Avalanche (21 page)

Breathing hard, Red pulled himself off of the still woman.
His eyes searched the darkness for Pam, as he summoned the energy to stand.

“Erica, what happened?” Kendra broke the sudden silence with
her scream. In an instant, she reached for the lamp beside her, spilling light
onto the gruesome scene.

Red found Pamela then, saw the tears streaming down her
face, and the relief she felt upon seeing that he was alive. But it was more
than relief, shining in her eyes. Love so thick he could almost touch it came
over him in waves. An avalanche of feeling so strong, that words were
irrelevant. With one, long look, Red knew the truth.

So lost were they in the realization of their feelings, they
didn’t notice Kendra, running to her dead sister’s side.

They didn’t see her pick up the knife Erica had dropped, had
no warning that the madness touched both siblings, until Kendra screamed again.

“YOU KILLED MY SISTER!”

Jolted by the fury in her words, Red turned just in time to
see the blade of her knife coming toward him. Without thinking, he raised the
gun and fired one bullet, straight into Kendra’s heart.

The knife grazed his leg as she fell, but there was no
longer any power behind the strike.

Red stood there, stunned by the surprise attack, the gun
still focused on the dead woman.

“Oh my God,” Pamela cried, having witnessed Red’s close call
with death. If Kendra had not screamed as she slashed the knife toward him,
then Red would be the one on the floor, eyes glazed in death.

Pam’s cry broke through to Red, startling him into action.
Rushing to her side, he untied the ropes, holding her to the chair, then
unlocked the handcuffs. As soon as she was free, Pamela threw her arms around
him.

“I thought you were going to die,” she cried, kissing him
hard, and fast, before she reached up to touch his temple. The blood had not
stopped, but Red didn’t seem to feel it.

“Are you okay?” he asked, tenderly touching the bruise
darkening her cheek.

“I’m fine, but you need to sit down. Let’s get that bleeding
stopped.” Pam took charge, then, leading Red to the sofa and pushing him down.
“I’m getting a towel, then I’ll call an ambulance.”

“I’ll call it in,” Red said, fishing in his pocket for the
phone.

Pam came back with the towel, pressing it against Red’s head
as he spoke. She heard the authority with which he spoke, marveled that he
could be so together, so soon after their ordeal.

“They’re on the way,” he said softly, tossing the phone onto
the sofa beside them. “You won’t be able to stay here tonight, but you can stay
at my house.”

“
We
can stay at your house, after you get stitched
up. That gash is nasty, Red. How do you feel?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been better,” he answered, taking
her hand in his. “You’re safe now, Pam. It’s over.”

“I’ve always been safe with you, Red.” Pamela smiled into
his eyes, her heart overflowing with gratitude, and love.

Word spread quickly of the attack on Red and Pamela. By the
time Red’s stitches were in place, the waiting room was filled with concerned
friends.

“They’re both okay, that’s the most important thing,”
Chelsea said aloud, not to anyone in particular.

“That’s right, and this whole stalking nightmare is over,”
Sharon agreed, holding tightly to JB’s hand.

“I can’t believe that Kendra was a part of it, this whole
time. She could have killed either of them at any point,” Jade shuddered,
moving closer to Justin.

“But she didn’t, they’re both fine,” Justin reiterated, his
arm around Jade.

“It wasn’t Kendra, not really,” Pamela said, coming into the
waiting room. She’d heard Jade’s remark, and felt the need to set the record
straight. “Her sister was the dangerous one,” she added. Looking around the
room, she saw Red’s friends, her friends, and suddenly became overwhelmed by
the show of support.

Tears filled her eyes, but she couldn’t articulate how
grateful she was for their presence.

“Oh, Pamela, come and sit down,” Jade was the first one to
move. Pam had surprised them all by her sudden appearance. “How is Red, how are
you?” Jade asked, guiding Pam to a chair.

