“Mr. Stimson and the police are looking for him, Ronnie. He’ll show up,” Jay added confidently when Ronnie had become quiet and contemplative.
And if he didn’t. She could rot in jail for up to twenty years. There was no way in hell that was going to happen! Another plan was starting to form. But, she needed to act fast. She also wanted to deal with Nikko. There was no way in hell he was getting away with using her too.
***
Ronnie was ready by ten. She was just waiting for her mom and Jay to go to bed. They watched a movie together, and it was nearly over. She had gotten up to go to “the bathroom,” and returned ten minutes later, and no one had been the wiser. In her room, which was right near the bathroom, she packed her bag, a backpack with what she needed. A couple of comfortable outfits, a jacket for when she got where she was going. Her money, wallet, some toiletries, and supplies, and her mother’s ID, and credit card. She needed the ID, didn’t plan on using the credit card. It was just back up. Getting out of the house would be the easy part. The rest, well, it would be tough, but manageable.
As the movie ran its course, she mentally composed the note she would leave her mom. Keep it simple, but reassure her. This was something she needed to do.
When the credits rolled, Jay got up pulling his wife to her feet as if she were already nine months along. It made Ronnie feel good knowing he would be here to keep an eye on her. She knew her mom would worry, of course, but she would be fine. She would be careful. This baby meant the world to them.
She was glad they were going to bed earlier than usual.
Before her mom left, Ronnie got up as well, and reached for her. Hugging her, she whispered, “Mom. I love you. I am so happy for you. Happy for you both. Everything is going to work out.”
“Thank-you sweetie.” Her mom returned the hug. Lou heard a note in her daughter’s voice that made her worry temporarily. “Honey, for you too.” She pulled back to look in her daughter’s eyes. “We will get you through this. I don’t have any doubts.”
Ronnie squared her shoulders. She still had doubts, but she was now ready to do something about it.
They said their final goodnights, and as soon as Jay and Lou’s bedroom door was closed, she went into action. In her room, she sat down on the foot of her bed to write Lou a note.
Mom,
Please don’t worry. Sorry I had to do it this way. I think I know where Gary might be. I’m going after him. Take care of yourself and that sweet baby brother or sister of mine. I love you. If all works out as I have planned, I’ll clear my name within the week. Please, don’t tell anyone right away. I need a head start. Just a little one. Okay.
Love you,
Veronica
She folded the single sheet of paper in half, drew a heart on the outside, tented it, and placed it on the center of the beautiful quilt her mom had purchased for her.
Part one of her plan was done, and now it was time to start the second part of her plan. She hoped it would go off without a hitch.
She took her phone and texted Nikko.
Ronnie: Mom just went to bed. She’s feeling better. Can you come get me? I can spend the night.
Ronnie played with the charm bracelet she always wore. A gift from Jay last Christmas. She was nervous. She needed Nikko to come get her. She needed his car. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long.
Nikko: ;) I’m on my way, babe. Be there in ten.
Perfect.
Picking up her backpack, she quietly slipped from her room stopping in the kitchen to grab a couple of things she needed. She would wait outside by the road. She didn’t want Jay or Lou to see the lights of Nikko’s car, and wonder, or come out. The lights were already out in their room, but Missy who was sleeping in her doggy bed in the center of the living room, lifted her head questioningly.
“Go back to sleep, Missy. Keep your eye on mom for me, will you,” she whispered in the dark. Missy shook her head up and down as if she was answering her, and then snuggled back into her dog bed. Great dog, the best, she thought.
Heading to the sliding glass doors that led to the Florida room and outside, Ronnie quietly unlatched the locking mechanism to open the large panes of glass, and then slowly opened the heavy door. As soon as there was enough room for her and her bag to get through, she slipped past, and made her way outside. She slid the door back in place, and went by way of the back yard to the front.
Walking as quietly as she could, choosing sensible sneakers and comfortable jeans, she walked alongside of the driveway instead of on the gravel that might give her away.
Nikko would be here soon as the hotel wasn’t far. Setting her bag down beside her once she reached the end of the driveway, she stooped over and unzipped the front pocket. Inside she retrieved the little plastic baggie, containing two capsules of an over-the-counter sleeping medication she swiped out of the medicine cabinet. They were Jay’s. He took them when he was having a bad night. He had PTSD, and occasionally became very restless and agitated. These calmed him down pretty quick, and he was soon sleeping soundly. She just hoped they worked on Nikko. And although she was pretty upset with the bastard, she hoped there were no other side effects. Jay’s dosage was two pills, so that was what she had taken. Her plan was to give Nikko one by slipping it into his drink, and if he failed to fall asleep quickly enough, she’d slip in another one.