by Joan Davis
Risa watched a rescue helicopter come down and emergency workers preparing to load a stretcher holding Conner. Indicating Conner, Risa tried to yell over all the noise that suddenly seemed to fill the air. “Where are they taking him?” The EMT worker that was leading her towards the ambulance that Samson was being loaded into yelled back. “He’s being air-lifted to Trinity Memorial Hospital, same place you’re headed.” He then unceremoniously lifted Risa into the ambulance and shut the door before anyone could protest. He banged on the back of the ambulance and it took off at the same time the helicopter lifted into the air.
*****
TRINITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL – 12 HOURS LATER
“Mr. Landau, I know this has been a trying day for you and your family, but I will have to insist again that Ms. Landau needs to leave Mr. Knight’s room and allow him to rest. Visiting hours . . .”
“Look, Nurse . . . whatever your name is . . .” Bill Landau started.
“Raimer, sir, its Nurse Raimer. I believe I’ve told you that several times now, sir,” Nurse Raimer broke in icily.
“Look, Nurse Raimer, my daughter has been to hell and back in the last several years, and when I say hell, Nurse Raimer, I literally mean hell. So, Nurse Raimer, as far as I’m concerned, if my daughter wants to sit on top of the fucking Empire State Building in New York freaking City and sing the Star Spangled Banner at the top of her lungs, then I’m going to make sure that happens. And likewise, Nurse Raimer, if the only thing my daughter wants in this world is to stay in that damn hospital room so she can be close to the man she loves, then I’m going to personally see to it that that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Now, if you, Nurse Raimer, or anybody else in this hospital, cannot muster up enough fucking common sense and decency to let that happen, then I, Bill freaking Landau, will be happy to dance my ass outside of this hospital and announce to every single one of those big news organizations, with their big satellite trucks and all their nosy reporters, that are swarming this hospital as we speak, just what I think of Trinity Memorial Hospital and the people who run it. It’s your choice, Nurse Raimer. You just let me know, but in the meantime get off my damn back,” Risa’s dad finished and turned abruptly away from Nurse Raimer, to finish speaking with Samson’s father.
Jake Knight watched over Bill Landau’s shoulder as Nurse Raimer turned beet-red, spun around and marched back to her position behind the nurses’ station. She picked up a phone, dialed smartly and spoke to someone for several seconds, while eyeing Bill Landau in anger. Suddenly, she turned pale and sputtered into the phone until it appeared that someone hung up on her. She sat stewing for several seconds before stiffly getting up, grabbing a chart and heading down the hospital corridor in the opposite direction from where they stood.
“Is Nurse Ratchet, gone?” Bill asked, refusing look.
Jake snorted and said, “I do believe that it’s ‘Nurse Raimer’, Bill, and ‘Nurse Raimer’ has apparently been relieved of her duty as room monitor. I have no doubt that within the next half-hour the public relation machine of this hospital will make sure that Risa Landau is afforded every convenience this hospital has to offer.”
“Damn straight,” Bill growled.
Chuckling, Jake shook his head but then said, “I spoke with Sheriff Grant earlier. I know he has questions for both Risa and Samson.”
Bill looked militant. “I told Sheriff Grant they can all wait. They let that bastard, McCreary, slip right through their fingers, and he almost succeeded in killing my daughter and the people we care about most. The police are not on my fucking priority list right now,” Bill said angrily.
Jake raised his eyebrow at Bill’s continued attitude. “Samson has told me that you said Risa got her temper from her mother. I’m thinking that is not entirely true.”
Chagrinned, Bill Landau rubbed his stiff neck. “That bad . . .?”
Shrugging, Jake said, “You have the right.” Pausing, Jake said quietly, “I hear that your daughter saved my son’s life.”
Bill grinned ruefully. “I think they saved each other. Apparently, right as the police and EMTs arrived at Samson’s home they saw Samson grab McCreary and tackle him into the water. Before rescuers could even get to the water they saw Risa dive into the lake after Samson. They found Risa about ten feet down, struggling to drag Samson’s dead weight to the surface. They pulled her and Samson out and got them over here to the hospital,” Bill said, and then looked at his watch. “What is the word on Conner? Is he still in surgery?” Bill asked in concern.