“He’s okay,” Pam said, looking at each of them in the eyes.
“It took twenty stitches to close the gash in his head, but they tell me he’ll
be fine.”

“Of course he will,” Mac said, his relief evident. “Never
met a man with a harder head than Red Starling.”

Pamela smiled wanly, refusing to give in to the myriad of
emotions, coursing through her soul.

“They’re keeping him overnight, for observation. You can all
see him in a minute, after they move him into a room.”

“That’s good,” Sharon leaned over to touch Pamela’s arm. “You
can come home with us. Hershey misses you something fierce.”

“Thanks, but I’m staying with Red,” Pamela said sternly, her
tone leaving no room for argument. Seeing the surprise on their faces, she
realized how harsh she must have sounded.

“I’m sorry, don’t pay any attention to me. I appreciate your
offer, Sharon, but I’m not leaving him.”

“No need to apologize,” Sharon insisted, smiling. “Of course
you want to be with Red.”

“What do you need? What can we do?” Chelsea asked, seeing
that Pamela was holding on by a thread. “Have you eaten? Can we go to your
house, pack an overnight bag for you?”

“I can’t even think about food right now, and I don’t know
if they’ll let Red eat anything,” she answered softly, trying to smile. “As for
the bag, that would be helpful, but I doubt they’ll let you in. It’s a crime
scene.” Her voice caught on the last phrase, but she swallowed hard, holding
back whatever was trying to break free.

“That’s not a problem,” Sharon rushed to assure her. “We’re
about the same size, I’ll bring you some of my things. Red, too.” Nodding at
JB, they both stood. “We’ll be back in a flash.” Leaning down, Sharon gave
Pamela a hug. “I’m so glad that you’re okay. The hard part is over, Pamela. Let
it go,” she whispered.

Pam nodded, knowing the words were true. If it were only
that easy, she thought, knowing that it wouldn’t be.

“Dana and Robert are on their way, they had to wait on a
sitter,” Jade told her, when Sharon and JB left. She could feel Pamela’s
fragility, she wanted to give her strength.

“That’s so very kind,” Pamela answered. “You are all such
good friends. Red’s very lucky.”

“We’re not just here for Red,” Chelsea said warmly, coming
to sit beside her. “We’re here for you, too. Don’t forget that, Pamela. You are
not alone, here. Not in Starsdale.”

“No matter how much you might like to be,” Mac quipped,
grinning.

Pamela laughed lightly, in spite of her torrential emotions.
Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her shoulders, leaning back against the sofa.

“There, that’s better,” Chelsea crooned, then flashed Mac a
grateful smile. Pamela was a bundle of nerves, she had to release some of the
tension.

“How is he, how’s Red?” Robert asked, ushering Dana into the
room.

“He’s fine,” Justin answered, so Pamela wouldn’t have to.
“He’s sporting twenty new stitches in his head, and they’re keeping him
overnight for observation. Other than that, he’s fine.”

“Thank God,” Dana breathed, coming to stand close to Pamela.
“And how are you?”

“I’m okay, thanks,” Pamela looked up, tears swimming in her
eyes at the concern.

“How could you be? You poor thing, I’m so sorry for what
you’re going through.” Kneeling down in front of her, Dana reached for her
hand. “We’re all here for you, Pamela. Anything you need, just ask.”

Dana’s sincere sympathy was the last drop that caused the
dam to break. Pamela couldn’t hold the flood back any longer, so she let the
tears fall.

“You’re all so wonderful, I can’t thank you enough for being
here, for caring,” she told them, through the tears.

“Of course we’d be here, we wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Jade
told her, murmurs of agreement all around.

“I’m sorry to be such a cry baby,” Pam sputtered. “I don’t
know where these tears are coming from.”

“Hush, now. If anyone deserves a good cry right now, it’s
you,” Dana assured her. “You’ve been through so much tonight, for the past few
months. The relief alone would be enough to turn me into a puddle.”

