by Chris Taylor
Brandon’s voice turned husky with emotion and he leaned down and gave Tom a fierce hug. Tom winced from the pain in his breast, even as a tumult of emotions battered him from all sides. He blinked away a sudden rush of tears.
Lily was awake. Lily was okay. Lily was asking for him.
“I need to see her,” he croaked. “Bran, I need to see her.”
“Yeah, mate. I understand. I’ll go and speak to the nurse and tell them what’s happening. Maybe they can work something out.”
It seemed like forever until Brandon returned with the same pretty young nurse in tow who had accompanied him from the operating room. Her shiny brown hair had been pulled back in a bun that nestled at the top of her spine. Her badge identified her as Sarah. Tom sat up a little higher in the bed and waited to hear what she had to say.
“Wow, is it true, Tom? Is your wife in the ICU?”
Tom nodded. “Yes, she was shot by one of her students earlier in the week. She’s been unconscious since they brought her in. My brother…” He indicated Brandon who stood a few feet away. “Just told me she’s awake. I-I really need to see her.”
Sarah nodded, her blue eyes flooding with compassion and understanding. “It’s wonderful that she’s regained consciousness. Terrible that she’s in the ICU, but great that it sounds like she’s on the mend. I understand why you want to see her, but you’ve just undergone some fairly major surgery. You’ve barely been back on the ward five minutes. I think you might need to take a moment and catch your breath. It’s probably not such a good idea to be rushing down to the ICU. Let’s give it awhile, all right?”
Disappointment surged through Tom at the nurse’s response and his hands clenched into fists.
“No, Sarah, please. You don’t understand. I don’t just want to see my wife. I need to see her. I’ve been sitting by her bedside night and day, not knowing if she’s going to pull through. Now that I know she’s awake, I can’t lie here another minute without talking to her. I need to see her, touch her, kiss her. I need to find out for myself that she’s okay.”
The nurse made sympathetic noises, but continued to shake her head. “I’m sorry, Tom. I can’t have you up and about like that just yet. Bathroom visits only, you understand, but I tell you what. I’ll speak to the doctor and see what we can do. If you feel up to it, I’d like to see you eat. You’ve been fasting all day.”
At the mention of food, Tom was suddenly ravenous. He hadn’t eaten since the meal he’d shared with his parents the night before. Now knowing that Lily was going to be all right, his appetite returned in full force.
“I’ll eat whatever you give me,” he said and then begged her one more time. “Please, Sarah. It’s really important I see my wife. I would appreciate anything you can do to make the doctor agree. I mean it.”
Sarah smiled gently and turned to leave the room. “I’ll do my best. I promise.” With that, she disappeared from view.
Tom slumped back against his pillows and sighed.
“Hey, don’t feel too bad. Don’t worry, you’ll get to see her.”
“Yeah, thanks. And thanks for being here, Bran. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem, bro. You’d do the same for me.”
“Who’s with Lily?”
“Mom. She’s been with her for most of the day. She was the one who called me with the news.”
Tom nodded and thought about how lucky he was to be surrounded by a family who loved him and offered their support whenever they could. There were plenty of people a whole lot less fortunate than he.
“Hey, Bran. Have you spoken to the kids?”
“No, I wanted to tell you first.”
“Can you call them for me? Tell them both their mom and I are okay? I didn’t tell them last night about my surgery, but let them know something about it now.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Just tell them I had to have a small operation while I was waiting for their mom to wake up. They’ll know there’s more to it, but I’m sure the excitement of having their mom awake and talking will keep their curiosity in check. I’ll tell them more about it later, after we’re all back at home safe and sound.”
“No problem, Tom. I’ll do it right away.”
“Thanks.” Tom closed his eyes, all of a sudden overcome with weariness. He guessed it had something to do with the residual effects of the anaesthetic, not to mention his lack of sleep since the shooting. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept the night through. Maybe now that the stress of the past days was over and both he and Lily were on the mend, he could relax and finally catch up on the rest he desperately needed.
With a sigh of relief, he succumbed to the succor of sleep.
* * *
Cassie heard the distant ringing of the telephone down the hall and buried her face in her pillow. Her granddad was around somewhere and Joe had stayed home from school. Surely one of them would answer it?
Her head felt thick and foggy after the alcohol and the pills. She didn’t know why people took the stuff. She’d felt a little better for a short while, but that had worn off hours ago. Now all she felt like was yuck.
Opening her eyes, she rolled onto her back and peered through the sheer, white lace curtains that covered the floor-to-ceiling window that stood beside her bed. With a frown, she noticed the sun had crept way low in the sky. The day was nearly over. She hadn’t even noticed.
She reached for her phone where it sat on her nightstand and held the button down to switch it back on. Her friends would no doubt have been trying to reach her. She’d switched it off right after swallowing the second pill. She didn’t want to have to make conversation with anyone while she was trying to get wasted, not even her friends.
The phone buzzed with message after message, vibrating against her hand. She scrolled through them and bit her lip. Most of them were from her best friend. She’d known Madeleine since kindergarten and they were still as close as two friends could be. After reading through Maddy’s increasingly concerned texts, Cassie was flooded with guilt.
