Every Second

83

Coyote Mountains, New York

The Early Light Motel hadn’t changed since the 1970s, when it was established by a retired navy cook.

Sheltered by maple trees, it stood about four miles from the media center where the FBI would hold its press conference the next morning.

Looking at the neon No Vacancy sign, Kate was relieved that she’d reserved two rooms when she and Strobic had first arrived in the area.

As a veteran reporter, she’d learned that when you’re on the road, you’ve got to think ahead. News crews from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania filled the lot.

“The FBI presser’s at nine, so I’ll meet you for breakfast at seven-thirty in the motel restaurant,” Strobic said as Kate unlocked the door to her unit, which was next to his.

Her room was utilitarian and “shipshape,” like the website said.

The knot in Kate’s gut had not yet relaxed. As she sat on the bed, her body aching for sleep, she smiled at her phone’s screen and the faces of Grace and Vanessa. It seemed a lifetime had passed since she’d seen them.

Kate pressed the number for Nancy Clark.

“Hi, Nancy, it’s Kate. Hope I’m not calling too late to talk.”

“Hi, Kate. No, Grace’s getting into her pajamas and Vanessa’s at a night class. So how’re you holding up?”

“Good, just a bit tired.”

“We read your story, how you found the Fultons. I’m so happy they rescued everybody and stopped those psychos. It could’ve turned out much worse.”

“It could’ve been far worse.”

“Are you on your way home?”

“Not tonight. The FBI’s holding a press conference here in the morning, so I’ll be back tomorrow, likely in the afternoon.”

“Would you like to talk to Grace? She’s right here.”

“Yes, thanks. And Nancy, as always, thank you for doing this.”

“You don’t have to thank me. Here she is.”

“Hi, Mom!”

“Hi, sweetie, how did school go today?”

“Well, my friend Lilly and me saw Lucas Parker try to kiss Madison on the mouth! Eeeww!”

“Oh, my.”

“He tries to kiss all the girls on the mouth. We said, ‘Lucas, you’re spreading germs!’ But Mia Schendaller kissed him back! Eeeww! Right?”

Kate laughed. “Right.”

“Mom, when’re you coming home?”

“Tomorrow. I was thinking that you, me and Aunt Vanessa could all go out shopping and then go to your favorite restaurant.”

“Yes!”

“I’m so sorry I’ve been working a lot, sweetie. I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, with a million hugs and a million kisses!”

After Kate ended her call, she texted Vanessa.

Miss you, sis! See you tomorrow and we’ll all go out.

A short time later her phone chimed with a text.

Love you, too, Kate! Be safe!

For a long moment Kate stared at her phone, tracing her finger lightly over Grace’s and Vanessa’s smiles. Then she flipped on the TV, surfing quickly through the twenty-four-hour news channels and checking her phone to see if any competitors posted any breaking angles online.

No one had anything new.

She searched her bag, glad she always carried a small emergency overnight travel kit with toiletries and underwear. She grabbed it and headed for the bathroom when something on TV stopped her in her tracks.

Cell phone footage of the immediate aftermath of the explosion had been captured by a Canadian tour bus passenger. The short, dramatic images had been obtained by CNBC, working with a Canadian network.

The knot in Kate’s stomach tightened again as she got in the shower.

As steam clouds rose around her, the day replayed with memories and moments that had pierced her and pulled her through her tragedies.

Lori and Billy Fulton bleeding in the river. Billy, only a year older than Grace. Holding Lori’s hand, the way she’d held Vanessa’s all those years ago in that mountain river where death nearly took her.

Lori closed her eyes and let the hot water soothe her.