Forever Chance (Five Points Book 2)

by CJ Murphy

  When Hanna turned back to the patients, Chance saw a determination she was grateful for. “Hanna, I know we haven’t met, but Jax is my fiancée. What do you want me to do?”

  Hanna nodded. “Keep bagging her. Are her pupils still pinpoint?”

  Chance lifted one eyelid, then the other. “Yeah, it has to be the fentanyl. That place had drugs everywhere.”

  Hanna administered a Narcan dose to Jax. She took a blood pressure reading, and when the dial dropped back to zero, she pulled the stethoscope out of her ears. “What’s her pressure normally, do you know?”

  Chance thought about it and tried to remember the day of the community blood drive a few weeks ago. “I don’t know. We gave at the blood drive. The nurse told her it was perfect.”

  Hanna took a deep breath and grabbed supplies to start an intravenous line. “Until she can hold that pressure up, I’m going to push some fluids. That Narcan should start bringing her around.”

  Chance closed her eyes and said a silent prayer that the medical interventions would start bringing the most important person in her life around. Watching Jax lay so still and unresponsive made her blood run cold. She braced her feet wide apart to absorb the swaying of the ambulance, as it sped toward the hospital. Her hands shook as she squeezed the bag, and she nearly stumbled as she leaned down to whisper in Jax’s ear. “Come on, baby. Wake up. I need you.” Chance could only hope that Jax’s narcotic muddled mind could hear her and fight back to the surface.

  ***

  Lethargy and sludge were smothering Jax’s fight for consciousness. She could hear Chance’s voice in her ear and felt a pinprick of pain in her right arm. The Narcan smashed the sludge, and Jax jerked awake. After great effort, she focused on the gunmetal-blue eyes she stared into every morning and every night. With her left arm, she pushed the mask away. “Chance?” She saw relief wash over her lover’s face.

  Chance kissed her forehead. “Hey there, lay still. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”

  Jax fought to remain alert. Waves of nausea compounded her headache. “I’m going to throw up.” She rolled on her side and emptied the contents of her stomach on the floor.

  “Jax, this is likely a side effect of the Narcan,” Hanna spoke up. “It’s okay.”

  Jax felt someone slip a nasal cannula into her nose, as Chance wiped her mouth. “Oh God, my head is killing me.”

  “It’s okay, honey. We’re about twenty minutes from the hospital. Hold on.” Chance rubbed her cheek.

  “What happened?”

  “I think you touched some of the heroin-fentanyl mix with bare skin at some point.”

  Jax’s memories of the house came flooding back. “The little boy!”

  Hanna turned back to her. “We’ve got him, Jax. He’s starting to come around.”

  Jax held Chance’s hand and listened to Hanna talking to the boy.

  The mother’s angst-filled voice was littered with sobs. “He can’t hear you. He’s deaf. Can I come back there? He’ll be scared if he doesn’t see me.”

  Hanna held out her hand. “It’s tight back here with four adults. You’ll have to sit on the cot with him.”

  The woman crawled back. She signed to the little boy who had started wailing.

  Jax looked at Chance. “He has to be terrified.”

  “So am I.” Chance slid down beside her.

  Jax cupped Chance’s face. “I’m going to be okay. I promise.” She watched a tear trickle down Chance’s face. Jax physically ached from the pain etched in her fiancée’s eyes.

  The ambulance siren wound down and came to a stop. Jax knew they’d arrived at the hospital when she heard Ned report their location to the comm center. The back door opened, and Sarah’s face appeared at her feet.

  “Let’s get them both inside. I have a gurney for Jax.” Sarah reached for the release, as the child’s mother got up off the cot.

  Jax watched the woman sign to the little boy, whose wails had calmed to whimpers. The mother climbed out of the ambulance as Jax sat up. Everything in front of her swirled and tilted, until she felt Chance’s hard body pressed against her back. She heard Zeus whimper at her side. “It’s okay, boy.”

  The boy’s cot was pulled from the ambulance, with Hanna, Ned, and Mike wheeling it through the ER doors. Sarah climbed in beside her.

  “Let’s see if we can get you out of here and checked out. Chance, you get one arm, I’ll get under the other.”

  Ned reappeared and pulled the gurney into position as the three exited the ambulance.