Maddy knew about Cassie’s abduction at the hand of her mother’s stepbrother and Cassie had shared a little of the horror of it with her, but not the full story. Never the full story. To tell anyone the truth of what really happened that day would tear open her wounded soul and throw her into a dark oblivion from which she’d never return. Better to live life dulling the pain than risking losing what little life she had.
She’d spoken to her parents right after it had happened and had told the therapist most of it, but the sickening feel of his hands on her breasts, the terrifying way he’d pinched her nipples… No, no one would ever know about that. And that’s the way it would stay.
* * *
Brandon stared down at the phone in his hands and frowned, wondering why no one at Tom’s house had answered his call. According to his mom, both of the kids and his father were home. One of them should have been able to come to the phone.
He glanced across at his brother and was relieved to see that he was asleep. Brandon knew how much Tom wanted to see Lily, but the truth was, he needed the rest. Opening a new message screen on his phone, Brandon sent his mother a text.
Tom back from surgery. All went well. Called Tom’s home number. No answer. Where’s Dad?
A moment later, his phone buzzed and he read the incoming text from his mom.
Great news about Tom. Lily asleep right now. Sleeping, not unconscious. Told her about Tom’s operation. She kept asking for him. Thought it was better to tell her why he wasn’t there. She was shocked, but okay. Not sure why Dad or the kids aren’t answering the phone. Perhaps they went out? Will call Dad on his cell.
Brandon read the message and nodded. Of course, the day was almost over. He’d spent all of it inside the hospital, waiting with Tom and then waiting for Tom. Brandon’s belly rumbled and he was reminded that he’d had nothing to eat all day but a packet of crisps and a couple of candy bars from the vending machine in the
hall.
It was almost dinner time. It made sense Dad had taken Cassie and Joe out to eat. It explained why no one was answering the phone. His cell buzzed in his hand with another incoming text and he glanced down at the screen.
Just spoke to Dad. He’s at Tom’s, along with the kids. He was asleep. Didn’t hear the phone ring. Maybe the kids had their music too loud or headphones on? Dad thrilled all okay here at the hospital. What’s Tom up to?
Brandon read the text, relieved that nothing untoward had happened at home. The Munro family sure as hell didn’t need any more drama. He shot off a quick reply.
Tom’s asleep. I told him about Lily. He wanted to come right down and see her of course, but the doctor won’t allow it, yet. Best for Tom to get some rest, anyway. Glad to hear all good with Dad and the kids.
A moment later, his mom sent back a smiley face emoji and Brandon grinned.
* * *
Joe Munro sat hunched over on the cold brick steps that led down into the paved outdoor area situated in his backyard and tried not to think about how quickly his life had spiraled out of control. Night was closing in and he wrapped the dusk about him like a comforting cloak. In the dark, he was anonymous, insignificant, nothing of importance. The dark could hide him, help him disappear.
His dad and his mom were both in hospital. His granddad hadn’t wanted to tell him why Dad had left with Uncle Brandon in the early hours of the morning, but Joe had pleaded with him and cajoled him, unwilling to be put off. Eventually, he’d worn Granddad down and he’d admitted Dad needed an operation.
Granddad hadn’t given Joe any details, but if it wasn’t serious, it wouldn’t have been kept from him in the first place. It wasn’t like he was a baby. He was fourteen. Almost fully grown. At least, that’s what his dad always said whenever they stood side by side.
Joe was proud he looked like his dad. He had way darker coloring than his sister. Cassie had taken after their mom—all blond hair, fair skin and petite. Joe’s hair was a dark blond, like his father and his skin color had also come from the Munros. His granddad was a full blooded aboriginal. The height had also come from the Munro side. Joe was still a teenager, but he towered over most of the boys in his class. He liked being tall. It made him feel strong, invincible. Braver than he dreamed he could be.
It was one of the reasons why he was mad at himself for hiding outside. He should have been inside, demanding an explanation from his sister. Joe had opened the door earlier that morning to some skanky, scary kind of guy who said he was Cassie’s friend. Joe recognized him as being one of the senior boys at their high school who was known to run with a wild crowd. What he was doing with his sister, Joe really didn’t want to know.
His thoughts shifted to his mom and dad and a band of emotion squeezed him around the chest, so tight he couldn’t breathe. Was his mom ever going to wake up? Would he get to speak to her again? As for his dad—what awful thing was wrong with him?
Joe blinked back a sudden rush of tears and wrapped his arms around his legs. He hugged them to his chest. Dropping his head, he rested it on his knees and dragged in a shaky breath.
There was no use crying about stuff like this. Crying was for babies and little kids. He had to man up and face whatever came his way. The first thing on his list was finding out just what the hell was wrong with his dad.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Seventeen years earlier
“Is it always so green around here? And look at those majestic trees. They must be over one hundred years old.”
