Changing Roles

by Melanie Moreland

  “No.” She paused, her voice quiet. “She’s in a coma, Liam.”

  I tightened my hands on her arms. “Coma?”

  Her eyes glimmered with tears. “That’s what they are calling it now. There’s no brain swelling, though, which is a good sign. The doctor can tell you more.”

  “I need to see her.”

  She nodded. “It’s family only, but Everett made arrangements for that to be overlooked.”

  I snorted. That wouldn’t stop me. Nothing was stopping me from seeing my Beaker.

  “You haven’t seen her?”

  “Only briefly.” She squeezed my shoulder. “She’s really banged up. Lots of bruises and cuts. Her head is also bandaged.”

  My stomach lurched, and I covered my mouth, hoping I didn’t heave again.

  “They have her on pain meds. They promised Everett she was comfortable.”

  “Now, Cassidy. I need to see her now,” I insisted.

  “I’ll take you to her.”

  She was still and silent. Even when sleeping, Shelby moved; her nose scrunched, mouth pursed, fingers twitched, toes curled, and her legs shifted constantly. And when she wasn’t moving or twitching, she mumbled. Often my name, and frequently it was followed by a low sigh or giggle. Usually watching and listening to her was entertaining for me. But seeing her lying there, utterly motionless, brought tears to my eyes. She was small and fragile-looking, her head swathed in thick, white gauze, her hair almost hidden, only the ends peeking out at the back. She was deathly pale, with bruises and scrapes scattered over one side of her face. Her arms were covered in more bruises, one arm encased in heavy plaster, the other lying limp on the bed. An IV was hooked up, the needle piercing her skin, and I swallowed deeply looking at it, the tears beginning to fall down my cheeks.

  Shelby hated needles.

  Monitors beeped and made strange noises in the stillness of the room. Oxygen was steadily pumped into her. Beside her was Everett—her brother, my friend, looking more broken and lost than I had ever seen him. Always so strong, so much larger than life, he sat beside her, her small hand enclosed in his, just staring at her as if he were willing her to open her eyes and look at him. He hadn’t even looked up to see me enter the room, his every sense focused on his sister. His shoulders were hunched, his body tense. I wondered how he would react to seeing me. He must be angry—this was my fault. Because she loved me, she was hurt. I brought her into this crazy life I led. I promised him I’d keep her safe, and I had failed.

  “Everett,” I murmured, surprised to hear how raspy my voice sounded.

  His head snapped up, and our eyes met. His blue ones, so like Shelby’s, were swirling with pain and grief as they met mine. Standing up, he lunged, and the next thing I knew, his huge arms were around me and we were both sharing our pain. When I felt his shoulders shaking, my own emotions peaked, and I gripped him hard. “I’m sorry, Everett. I’m so fucking sorry.”

  He pulled back, shaking his head. “This is not your fault, Liam. Don’t even go there.” He shook my shoulders. “This is on that asshole.”

  “I promised you—”

  “And you kept your promise.”

  My eyes went to my girl—my silent, still girl, and I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat, struggling to get my emotions under control. My fingers twitched with the need to touch her. I had to feel her skin under my fingers and know she was still here. That I could still feel her. I had never experienced the helplessness threatening to overwhelm me.

  Everett’s hand was a heavy, comforting weight on my shoulder. “She needs you strong, Liam. I need you strong. We have to get her through this—and she will get through this—and we need to nail that bastard. To the motherfucking wall.”

  I exhaled. He was right. “I know. We will.” I looked at him. “Can I, ah, have a moment?”

  He wiped his eyes. “Yes. I’ll go see Cassidy and give you a few minutes. We have a private quiet room down the hall. I’ll be back.” He turned to me before he left. “Talk to her, Liam. She needs to hear your voice and know you’re here.”

  The door shut soundlessly behind him, and I moved to the bed. Gingerly, I picked up Shelby’s hand, bringing it to my lips, surprised at how warm it was. I bought it to my face, leaning into her palm. “I’m here, my darling girl. I’m sorry I couldn’t get here faster.” I swallowed as the tears threatened. “But I’m here now. Open your eyes, Beaker. Open them and tell me off for taking so long. Make me laugh.” Turning my face, I kissed her palm, the noise of the machines beeping and whirring the only sounds in the room.

