Double Jeopardy Chapter 8 (standard:mystery, 11008 words) [8/13] show all parts
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Aug 06 2005	Views/Reads: 2362/1813	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This takes place after Margery tells Connor she has news on Allison.

8. Labor of Love 

Ernie sat in front of the TV just contemplating his fate. He had
tampered with the car bomb meant to kill Allison. Now, Batano and his 
two associates were on to him. He knew he had to run again, but it was 
the last thing he wanted to do. He had grown attached to Allison, and 
would miss her deeply, but he knew that the angry long arm of the mob 
was after him, and Batano had friends in all sorts of places. Ernie 
flipped to the local news, WFTR the station that Allison was on. He 
wanted to watch her one last time. But when he tuned in, it was a 
different woman doing the news. “In other news, the top story tonight 
is the explosion of the Fallwood Courthouse. One of Fallwood's most 
prominent and oldest structures went up in flames.” The screen cut to 
the courthouse which was smoldering and spewing smoke and debris. Ernie 
gasped as he thought of the people inside. “This is all that remains of 
the courthouse, after mobster Chadwick Batano set off a bomb this 
afternoon while on trial for the murder of politician Gifferd Collins 
and a host of other charges. The prosecution's star witness, Allison 
Shure was injured in the explosion and is listed in serious condition 
at Fallwood General. Sadly, attorney Potter Bridgemen, District 
Attorney Rob Colemen and two others are dead after enduring the 
horrific explosion.” Ernie gasped, he grabbed his car keys and headed 
to the hospital. 

Connor sat stiffly on the edge of his chair. He knew by Margery's
expression that it was serious. Everyone glanced around taking stock of 
Margery's grim demeanor. She gently took hold of Connor's hand and 
began to speak in a low whisper. “Connor, Allison's stabilized ...” “YO 
stopped the bleeding?” “Yes, but ...” “Can I see her? How's the baby?” 
“Hold on just a second, she's stable but not out of the woods. The baby 
is fine for now.” “What do you mean for now?” Connor's heart was 
thudding a mile a minute, and he thought it was going to leap out of 
his chest. “Well, if anything happens, like if Allison starts to 
hemorrhage again, we'll have to induce labor.” “But for now she's all 
right isn't she?” “Yes, for now she's fine. She wanted me to tell you 
that she loves you, and she's asking for you.” “When can I see her?” 
“In about half an hour. Let me just get her settled into a room first. 
She'll need to be monitored closely tonight. Why don't you go get a cup 
of coffee. You must be beat.” “I can't lave what if ...” “Connor, she's 
stable, I promise if anything happens, I'll come get you.” Connor 
nodded, Lynn, Thelma and Clint all followed Connor down to the 
cafeteria. They all drank coffee as a way to pass the time. “Do you 
think she's going to be all right?” Lynn asked sipping her coffee 
slowly.” Allie's a fighter, I think she's going to be just fine. I just 
worry about her and the baby.” “I know we all do, dear.” Thelma said 
patting her son's hand. She stopped speaking when she saw him. She 
could see him out of the corner of her eye and thought it was Ernie but 
couldn't be sure. “Ernie?” she asked as he timidly came over to the 
table. “Yes, Mrs. Cassidy.” “What the hell are you doing here?” Connor 
asked angrily jumping up from his seat. “I came to see how Allison and 
the baby were doing.” “Like hell! You're working for Batano! Did it 
feel good? Did you enjoy the rush of excitement?” “What are you talking 
about?” “Don't give me that! You planted that bomb didn't you?” “Of 
course not! I wouldn't hurt Allison!” “Like hell! You've been stringing 
her along ever since you got back to town, with that sob story about 
your parents.” “Listen, Connor I'm not stringing anyone along! I care 
about her I wanted to make sure she was all right.” “Get out of here 
before I bodily throw you out!” “I ...” Ernie took one last look at 
Connor, his eyes were cold and he knew he could not win this battle. He 
turned and walked out of the cafeteria. No one spoke after Ernie's 
departure, they had never seen Connor act like that and nobody knew 
what to say. Half an hour later, Connor was escorted into see Allison. 
She smiled as he came over to her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. 
“Oh, Allie, I'm so glad you're all right!” he said sitting beside her. 
“Is the baby all right?” “Yeah, everything's fine.” “Are you sure ...” 
“Allie, everything's fine. They got the bleeding stopped.” “I know, I 
just hope it stays this way. They want to monitor me tonight.” “It's 
just a precaution, sweetness. They just want to make sure that 
everything's okay.” “I know. How's Ethan?” “Who?” “The man who helped 
me. Ethan um ... Sayers I think.” “I don't know.” “Did he survive?” 
panic filled her heart as she thought of Ethan, he had been so kind to 
her, he had to have survived. “I'll go check with the nurse. Right now, 
I think you should get some rest.” “I can't, my love, not until I know 
about Ethan.” He knew she meant it, and went to find a nurse. While he 
was gone, Thelma quietly entered, Allison looked at her worriedly and 


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