Nocturnal Revelations

by Amanda S Green

  Relieved, Jael let herself relax a little. Not only were they safe but she didn’t have to deliver what her kids would call her “mom lecture” when Abby and Danny arrived. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to remind them how important it was to keep everyone informed of their whereabouts until they captured the bastard who shot their sister.

  As if that was their cue, the door swung open and the twins stepped inside. Abby carried several sacks emblazoned with an Irish Rose on them. Danny held a large thermos and a duffel. Seeing their sister awake, the twins hurried to the bed and kissed her cheek. Then, while Abby set out the food John sent, Danny stowed the duffel in the small closet across the room. As they did, the smells of homemade beef stew, fresh bread and coffee filled the room. Jael’s stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten for hours.

  “John sent enough for everyone,” Abby said.

  She pulled the beside tray across the bed and made sure it was adjusted to make eating easier for her sister. A moment later, she placed a bowl of stew, a slice of still hot bread and a cup of coffee on the tray. The last thing she did was tuck a cloth napkin into Mac’s collar. Jael fought the urge to laugh as Mac’s eyes blazed at being treated like a child. Then Mac sighed and thanked her sister.

  “Moira, if you’ll help her, I need to have a quick word with these two.”

  Before the twins could protest, Jael took them each by the arm and marched them into the waiting room across the hall. It was time to have a talk with them, reminding them things weren’t as they seemed where their family was concerned.

  “Jael, what the hell?” Abby demanded.

  “Shut up and sit down.” She kicked the door shut. She waited, watching as they went from resentment and anger to resignation as they realized she wasn’t going to explain until they did as she said.

  “Jael?” Danny asked.

  “Guys, I understand why you made the detour to the pub. Hell, I appreciate it and I know your sister does. But you didn’t let anyone but Mac know. You know better than that, especially in times like this. We don’t know who shot her. We don’t know why they shot her. That means we don’t know what they might do next—and that includes using you to strike at her.” She gave them a moment to consider what she said.

  Abby swallowed hard and Jael had a feeling she was remembering the last time she foolishly put herself at risk. “Do you think this has to do with what she is?”

  “I don’t know, kid. I honestly don’t know. Until we do, we have to assume it’s a possibility. That means all of us, including the two of you, have to take precautions.” She held up a hand before they could interrupt. “I’m not talking moving back into the safehouse. I mean simply using your heads. Like today. Did you let Jackson or your mother or your grandmother know you’d changed plans?”

  The shook their heads.

  “So learn from this and don’t do a repeat performance. Please.” The last thing she wanted was to have to tell Mac something happened to either her brother or sister.

  “We will,” Abby promised. “Sorry we worried you.”

  Relenting, Jael drew them to their feet and into a hug. “You two drive me as crazy as my kids do, but I still love you.”

  They laughed and returned her hug. Then they stepped back.

  “Is she all right?” Danny nodded in the direction of his sister’s room.

  “She’s better. It’s going to take time for her to fully recover.” And that reminded her of something else she wanted to discuss with them. “But she’s getting tired of being in bed. Moira caught her coming out of the bathroom on her own when she arrived.”

  Anger and frustration flashed across Abby’s face. Seeing it, Jael knew the young woman wouldn’t be leaving her sister’s side any time soon. Good. That solved two potential problems. Now if the rest were as easy.

  “Come, eat,” Moira said as they returned to Mac’s room.

  Mac looked up, her mouth full, and motioned with her right hand toward the bowls of stew Moira set out. That was all the encouragement Jael needed. Thanking Moira, she grabbed a bowl and dug in, moaning in pleasure at the first spoon of rich stew. A moment later, she accepted a mug of coffee, real coffee and not hospital or cop shop swill. She sipped and watched as Mac ate with an enthusiasm that reassured her.

  “Moira, do you mind looking after my kids again today until I’m off shift?” she asked between bites.

  “Not at all.” The redhead carefully refilled Mac’s mug. “Shall I pick them up after school?”

