Hidden Away

CHAPTER 26

MARLENE pulled into Sam’s drive and hurried toward the front door. She didn’t bother to knock but simply pushed in and called Sophie’s name.

Sophie rounded the corner, Charlotte bundled in her arms, and Marlene saw the worry reflected in her daughter-in-law’s eyes. She held out her arms and went to pull both mother and child into her embrace.

“How are you doing?” she asked Sophie.

Sophie posted a brave smile. “The question is, how are you? I can’t imagine how you do this so often with all your sons gone and not knowing if they’re safe.” A quick shudder rolled over her shoulders and Marlene reached to take Charlotte from her.

“Oh, I’m okay. Worried, of course, but you get used to it.” She smiled down at her granddaughter. Love, so strong, rushed like a flood through her heart. “She’s so beautiful, Sophie.”

Sophie smiled, but it was a tired smile laced with the strain Marlene knew she felt. Marlene squared her shoulders and eyed her daughter-in-law. “I want you to pack what you need for several days. Then you and I are going to go get Rachel, and we’re going to hole up at the Kelly headquarters, as I like to call it. Oh, I know Sam has his war room here but honestly, my house has and always will be Kelly central. At a time like this, family has to stick together.”

Relief shone bright in Sophie’s eyes and her shoulders sagged just a bit. “That sounds wonderful, Marlene. Being alone right now ... well, it sucks.”

Marlene laughed. “Well, of course it does. You have a new baby. You’re tired. And your husband is gone to rescue that fool son of mine who doesn’t think he needs anyone. Get your things. It’ll be one big sleepover. We’ll drive Frank out of his mind. He’ll likely flee the premises before it’s over with.”

Sophie smiled, lighting up her entire face. “Give me just a few minutes to get what I need for Charlotte.”

While Sophie went off to pack, Marlene settled on the couch and gazed down at her sleeping granddaughter. She was more concerned about Rachel, truth be told, which is why she had no intention of letting either of her daughters-in-law weather the next few days alone. Ethan still stuck close to Rachel most days, and when he did go off on assignment, Marlene made sure she wasn’t alone. The entire family checked in on her, Garrett especially.

Rachel and Garrett shared a special bond, and with Garrett MIA and Ethan going into an unknown situation, Marlene didn’t like to think about how upset Rachel would be.

And what she didn’t want either Rachel or Sophie to know was how worried she was. Oh, she gave Sophie that song and dance about being used to it, but did a mother ever get used to saying good-bye to her sons and not knowing if they’d come back? It was a worry she lived with every day.

Garrett was the loner and self-sufficient. He was the steadfast one. He could always be counted on when the chips were down. But now he was the one in need, and Marlene couldn’t get rid of the sick feeling in her stomach.

Sophie returned carrying a huge baby bag slung over her shoulder and an additional bag with her things in her other hand. “I’m ready.”

Marlene rose. “We’ll take my van. I had Frank install a car seat for Charlotte so she’s all set.”

The women hustled from the house and Marlene settled Charlotte into her seat in the back. They tossed Sophie’s bags in the rear compartment and Marlene started for the driver’s side. To her surprise, Sophie stopped her and pulled her into a huge hug.

“Thank you,” Sophie whispered. “I told Sam to go. I wanted him to go. But after he left, all I could think was that I didn’t want to stay in that house alone, worried out of my mind that something horrible has happened.”

Marlene squeezed her back. “You’re welcome, honey. That’s what family is for.”

When she pulled away, tears shimmered in Sophie’s eyes. Then she smiled. “You know, I’m getting used to it. I never had a real family. It feels ... nice.”

“Well come on then. Let’s stop with all the emotional girly stuff and go get Rachel.”

Fifteen minutes later, Marlene pulled into the driveway of Ethan and Rachel’s house. Before she could get out, Rachel came out onto the front porch, her face pale and her eyes troubled.

“You stay here with Charlotte,” Marlene said to Sophie. “I’ll leave the van running. We won’t be but a minute.”

She hurried out and Rachel met her at the bottom of the steps.

“Have you heard anything? What’s wrong?”

Marlene took both of her hands in hers and wished like anything she could get rid of the shadows that still lurked in Rachel’s eyes. “Nothing’s wrong, baby. Nothing at all. I just decided that at times like these, family should stick together. I’ve come to collect my daughters and we’re going to drive Frank out of house and home for the next few days. Now go pack a bag. You’re coming with me. None of us should be alone right now.”

The relief was staggering in Rachel’s eyes. It was as if she was prepared to hear the very worst.

“I’m so worried about Garrett. And now Ethan. God, Marlene, what could have happened? I hate not knowing.”

Marlene pulled Rachel’s hands together and squeezed a little harder. “They’re coming home to us, Rachel. Just like you did. My boys are fighters. They fought for you. They fight for others. They damn well will fight for each other. Now go get your things. Sophie and the baby are waiting for us in the van.”

Without another word, Rachel turned and hurried up the steps. Marlene sighed, pulled herself together and turned back to the van to wait. A few minutes later, Rachel came running out and climbed into the middle seat beside Charlotte’s carrier.

Marlene glanced over at Sophie and then over her shoulder to Rachel. “Okay, girls. Let’s go home.”

Both women smiled and Marlene drove out of the driveway and turned toward home.

When they pulled up to Marlene’s house, to her surprise, Rusty was sitting on the front steps. She rose when the van came to a stop but remained where she was as she watched the women get out and get their bags.

“I could use some help with Charlotte,” Marlene called to Rusty.

Rusty moved forward, looking a little hesitantly at the baby in Marlene’s arms. “You want me to take her?” She glanced over at Sophie and then back at Marlene.

Marlene arranged the baby in Rusty’s arms, gave her the necessary instructions about supporting the head and then shooed her toward the house. Rusty had a mixture of terror and wonder in her eyes as she slowly turned away and went up the steps into the house.

Marlene shook her head as she went to the back to help Rachel and Sophie with their things. “I swear, you give a teenage girl a baby to hold and it’s like an exorcism.”

Sophie and Rachel both burst into laughter.

“There now, that’s better,” Marlene said, offering a squeeze to both their arms. “We look like we’re heading to a wake.”

As they started to the house, Frank appeared on the porch. He simply held out his arms to Rachel and Sophie and pulled them both to his chest in a tight hug. “How are my girls?”

“Better,” Rachel said softly.

Frank kissed her cheek. “Well, good. I’m going to fire up the grill later. Thought we’d have steaks for supper.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Sophie said.

“And you,” Frank said to Sophie. “You’re going to get some rest, young lady. You look tired. That granddaughter of mine is cute as a button, but she’s got her days and nights mixed up from the look of you.”

Sophie gave him a wry smile. “I’m afraid you’re right.”

“Leave your bags on the porch. I’ll get them in a minute,” he said. And with that, he turned, still holding both of the women to his side and pulled them into the house.

Marlene stood for a moment simply watching her family do what they did best. Then she turned her eyes heavenward. “Take care of my boys,” she whispered. “Bring them home to us. This family isn’t whole without them.”