Critical Condition. Sandra Orchard

little legs scurried to the door in a blur that could outrace Wile E. Coyote.

      “Well, hello,” Rick’s voice carried into the room. “Is your mommy home?”

      Tara set her hands on Suzie’s shoulders. “Come on in. Thanks for coming. And bringing supper.”

      “It’s no trouble.”

      Tara leaned down and whispered in Suzie’s ear, “You go wash your hands before we eat.”

      Suzie eyed Rick and the female officer curiously, then skedaddled down the hall.

      Rick introduced the brunette at his side as Officer Kelly Teal, Tara’s bodyguard for the evening. The attractive young officer wore jeans and a T-shirt and carried an overnight bag.

      Tara gave Kelly an apologetic look. “I’m sure Zach’s concerns are overblown. Officer Nelson was certain the shooting was a random gang thing.”

      Rick handed Tara the pizza box. “Let’s pray so. In the meantime, Kelly will keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.”

      The kettle whistled. Tara let out a resigned sigh, set the pizza box on the coffee table and excused herself.

      “What do you think?” Rick whispered to Zach as Kelly stowed her bag behind the sofa.

      “No sign of anyone watching the place. The windows and doors have decent-enough locks. And, like she said, this could be a false alarm. Then again...”

      Tara’s scream split the air.

      Zach rushed to the kitchen, Rick at his heels. The back screen door hung open. In the faint pool of light beyond the threshold, Tara stood frozen, her hand splayed over her throat, her gaze fixed on a convulsing baby raccoon.

      Suzie darted into the room, but Kelly immediately corralled her into the living room. Zach clasped Tara’s upper arms from behind and urged her back inside.

      She whirled to face him and his heart wrenched. She’d gone ashen, her eyes glazed, her body trembling. It was all he could do not to fold her in his arms.

      He spotted the upturned compost bucket and shot a glance to Rick.

      “What was in that bucket?” Rick asked.

      “My leftover lunch.” Tara choked on the words as her terrified eyes met Zach’s. “Someone tried to poison me.”