Jake shook his head sadly. “It’s not good, Bill. Conner’s out of surgery, but that bastard did a lot of damage with that knife. There was a lot of internal organ damage. The doctors are worried about infection and nerve damage. We won’t know anything until Conner wakes up and they can test his reflexes. For now, they have him on high dosages of antibiotics to fight any infection. Mauve went down to meet Conner’s family in ICU. Now that she knows that Samson is going to be fine, she wanted to spend time and support Conner’s parents while they wait.”
Bill nodded. “Samson was lucky, I guess. The bullet from McCreary’s rifle went through his shoulder without doing as much damage as it could have.”
Nodding in agreement, Jake Knight said, “Sheriff Grant told me that they recovered three guns- one belonging to McCreary, a rifle that belongs to Conner and a handgun of my son’s. The guns were useless against McCreary. Sheriff Grant told me he was wearing full body armor. The boys didn’t have a chance as long as McCreary still had his gun. I think that’s why Samson drove him into the lake. Anyway, divers have retrieved McCreary’s body from the lake, and they’ve secured the area.”
Bill rolled his eyes. “Secured it from whom, I have no idea,” Bill said sarcastically. “McCreary took out everyone who could have identified him. The news reports are saying that the five people they found murdered in that ditch over in Cloverdale were all followers of Sarens’. Those people were working in the community, right under everyone’s noses. Bank records show a constant flow of cash transfers from their individual accounts to a business account under the name of ‘Mystical Destiny’. The location for that business was McCreary’s apartment. An earlier address was found, and it was to the house the police raided when they found Risa.” Sighing, Bill ran a hand over his tired face. “I guess the one good thing McCreary inadvertently did was take away any remaining threat to Risa. It’s more than the damn authorities ever did for her.”
Bill looked over at his daughter through the glass wall, as she continued her silent vigil by Samson’s bedside. “I just hope Risa can return to the lake without fear and bad memories. She loves that place so much,” Bill murmured quietly.
Jake looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, “Maybe there’s something we can do to help with that. Let me think on it for a while.”
*****
Samson groaned as he moved and tried to roll on his side. His shoulder felt like it was being hammered on with a giant ice pick. “Samson, don’t move around, please.” Risa’s worried voice brought everything rushing back, and Samson eyes snapped open.
He found Risa leaning over him and smoothing his hair back from his face. “You smacked me,” Samson whispered hoarsely, looking at the woman he loved.
Laughing tearfully, Risa said, “You tried to leave me.” Seeing those beautiful turquoise eyes gazing at her made Risa’s spirit ease from its painful grip of fear. Samson had brought her back to life, and the thought of losing him was something she couldn’t face. They saw each other so clearly. They knew other’s secrets and fears and held each other in comfort and love. They laughed and loved with equal passion. He was her heart and soul forever.
“What happened to your arm?” Samson asked, eyeing the bandage that wrapped around the upper part of Risa’s left arm.
Shrugging, Risa said, “Jethro McCreary cut me with his knife, but it’s not deep, and doesn’t even hurt. The doctor just treated it, in case of infection, and put this bandage on it.”
“Where are we?” Samson asked, trying to look around the room.
“We’re in Trinity Memorial Hospital.” Risa said. “Daddy and your dad are right outside the door. Dad has been hell-on-wheels since he got here. He has kept everyone away from us,” Risa grinned. She had heard her father yelling at the nurse earlier.
Looking concerned, Samson asked, “Conner?”
Risa’s smile died. “They airlifted Conner here, too. Right now he’s in ICU. The doctors had to operate. The knife wounds did a lot of damage, Samson,” Risa said miserably.
“Is he going to make it?” Samson asked hoarsely. He couldn’t imagine a world without Conner in it.
Risa looked at Samson helplessly. “We don’t know. He lost a lot of blood and his spleen had to be removed. Your dad said the doctors had to do a lot of repair work to his insides, and that they are worried about his legs suffering nerve damage. The doctors say that they have done all they can do. It’s up to Conner now. Your dad called his parents and family in Charlotte. They were on their way here the last time I checked.”