  Tenderly, I traced the skin of her uninjured cheek, sighing. “Okay. Have it your way. You sleep. But I’m not leaving. Not until you open your eyes and call me Oscar.” My voice cracked. “Until you tell me you love me, my fine British arse is staying right here.” I bent closer. “I’ll have lots of time for bank transfers and surfing the net for expensive gifts. Think about all the money I’m going to spend on you while you’re napping.”

  She didn’t move. No twitches or flexing of her fingers. No sweet smile to my attempted teasing.

  Silence. Stillness. She was lost in a world where I couldn’t reach her, no matter how hard I tried.

  I broke.

  I buried my face in her hand, the wetness of my tears running down her arm.

  “Come back to me. Don’t leave me, Shelby. I love you. Please don’t leave me.”

  22

  Liam

  That was the only time I broke. When Everett and Cassidy returned, I was sitting, stroking Shelby’s cheek, holding her uninjured hand, and telling her about the antics of the idiot costar I had been working with, assuring her he was even more of a screw-up than me. “Hard to believe, right, Beaker?”

  When I saw Cassidy and Everett watching me, I forced a smile and got to work.

  “I want Samuels and Mark.” I paused. “And figure out how to get Douglas and Caroline in here.”

  Cassidy arched an eyebrow at me, no doubt wanting to know what my plan was. I shrugged at her. She’d know soon enough.

  “Now.”

  I turned back to Shelby.

  The hours that followed were one surprise after another for them all. Including me. Early the next morning, I left a somber Caroline to sit with Shelby since I refused to leave her alone for even one minute in case she woke. I filled Caroline in before I left the room. “They just moved her. And checked her drip. She should be okay while I’m gone. But I’m only down the hall.”

  “We’ll be fine, Liam.”

  “She likes it when you talk to her.”

  “I will,” she assured me.

  It took all I had to walk away. This meeting was going to be quick.

  I walked into the room, looking at the faces waiting for me. Everett and Cassidy looked as tired as I felt. Douglas was pacing, anxious. Samuels was his usual business-like self, but he was tense. I started right away.

  “Samuels, I want a large cash reward offered. No questions asked. I want the location of Malcolm Johnson, and once we have it, I want him arrested.”

  “Which charges do you want me to start with…” His voice trailed off at my angry glare.

  “Figure it out!” I snapped. “He stole everything of value that belonged to Shelby, and he deserted her. He caused this entire fucked-up situation. He’s lied and cheated. He needs to be held responsible for a lot of shit. Pick one. Pick them all. Just do it!” I pulled a hand through my hair. It needed a trim again. I would have to remind Shelby of that when I went back into her room. “I want him found—now—before the asshole gets his money and leaves town again.

  “And I want a lawsuit launched against the rag. Throw everything at them. Everything. I want them out of business.”

  “Everything?”

  “Crush them.”

  I took in Cassidy, Everett, and Douglas, who were all watching me. “Use your contacts. I want the names of the paps in the crowd. There were so many cameras going off, someone captured what happened. I want to kn
ow exactly who put their hands on Ryan and Shelby. Who the hell is responsible for sending them over those stairs.”

  I had already read the reports and heard the stories from eyewitnesses on the news. There was also a video a bystander had taken. The scene was chaos. Too many reporters, and only Ryan and Shelby, desperately trying to get away. Amidst the shouting and pushing was the moment when the altercation broke out. Watching Shelby get hit and fall backward, and the way Ryan dove after her, protecting her as they went over the railing, horrified me. The sheer panic on her face broke something inside me. Seeing them lying on the concrete, her unconscious and Ryan gravely hurt, was ghastly. So was the fact that the mob barely stopped, snapping pictures of them lying injured and bleeding. It was someone walking by who contacted 9-1-1—the paps were too busy getting their pictures or running away. The entire scene made me ill, and Everett had the same reaction.