Tom glanced across at Lily where she sat in the passenger seat of his pickup. She had taken a little convincing, but she’d finally agreed to come with him to Grafton to meet his parents. The baby was due in seven days, but he was determined to show her the way marriage could be. Even after more than two decades of togetherness, his parents still had the same level of commitment and devotion towards one another that they’d had at the beginning of their married life.
His parents were expecting them and he was relieved when his dad had assured him he’d broken the news of Tom’s impending fatherhood to Tom’s mom. Even though he was sure his mom was too well bred and well mannered to ask awkward questions, he didn’t want any uncomfortable scenes when he introduced her to Lily.
“It looks like they’ve had some recent rain. It’s freshened everything up, but yes, it’s often green around here. Those trees lining the river are jacaranda trees. Grafton’s famous for them. They even have a Jacaranda Festival and crown a Jacaranda Queen. It’s held later in the year. Mom can’t wait for the day my younger sisters are old enough to take part. The trees come out in big clusters of pale purple flowers. It’s really kind of special.”
“You love this place.”
Tom blushed and kept his gaze fixed on the road. “Yeah, I guess I do. It’s home, you know?”
“No, I don’t. When my mom left my dad, we moved around so much, I didn’t ever have a home. I never had the chance to lay down roots or get attached to any one place enough to call home. At least, not until Mom married Tony.”
Her soft words caught him in the chest. “I’m sorry. It must have been hard for you.”
“It was, but I was so young when we left, I never really knew what I was missing. Watching you, listening to you talk about your hometown, I realize how much I lost.”
He offered her a gentle smile and reached over to squeeze her hand.
“Don’t get me wrong,” she hurriedly continued. “I don’t blame Mom one bit. I’m grateful she was courageous enough to leave that abusive relationship and she certainly did it with my best interests in mind. Who knows what my dad might have done if we hadn’t run away? I can’t even bear to imagine how things might have turned out. Certainly not for the better; I’m sure of that.”
“I’m sorry you had such a tough childhood. I wish I could make the memories disappear,” Tom said quietly and meant it.
His heart ached at what she’d endured…and what she’d missed out on. His own childhood had been so full of fun and laughter and love. His parents had loved and respected one another and it had showed in many little ways. If he were honest, he’d admit he’d taken the security of his childhood a little for granted. It wasn’t until he entered the police force that he truly realized not everyone grew up in an idyllic home environment.
Lily turned to him and tears sparkled in her eyes. “Thank you, that means a lot to me. My only hope is that our baby never knows a moment of fear, of uncertainty, of insecurity. It’s what scares me about the whole marriage and happily-ever-after thing. What if it doesn’t last? How can we be certain it will? Neither of us has a crystal ball. We can’t see into the future.”
“You’re right, we can’t. All we can do is trust in each other and trust that the love and respect we have for each other will last the distance.”
“But—”
“Hey,” Tom interrupted and squeezed her hand. “Let’s not talk about it now. You’re about to meet my parents.” He offered a cajoling grin. “We don’t have to solve the problems of the world right now.”
To his relief, she smiled back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. One-handed, he negotiated the turn into his parents’ driveway on the edge of town and brought his truck to a stop. Leaning across the console, he pressed a soft kiss against her lips.
“What was that for?” she murmured.
“Just because.”
“Because?”
“Because I love you and you’re the most beautiful, pregnant woman in the world and you’re mine. Nearly.”
She smiled and kissed him back. Within moments, the kiss turned heated and Tom reached out to draw her close.
“Ouch!”
He drew back. Lily rubbed her stomach. Tom frowned in concern. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, our baby was just making his presence felt, that’s all. Perhaps he doesn’t approve of his parents making out in the car?”
“He?” Tom asked, his heart beating fast.
&n
bsp; Lily shrugged. “Or she. It was just a figure of speech. I didn’t find out the sex.”
Tom smiled and excitement shot through his veins. “I’m so glad. It gives us something to look forward to.”
They stared at each other for long moments and the blood ran back to Tom’s groin. With a groan, he wrenched his gaze away, knowing that they couldn’t possibly take things any further in the car.
“We’d better go inside,” he said with reluctance.
“Yes, we’d better. A woman I assume is your mom has been watching from the front window ever since we arrived. She’ll be wondering what’s keeping us.”
Heat crept up Tom’s neck and spread across his cheeks and he busied himself by climbing out of his truck. He didn’t know why the knowledge of his mom spying on him while he made out with his girlfriend in the car embarrassed him, but it did. All of a sudden, he felt like a seventeen-year-old, stealing kisses from his childhood sweetheart. It was stupid, but true.
Walking around to the passenger side, he helped Lily from the car and then collected their bags from the back. They’d barely reached the front steps when the front door swung open and his mom rushed out across the porch.
“Tom! How wonderful to see you. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown.” She pulled him into a vigorous hug.
“Mom,” he laughed and hugged her back. “I’m nearly twenty-three. I stopped growing a long time ago.”
“Nonsense, you get bigger and broader every time I see you. You haven’t been home since Christmas and that was eight months ago. And you must be Lily,” she added in the same breath, turning toward her and opening her arms.
They embraced a little awkwardly, then Marguerite Munro stepped back graciously and offered Lily a welcoming smile.