The call ended just as abruptly as the first, and I was already making my way to the room that doubled as Goose’s office. I couldn’t stick around. I had plans to make—the sooner the better—and I didn’t want to risk bumping into anyone aside from Goose.
“Rhiannon, wait.” Goose was right on my heels, so that when I turned, we were face to face. I didn’t expect the hug he gave me, since Goose wasn’t the mushy type, but I accepted it nonetheless. There was warmth there—comfort and friendship. “You never have to run from me. No matter what happens, I’m here. I just want you to know that.”
I pulled away, smiled and tapped him lightly on the chest. “Then stay by your phone. When I work out the details, I’ll be in touch.”
As I walked to the door, his question stopped me. “You’re not planning on running away again, are you?”
This time, my smile was very real. Goose had said one thing today that reminded me that no matter what, I was no one’s butt monkey.
As I opened the door, I glanced over my shoulder. “I don’t run from anyone or anything, remember?”
Chapter Twenty-One
Hoisting my duffel over my shoulder, I waited to exit the Greyhound bus, courtesy of the narrow walkway between the seats. Once the other passengers walked to the door, it was my turn to get off. The warm and humid Florida air was refreshing, reviving me after the long trip from the big city.
A couple of cabbies asked if I needed a ride, but I politely declined, walking slowly across traffic in search of my destination. Fortunately, it wasn’t very far. This was a trip a long time in the making, and I needed to brace myself for what might greet me.
After several miles of pondering the unknown, I stood in front of the Florida State Mental Hospital. It looked like a normal establishment to the unknowing eye, but I knew better. Inside the building were people with a lot of demons trapped inside of them. Demons that made the pits of Hell look like rainbows and sunshine.
I passed through the glass double doors and walked toward the receptionist’s desk. She was on the phone and indicated I should wait until she finished her call. As she prattled on, I glanced around, noting that not much had changed since my last visit.
“Can I help you?” the receptionist asked after she ended her call.
I nodded, lowering the duffel, and dropped it to the floor. “I’m here to see my sister.”
“Name?”
“Jennifer Cunningham.”
The receptionist smiled. “Another visitor, that’s great. I’m sure Jennifer will be glad for the company.”
Alarms sounded, nice and loud. “Another visitor?”
The receptionist’s smile waned. “Your mother was in to see her earlier. She comes by once a week. You just missed her.”
I recovered, but not quickly. “Carrie was here?”
She nodded. “She’s been coming by weekly for the last few months.” Glancing up, she questioned, “You didn’t know?”
“No.” I tried to shake off my shock. “I’ve been out of town for a while.”
I sensed the receptionist’s distrust. “Your name please?”
“Rhiannon Murphy.”
When she saw me on the approved list, her smile didn’t return. I wasn’t sure why, but I honestly didn’t care. I had the right to be here, and there was nothing she could do to stop me.
“Sign in here.” She shoved a clipboard at me and reached for one of the temporary name plates that would grant me passage to Jennifer’s room.
I signed in, waited until she finished, and took the sticker. Because I was in a bitchy mood, I avoided hitting the trashcan when I tossed the paper backing toward the receptacle, giving her something else to do while on the job. After I affixed the tag to my shirt, I retrieved my duffel.
“Is she in the same room?”
“She hasn’t been moved since her arrival.”