As Long As You Both Shall Live: A Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 2)

by Linda K. Rodante

  “That would be a big help.” He sent her an appreciative smile. “Perhaps we can do that when Sharee’s parents get back from lunch.”

  “Yeah, that’s real nice of you,” Bruce’s voice held a flat note.

  China shot him a sharp look. “I don’t mind helping.”

  “I’m sure you don’t.”

  Quiet settled over the room for a moment. John focused on Bruce. Odd that he would hassle the girl. He’d acted as youth pastor before his accident; and, by all accounts, was a good one.

  Sharee stirred and moaned.

  Bruce rolled to the end of her bed. “You waking up, Sleeping Beauty?”

  Sharee’s eyes opened. John rose from the chair and took a step to her bedside.

  “Hey, you’ve got company. Bruce and China are here.”

  “Hey,” Sharee’s groggy voice sounded as rumpled as the bed. She twisted her head in China’s direction, but squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip.

  China edged closer. “You are hurting, aren’t you?”

  Sharee unglued her eyes. “Just a tad. Mostly when I move. Thank you for coming. How are you doing?”

  “I’m okay, but you’re the one in the hospital. Someone said you stepped in front of a car.”

  “Hmm.” A smile wavered across her face. “You could say that.”

  “God was watching out for you,” Bruce said. “You and John both.

  “What’s this?” Sharee’s mother remarked, walking into the room, and fixing him with a stare. “You got hit, too? Is that why you’re on crutches? You said an accident, but you didn’t mention what kind.”

  “Mom,” Sharee interrupted, “Don’t start.”

  “I just want to know how John can take care of you when he can’t take care of himself.” She gave him a skeptical look. “Of course, he seems to be taking control of things here quite nicely.”

  John grinned.

  “Marilyn.” Her husband stepped forward. “Don’t scare the man off.” He put a foam box on the windowsill next to John. “Food here, if you want it.”

  “Thank you. I’ll hold it until later.”

  John introduced Bruce and China. He studied Sharee’s father as he did and made a quick decision. “I need to run home, feed my dog, take a shower, and do a few other things. I know I can leave Sharee in your capable hands for an hour or so.” The statement contained a question.

  Brian nodded, returning John’s scrutiny. “Of course.”

  Sharee slipped her hand into his, and he dropped his gaze to hers, surprised at the anxious look she gave him. “I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” He bent over and kissed the top of her head. Have to keep the façade up. Yeah.

  He turned to get his crutches before catching her dad’s look. “Please keep a close eye on her.”

  “I’ll go down with you,” Bruce said.

  “Me, too,” China added. She touched Sharee’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll be out of here in no time.” She nodded to Sharee’s parents; and the three disappeared down the hall.

  ***

  Giving China instructions about the dog took more time than he’d expected. She wasn’t scared of Baron’s size and that encouraged him. He went with her for a short walk to make sure she felt confident to handle the dog on the leash.

  Bruce hung around until China left. The friction between the two resembled a rough board and 40 grit sandpaper. John wondered what initiated it but decided to find out later. He needed to eat, take a shower, and get back but still wanted some time with Bruce.

  After China said goodbye, he cooked strips of beef, onion, and green peppers, and threw some potatoes in the microwave while filling Bruce in on the past week.

  “You’re telling me,” Bruce said as John set the plates of beef and potatoes down on the table, “that someone intentionally tried to run over you? And the same thing happened to Sharee?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s crazy. You’re sure?”

  John nodded, bowed his head, and said a quick prayer. “Doesn’t make sense; but yes, we’re both sure.” He cut into his potato.

  Bruce started to eat, also. Swallowing a bite of sautéed beef, he said, “There has to be a reason. Someone’s taken the time to plan this—to find out where you both live, to wait for you. The police are no help?”

  “Worse. They think we’re trying to pull something. The accidents are too much alike.”

