Page 51 of Fracture

Was this it? Was this the end?

Was she going to kill Karli, too?

12

“Don’t move!” Karli shouted at the woman. Or maybe at Lorelei. All Lorelei knew was they both froze.

“Lorelei?” the woman said, her blue-eyed gaze stuck to Lorelei.

“What do you want?” Karli asked.

“I… I just wanted to say hi. Lorelei saved my life, and I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” The woman broke down, sobs bouncing out of her like they were held back and had to break free.

“Do you have a weapon?” Karli demanded.

“What? No. Why would I have a weapon?” The shock of the question silenced her sobs. Was that a trick or was that real?

“You were reaching into your handbag.”

“I was going to show Lorelei a picture of my daughter. She saved us both. Made it possible for us to have a life. It’s been years since I’ve seen Lorelei.” She turned to Lorelei, her brown ponytail swinging. “Do you not remember me?”

Lorelei shook her head, hating the anguish in the woman’s voice. Pain came from disappointment and sorrow. This woman thought Lorelei would remember her. Should remember her.

“I have amnesia,” Lorelei blurted. “It’s not you. I don’t know myself. Or my cousin, Karli.” She waved toward Karli.

The woman glanced at Karli, her gaze clearing. “Wow, you really look alike.” She straightened and turned to Karli. “I’m Bonnie. Lorelei and Adam saved my daughter and me from my ex-husband. He was going to sell my daughter and kill me so he could pay off his debts.”

“I’m so sorry,” Karli said.

Bonnie nodded, sniffing. “Thanks. Lorelei was amazing. She protected us and arrested him and took down the group that was going to buy my daughter. It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through, but Lorelei made sure we survived.”

“She’s good at her job,” Karli said, a genuine smile for Bonnie.

“You really don’t know me? Or anyone else?” Bonnie asked Lorelei.

Lorelei shook her head and turned so she could get out of the vehicle. Karli grabbed the crutches and held them for Lorelei to stand while Bonnie gasped.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Lorelei admitted. “I was abducted and tortured and left for dead. I was lucky. Someone found me, and I’ve been trying to recover, but my memories are not coming back quickly.”

“Oh, wow. I’m so sorry. And I’m sorry I scared you. I know you don’t know me, but I really do want to show you pictures of my daughter. Maybe it’ll help?” Bonnie looked at Karli as if asking for permission.

Karli nodded, and Bonnie reached into her handbag.

Lorelei moved away from the vehicle and closed the door. They stood at the curb to look at pictures of an early-twenties dark-haired white girl that Lorelei swore she’d never seen before.

“She’s beautiful,” Lorelei said.

Bonnie nodded. “She is. And smart. She’s in college right now, trying to decide what she wants to study, but she’s considering law enforcement because of you.”

“Wow, that’s a huge honor,” Karli said.

Lorelei nodded. “It is. I know it’s not an easy job, and I hope my current condition doesn’t scare her away from it.”

Bonnie smiled, her eyes kind and understanding. “I hate that you’re hurt, but I know what you do is important. You’re saving lives. You saved ours. We would both be dead if you and Adam hadn’t helped us. If my daughter wants to do the same thing, wants to be like you, nothing could make me more proud.”

“Thank you,” Lorelei whispered. The compliment made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Like her life had value. She had value.