“She’s not kidding,” Robert nodded, dropping into a chair
across from Pamela. “Her record is two hours, with nowhere near the excuse that
you’ve got. Go ahead, Pamela, bring on the waterworks.”

The look that Dana gave him would have sliced a lesser man
in two. The rest of them, including Pamela, couldn’t help but laugh.

“Robert, you can be such an ass,” Jade grinned, handing
Pamela a tissue.

“I know. I’m lucky I’m so adorable,” Robert grinned back,
then winked at his wife. “Isn’t that right, sweetie?”

Dana rolled her eyes and stood, coming to sit beside him.
“You’re too precious for words,
sweetie
.”

Pamela wiped her eyes as the laughter died down. She felt
better, somehow. Just being around these people lifted the weight from her
shoulders.

“Pamela Rhodes?” a young nurse called from the doorway.

“Yes!” Pamela jumped up, eager to see Red again.

“Red’s in room two-twenty. You can see him now.” She stopped
as everyone started to stand. “Two at a time, please.”

“I’ll take you back, Pamela,” Mac stepped beside her, taking
her arm. “I won’t stay but a minute,” he said to Chelsea.

Chelsea nodded, knowing that Mac needed to lay eyes on his
oldest friend.

As soon as they left, Robert became serious again.

“What happened? Have you learned anything else?”

“A little,” Justin answered, keeping his voice low. “I spoke
with one of Red’s deputies. Apparently, Red and Pamela walked into an ambush.
Kendra and her sister. They’re both dead. The sister had a gun, which she used
to bash Red in the head, then Kendra came at him with a knife. That’s all I
know.”

“There has to be a lot more to that story,” Dana said,
shaking her head. “From the sound of it, Red’s lucky to be alive.”

“Pamela, too. Someone hit her, hard. Did you see the bruise
on her face?” Chelsea asked.

“Yes, but I didn’t want to ask about it. She’s been through
enough, no need to make her relive it again tonight.”

“No,” Chelsea agreed. “She plans to stay the night here,
with Red. Maybe she’s finally ready to admit that she loves him.”

“Don’t you start matchmaking now, please!” Robert threw up
his hands. “This one’s already been trying to put those two back together.” He
pointed to Dana.

She ignored him.

“That’s wonderful, if it’s true. It’s obvious those two are
meant to be together.” Dana smiled. “Maybe it took something this drastic to
make them realize it, too.”

“Feelings definitely become clearer, when you think you’re
going to lose someone,” Jade added, looking at Justin.

“That’s true,” he agreed. “But those two have a lot to work
out, don’t jump the gun.”

