Chapter Twenty Five

Just after dusk, Jayme climbed a small hill to find a small town in a valley just beyond. Feeling somewhat relieved, she made her way down the steep hill, across a field and to a local grocery store. Walking inside, Jayme’s hair was a mess and her clothes were dirty. She looked like she was homeless. The people in the store were critical in their glances and stares as Jayme walked up to the service counter and asked to use their phone.
“There are payphones right outside.” The woman pointed.
“I don’t have any change. Please, I’ve been kidnapped… could you at least call the police?” Jayme pleaded.
Seeing the large diamond ring on Jayme’s finger, the woman was more inclined to believe her. She knew that was not a cheap ring. Picking up the phone, the woman called the police to have an officer come out and speak with her. Then the woman offered Jayme a beverage and a sandwich from their deli department. Jayme accepted both and asked if anyone had a diaper.
The woman took a small package of diapers off the shelf and handed them to her. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this covered.” The woman smiled.
Jayme stood off to the side, by the service counter, until the police arrived. The police were aware of the situation as well as the suspect, which was still at large. Jayme led them to the cabin but Jim was already gone.
Upon returning to the police department, Rex had already arrived and was waiting for her return. As soon as he saw her coming through the door, Rex jumped up and went to her, embracing her in relief. “Where were you going, Jayme, why did you leave?” Rex asked in a calm voice.
“I’m sorry, Rex. I was going crazy, sitting in the office all day. I had to get out. I thought I would be safe if I stayed within the city limits. But I only gave him the perfect opportunity.” Jayme said.
“Please, Jayme… Please don’t do that again… I know you’re incredibly smart, but that was a dumb thing to do…” Rex said and kissed her.
“You’re right, that was a dumb thing to do. No more…” Jayme said. “Can we just go home now?”
“There is nothing I would like more.” Rex said. “We’ll stop and eat on the way.”
“Yes, please, I’m starving.” Jayme said.
Subsequently filling out the police report, Jayme followed Rex out of the police station. Laying Bella in the car seat that was attached to the back seat, Jayme strapped her in, facing the rear of the car. As they drove through a few small towns, Rex stopped in an unfamiliar town to have dinner. Jayme laid Bella across the seat to change her, then fed her before they went inside.
Arriving home at nearly midnight, Jayme laid Bella in her crib, then laid in bed. Having to get up in six hours, Rex laid beside Jayme for some sleep. But it was merely an hour later when Bella woke Jayme up, hungry and soiled. Feeling groggy and dazed from exhaustion, Jayme changed Bella, then fed her before climbing back into bed.
Five AM, Bella had them both up, wanting fed and changed. Knowing it was time to get up, Rex got up with her and cooked them breakfast while she changed and fed Bella. Meeting Rex in the kitchen, Jayme was already fully dressed. Jayme sat at the dining room table and waited as Rex brought the food to the table.
“I thought we would try something different today.” Rex said as he sat beside her.
“Oh? What’s that?”
“I spoke with Joni…” He started.
“Really!” Jayme nearly shouted. “How is she?”
“She’s good, she lives twenty minutes from here, and she said you can come stay with her.” Rex said.
“Oh… you don’t want me to stay with you?” Jayme suddenly seemed sad.
Rex smiled and put each hand on each of her shoulders. “Jayme, of course I do, but while I’m at work, she wants you to come and visit.”
“Oh.” Jayme smiled. “I would love that.” Jayme said.
“Good, so I’ll take you over there, then go to work.” Rex suggested.
“Yes, that would be good.” Jayme agreed.
At one time, Jayme was familiar with the area where Joni lived, but after so many years of not visiting, it was much different than it used to be. Where there where once old houses was now a large apartment complex, in which Joni lived in.
Opening the door, Joni threw her arms around Jayme and greeted her. Then Joni asked to hold Bella. Rex said goodbye to Jayme with a hug and kiss. Then he hugged Joni before walking out the door. Looking at Joni, she seemed surprised. “Are you and Rex dating?” Joni asked.
“What? He hasn’t told you?” Jayme asked.
“Rex never tells me anything… he’s used to that oath of silence that comes with his job.” Joni laughed.
“Well, I guess you could say that… he asked me to marry him.” Jayme admitted.
“What! Really?”
“Yes… but I told him no, not yet.” Jayme said.
“Why?” Jodi was curious.
“Because it’s only been three weeks since my husband was murdered.” Jayme said. “I wasn’t ready to move on that far.”
“Wow… Rex told me that you had to stay hidden because someone is after you. I had no idea your husband was murdered. What happened?” Joni asked.
“Well, apparently, my husband had been having an affair for three years. His lover’s husband got tired of it, killed her, killed Scott and now he wants me to take his wife’s place. The last time he kidnapped me, he choked me until I passed out. I’m scared to death of him.” Jayme said.
“Oh my God, Jayme that’s insane… I may live alone but not without my shotgun. It sits, loaded, right there by the door.” Jodi pointed. “So if he comes here, he’ll have a surprise waiting for him.”
Jayme saw the gun standing by the door and felt some relief knowing there was some sort of extra protection. “I’m really glad you have that.”
“Have a seat, I’ll get something for us to drink.” Jodi said and pointed toward the living room.
Sitting in a rocking chair, she saw Jodi disappear into the kitchen with Bella in her arms. Moments later, she returned with two cans of pop. For a few hours, they talked and caught up on each others lives. Jayme fed Bella then laid her on Jodi’s bed after she fell asleep in Jayme’s arms.
A few hours later, Jayme checked on Bella. She was awake but content just laying on the bed. Jayme knew she would be ready to eat. Picking her up, Jayme glanced out the window and saw the small patio that was fenced in. Taking Bella to the living room, Jayme changed her then began to breastfeed.
After eating, Jayme handed her to Jodi. Jodi had always loved children, especially newborns. She is a nurse in the pediatric unit at the campus hospital in Silver Creek. She drives forty minutes to work and back nearly every day. But she was off for the next three days. Jayme would be coming to visit for two of those days as Rex has one off and will spend that entire day with Jayme.
Jayme watched Jodi as Jodi talked to Bella in her baby voice. “So, Jodi, tell me, is there a mister in your life?”
“Actually, not at this time. I just got out of a lengthy relationship that just didn’t work out. Although we parted on good terms, I was devastated. I still am.” Joni explained.
“Oh no, that’s terrible… what happened?”
“Well, Joe wanted the finer things in life, which, he said, can only be found within the city. I said the finer things can only be found in the country. We knew it wouldn’t work out, being complete opposites. So, I moved out here and haven’t been happier, except the whole heartbroken thing.”
“And you were together how long” Jayme asked.
“Three long years. All throughout college. I graduated and landed my job at the NICU but wanted to move closer to home, the home I knew when I was a kid. I couldn’t convince him to come with me so, it was over. I’ve been here three months.”
“I’m sorry.” Jayme felt sympathetic as she, herself, is still suffering from heartbreak.
As they talked for long minutes, Jodi realized that Bella was nearly falling asleep in her arms. Rocking her, she put Bella into a deep sleep, then carried her back and laid her in the crib. Then she went to the bathroom and returned to the couch.