  “I think I’m gonna be sick again.” Jax dry heaved as they got her in position. Chance put a cool palm to her forehead.

  “Let’s get her inside.” Sarah nodded. Chance held Jax’s hand, as they entered the ER.

  Jax noticed a trooper she didn’t recognize had detained the mother at the registration desk. Jax could hear the child screaming from beyond the treatment doors. “Find someone who can sign. That little guy is deaf and probably terrified.”

  “Let’s worry about you first. I’ll make sure they know.” Sarah pushed her to a treatment bay, and Chance bent to slide a hand under her knees and behind her back, as she lifted her onto the bed. Zeus sat in a protective position near the head of the bed.

  Sarah transferred her line and asked a few questions as Dr. Amy Halston and Bailey, the ER nurse, came around the corner.

  “Well, well, you two. We’ve got to stop meeting like this. What happened?”

  Chance explained the incident and the possible exposure to the heroin-fentanyl mixture. Sarah rattled off what Hanna had relayed to her about Jax’s collapse and treatment.

  “Bailey, let’s draw some bloodwork and get supportive measures started. Once we get the test results, we’ll know better how to counteract it completely. Let’s get a health history and baseline vitals. I’ll be back in a little bit. I’ve got seven overdoses, and that little boy is my greatest concern right now. Do you have any questions for me, Jax?”

  “No, go take care of him. I’m okay.” Jax waved her off as Bailey came around and started the orders Amy had given her.

  ***

  An hour later, Jax had a second bag of fluid and medications in her. She felt dizzy and irritable. Her body ached like she had the flu, and all she wanted was to go home. Lindsey had texted her that they had successfully closed down the free clinic and were headed to the office to put everything away. She and Megan offered to drive Uncle Marty over to Garrett. Jax advised them to take him home, and she’d call him as soon as she could. Chance had already stepped out to update him.

  Hanna’s voice came from outside the curtain surrounding Jax’s treatment area. “Can I come in?”

  “Please.” Jax waved her in.

  “We didn’t have time for formal introductions. I’m Hanna Freeman. How’re you feeling?”

  Jax held a hand to her head. “Like I’m glad I never got into drugs. I feel horrible. How’s the kid?”

  “Hunter is up in pediatric ICU. He stopped breathing and his pressure crashed again and was intubated right after we got here. The amount of heroin in his system was nearly fatal. If you hadn’t gotten there when you did with that first Narcan, he’d be dead. It’s still going to be touch and go. The added complication of him being unable to communicate is a major issue. Fortunately, they’ve found someone who specializes in American Sign Language to work with him when he comes to, if his mother isn’t available.” Hanna cracked her knuckles.

  “Sorry I went out on you, Hanna. I still haven’t figured out when I came in contact with the drugs. I had gloves on.” Jax wiped a shaky hand down her face.

  Chance came back in the room just then. “I’m betting it was when you cradled him to your chest as you ran out to the ambulance. His face was against your neck.”

  Jax had been wearing a scrub top with a V neckline. “Or my arm, it was bare above the gloves. Why anyone would choose to feel this way is beyond me. Chance, this is Hanna Freeman, a recent hire to the emergency squad. Where’s Hunt
er’s mother?”

  “Nice to meet you, Hanna. Thanks for taking care of Jax. Hunter’s mother is with him for now. They’re monitoring his progress. Child Protective Services is handling the case, pending a custody hearing. We haven’t been able to come up with any family to notify. The mother isn’t from this area. Right now, we have no idea if Austin is the father. She isn’t talking.”

  Jax looked at Chance. “Who’s handling the main investigation into all this? If it’s you, then you need to go, I’ll be fine. Megan and Lindsey can come after me when I’m released.”

  Chance came to sit beside her and took her hand in her own. She kissed the knuckles. “Harley is taking the lead. Taylor’s working on it with her. I’m too personally involved, and the last thing we want to do is have anything I present to be brought up as questionable because of our relationship. I’m not even sure they’re going to let you go yet. We’ll have to wait until Amy makes a decision. If she tells me you can go home, that’s what we’re doing. Randy dropped my vehicle off a little while ago.” Zeus jumped up and put his front paws on the bed. He licked Jax’s face.