  “If you don’t mind.” Until this was over, she wasn’t willing to risk her kids any more than she’d risk Mac’s family.

  “I’ll be glad to.” Moira cocked her head and looked at the twins. “Why don’t you come with me?”

  “I—” Abby began.

  “Go on. Jael looks like she’s got some questions for me,” Mac said and Jael nodded.

  “I’ll stay with her until Jackson or your mother and grandmother get back,” Jael promised.

  “Are you sure?” Danny asked his big sister.

  “I am.” Mac put down her spoon and then held her right hand out to him. “I’m more glad than you two know that you came home to be with me. Trust me, I’m going to need the two of you over the next few days. But right now, all I want is to sleep some and answer Jael’s questions, not necessarily in that order. I’ll feel better if you’re with Moira and John. I know they’ll keep you safe.”

  Neither Abby nor Danny looked like they agreed. But, instead of arguing, they nodded. When they did, Jael relaxed. Maybe they were finally growing up.

  Half an hour later, the door closed behind Moira and the twins. Jael poured Mac another cup of coffee. Then she helped her to the bathroom. Worried by how weak her friend was, she reminded herself it could have been worse. If Mac hadn’t been wearing her vest, if she were a normal, she could have died. Instead, she lived. In six months or so, she’d give birth to her first child. All Jael and the others had to do was find the person responsible for hurting her and make sure they never had the chance to do so again.

  “Now, be honest, how do you feel?”

  Mac sighed softly and cradled her left arm in its sling in her right. “I hurt. I won’t lie. But I’m going crazy not knowing what’s happening with the investigation.”

  Since she understood, Jael lightly patted her friend’s arm in reassurance. “I’ll tell you what I can—after you answer a few questions.”

  “Ask before they come in and sedate me again.”

  Jael grinned at the frustration in Mac’s voice. That reassured her more than anything that Mac was healing.

  “First question, not really case related. Did you know before you were shot that you’re pregnant?”

  Mac’s reaction was classic. Her mug stopped halfway to her mouth. Her eyes grew huge. Then she carefully, so very carefully, set the mug down. Something Jael thought might be excitement shone in Mac’s eyes. Before she could ask about, Mac reached for her hand.

  “I didn’t imagine Patek telling me that?” she asked hopefully.

  Smiling, Jael shook her head. “No, you didn’t imagine it.” And that answered her question. “You’re pregnant and the baby is fine.”

  “You’re sure?”

  Jael nodded. Then she laughed when Mac started jabbing the call button. A moment later, one of the nurses assigned to Mac’s case shoved open the door and hurried inside. She looked between Jael and Mac, her expression worried.

  “Get me Patek,” Mac ordered.

  “Mackenzie, what’s wrong? Are you hurting?” the nurse asked.

  “Get me Patek,” Mac repeated.

  “Do it.” Jael climbed to her feet and moved to the nurse’s side. “She just realized she hadn’t imagined Patek telling her she’s pregnant. I have a feeling she needs to hear him say the baby’s all right.” She spoke softly, her eyes never leaving the nurse’s face.

  “I’ll do it, but you need to calm down.” She pinned Mac with a firm gaze.

  “Get me Patek and I promise
to be good.”

  Jael knew it wouldn’t last long but it was enough to send the nurse out of the room.

  “Pregnant.” Mac grinned even as she shook her head. “Do the others know?”

  “I have a feeling they didn’t hear Patek when he told us. They were holding onto his reassurances that you’re going to be all right.”

  She went on to explain to Mac how the doctor originally told them she might not make it, setting the stage for the story Culver and the others were telling the public. Mac frowned and Jael understood. Mac might understand why Culver and General Flynn too the steps they did, but she didn’t approve of her family being used that way.

  “How long? Did Patek say?”

  “I asked later. You’re almost three months along, best he can guess. Now that you’re better, I’m sure he’ll order more tests and have some questions for you.” She grinned and reached for her friend’s hand. “You’re going to be a great mother, Mac. But I know you. I can see all the questions you have. Talk to your grandmother when she gets back. She’ll answer them for you.”

