“They tried to kill us but they couldn’t.”
“What?Oh my God, are you hurt? Is Mary?”
“I’m fine. I’ll keep you posted but I’m worried Mary has a head injury. She’s in the examination room now.”
“Oh no,” Declan said, hushed. “Should I tell Anthony?”
“Yes, and I’ll call as soon as I know more.”
“Who killed Todd? Where are they? Were they arrested?”
“Two are dead, one survived.” Bennie felt her stomach twist. She took no pleasure in killing Mo. She never would’ve done it but to defend herself and Mary.
“How didthathappen?”
“I’ll tell you another time.” Bennie didn’t want to elaborate now. “I have to call the Philly police, brief them, and try to convince them to release Simon.”
“Okay, so where are you?”
“I’m at a hospital in the boondocks. If it had more activity, there would be reporters, so there’s a silver lining.” Bennie realized she couldn’t wait to see Declan. She just wanted to bury her head in his chest and feel his arms around her. She wanted to feel safe again. “Where are you?”
“I’m outside Philly on my way to CHOP.”
“You’re not home?”
“No, I left as soon as Anthony called me. He can’t reach Mary.”
“Thanks,” Bennie said, touched. She felt tightness in her chest again and chalked it up to recent injuries, if not true love.
“Do you want me to come to you?”
“No, thanks. I gotta go call the cops. I love you.”
“Babe, I love you too. I’m sorry we fought.”
“Me too. Call you later.”
“Love you, bye.” Declan ended the call, and so did Bennie. She exhaled, got her emotional act together, then dialed the number for the Homicide Division, which she unfortunately knew by heart.
“This is Bennie Rosato, can you put me through to Detective Lindenhurst?” she asked, and she was put through immediately.
“This is Lindenhurst. Bennie, I’ve been expecting your call.”
“Did the local police contact you?”
“Yes, they did. They briefed me.”
“Have you released Simon?”
“Not yet.”
“Why not? The charges should be dropped. He didn’t commit the murder.”
“I can’t do that without a statement from you and Mary, in addition to our own investigation. We understand one of the suspects, Ray Matewicz, is alive. We need to talk to him.”
“You may have heard that Mary was very seriously injured. She’s in no shape to give a statement. I can give a statement for us both.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Detective Lindenhurst’s tone changed. “I like Mary very much.”
