Page 30 of The Fragile Truth
Before Ian could reach Talon and Effie, Mike, the owner of the restaurant, rushed up to him with a distraught expression. “We’ve never had anything like this happen here,” he said in a low tone. “This is bad for business. I’m just glad that Effie wasn’t hurt.” He shook his head. “It’s a good thing Sadie happened to be outside.”
Ian’s breath hitched. “What happened?”
“Talon and Effie were leaving the restaurant when a car came flying through the parking lot. Sadie pushed Effie out of the way.” He hugged his arms, rubbing them up and down. “She’s a hero. She saved Effie’s life.”
“Did anyone get the make and model of the car?”
“I—I’m not sure. I heard the commotion, so I ran outside. By that time, the car was gone. Someone called 911. The firetruck showed up first with the EMTs, and now you’re here.”
“Thanks, Mike. I’ll take your statement after I talk to Effie.” Ian strode over to Talon, Effie, and Sadie. He nodded at the EMTs. “Phil, Chris.”
“Hey, Sheriff,” Phil said deferentially.
“We came as soon as we got the call, but everyone appears to be okay.” Chris motioned to Sadie with a disapproving frown. “We bandaged her up and offered to take her to the hospital, but she refused.”
Sadie lifted her chin, determination flickering in her dark eyes. “I’m fine. Just a little scratched up.”
Ian took a quick survey. White square bandages were taped over her knees and left elbow. “Are you okay?” Emotion rose in his throat as he swallowed it back down. He didn’t want to think about theWhat ifshere. Thank God above that Sadie hadn’t gotten seriously hurt, or worse. A fit of scorching anger fired through him. Lina had to be the cause of this.
“Yeah,” Sadie answered tersely. “I’m okay.”
They shared a long tender look that spoke volumes. Then, Ian remembered that he was on the job. He turned his focus to Effie. “How about you?”
“I’m okay.” Moisture rose in Effie’s eyes as she turned to Sadie. “Thanks to you.”
Sadie touched Effie’s arm. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” she said offhandedly.
Applause broke out from the onlookers. Sadie offered them a polite smile but seemed uncomfortable with the praise.
“Looks like you’ve got this under control,” Chris said. “We’ll head on back to the station.”
Ian shook hands with both EMTs as they left. Next, he turned to the crowd. He recognized many of the faces, calling them by name. “Harold, Aaron, Betty Lou. The firemen are leaving. You folks need to go on about your business and give these guys some space.”
“We wanna know what happened,” Harold demanded. He was a thick, squat man with a salt and pepper mustache and a grumpy demeanor. “Are we in danger of getting mowed over by some crazy driver?”
All eyes were glued to Ian, waiting for his reaction. He held up his hands, adopting a calm, controlled voice. “There’s no need to be alarmed. This was an isolated incident.”
“Was Lina driving the car?” Betty Lou asked, her eyes as round as saucers.
Understandably, the townsfolk were nervous after learning about Lina’s escape. This incident would take the fear factor to new heights. “We’ll have to investigate before we can reach any conclusions,” Ian answered. “Did any of you see the accident?”
“I was sitting right yonder.” A white-haired man with a long beard pointed to the restaurant. “I heard a scream and then I saw her”—he pointed to Sadie—"tackle her”—he pointed at Effie.
“She pushed me out of harm’s way,” Effie clarified.
“The car was a black sedan,” the bearded man added.
“Did you recognize the make and model of the car?” Ian asked the man.
“No,” he said.
Ian eyed the group. “Anyone else see anything?”
Everyone shook their headsno. Ian spoke to the bearded man. “Can you hang around? I’d like to take your statement after I’ve had a chance to talk to these guys.”
“Sure thing,” the man answered.
“Time to move along, folks,” Ian said loudly. The firetruck leaving the parking lot caught the attention of several people as they turned to watch. After it was gone, the crowd finally dispersed.