they all left her to sleep.
Mrs. H. was out of the woods, and they were all very exhausted from the trying day.
"It's a serious warning," Dr. Rousseau had insisted.
"Mrs. Hartland needs to take it easy. All the stress of the past days, added to her battle with atherosclerosis over the years, have taken toll on her body.
She is a very lucky woman." the doctor continued.
"Her artery has narrowed a bit from the build-up of plaque." He went on to explain.
"Don't you worry, we will take very good care of her. Go home and get some rest. We'll call you if there are any changes."
With an affectionate pat on Marina's shoulders and a nod in the direction of the others, Dr. Rousseau, the family's doctor, ambled away to his next patient.
Feeling her phone vibrating, from within her handbag, Marina reached for it..
"Hello?"
"Hello Marina, it's Mr. Romeo."
"Oh hello, how are you?".
"Not good at all. There was a distinct sound of panic in his voice.
"I just got the news. How is Carla? Is she okay? What are the doctors saying?"
"Mr. Romeo, please calm down. Everything is fine." Maria countered in a weary voice.
"There isn't any need to worry."she continued soothingly.
"The doctor has given her the all clear to be released in time for the funeral tomorrow."
"That's great news Marina, I wish there was more that I could do."
"Mr. Romeo, you have done enough by calling to show your support. Thank you so much for calling. We will see you at the service tomorrow, wouldn't we?"
"Of course Marina, Geraldo was like a son to me. I have to be there. I was there when the twin was born. They have grown into fine gentlemen. He deserves a proper send off."
Not wanting to dredge up all the painful memories, Marina quickly thanked him for calling and disconnected.
Mr. Romeo was a fine chap. He had been the Hartland's dedicated butler before the twin was bored.
His early injuries from the war, had caused him to retire from his position at sixty three years.
Despite that, he still visited the Hartland's home every week as a rule, often dining with Mrs. H or just in private discussions with her.
His concern for her welfare was understood.
Marina led the ladies to the hospital's car park, where her red Acura was parked.
Stifling a yawn, she turned to hug Geronimo, who looked tired and worn.
"Go home and get some rest." Marina admonished him.
"You will need all your strength for tomorrow."
Nodding, he returned her hug and turned in the direction of his Aston Martin. As teenagers, sports cars had always intrigued and excited them. On the twin's twenty first birthday, their father had surprised them with their hearts' desires. Both men had made the same choices in model of vehicles.
Driving away from the hospital's compound, Marina wondered if all that happened was just an awful dream.
Almost four years had passed, without a word or a sign, of Baby Serena. The pain was still fresh on her chest. Her baby girl was still missing. Her husband was now dead and her mother-in-law, was in the hospital, recovering from a stress inflicted attack.
Her head was spinning, but Marina tried her best to concentrate on the road.
"Thank God the rush hour traffic has ebbed away." she said..turning to glance at her mom, who sat stiffly in the driver's seat, lost in her own thoughts.
Sara was sitting in the back seat. She too seemed to be in a world of her own.
Marina had broken the silence with her question.
Marina kept in the slow lane
She just wanted to remain calm, reach home safely, take a long soak and a drink of brandy, to calm her screaming nerves.
Turning into a narrow lane, she exited into the town.
"Is anyone hungry."
"Yes!" her companions chorused.
"What took you so long?"
Forcing a smile, Marina drove in the direction of the fast food outlets.
She never knew that making that decision to stop for a bite, would change her life forever.