Protecting Her Child by Debby Giusti Read Free Book Online Page A

café sat on the top of a knoll next to a gas station where he could fill up. He pulled into a parking spot at the side of the restaurant and held the door for Meredith as they entered the outer alcove and stepped toward the dining area.
    â€œBe with you in a minute, folks,” the waitress behind the counter said in greeting.
    They passed up the window seats and headed for a booth in the rear. Meredith sank into the bench seat, weariness evident in her eyes when she looked at Pete from across the table.
    â€œBreakfast sound okay?” he asked.
    â€œHot tea and toast will be fine.”
    Pete ordered a three-egg omelet, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and a slice of Virginia ham.
    He nodded toward Meredith. “Bring the lady a bowl of fresh fruit, orange juice, scrambled eggs and biscuits and ham.”
    His lips eased into a smile when the waitress left. “You need something substantial. Doctor’s orders.”
    â€œDoctor?” The corner of her mouth twitched. “I thought you worked in a lab?”
    He winked. “Even lab techs know the importance of good prenatal nutrition.”
    She didn’t argue and ate ravenously once the food was served.
    â€œI’ll pull the car up to the gas pump,” Pete said after he downed his third cup of coffee. “Finish up, and we’ll meet outside.”
    â€œSure you want to leave me alone?” she said, a hint of a tease in her voice. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll run away?”
    He was glad to see the spark of levity, a goodsign, and he played along. “I trust you, okay? Besides, you can call me on my cell if you run into a problem. You know my number.”
    She stabbed another bite of ham and shoved it into her mouth. Then she flashed a see-I’m-doing-what-you-said smile that had him chuckling as he paid the bill and drove to the gas pumps.
    After he filled the tank up, his BlackBerry rang.
    Not a voice mail, but a photo. Pete punched the prompts and the picture downloaded across his screen.
    He laughed. Meredith must like to play games.
    She’d taken a photo of her empty plate.
    Still chuckling under his breath, he checked the oil and washed the windows, taking his time.
    Evidently, Meredith was doing the same.
    Perhaps she was walking around a bit to get her circulation going. Not a bad idea at seven months.
    Pete paid the attendant and eyed the restaurant. A pickup sat out front. The same make and model as the truck that had run her off the road.
    His mind told him not to be concerned, but his heart didn’t get the message.
    Suppose something had happened? Her pregnancy, possible VHL, add adrenal tumors and a close brush with death to the list.
    His muscles tensed.
    Pete ran toward the restaurant, pulled open the door and stepped inside, his eyes darting back and forth. Where was she?
    The ladies’ restroom was located at the end of the entrance hall. He glanced into the dining area. Two men sat at the counter, their backs to the door.
    An elderly couple followed Pete inside. The man headed for the dining area while the woman stepped toward the restroom.
    â€œMa’am? I’m traveling with a woman who’s seven months pregnant, and she may not feel well.” Pete pointed to the ladies’ room. “If she’s in the restroom, would you tell her I’m waiting for her?”
    The woman raised her brow, but didn’t comment as she stepped into the ladies’ room.
    Within seconds, the door reopened and she peered out. “No one’s in here.”
    Anxiety tugged at Pete. Meredith had joked about running away. Surely, she hadn’t taken off on her own?
    His eyes scanned the nearby wooded area, hoping to spot some sign of her as he hustled back to the gas station. He’d drive around the property and see if he could find her, maybe in the picnic area nestled in front of the clump of trees at the end of the access road.
    As he neared his Jeep, he caught sight of her