“He’ll make it,” Samson declared stonily, not willing to consider the alternative.
Risa tried to smile and nod confidently.
Samson looked at Risa and said, “Come up here, Sweetheart. I need you near me.” Samson had to feel Risa’s body next to his. He wanted physical confirmation that she was safe and secure. His closed his eyes against the memories of almost losing her. He prayed for Conner to make it through this. He needed his best friend in his life.
Without hesitation, Risa climbed up onto Samson’s hospital bed and curled up against him. She rested her head gently on his uninjured shoulder. “He almost killed you, Samson, and what if Conner . . .” Risa gulped down a sob.
Samson held Risa closely, stroking her hair. “It’s over, baby. McCreary will never be able to hurt you, or anyone else, again. Conner is a strong man and has a lot of living to do. He’s not going anywhere. Trust me?”
Risa nodded against Samson’s chest. “Samson, I love you so much. I was so afraid I had lost you,” she whispered.
“I love you too, Risa. I’m not going anywhere either. You’re stuck with me for life. Deal?” Samson said and kissed the top of Risa’s head.
“It’s a deal,” Risa agreed and hugged Samson close.
*****
Conner felt like a freight train had been dropped down on top of him. He slowly opened his eyes, but everything was slightly out of focus. Everything felt raw. Pain seared through his body and mind. He groaned and gritted his teeth. He just wanted the pain to stop.
“Conner Matthew’s, what have you gotten yourself into now?” a shaky voice said next to him.
Conner couldn’t turn his head, so he swung his blurry gaze towards the voice and saw an angel. She had alabaster skin, watery blue eyes and full lips in the shape of a bow- cupid’s lips. Conner frowned, as he barely made out a cloud of red hair floating around the angels head. Didn’t angels have blond hair in all the movies? Conner thought, and gasped harshly as another wave of pain pierced his body.
“I’m not done with you, Conner. Don’t you leave me. It’s not your time to go. Do you hear me? Don’t leave me. You have to fight to stay here. Fight, Conner, please fight,” the angel whispered tearfully, as she pulled his hand up and kissed the back of it. She laid her other hand over his abdomen, and warmth suddenly spread through his body, and the pain faded. Conner drifted, and he saw a bright glow appear around the angel. It was so bright that it almost hurt his eyes.
Just before he relaxed back into sleep, Conner gazed once more at the red-haired angel and thought, I have my very own angel.
*****
Risa waited until Samson was released from the hospital before she made a request of her father. She wanted to have a small graveside memorial for her mother. Risa wanted to say goodbye. So, on the day of Samson’s release, Bill Landau, his daughter and Samson Knight quietly made their way through the Cloverdale Cemetery to Sandy Landau’s final resting place.
Samson’s left arm was in a sling, and he was still a bit pale. He walked somberly next to Risa and watched as she and Bill drew near the place where Sandy Landau was buried. Unashamed tears ran down his face, as he saw Risa walk up to her mother’s graveside for the first time. He could feel her sorrow in the marrow of his bones. He quietly took her hand in his to give her support.
Risa looked at the headstone for a long while before turning to her father. The headstone read: ‘Sandra ‘Sandy’ Landau, 10/3/1966 – 10/29/2005, The Most Amazing Wife and Mother a Family could have.’ “It’s beautiful, Dad,” Risa said, smiling sadly.
Bill nodded somberly and placed a beautiful bouquet of Daisies in the vase that stood in front of the tombstone. “Sandy, my love, I got our girl back and everyone is safe and doing just fine. I miss you so much. More than you will ever know,” Bill said and wiped his moist eyes.
Risa took her father’s hand gently. “Mommy, I miss you, too, but I’m doing well. I found the love of my life. His name is Samson Knight. He loves me like daddy loves you . . . With his whole heart. You used to tell me you were lucky that you found your love early. I guess your luck rubbed off on me. I love you, Mommy, and you can rest easy now. We’re all okay.” Risa smiled tenderly and placed a gentle hand on her mother’s gravestone.
Samson squeezed Risa’s hand and they all stood for a moment more before turning to leave.