  Mac nodded. Before anything more could be said, Dr. Patek entered the room. He smiled to see Mac awake. They watched as he disappeared inside the bathroom to wash his hands. A few moments later, he lowered the bed and began examining Mac.

  “So, Hannah tells me you finally realized you’re pregnant.” He carefully removed the bandages at her neck.

  “I’m really pregnant?”

  “You’re really pregnant.”

  Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he replaced the thick bandages with a smaller one. Then he turned his attention to her other injuries. Jael waited, watching closely as bandages were changed and wounds cleaned. When he once again settled Mac’s arm in the immobilizer, Patek smiled.

  “You are recovering nicely, Mac, but no more trying to get up on your own. Not yet, at least. However, I’m going to issue orders for you to start getting out of bed and walking a little. But only with a nurse in attendance. Your family can help you to the bathroom, to the sofa or recliner, that sort of thing.”

  “Thanks, Doc. I’ll be good.”

  Jael looked at her and shook her head. She knew better, but then Mac might surprise her. Knowing she was pregnant might make her think a bit more before acting.

  Or not.

  “I’ll touch base with your OB/GYN. We’ll coordinate your treatment until your release.”

  Mac nodded, her right hand resting on her still flat abdomen. “Trust me, Doc. I’m not going to do anything to put my baby in danger.” She waited as he left the room. Then she looked at Jael. “You have questions you need to ask and so do I.”

  Gone was the excited mother-to-be. In her place was the cop wanting answers. Not that Jael blamed her. She’d be the same if their positions were reversed.

  “I do.” She sat on the edge of the mattress at Mac’s side. “Have you remembered anything else?”

  Mac shook her head, her expression a mix of troubled and frustrated. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Jael pulled out her phone and called up an image of the man who’d rented the van. “Do you recognize this man?” She turned the phone so Mac could see the screen.

  Mac’s eyes widened and she looked from the phone to Jael and back. Then she swallowed hard and licked her lips. Worried, Jael waited. Part of her prayed this was the break they’d been looking for but another part of her worried because of how Mac reacted to the image.

  “Mac?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Tell me.”

  Mac closed her eyes and Jael waited. Whatever Mac had to say, it obviously worried her. Only one thing explained why and Jael’s stomach did a long, slow roll. If she was right, and she prayed she wasn’t, their worst fears were about to come true.

  “Mac?”

  “Not the shooter.” The younger woman shook her head. “I’m sure of that.”

  “So are we and I’ll explain why I’m asking about this man after you explain why you reacting like you did.”

  “I’ve seen him before. Two, maybe three times.” She closed her eyes and Jael waited, giving her the time she needed.

  “Where and when?” she asked when Mac once again looked at her.

  “Give me a minute.”

  Jael nodded. Then, as Mac tossed back the sheet, she stopped her. No doubt about it, Mac wanted up and she wanted to pace. But that wasn’t going to happen. Much as she understood, Jael wasn’t going to let her do anything foolish. Not now. Not ever.

  “All the time you need, but you need to stay in bed.”

  Mac glared at her for a moment. Then she sighed and dipped her chin in agreement. Finally, she blew out a breath. Jael waited, knowing she couldn’t rush Mac, not this time.

  “I saw him the first time when I faced Wilcox in the Circle. He was with the pack. I’ve seen him twice since then. Both times with members of the pack.”

  Now it was Jael’s turn to frown. Well, that sucked. It also confirmed her worst fears. The pack, or at least someone in it, was involved with what happened. That meant this was no longer just a DPD case. She needed to update Flynn and see how he wanted to handle things.

  Why couldn’t life be simple for once?

  “All right.” She smiled and rested her hand on Mac’s. “You need to get some rest now. I’ll figure out how best to go from here.”

  “You said you’d answer my questions,” Mac reminded her.