  “Someone with a limited imagination.” Bruce forked another piece of beef. “But then that could be good for you. Thanks for the meal, by the way. You’re a better cook than I am.”

  They ate in silence for a few minutes. Bruce took a drink of water, lifted his head, and cleared his throat.

  “You know, if you need something from me, all you have to do is ask.”

  John nodded. He finished his food. “I’ve got to shower and get back.”

  “I heard about your need for being clean.” Bruce gave him a sardonic look then sobered. “You got the ring? I left it on the table in the mailer.”

  John felt his face stiffen. “Yes. I saw it as soon as I got home.”

  Bruce nodded. “Okay then. Take a shower. I’ll wash these dishes and wait for you.”

  John moved his crutches out of the way and pushed the thoughts that tried to force their way to the surface farther away.

  Bruce rolled his wheelchair back from the table. “Keep your guard up with that girl around.”

  John lifted an eyebrow and limped down the hall.

  ***

  Neon lights from outside painted the darkened hospital room with a stripe of multi-colors. He watched Sharee change position as she had numerous times today and this evening. The long day had passed. A number of visitors had stopped by, and she’d become more exhausted with each one.

  She groaned, and he focused on her once again. With all the new medications, why couldn’t they give her something that would allow her to rest? Keeping track of the nurse’s schedules and Sharee’s pain meds, which had somehow earned the approval of her mother, did nothing to help with the discomfort she felt.

  He sighed and let his mind drift. Something inside told him he needed to heed Bruce’s warning. Bruce knew the kids. But China had graduated high school last year. John must be fourteen or fifteen years older. She’s a kid. Well, no. He had lumped her with all the youth over the last two years, but she’d changed.

  When she sidled over to talk with him the other day, he’d realized that she’d become an attractive young woman. She’d made sure he noticed.

  Sharee’s groan this time brought him from his chair to her bedside.

  “I’m sorry, John.” Her words were tight. “I don’t mean to keep you awake. Why don’t you go home? You can’t get any sleep here.”

  He ignored her question. “I’ll call the nurse and see if we can get you stronger medication.”

  “No. I don’t want to be groggy.”

  “I’m not worried about your being groggy.”

  “I hate groggy.”

  He ran his fingers over her brow. “All right. I’ll remember. I’d like to see you out of pain, though.”

  She mumbled a reply.

  “So, if you can’t sleep, what can we talk about to pass the time?” He knew what he wanted to talk about. He’d like to know more about Dean and that whole scenario.

  “I can’t talk about anything. My head’s pounding.” She put hands on both sides of her head and whimpered.

  “Okay. Let’s get the nurse in here, and see what she suggests.” He reached over her for the call button on its long cord.

  She grabbed his arm and tried to take it from his fingers.

  “No way you’re winning this fight, woman.”

  “Woman?” Her voice was indignant. She tried to slap him, but he ducked. The next moment, she closed her eyes and tears slid down her cheeks.

  “Hey.” He reached for her hand. “What can I do?”

  “N...nothing.”

  Not what he wanted to hear. She began a whispered
prayed that sounded like the Twenty-third Psalm. He pulled the call button once more.

  “Well, what is it you need?” A voice from the doorway startled them. “You’ve got your light on.” The nurse came to Sharee’s bedside, clicked off the call button and turned on the overhead light. Sharee winced.

  The nurse’s scrub top swam with rubber duckies, but the stern lines of her face, her steel gray hair and her cool eyes contradicted the image. She put her hands on large hips and stared first at him then at Sharee.

  John tilted his head to see her name tag. Cindy.

  “I...I didn’t call.” Sharee defended herself.

  The nurse’s eyes slid back to John.

  “I did.” He tried his best smile. “Sharee’s in a lot of pain. It seems worse tonight than before. She can’t sleep. The meds don’t seem to be helping. Is there anything stronger? I know it’s not quite time for them yet, but...”

  “Well, you’re right there. She has over an hour to go. And she can’t have anything stronger unless the doctor orders it.”

