Chapter 9

Helena and Sam are in the kitchen cleaning up the remains of Sam’s delicious spaghetti dinner, while their friend continue to chat about the babies, the names, and plans for decorating the nursery. 

“I didn’t know you were such a great cook….you’re full of surprises….I’m going to have to get you in the kitchen more often.”  Helena wiggles her eyebrows as she teases her lover.

“It’s not my fault you have a one track mind.  You’ve only been interested in one type of cooking from me, lately.”

The phone rings and interrupts the kisses they are sharing in the corner.  Sam is standing next to the phone and yells into the living room, “I’ll get it, Tina.”

“Hello, Kennard-Porter residence.”

“Hello, is this Tina Kennard?”

Sam immediately grows concerned by the authoritative voice on the other end of the line.  She’s been around enough law enforcement officers to recognize the tone.  Her first thoughts are those that something may have happened to Uncle Will.

“No, this is a close family friend, Sam Matthews.  May I help you?”

“I really need to speak with Ms. Kennard.”

“Just a moment.”

Sam looks at Helena, “Please go get Tina.  The caller will only talk to her.  I have a bad feeling about this.”

Tina appears before Helena can leave the kitchen.

“Is that Bette?”

“No, Tina…but they need to talk to you.”

Tina takes the phone, “This is Tina.” 

She listens a few moments, then suddenly turns pale and leans against the counter. Same grabs the phone, grits her teeth and quietly says, “Who is this and what is going on?”

“We need Ms. Kennard to come to the hospital.  Bette Porter has been in an accident.”

************************************

Sam and Helena pack Tina into the car and rush her to the hospital.  The rest of the gang lock up the house and join them in the waiting room immediately. 

Sam is pacing the hallway trying to piece things together.  What kind of person hits somebody and then just leaves the scene.  An asshole of the highest order…that’s who.  Her instincts are screaming to her to go to the scene…but she is hesitant to leave Tina.

She looks at Helena.  Helena is in her element.  She wants information about Bette, and there is no doubt that she’ll get it.  Tina will be in good hands with her.  She needs to go to the scene.