Chapter 9

Nicole put the phone down and slid to the floor once again. She had just gotten off the phone with her mother. They were going to take the next available flight to Orlando that afternoon. Nicole didn’t know what she was going to do. She didn’t have it in her to go meet them at the airport, or clean the house, or do up the spare bedroom. She didn’t want to do anything. All she wanted was to know why her baby girl was ripped away from her.

Kevin walked into the kitchen to see Nicole sitting on the floor in hysterics. He sat down beside her on the floor and took her in his arms. “I knew I should have brought you with me.” Kevin said quietly.

After a few minutes, Nicole started to calm down. She was finally able to say, “My parents are taking the next flight out here. I’m sure they’ll be here sometime tonight.”

“The boys are playing out in the backyard. I didn’t have the heart to tell them at school or in the car. I can’t do it alone Nicole.” Kevin said.

“What did you tell them?” Nicole asked.

“I just told them that we were going to have some family time together tonight.” Kevin said.

“Why don’t we let them be for another little while? Do you want to give your mother a call?” Nicole asked.

“There are so many people to call.” Kevin said as he leaned his head against the cupboard.

“Maybe we can hold off on calling the guys until tomorrow.” Nicole suggested.

“That might be a good idea. Give us some time together as a family.” Kevin said. After a pause, Kevin said, “Will you be okay while I go upstairs and call my mother?”

“I think so.” Nicole replied.

A few minutes after Kevin went upstairs, Nicole was forced to get up from the kitchen floor when the doorbell rang. Nicole was surprised to see Brian and LeighAnn at the door. “We just heard. We are so sorry Nicole.” Brian said as he stepped into the house and embraced Nicole.

“How did you guys hear?” Nicole asked, a little stunned.

“I guess one of the officers recognized Kevin and went straight to the media. It’s all over the news.” Brian explained.

“Why can’t they just leave us alone?” Nicole yelled.

Kevin ran down the stairs when he heard Nicole yell. He hadn’t worked up enough nerve to call his mother yet. “What’s going on?” Kevin asked as he took a hysterical Nicole in his arms.

“It’s all over the news Kevin.” Brian replied.

“Shit. They couldn’t have given us one night of privacy could they?” Kevin said.

“We came over as soon as we heard Kevin. Is there anything we can do?” Brian asked.

“Could you call the other guys for me? I have to call my mother before she hears about this from someone else. Will you guys stay with Nicole while I go call?” Kevin said.

“Come on Nicole. Let’s go sit down.” LeighAnn said as she put her arm around Nicole and led her into the living room.

“I noticed that the boys are playing in the backyard. You haven’t told them yet have you?” Brian asked Kevin quietly.

“No we haven’t. How do you tell them that they will never see their sister again?” Kevin replied.

“I’ll go play some basketball with them until you get off the phone with Aunt Ann. I’ll try to keep them out of the house until you and Nicole are ready to tell them.” Brian said.

“Thanks Brian. We weren’t going to call you guys until tomorrow, but I’m glad that you’re here.” Kevin said before he headed back upstairs.

Ten minutes later, Kevin had just gotten off the phone with his mother. She was horrified to hear the news, but she was calm just like she was when his father passed away. She hoped to catch a flight to Orlando later that day. She would phone him with all the details. Kevin lay down on the bed and took a few quite minutes to himself. He still couldn’t believe this was all happening.