  “Is there anything you can do?”

  “I can’t do anything without a doctor’s orders.” Her stern voice left him to wonder if she enjoyed giving a negative response. She turned to go.

  “You know when a woman, when your fiancé,” John corrected, “doesn’t want to talk because she’s in pain, it has to be serious.”

  The nurse turned back, took a moment to look him over, and left.

  John growled deep in his throat. Would they ever get a break at this hospital?

  “She’s had a long night, John. It’s okay. And she really can’t do anything without a doctor’s orders. She’d get fired.”

  “You’ve had a long night, too.”

  “I’ll be okay.”

  “Can I rub your back?” He leaned forward.

  “No, don’t touch me!”

  His hands shot into the air. “Not a chance!”

  Sharee gave a weak smile. “I’m sorry. Everything hurts. I don’t want anyone touching me. Laughter is good, though.”

  “I would try to keep you in stitches, but I’m not a comedian.”

  “You’re doing well so far.”

  His mouth hitched. “Unintentionally.”

  “They said the headaches would go away in a few days.”

  “How about a cold compress for your head?”

  “That might work.”

  “Okay, I’ll go see if I can find the dragon lady and get one for you. I’ll be back.”

  When he came back with cold, wet washcloths, relief flooded her eyes. He set his crutches against the wall, took a washcloth, folded it, and put it across her forehead. She closed her eyes. He turned the light out and went to sit in the chair in the corner, stretching out his legs.

  As the quiet settled over them, the ache in his foot made itself known. A cold compress would feel good on the foot, too; but he refused to get up again. Tiredness surpassed the ache. He laid his head back against the chair and closed his eyes.

  Light flooded the room. He jerked awake, startled, and straightened in the chair. Bruce was right. What kind of guard was he? He’d fallen asleep the first restful moment he had. Sharee’s eyes were open, too.

  “All right,” the nurse said, as loud as if she’d been at a football game. “I’m back. I thought you couldn’t sleep, dear. Turn over. Yeah, towards Sir Galahad over there. You, sir, look the other way. Out the window. I’m going to give your lady here a shot in the rear.”

  John turned, staring at the neon lights outside. He heard Sharee’s intake of breath.

  “That’s nothing, honey,” the nurse continued. “You’re fine. Okay, Sir Galahad, you can turn around now. The doctor said thank you, by the way, for waking him at 3:00 in the morning as he just got in from emergency surgery and had just gone to bed. My job’s on the line.” She looked him over as if to ask if he was worth it. Her gaze moved to Sharee. “If he still wants to talk, honey, you’ll be able to do that in about ten minutes...with ease.” She turned to walk out but glanced at John. “Talk, huh? Would have thought you had more on your mind than that.”

  Sharee turned towards him with raised eyebrows.

  He grinned but didn’t say a word.

  ***

  Sharee woke the following morning at the sound of her name and to discomfort in her arm. She groaned and opened her eyes.

  “Hold still, please.” She felt something tighten around her arm, then a sharp prick. At her muttered protest, the male voice said. “Sorry.”

  She forced herself to focus. The man in the white uniform held her left arm next to his body.

  “Just drawing some blood,” he smiled at her. “Looks like you slept through breakfast.” He indicated the tray on the night table. “If you want them to bring you a fresh one, they will.” His fingers unsnapped the white elastic and slid the needle from her arm. “Okay, there you go.”

  A vial with blood went into a box on his cart. He put a bandage over the pierced site on her arm, and raised her hand so that it touched her shoulder. “Hold it like that for a few minutes.” He gathered all his stuff together and rolled his cart out the door. “Have a good day.”

  “Yeah.” She inched her head around expecting to see John by the window.

  Her father leaned forward. The tenderness and concern in his eyes touched her heart. His face creased in a smile, and his blue eyes lit. “How are you this morning?”

  “Better, I think. My head’s clear. Where’s John?”

  “He went home when I came in. He made me promise to stay and keep an eye on you. He said you both had a long night.”