“Not the best choice of words, my friend,” Robert nodded.
“But I agree with the sentiment.”

~~~

Red’s eyes were closed when Pamela and Mac came into the
room.

“He’s not supposed to be sleeping,” Pamela whispered, hating
to wake him.

“He’s not,” Red told her, opening his eyes. His smile was a
bit lopsided, but it was there. “I wondered where you’d gone.”

“They made me leave while they transferred you. Good thing,
too. I found a lobby full of your friends.” Pamela came to stand beside him,
taking his hand.

“Man, some people will do anything for a little attention,”
Mac said, taking stock of the bandage on Red’s head and the deep circles
beneath his eyes.

“What can I say?” Red answered, trying not to grimace. “I
just needed a few days off, that’s all.”

“Mission accomplished, I’d say,” Mac came to the foot of the
bed. “This little stunt should warrant at least a week’s down time.”

Red kept the smile in place, but said nothing.

“Seriously, Red, how are you doing?”

“I’ve been better, buddy. But I’ve been worse, too.” His
smile faltered, but just a bit.

“If there’s anything you need, I’m a phone call away. Got
it?”

“Got it. Thanks. You didn’t have to come over here, you
know.”

“I know. Chelsea made me,” Mac lied, knowing that Red knew
the truth. “I promised that I wouldn’t stay, there are a lot of people waiting
to see you. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.”

Pamela left with Mac, promising to return once everyone had
a chance to visit. Sharon and JB were the last ones in the room.

“It’s a good thing she hit you over the head, otherwise you
might have been really hurt,” JB greeted him.

“Yeah, yeah, spare me the hard-headed jokes, would you?
They’re getting a little stale,” Red kept his smile in place, but it was
obvious he was fighting exhaustion.

“You look like a good wind would topple you right over,”
Sharon observed, dropping a bag on the chair. “I know you’ve heard it already,
but we’re so glad that you and Pamela are okay.”

“Thanks. Pam’s a trooper.” Red wasn’t yet ready to think
about how close he’d come to losing her. “I need a favor.”

“Sure,” Sharon and JB said, in unison.

“Take Pam home with you tonight, will you? I don’t want her
to be alone at my house, or anywhere else.”

“We’ve already offered, but Pamela declined. She intends to
stay with you.” Sharon motioned to the bag. “We brought some clothes and
toiletries for you both.”

“She’s staying with me?” Red wasn’t sure he heard her
correctly. The pounding in his head had barely subsided. “Here?”

“Yes,” Sharon grinned. “Don’t be so surprised, Red. She
wants to make sure that you’re okay.”

“But…” Red began, but Sharon cut him off.

“No buts. She wants to stay. If you have any desire to make
things work between you, my advice is to let her. No arguments.”

Red looked at Sharon for a long moment, then nodded.

“No arguments.”

“Good. Is there anything else you need?”

“No. Thanks for the clothes.”

“Our pleasure. We’ll come by your house tomorrow, help you
get settled in. No arguments about that, either,” she said sternly.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Red answered, then looked at JB.
“She’s bossy.”

“Tell me about it.” JB rolled his eyes, grinning.

“You wouldn’t have it any other way, and you know it,”
Sharon leaned over, kissed JB on the cheek. “We’re leaving now. If you think of
anything else you need, call us.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Good.” Sharon kissed Red goodbye. “You really gave us a
scare tonight, Sheriff. Don’t do it again.”

“No, Ma’am.”

“Stop calling me Ma’am!” Sharon smiled, squeezing his hand.
“Good night, Red. See you tomorrow.”

“Good night. Thanks again.”

When the door closed behind them, Red leaned his head
against the pillow and closed his eyes. He felt like he could sleep for a week.
The news that Pamela intended to stay with him gave him hope that what he’d
felt from her during the crisis was real.

Could it be true? Or had he imagined the bond he felt,
joining them during those moments?

He certainly had not imagined the kiss she gave him. That
was very real. And she was staying with him. That had to mean something.

“Red?”

The soft whisper surprised him. He hadn’t even heard the
door open.

“Hi.” Opening his eyes, he met Pamela’s concerned gaze.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“You didn’t. Sharon tells me that you’re staying with me
tonight.”

“I am.” Pamela’s voice was somewhat defiant, as if she were
braced for an argument.

“Thanks.” Red said simply, holding his hand toward her.

Coming to stand beside him, she took it.

“That’s a nasty bruise you’ve got there,” he observed,
looking at her cheek. “Probably still stings, too.”

“A little. The nurse gave me some over-the-counter pain
killers. I’ll be fine. You’re the one whose head is split.”

“Not anymore. Twenty stitches, remember?”

“I remember it all. I was so scared, Red. I thought she was
going to kill you.”

“She was definitely out for blood, no doubt about that. I
was more concerned that she would hurt you. I was only a distraction for her.
You were the main event.”

“I still can’t believe that Kendra was involved. Why didn’t
I see it?”

“I didn’t see it, either. Not until this morning, when I
started putting things together. I’m sure there’s a lot more to this than we
know. My friend at the bureau is looking into it. We should have a few more
answers soon.”

“What else do we need to know? Erica was mentally disturbed.
Kendra must have been, too, to protect her sister for so long.”