EXCERPT FROM BETRAYED - A romantic suspense novel | Page 53

BETRAYED

Laurie. Make them take it off. She’s got a proper name—Laurel
Murphy!”
The detective left her sitting in the chair with her face
buried in her hands and went into the hall.
A few minutes later, a doctor eased past Detective Larson.
He patted Maude on the shoulder and tried to smile. “Mrs.
Murphy? I’m Dr. Stanfield. I understand this is your daughter. I
was here when they brought her in. She’s in very bad shape. I’m
sorry to have to tell you this, but she was raped and battered
within an inch of her life. I guess the police told you some of
what they think happened.”
Maude nodded without looking up.
“Under the circumstances this may sound strange, but you
must be grateful for small favors. She’s a very lucky girl. If it
hadn’t been for two little boys and their mother who found her,
she would probably not be alive now. She’s conscious, but we
can’t seem to reach her. In fact, she hasn’t said a word since she
came in. Maybe when she sees you, she’ll recognize you. Try
talking to her again.”
Maude leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Laurie,
Laurie. It’s Mama. I’m here, Baby. Look at me.” She reached
beneath the covers and took her daughter’s limp hand. Tears
filled her eyes. There was no response.
~~~~

The next day, a small item appeared in the back pages of
The Tribune and The Sun Times. It was no bigger than an inch.
Sal D’Angelo’s mouth set in a thin line. He crumbled the page
with shaking hands and reached for the phone trying to contain
his fury. “Creed, we were wrong. Have you seen the papers? The
girl’s alive. Y XZ]8