  “All right.” Unlike Mac, she could and did pace across the room and then back before answering. “We still don’t have an ID on the shooter. It’s possible he is in the system but facial rec hasn’t identified him because he’s changed his appearance. This guy.” She lifted her phone to indicate the man Mac recognized. “Rented the van used by the shooter. And, before you ask, he used a fake ID to do so. We’re running down leads right now, trying to uncover his real name and last known.”

  “What else?”

  Mac’s expression spoke volumes. She knew Jael hadn’t told her everything.

  “That’s all you need to know right now, Mac.”

  “Jael.” She drawled the woman’s name, her meaning clear.

  “No, Mac. I need to check a couple of things.” Not the least of which was finding out who the man Mac recognized was and she knew exactly where to go to do so. Then, seeing the rebellion in her friend’s eyes, she relented a little. “I promise to come back later and do my best to answer your questions. But I need to get a few answers myself first.”

  “You’d better or I won’t let you be godmother to the baby.”

  Jael laughed and bent to gently hug her. “I will, Promise.” She glanced over her shoulder as the door opened. Seeing Jackson and Elizabeth, she grinned. They were exactly what she needed. “Jackson, Liz, congratulations.”

  “What?”

  “For what?”

  “Mac, you didn’t tell them?” She grinned down at Mac. “Dr. Patek said Mac is almost three months pregnant.”

  For a moment, no one said anything. Then the two were at the bedside. Jael stepped back, watching as Jackson carefully sat on the bed. He lifted his legs onto the mattress and slid an arm around Mac’s shoulders. As he did, Elizabeth reached for her daughter’s hand. Leaving them to talk, Jael slipped out of the room. There’d be hell to pay later, when Mac realized how she’d manipulated them all. Until then, she had a great deal to do.

  20

  The blood drained from Ellen’s face and she swallowed hard. Her heart pounded and, for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. The least thing she expected when someone knocked at her apartment door was to find Jael on the other side. Forcing herself to move, she motioned the younger woman inside. As she did, she prayed Jael wasn’t there with bad news.

  “Mackenzie?” Her voice betrayed her fear.

  “No, Ellen. Shit, I’m sorry.” Jael led her to a chair. “It’s not Mac. I swear it.”

  She heard the honesty in Jael’s voice and the vise around her heart eased. For a moment, she allowed herself
a moment of weakness, of release. She dropped her head into her hands and let the emotions wash over her. Until then, she hadn’t allowed herself to admit how scared she’d been since learning of the attack on her granddaughter. But this—this brought it all home and she couldn’t deny it any longer.

  “You’re sure she’s all right?” She looked up, not caring if Jael saw her fear.

  “I am. I just left the hospital. Jackson and Liz are with her now.”

  “The twins?”

  “With Moira and John. They’ll be picking my kids up later.”

  Ellen closed her eyes and nodded. “Then what?”

  “You and I need to talk.”

  She leaned back and narrowed her eyes. Something in Jael’s tone worried her. “About?”

  Jael dropped onto the chair next to hers. “Before I explain, there’s something you need to know. Something you already know but that, I have a feeling, got lost in everything that’s happened.”

  “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Think back to when Patek updated you after Mac came out of surgery.”

  Ellen did as she said but still didn’t know what she meant.

  “Mac’s pregnant. Almost three months along by Patek’s best guess. He confirmed it before I left the hospital to come here.”

  If she hadn’t been already sitting down, Ellen would have dropped onto the nearest chair. After all the fear, after all the worry, finally some good news. How had she missed it when Patek told them? She snorted in derision at herself. She knew the answer to that. She’d been so focused on her granddaughter’s injuries, she hadn’t heard anything else. Nor, she suspected, had Elizabeth or Jackson.

  “A baby?”

  Jael smiled and nodded. “A baby.”

  Ellen leaned back and smiled. Out of everything that happened, something good had come. With that knowledge came the determination to do everything possible to keep her granddaughter and her great-grandchild safe—even if Mac objected. At least she knew she could count on Jael to help.