Chapter Thirty

Christmas Day came and went. Above and beyond the proposal and revelation of the pregnancy, they each provided the other with simple gifts. With the new year came new struggles. The day of Jim’s trial came upon them. Jayme’s testimony paired with the evidence that the prosecuting attorney presented, it was enough to convict Jim on kidnapping and two counts of first degree murder.
A few weeks later came the sentencing hearing. Jim was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. He was scheduled to be transferred to the state correctional facility on February second. Jayme, Rex, Garrett and Sheryl all planned for a July wedding. They would be married on seven eleven.
Jayme and Rex both were in attendance when Jim was put on the bus to be transferred to the state penitentiary. They saw him get on the bus. Satisfied, they went on with their day. Rex went back to work and Jayme went to run some errands.
When Jayme returned home, she saw Rex’s patrol car sitting in the driveway. Jayme thought that to be very strange as he never brings it home. As she was getting out of her car, Rex came out of the front door.
“Jayme!” He nearly shouted, running to her.
“Rex, what’s wrong?” Jayme asked, knowing something was wrong.
“It’s Jim…” Rex said. “There’s been an accident… Jim has escaped from the bus. He hasn’t been seen since the accident at ten forty five this morning.”
“What!” Jayme shouted and instantly started shaking. “He’s coming to kill me…”
“No, Jayme. Don’t say that…” Rex said.
“But he is. Especially since I testified against him.”
“Right now, I think he’s trying to stay as far as he can from anyone who’ll get him caught. He knows he would be stupid to come here. This is one of the first places we looked. The FBI was here by noon. I met them at the door. They searched the house. Thank God you weren’t here.”
“What are we going to do?” Jayme asked.
“I think we should stay at a hotel or something until he’s caught.” Rex said. “We’ll go in and gather some things to take with us.”
Agreeing, Jayme carried Bella in her car seat toward the house. Walking in, they quickly gathered items they would need for a few days stay. Driving out of town a few miles, Rex stopped at a bed and breakfast that was owned and operated by some friends of his. He felt it would be safer because she would never be left alone.
A huge five bedroom house on forty acres, Jayme instantly fell in love with it. It was rustic with two-sided fireplaces joining rooms. Staying in the loft bedroom, Jayme and Rex settled in their rooms before joining Luke and Cindy in the living room for conversation.
Having known Rex for over five years, Luke and Cindy were pleased to hear of Rex and Jayme’s engagement. They offered to have the wedding there, free of charge. They only needed to pay for the food and alcohol served. But Garrett had said that Sheryl wished to marry in the town they lived in. Jayme and Rex declined their offer gracefully.
Feeding Bella one last time before going to bed, Jayme could hardly keep her eyes open. She finished but Jayme didn’t lay her down right away. Jayme sat in a rocking chair and just rocked while looking down at her daughter who was looking up at her. Jayme spoke softly to her making her a promise that she would always be safe and well cared for.
Finally climbing into bed, Jayme slept well in the strange, but comfortable bed. When she woke to the sound of Bella crying, she saw that Rex was already gone. Thinking back, she faintly remembered him waking her to say goodbye.
Jayme climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom first, she couldn’t hold it. Then, she went to Bella, who had soaked through her clothes. Jayme knew she needed a bath because she had also defecated. Carrying Bella to the bathroom, she placed Bella’s bathtub into the larger bathtub. Pulling down the shower head, Jayme turned on the water and adjusted it. Then, with a gentle spray, filled Bella’s bathtub.
Jayme made her complete bath quick as she knew Bella was very hungry. After dressing her, Jayme finally fed her. Bella was overly hungry though and ate too fast, creating excessive gas and air intake. Jayme held Bella against her chest while she rubbed and patted on her back, bringing up all the excess air.
Carrying Bella in her arms, Jayme climbed down the large staircase that spiraled against the wall. Cindy and Luke were in the dining room, drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. Jayme greeted them and they both looked up from their paper. “Good morning.”
“Oh, good morning, Jayme. Please, have a seat, you must be hungry.”
“Well, yes, but I don’t think I can eat. I’m pretty nauseated… we didn’t tell you last night but I’m pregnant again.”
“Oh, that’s great. I know Rex always wanted kids. I’m sure he’s ecstatic.” Cindy said.
“Yes, and I don’t want to wait to build our family.” Jayme answered. “You do know the history with Rex and I, don’t you?”
“Yes, he’s told us that he knew you when you were kids. He said he was in love with you then…” Cindy smiled.
“I believe he was, but I didn’t know it then.” Jayme said. “I believe I was, with him too. I just didn’t realize my true feelings until he recently came back into my life. And I’m glad he did. I needed him more than I could’ve ever realized.” Jayme said.
“Rex told us your first husband was murdered?” Luke asked.
“Yes, and I was targeted by the killer.”
“Yes. That’s what Rex was saying.”
“You do know that he brought me here to protect us from this man, right?” Jayme asked.
“Well, yes, kinda.”
“Well, you should be made aware of the danger of us being here. He was being transported to the state penitentiary yesterday when there was an accident. He escaped and hasn’t been seen since. We think he’ll come after me because I helped put him behind bars. I testified against him.” Jayme said.
“You’re safe here. Luke is a retired police officer.” Cindy said.
“Oh yeah?” Jayme said. “That makes me feel better.”
“You just let me know when you want something to eat, or, help yourself to anything in the kitchen, just please, clean up after yourself.” Cindy said. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”
Jayme watched as Cindy disappeared from the kitchen. Luke had already went outside to care for the sidewalk, shovel and throw out salt. Jayme sat at the table for a few minutes then thought this would be a great time to catch up on some sleep. With Bella in her arms, Jayme went back up the steps to her room.
Laying Bella in her bassinet, Jayme laid on the bed fully clothed. It didn’t take long before she was sound asleep. But hearing Bella’s cries, she didn’t sleep long before Bella wanted to be fed again. As Jayme changed her, she noted that the house seemed quiet. Thinking nothing of it, she sat down to begin feeding Bella.
Ten minutes later when she was finished feeding, Jayme laid Bella down in her crib and went to the door. Opening her bedroom door, she listened for anything. When she heard some sort of commotion, she knew there was someone downstairs. Jayme closed the door and went back to the bassinet to pick up Bella.
Her nap left her feeling worse. She was more tired and groggy than before she laid down. All Jayme wanted to do was sleep. But Bella wasn’t ready to go back to bed yet. Laying a blanket on the floor, Jayme laid Bella on her tummy on the floor and threw some toys before her. Walking around the room, Jayme picked up and straightened the room.
Feeling the nausea hitting hard, Jayme picked up Bella and ran toward the bathroom where she sat before the toilet and tried to vomit. But there was nothing to expel. It was more painful than productive. Laying on the floor for a few moments, the coolness soaked in as the heaving left her feeling overheated.