  “Hey, boy. Thanks for watching over me.” Jax rubbed her hand over his head.

  Dr. Amy Halston walked to the bedside with a chart in her hands. “Jax, I’m going to send you home with orders to rest for a few days. We’ve pushed fluids to flush your system.”

  “I can tell. I’ve never peed so much in my life.”

  “No doubt. Since this was more of a contact overdose, whatever is left should be out of your bloodstream in the next twenty-four hours. That little guy you brought in…his skin was completely contaminated with that cocktail, beyond what he ingested. The rest of you were lucky it didn’t happen to you. Chance, I understand you got to him first? If that’s true, I’d wash anything that came in contact with him as soon as possible.” She pointed to Jax, “Take it easy for a few days, okay?”

  “I’ll wash my jacket and make sure her ass stays put on the couch, Doc. Can I take her home now?” Chance clasped Jax’s hand.

  “Bailey has her discharge papers.” Amy looked at Hanna and Jax. “Good work out there today. Chance, get this shit off the street. I’d like to avoid a repeat of an ER full of overdoses. There was something else cut in with the heroin and fentanyl. The lab is still trying to run tests.”

  “I’ll have Sergeant Harley Kincaid get in touch with you. She’s the lead investigator.” Chance shook Amy’s hand.

  “Good deal. Goodnight everyone.” Amy waved and left, as Bailey stepped up.

  “Okay, let’s get you signed off and out of here. I’ll pull that line now.”

  Jax held up her arm. “Thank God, I was going to ask for some Depends if you were going to run another bag of fluids. I’ve put twenty miles on that wheelchair going to the restroom.”

  Hanna touched Jax’s foot. “I’m going to go find Ned and head out of here. I wanted to check on you and give you the update on Hunter. Take care.”

  “Thanks again, Hanna.”

  In another fifteen minutes, Chance wheeled Jax out to the Suburban and helped her into the front seat. Zeus made his way into the back. Once Jax was settled, Chance joined her and started the engine.

  Jax yawned. “Let’s go home. I’m exhausted.”

  Chance leaned over and kissed her. “Your wish is my command.”

  Jax rested her head against the seat back. The sound of the tires vibrating against the pavement quickly lulled her to sleep and out of the nightmare of a day.

  Chapter Twelve

  SUNDAY MORNING, CHANCE CLIMBED out of bed with extreme care to avoid waking Jax. She hoped that she could care for the horses and fix breakfast before the sleeping woman stirred. As she headed to the barn with Zeus, she noticed Kendra’s vehicle sitting outside the corral. Quiet moans stopped her from opening the door. You’ve got to be kidding me. Please let them not be having sex. Chance tried to decide what noise she could make to break up whatever was going on in the barn. Zeus nudged her leg. Perfect. She whispered to her dog, “Zeus, spreken.”

  The simple command sent the Belgian Malinois into a set of sharp barks. Chance cleared her throat and spoke loud enough she hoped her sister would hear. “Yes, Kendra’s in there. I know you’re excited. Come on, let’s go see her.” She waited a few more moments before she opened the barn door. Brandi was scooping feed into Mac’s bucket, while Kendra used a pitchfork to muck out Kelly’s stall. Chance noticed Kendra was sporting a fierce blush, while Brandi went about her business as cool as a cucumber. Kendra had several pieces of straw in the back of her hair.

  “Morning, Chance. How’s Jax?” Brandi filled Glenny’s bucket next.

  “Sleeping finally. Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. Want to take them out for a ride too? We didn’t get to do that yesterday, and I want Jax to rest today.”

  Kendra stood the pitchfork against the door and moved the wheelbarrow to the next stall. “I was going to suggest that. I’d like to show Brandi the ridgeline on horseback.”

  “Great. Did you enjoy working at the stand-up clinic yesterday?” Chance took a water bucket from Brandi and headed to the sink.

  “I did. Nothing like hands-on training. Whenever she’s up to it, I’d appreciate if Jax could fill out some paperwork that would give me extra credit.”

  They worked in silence for a bit, mucking stalls and making sure everything was clean and fresh for the horses.

  Brandi leaned on her pitchfork and spoke to Chance. “I’d like to come back and do some farm calls with her someday. Jax is a great teacher.”

