Never Alone by C. J. Carpenter Page A

took a serious turn. “Do you think we should have told them about the vaginal canal being sewn shut?”
    â€œI thought about that, too, but I think we made the right call. It’s important to keep that information confidential, especially—”
    Megan interrupted, “—if we get another victim. If you get another victim.”
    Just as she finished her sentence, Megan’s cell phone rang. She answered it.
    â€œMegs, it’s Brendan. Good news—the Olsen Facility has an opening for Mom. I managed to get a private room. The hitch is you have to get her over there today , or we lose it.”
    â€œWhat, can’t you do it? I’m on a case.”
    â€œWe’re about to get on a plane back to Ohio.”
    â€œYou’re going back already?”
    â€œThe kids need to get back into school, have their routines back on track.”
    â€œJesus Christ, Brendan.”
    â€œDo you have any idea how fucking expensive a private room is at one of these places? And plus I’m taking Dad’s stupid dog for Chrissakes.” Brendan took a deep breath before he continued, “Shit. I’ll come back in a few weeks and we can start clearing out the house. You won’t be the only one, baby sister. We’ll all chip in.”
    â€œOkay, okay. I’ll get her and go right now.” Megan checked her watch. “Have a safe trip home.” Instead of a goodbye, she slapped her phone shut. “Nappa, this facility that we’ve been waiting to get Mom into has an opening, but I have to get her over there today. Why don’t you go back and get the lieutenant up to speed? I have to go to Brooklyn.”
    â€œIs Brendan going with you?”
    â€œNo. He’s on his way back to Ohio.”
    â€œCome on. We’ll both go. You shouldn’t do this alone.”
    Megan didn’t fight him on his offer; if anything, she was relieved. “Thank you.”
    _____
    â€œJesus, this is a nice place,” Megan said staring into the lobby. “I may move in here myself if I ever wanted to move back to Brooklyn.” Nappa pushed the wheelchair carrying her mother through the sliding doors. He looked around, equally impressed.
    â€œWhat do you think this costs?”
    â€œI don’t know, but I’m definitely glad Brendan is paying,” Megan answered. They went up to the front desk. “I’m Detective Megan McGinn. I was told you have an opening for my mother, Rose McGinn?”
    The woman seated behind the desk clicked into her computer, “Yes, right here, Rose McGinn. Private room. First three months paid in full. Let me get the doctor, a nurse, and the social worker assigned to her so we can do a full admission proceeding. It looks like from my records she will be in Room B16. That wing was just updated, so I’m sure she’ll be quite comfortable. We will need all of her medical records to be transferred here as soon as possible.”
    Megan nodded, looking back at her mother. It was becoming all too real what she was about to do. The guilt rose in her like a balloon released to the sky. An orderly showed them to Rose’s room, and they waited for the staff to arrive.
    â€œHey, Mom. What do you think? You have a big room all to yourself.” Megan knelt down by her mother, tucking the blanket into the wheelchair. “You’re going to love it here.”
    Rose replied by smacking her daughter’s hand. Megan was relieved it wasn’t another left hook.
    The nurse was the first to arrive. “Megan McGinn?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œI’m the nurse handling your mother’s admittance.”
    â€œSo, you’re the head nurse?”
    â€œNo, I’m Breton. Your mother’s full-time nurse is Marcie. I’m covering for her while she’s at a luncheon seminar. She’ll return shortly.”
    â€œShe’s very agitated. My father passed away this week so, she’s been very,