Risa looked up and gasped. Eunice McCreary, her husband, Harold, and all ten of their remaining children stood in somber clothing, waiting at a respectful distance. Before anyone could say anything, Eunice and Harold McCreary stepped forward.
“We don’t intend no disrespect. We found out you would be here today, and we just wanted to let you know how sorry we are about everything that’s happened,” Eunice McCreary said somberly.
Harold McCreary took off his hat and gripped it in his hands. “My boys caused your family a lot of pain and suffering. I don’t really have no cause to think you would ever forgive them. But I just wanted you to know that my family ain’t never had any ill-will towards your family. You was always real good to us and always treated us kindly. I just don’t know what happened to my boys to cause them to take up such evil ways,” Harold said, bowing his head.
Bill Landau stood stiffly, with his jaw clenched, and was unable to speak. Risa looked up at him and squeezed his hand gently. She then looked back at Eunice and Harold and took a tentative step towards them. “Mr. and Mrs. McCreary, I don’t know what to say about Jethro, but I can tell you that in the end, Michael tried to do the right thing. He was trying to help me escape, and that’s why they killed him. He had no idea they had taken me until I was already in that house. I don’t know how your two boys got mixed up in any of this, but Michael turned away from it in the end. As for forgiveness, my mom thought so well of your family, especially you, Mrs. McCreary. I know she wouldn’t hold any of you responsible for what your son did, and neither do we,” Risa said, looking back at her dad, and he nodded curtly in agreement.
“Your momma was a fine lady,” Eunice McCreary said tearfully. “I thank you for your kind words. Just so you know, me and the family is going back to the mountains. It’s too painful to be here, and I figure it will be easier being near our own people. I will pray for both of you every day. God Bless,” Eunice said, and then turned away from them. She and her husband walked back to their children, and they all made their way out of the cemetery.
Risa turned back to her dad and saw him take a shuddering breath. “Risa, I don’t know how you were able to do that for them. I guess I raised you to be a better person than I am,” Bill said wearily.
Risa hugged her dad and said, “It’s what Mommy would have done.” She smiled over at Samson.
“I think I am a very lucky man to have met and fallen in love with Sandy Landau’s daughter,” Samson said humbly.
EPILOGUE
6 MONTHS LATER
Samson Knight stood anxiously on the platform o
f his lake dock. It had been transformed by a newly built pergola into an autumn wedding chapel. Shear white material blew gently in the crisp fall breeze, held in place by bouquets of yellow, orange and red roses interspersed with autumn leaves of every color.
The once-plain dock and grassy backyard had been transformed into beautiful levels of meandering decks. It flowed naturally from the back porch of Samson’s house, all the way down to where it connected seamlessly to the lake’s dock. Landscaping of tall grasses and shrubs softened the angles and highlighted miniature fruit trees and garden pots that made for lovely accents sitting against various parts of the deck’s railing.
Today the decks were filled with beautifully decorated tables and chairs that boasted billowing white table clothes and luxurious autumn sprays of roses and autumn foliage. The tables were arranged for a wedding and reception seating.
For the first time in his life, Samson felt totally at peace. He had found the one woman in the world who made his soul sing. She lifted him up and made him a better person each day she was in his life. Risa is going to be my wife. Just thinking about those words filled Samson with joy. He felt like the gods had smiled down on him the day he met her, and he would feel the same way until the day he died.
Samson turned as he saw several members of his family walking towards their wedding tables from the wooded area that sat between his and Bill Landau’s properties. Thanks to his father, it had undergone its own transformation. In just a few days, and with the voluntary help of most of Samson’s employees, family and friends, Samson’s father had broken all records by quickly clearing all of the underbrush and debris, until you could walk unheeded through the trees.
Jake Knight had then removed several trees about midway between the two properties and had placed a rather large gazebo that boasted lights and a ceiling fan. A raised and winding path had been constructed with the same materials as Samson’s decking and ran between the two properties and surrounded the gazebo. Various benches and solar lights were also placed throughout the woods and lent the area an enchanted feeling at night and a welcoming warmth during the day. Because Risa had stayed at the hospital with Samson until he was released, they had both been happily surprised by this amazing gift when they returned home.