Free Deadly Obsession by Mary Duncan Page B

leg. He didn’t look well at all, he needed a doctor.
    “Are you crazy, Carol, is he alright?” Nick asked.
    “I hope so, he hasn’t woken up yet but he’s tough, I think he’ll make it. I bet he won’t talk down to me anymore.”
    “Do you have no self-control at all, what were you thinking, I won’t go down for this. I’m already facing murder charges for his mother’s death, this one’s all on you.”
    “Shut up, Nick, don’t act as if you’re some sort of saint, you’re no better than I am. I did what I had to; I won’t stand here and listen to this.”
    “You didn’t have to do this, you almost killed him, if you didn’t, and there’s a good chance he still may die. You went too far Carol.”
    “I’m warning you Nick, I won’t keep listening to this, not from you of all people. What makes you think you have a right to judge me?”
    Carol’s animosity towards Nick was obviously growing causing him to back off as he had no desire to be her next victim.
    “Do you need anything from the store?” Nick asked.
    “I could use some food and drinks.”
    Carol made out a list of items and handed it to Nick. He promised to get them and bring them back but in the back of his mind, he never planned on it. He didn’t want to be anywhere around here when the cops found Dexter in his condition.
    Several hours passed as Carol anxiously awaited Nick’s return before coming to realize he wasn’t coming back. She could only wonder what his true intentions were; what if he turned her in to the police for a reward. The brutal beating she’d given Dexter could cost her the rest of her life in prison; she wouldn’t go down without a fight. She packed her car and left Dexter and the cabin behind her. She had to make a get-a-way while there was still time.
    Carmen was adjusting well to motherhood. Zachary was a wonderful baby, only crying when he was hungry or wet. The one thing that would make her life perfect was Dexter’s return. She seemed to see him everywhere, especially in Zachary’s face; he was a spitting image of his father. Why didn’t God return him to his family? The time passed only caused Carmen to fear the worst. She felt certain that he would have found his way back to her by now if he was still alive.
    It was Zachary’s nap time, so Carmen laid him in his crib. She decided to take a nap with him as she was tired. She stretched out on the bed and drifted off to sleep.
    “Carmen, wake up I need you.” The voice called.
    She shook her head in disbelief, rubbing her eyes.
    “Dexter, is that you?”
    “I need your help, I’m dying and I don’t have much time. My life is quickly fading away.”
    She turned to see him, his appearance was unbearable. What had Carol done to him?
    “Oh my God Dexter, what did she do to you? You look terrible. I’m so sorry.”
    “She left me at the cabin, if you don’t find me soon, I’ll die. Please hurry Carmen.”
    She sat straight up in the bed, realizing that it was a dream. Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
    “Officer, can I help you?”
    “Are you Carmen Haines?”
    “I am how can I help you?”
    She asked him inside.
    “Have a seat please.” She invited.
    “I’m here concerning Ada Crane’s accident. Did the two of you get along?”
    “Of course we did, surely you don’t think I had something to do with her accident do you? Ada was a very sweet and caring person with great courage and determination. She and Dexter were extremely close. I love Dexter, why would I hurt his mother?”
    He held up a clear bag, as Carmen examined it closely, she couldn’t believe it.
    “Where did you find it?” she asked.
    “You recognize it ma’am?”
    “Of course I do, it’s my engagement ring. It was stolen from my house; I didn’t think I would ever see it again. Where did you find it?”
    “It was recovered from Ada Crane’s vehicle, in the passenger’s floor. Are you sure it was stolen?”
    “Yes, I made a report, you can check