  “What are you planning, Liam?” Douglas asked.

  “I’m taking them down. The police are looking for them, but they’ll take too long. The paps won’t talk to them willingly. I saw lots of familiar faces in the crowd. The lowest of the low.” I barked out a laugh. “Even some legit reporters were there. Offer enough cash—one of those bastards will give up their competition, no problem. I want all the pictures and proof.”

  I drew in a deep breath. “And as an added incentive, whoever gives me what I want gets a one-on-one with me.” I paused. “Two hours of my time. No holds barred.”

  Everyone stared at me as if I’d lost my mind.

  “Liam, you never—” Cassidy began.

  I cut her off. “When it comes to Shelby, there isn’t a ‘never,’” I informed her. “In fact, call a press conference. Now. Today. I’ll issue the statement myself about the reward. I have a few things I want to get off my chest.”

  Everett frowned. “Liam—”

  I held up my hand. “No. Don’t say it.” I scrubbed my face roughly. “If this had happened to anyone else, and a child had been hurt, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. There would have been a huge outcry and an immediate investigation. But because it was the girlfriend of a celebrity—of mine—it’s no big deal? The police are dragging their feet—as if it’s not urgent. They act as if I should accept it. Well, I don’t. I will never accept it. The paps hurt Shelby and did nothing to help once she and Ryan were injured. All that mattered was a goddamn photo and story.” I sucked in some much-needed oxygen and pointed down the hall. “My entire fucking life is down there. She’s in a coma because of them. Ryan may never walk properly again. Someone needs to be held accountable for this bloody atrocity. This is not about my privacy. This is about much more.” I slammed my fist into the wall. “Fuck!”

  Suddenly, I was exhausted. Leaning against the wall I’d just hit, I let my head fall to my chest. I sighed deeply and lifted my gaze, meeting Everett’s eyes.

  “I can’t let them get away with this, Ev. You know I can’t. I have to do this.”

  “Liam, you don’t talk about your personal life,” Everett said as he frowned at me.

  I braced my hands against the small table in the room, ignoring the throbbing of my knuckles. “I will give and do whatever it takes to make sure those bloody fuckers get what is coming to them—especially criminal records. If giving up a few personal details will make it happen, then so be it.” I shook my head. “I’ll read whatever statement you prepare, Cassidy. But I want it good. Plain. Honest. You got me?”

  “I’ll take care of it.” She jotted some notes. “I’ll handle the questions after, though, all right?”

  I turned back to Samuels. “Once we have the names, I want restraining orders against all of them. Personal lawsuits brought forth.”

  “That’s always tricky, Liam.”

  I shrugged. “It’ll send a message. Make life hard for them, at least for a while. I’m through playing and being nice. They hurt the most important person in the world to me. It’s time they paid.

  “Everett—cancel everything. Appearances, interviews—everything. Tell the studio I’m on hiatus. Taking a personal leave of absence. I don’t care how much they bitch or what they threaten to do. Until Shelby is home and well, I’m not going anywhere.”

  He watched me with unguarded admiration. I knew he wasn’t used to seeing me like this, but it was high time he did.

  “Mark, I want extra security. Someone by the elevator. Outside Shelby’s door. Twenty-four seven. No one gets near her room that shouldn’t. The paps are getting restless down there, and they’ll start looking for ways to get on this floor. I’ve already cleared it with the hospital.”

  He nodded. “Done.”

  I turned to Cassidy. “Any word on Ryan?”

  “I got him the private room, as you requested. He’s still coming out of it. They have him heavily sedated.” She paused. “His leg, hip, and shoulder were crushed, Liam. Badly. With all the damage, he’ll probably never work security again. If he can work at all.”

  I frowned at the news. “I’ll take care of him.”

  From the corner, Douglas spoke up. “Let me help, Liam. You concentrate on Shelby, and I’ll run point for you on this.” Drawing in a deep breath, he continued, “Let me handle the press conference. I’ll speak on your behalf and for Shelby and Ryan.” He turned to Everett and Cassidy. “Let my staff help you. I’ll tell them to give anything you need top priority so you can spend your time with her as well.” He chuckled darkly. “My lawyer, Geo, is a rottweiler, and I’m sure he’d love to pitch in with the lawsuit. He loves taking down those wankers. I’ll call him in to help you, Samuels.”

