CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
(part one)
Friday morning — 5:21 A.M.
The Castle
“She’s still really sick,” Jill whispered to Jacob. She reached down to feel her sleeping baby’s face. “Except for the bee stings, she’s never been sick like this. Blane gave her an 
acupuncture treatment yesterday but she still hasn’t kicked it. She should be in her own room, in her own bed, but Mike’s not done. She’s had to sleep with us.”
Jacob nodded to all the information he already knew. Dressed for work, his hand brushed Jill’s pajama clad back to try to comfort her.
“I can’t help thinking there’s something else going on,” Jill said. “She’s on her meds… had some acupuncture… She’s been home from school for three days! She’s never been home from school for even a day.”
“She’s sick. What else could be going on?”
“What about that crazy guy that’s mad at Delphie? Maybe he’s coming after the girl Marlowes now!”
“Johansen? He’s scary. That’s true.” Jacob smiled at Jill. He brushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. “But this isn’t about him. Katy has a little strep throat. She’s going to kick this. You’ll see.”
Jill nodded her head but her worried eyes clutched at his heart.
“What’s got you so worried?” Jacob asked.
“I can’t stay with her today. She needs me and I can’t be here. I quit working at Pete’s so I could be here when she needs me. And I’m not! I can’t! I have to go to class today. I’ve already missed so much to be with Sandy. After class, I have to go to the trial. I can’t just leave Honey there by herself. And I need to be there to show her sister that I’m going to tell the truth. The DA hopes maybe by seeing us at the jury selection, she’ll decide to skip the trail. Fat chance of that. 
And Sandy. Oh my God, Jacob. Sandy needs me and…”
Jacob held her close to him.
“You’re exhausted, Jill,” he whispered. “You need to care for yourself or you’ll get sick too.”
“I don’t have time! When do I have time?”
Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….