Page 38 of Breaking Bedrock
Addison’s face suddenly grew red. “Is there anything else you want to tell us, Penny? Anything else you’ve been working on?”
Penny slung her coat over her arm and stared at Addie, mouth open. “I beg your pardon?”
“How long have you been working with Scott Hammons, Penny? HOW LONG!”
Penny shifted. “I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Mother—” Patrick started.
“Tell him, Penny. Tell him what you’ve been up to. Hell, for that matter, why don’t you tell us all because . . .” Addie paused and crossed the room, placing herself directly in front of her mother-in-law. “Because my sources say that they’ve seen you coming and going from Scott Hammons’ residence.”
Penny scoffed. “Well your sources must be mistaken.”
“Mother, is what Addison’s saying true? I mean . . . Come on, Addison, I really don’t think my mother would—”
“Here,” Addison said, thrusting her phone in his direction. “You tell me. Does that look like your mom in the picture to you?”
Patrick glanced at the phone and then glared at the phone and then at Penny. “Well, yeah, actually it does.”
“Penny, what are these two talking about?” Mr. Greyer finally chimed in.
“It’s nothing, okay? Nothing. I was just taking him some food.”
“Why on earth would you be taking that man food?” Patrick and his father asked in unison.
Penny opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out until Addie’s phone rang again, breaking the silence.
Patrick tried to hear what the male voice on the other end of the line was saying but was unable to make out exactly what was being said. He could only tell that he was speaking in a hurried manner and that the more he said the grimmer Addie’s face grew.
“What is it now?” Patrick sighed as he watched Addie make a sudden start for the stairs.
“That was Carl. There’s been an incident at the gate with security. They’re advising us to stay inside with the doors and windows locked until further notice.” Addie replied rapidly.
She made it halfway up the stairs before stopping. “Penny does Scott know that I’m . . . that we’re here?”
Penny placed her hands on her hips and stared wide-eyed at her husband, but she didn’t reply.
“Mother! This man tried to kill my wife. Now, I don’t know what it is you’ve been doing messing with this man, but this is serious. Damn it! Answer the question!” Patrick demanded.
“Yes, I think he does,” Penny finally relented.
Sixteen
Addie made her way into the room where the boys were sleeping. She checked on them, kissed their heads, and covered them up. Although the room was on the second floor of the house, she checked the windows to make sure they were locked.
Sinking down on the floor, she pulled her cell from her back pocket and texted Carl.
What’s going on down there? Shall I contact the police?
She waited, and after a few minutes with no response, she dialed William, but her call went straight to voicemail.
She was about to dial the police when Patrick quietly opened the door. He came in a knelt in front of her. “Hey. What’s going on?”
Addie motioned toward the door and stood quietly, tiptoeing out into the hall. “I don’t know. I can’t get a hold of anyone, and I’m worried.”
Patrick frowned. “I’m sure it’s nothing, but, hey, I really do need to get back to the hospital. They’ve decided to release Michele just as soon as someone’s there to pick her up.”
“Your parents said she and the baby are okay. I’m glad to hear that, but, Patrick, I really don’t think leaving right now is the best idea, at least until I get ahold of security and see what the issue is.”