  Our eyes met across the room. He projected the same calm, cool exterior all those who knew him would recognize. But for someone like me, who knew the real person, I could see how upset he was. His hands that normally would be resting relaxed beside his legs were clasped in tight fists, while a beating pulse jumped erratically at the base of his throat. He already cared for Shelby, and he wanted to help. He was family, and his words carried a lot of weight here. He was as private as me, so for him to offer to do all this was a big gesture. From the expressions on Everett’s and Cassidy’s faces, I knew they thought it was a good idea. He would be far calmer than I would be, and although part of me wanted to be the one saying the words, I had to do what was best for Shelby and Ryan. Douglas’s voice and leadership would be seen as a statement to many.

  “Let me do this, Liam,” he insisted. “I want to do this for you and for Shelby.”

  “Thank you, Douglas. I accept your offer.”

  “Good. It will happen later today.”

  Everett stood. “Okay. Let’s go over this. Liam—go back to Shelby. I’ll ask someone to come in and look at your hand.”

  I nodded, not caring about my hand, only about Shelby. I was already feeling anxious being away from her, even though she was only a couple of doors down and Caroline was with her. I wanted her to hear my voice and feel my presence beside her.

  Selfishly, I wanted to be the first person she saw when she woke.

  “I also want to check on Ryan.”

  “I’ll check on him and let you know when he’s awake,” Cassidy assured me.

  “Okay.”

  I paused at the door and glanced behind me. They were all looking at me with new expressions, ones I had never seen before. Maybe it was respect. Or relief that I had finally grown up.

  I nodded at them. “Thank you.”

  And I went back to Shelby.

  I pressed Shelby’s small hand to my forehead. “Please, baby. Wake up. It’s been too long. I need you.”

  She slept on. I ghosted my fingers over her cheek as I kissed her hand. “Beaker, I’m getting desperate. I swear I’ll send Cassidy to the house to empty the freezer, and I’ll eat every baked good you have stashed in there. My pants will explode, I’ll get so fat. You don’t want that to happen, do you?”

  Nothing.

  I buried my face in her palm.

  I needed her to come back. I wasn’
t sure how much more I could take.

  A hand settled on my shoulder. “Liam. Take a break.”

  “No.”

  “You’ve hardly left her side. Cassidy says Ryan is awake and his wife is there. He’s finally coherent enough for visitors, and he wants to see you.” Everett’s voice was weary. “I want to sit with my sister for a bit. Go see Ryan, and then Douglas will catch you up.”

  I looked into his exhausted face. Neither of us had left the hospital, taking turns napping briefly. Cassidy and Douglas were both working tirelessly on my instructions. Watching Douglas address the press yesterday had been astounding. He was articulate, cool, and fierce. There was no doubt of his contempt for what had happened, and his stern and unflappable demeanor was exactly what was needed, given the situation. He represented the Wright family well. I would have been too emotional, no matter how hard I tried. I owed him a large debt of gratitude.

  I was rarely out of the room, Everett stepping away only on occasion. But I made sure everyone else was being looked after. A hefty donation to the hospital made sure the quiet room was ours for the duration, and they agreed to my security people. An extra bed was wheeled in so anyone needing it could sleep. I made sure food was delivered and they all ate. I looked after the nurses and doctors on the floor with food. But I had barely moved from the spot beside Shelby, sleeping in the chair and choking down a sandwich when I was forced to. The only time I left her was for a quick update from someone or a fast bathroom break. I hated even leaving her that long. I felt better when I was beside her, holding her hand, stroking her arm, and talking to her. It was only in the deep of the night, when the entire hospital was silent and we were alone, that my fears overwhelmed me and I gave in, laying my head beside hers on the pillow, my lips close to her ear, begging for her to wake up. Otherwise, I remained steadfast in my determination to be strong.

  I wasn’t sure, though, if I was fooling anyone.