The Color Red

Wishing and Waiting

Jeff and Cole stopped off in the hospital to get Elaine's testimony.

"Hey Lanie ," Jeff greeted.

"Elaine," Cole nodded.

Elaine smiled nervously and asked them to take a seat. David sat on the other side of Elaine's bed, holding her hand.

She glanced between the three men and nodded to proceed.

Jeff cleared his throat. "I know you might not want to talk about everything, but we gotta know..."

Elaine interrupted, "I know Jeff."

"Alright, let's start with you telling us what happened after Chrissy dropped you off," Cole said.

Elaine cleared her throat and started, "well, I was saying goodbye to her, I gave her a hug," Elaine paused remembering what they were talking about. She frowned. David gently squeezed her hand encouraging her to continue. Little did he know, her and Chrissy were talking about Marie.

"Um, I said goodbye, hopped out of her car, and watched her drive down the hill."

"Alright," Jeff mumbled.

Elaine continued. " I turned back around, to head to the house, i guess I was just lost in thought," she laughed dryly. "I reached the porch and um...."
Elaine gulped remembering the way Rico had been standing there, the way he smiled evilly down at her.

Jeff, Cole, and David all tensed. They could tell by her voice, something had happened when she reached the porch.

"Keep goin' honey," Cole urged softly.

Elaine drew in a breath. Panic started to consume her. Everyone in the room knew who it was! What would David do when he found out it was Rico?

Elaine started shaking. She had to be strong. She had to help them catch him.

"Um, he.... He was by the porch.." She trailed off.

"Red they need to know who it was. Did you know him? Can you describe him? Hair? Height? Color? Anything?"

"I don't have to describe him." Elaine whimpered. "I knew him."

All three men, leaned in. Elaine could feel David stiffen besides her. His fury was growing. She knew.

"Lanie who was it?"

"We gotta know Elaine," Cole said grimly.

Elaine closed her eyes. "Rico." She had said it so quietly, she barely even heard it herself.

"Who," both Cole and Jeff leaned forward as they asked. But David was already off his seat and across the room, heading for the door.

Both Jeff and Cole jumped up and headed to David.

"David!"

"What the hell Thorne," Cole nearly yelled.

David ran his fingers through his hair and lashed out.

"Fucking Moretti! That fuckin' bastard!" He roared. He paced throughout the room. He was like a caged animal. His mood was like thunder.

A nurse scurried into the room, shocked by all the noise.

"What's going on in here. Sir, I'll have to ask you to please quiet down."

David whirled around and snarled at the poor woman.

"Get the hell out woman!"

The nurse, who looked like a deer caught in the headlights, burst into tears and ran out the door. Jeff went after her.