  Chance smiled, knowing Brandi’s flattery was sincere. “I’m sure she can work something out for you. I’m hoping she’ll sleep in a bit.”

  Jax walked up beside Chance and slid her arms around her waist. “Not much chance of that when my heater crawled out of bed. Morning everyone.”

  “You’re supposed to be resting.” Chance kissed her softly.

  “I’ve been in bed since four yesterday. Besides, I want to check on Hunter.”

  Chance sighed, though she understood. “Let’s make some breakfast first. Then we can make some calls for updates. I asked the girls if they’d take the horses out for us.”

  Kendra came to stand behind Brandi, who leaned back into her. “We’ll handle the horses and the stall clean up. You two take it easy this morning.”

  “Sounds like a plan. When are you headed back to Morgantown?” Chance took Jax’s hand and wrapped it in hers.

  “After lunch. We both have to study, and I want to be back before it’s dark.” Brandi stepped away, and Chance saw a furrow crease Jax’s brow.

  “Kendra, did you dress in the dark? Your shirt is on inside out. Come have breakfast with us. I’m starving.” Jax leaned in and kissed Chance’s cheek.

  Chance smirked and shook her head, as Kendra grabbed at the hem of her shirt and cussed under her breath. Brandi was biting her lip and covering a smile with her hand.

  “See you inside in fifteen. Maybe you can manage to dress yourself now that it’s light. Like Jax said, you must have dressed in the dark.” Chance barked a laugh at her sister only to be given the finger in return.

  ***

  Chance watched, as Zeus lay near Jax as she worked at the stove. Since they’d come home, the dog had barely left her side. Chance knew that what was important to her was also important to her partner. She had no doubt Zeus would protect her Jax with his own life.

  Chance pushed up her sleeves as she took in a deep breath, pulling in the smell of the spices in the cooking sausage. “What can I do to help?”

  Jax smiled. “How about we do pancakes and dippy eggs?”

  “Oh, I’m all over that. Are you going to do the eggs after the sausage?” Chance reached for the griddle and placed it on the stove as Jax nodded. After Maggie had taught her how to mix up pancake batter from scratch, she could do it in her sleep. Pancakes had always been one of Kendra’s favorites, and Chance smiled knowing her many conversations with Jax had led her to take note of
the things that mattered to her family. She’d seen Jax remember the kind of wine that Maggie liked or the seasoning from California that Dee had fallen in love with. It also meant the silver dollar pancakes and dippy eggs Kendra favored.

  Jax poured Chance a cup of coffee and set it down at her elbow. “A dash of cream, just for you.” She gently kissed Chance’s lips as the door opened and the two college students stumbled through it hand in hand.

  “Oh my God, that smells like heaven. What can I do to help?” Brandi went to the sink and washed her hands.

  “How about putting the butter, maple syrup, and raspberry preserves on the table? If you want toast, there’s a loaf of Italian bread on the counter over there.”

  “I’m on the toast.” Kendra raised her hand and headed for the bread.

  “Don’t forget my mustard.” Chance flipped four small pancakes and smiled at the women around her. She enjoyed time with family. She was missing Maggie and Dee. As if they’d been summoned, Zeus barked a greeting and the moms-squared walked in the door.

  “It’s so gross when you do that.” Kendra shivered and made a face.

  “My eggs, not yours.” Chance stuck her tongue out at the younger version of herself.

  Maggie stepped through the door and sniffed the air. “Thank God, you didn’t pick up that habit from her, Kendra. Sausage?”

  Jax hugged Maggie as she made her way to the stove. “Correct. You two made good time.”

  Dee scrubbed her hands together. “With an offer of free breakfast? That’s better than a buy-one-get-one deal on cereal.”

  Jax winked at Maggie. “I’ve got turkey sausage cooking just for you.”

  Chance nearly spit coffee out her nose at the dejected look on Dee’s face. She shook her head when Dee tried to be gracious.

  “Thanks.” Dee shot Chance a pleading look.

  Chance nodded, knowing she’d slip her mother a piece of real sausage when Maggie was out of eyesight. She didn’t defy Maggie very often, but some things were beyond salvage, like turkey sausage or bacon.