  Sharee giggled. “I think he did.”

  Her father cocked his head at her. “That man is very concerned about you.”

  “I know. Dad, I…” She stopped, wondering if she should tell him the truth about her accident. John had not told them the whole story yet, but she didn’t like keeping things from him.

  “Yes?’

  “Nothing.” Better wait. Her dad had been her protector, her teacher for so many years; and she still depended on him in certain areas, but what could he do? “Where’s Mom?”

  “Getting some breakfast.”

  “She does like John, doesn’t she? Everything was fine when he visited at Christmas.”

  “Of course, she does. He’s just in her way now. Plus, she doesn’t like the idea of you leaving the country. And from what he said at Christmas, he’s thinking of doing that. So, if you’re married, I’m sure you’ll go with him.” He took a breath. “Neither of us wants to think about that. But it’s what God wants that matters.”

  Sharee nodded.

  “You’re our only child. It will be hard having you so far away.”

  “But she can’t blame John. I’ve been out of the house for ten years. College and working and living down here.”

  “I know, sweetheart, but you’ve still called us to share what was going on in your life and to tell us if you had any needs. Most of that has ended over the last few months. Or did you notice?” She hadn’t. He looked at her. “It’s how it should be. Doesn’t necessarily make it any easier on your mother. When John flew over to Indonesia, she spent hours on the internet, reading about the country; and as much as she loves the Lord, she really questioned Him about whether you should be going or not. God sometimes has a lot of explaining to do to mothers.” He studied her. “And fathers.”

  “But John hadn’t asked me to marry him then.” And I haven’t told him I accept yet.

  “Your mother’s pretty smart. She knew how things were going.”

  She reached out to touch his hand. “You know I love you and mom.”

  He took hers in his big one. “We know, sweetheart. We want you to be happy.”

  “John makes me happy.”

  “I can see that.”

  Her phone rang, and she pulled it off the bedside table then frowned. She hit the ignore button.

  “Someone you don’t want to talk to?”

  “Yeah.�
� Whoever was making the anonymous calls hadn’t stopped as she’d hoped. She caught her dad’s inquisitive stare and knew she needed to change the subject. “Will you help me up so I can shower before John gets back? He’s been seeing me at my worse. When China was here yesterday, I felt pretty homely.”

  “You don’t have to worry, sweetheart. You always look good.”

  “Says the father to the daughter.”

  “Truth is truth. But you might as well clean up. John said that the dragon lady,” he gave her a questioning look and Sharee giggled, “told him before she left that the doctor wanted you to get up and walk today.”

  She inched her legs to the side of the bed, and with his hand under her arm, tested her back with a step. “Well, I’m not walking anywhere with this gown open in the back. Can you see if they have two cleans ones? I saw someone yesterday with one worn over the other—the second one used like a robe.”

  “You’ll be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine, Dad.”

  He was back in a few minutes and handed them to her, along with a bag of soft peppermints.

  “Peppermints?” Sharee smiled and took them, giving her dad a careful hug.

  “Still your favorites?”

  “Of course, and I can use them here, too.” She unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth on the way to the shower.

  When she stepped into the room again, her mother had returned, as well as Bruce, Pastor Jim, and Miss Eleanor. Surprise caused her to pause, eyeing them, before she proceeded to the bed. She lowered herself onto its edge, glad for the extra covering and glad she’d done her hair and make-up.

  “Look who I found in the hall.” Her mother indicated Miss Eleanor and Pastor Alan.

  “Pastor Alan had pity on me,” Miss Eleanor said, “since I don’t drive anymore. He took me to breakfast and brought me to see you.” Her eyes clouded for just a moment. “I see I need to pray harder.”

  “Miss Eleanor,” Sharee lowered her voice, “if you weren’t praying, I might not be here right now.”

  Miss Eleanor’s eyes narrowed. “Well, first John and now you. I guess the battle is on.”