Running Blind by Shirlee McCoy Page A

room, Jen? I’d rather not run into the police down here.”
    â€œI already told you that I’d answer their questions, Kane. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
    â€œThat’s not what they’re thinking, sweetheart.” Jenna’s father rubbed the bridge of his nose, something he only did when he was stressed out and worried.
    â€œWhat exactly are they thinking, then?”
    â€œThat you may have been collaborating with Mag dalena.”
    â€œCollaborating on what?” Frustrated, she tried to keep thebite out of her tone, but knew she was doing a poor job of it. And that frustrated her even more.
    â€œYou know they think Magdalena was involved in drug trafficking, sis. Take another giant leap of logic and that’ll take you exactly where they’ve gone.”
    â€œLet them go wherever they want. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
    â€œNeither did Magdalena.” Nikolai spoke quietly, but his words echoed loudly in Jenna’s mind. She’d never believe that Magdalena was involved in the drug trade, and she’d never have believed that the DEA would find drugs hidden in her bags and in her home. They had, though.
    â€œThey’re trying to get a search warrant for your house, Jenna. You may as well know that now.” Kane’s voice was tight with frustration.
    â€œI’d say that they won’t find anything, but look what happened to Magdalena. They found plenty.” Would they find something in Jenna’s house if they searched it? The thought filled her with cold dread.
    â€œIt would be best if you all discuss this in Jenna’s room. As I said, she needs to rest. We’ll admit her for the night and release her in the morning once she’s better hydrated.” Dr. Shaw glanced at his watch, his impatience obvious.
    â€œI’ll rest better at home. Can you please send a nurse up to take out this IV?”
    â€œI strongly recommend that you stay here for the night.”
    â€œIt’s a good idea, Jen, and it might keep the police from bothering you,” Kane said falling into step beside her as she started walking back to the elevator. Nikolai flanked her on the other side, and Jenna had a quick glimpse of her future. Only rather than walking between Nikolai and Kane, she’d be walking between two police officers with handcuffs around her wrists.
    â€œDo you have a friend you can call? Someone who can be in your house if the police do get a warrant?” Nikolai’s practical question pulled her from her unhappy musings.
    â€œMy neighbor will be happy to supervise, but I’d rather he not have to. If I can get a ticket out of town tonight, I’m going to head back to Spokane.”
    â€œWe’ll fly back with you, dear. Richard, why don’t you call the airport and see if we can get tickets for the three of us?”
    â€œI appreciate it, Mom, but you’ve already been away from New York for too long. Nicole is probably going nuts with the twins and the new baby. I’ll bet she’s desperate to have you there to lend a hand.” And hopefully Jenna’s oldest sister wouldn’t mind being used as an excuse.
    â€œWe can’t just leave you to fend for yourself during this crisis,” Lila said.
    â€œIt’s not a crisis. It’s a little blip on the screen. Besides, you’ve already got your tickets home.”
    â€œTickets can be changed.” Her father spoke up as they stepped onto the elevator, and Jenna patted his arm, offering a smile that she hoped was filled with confidence.
    â€œThey can be, but there’s no need to change them. I haven’t done anything wrong. The police are just pulling at straws—they’re not going to find anything.”
    â€œI’m not worried about what they’re going to find. I’m worried about you.”
    â€œDon’t. I’m a grown woman, remember?”
    â€œA grown woman and still my little