Poison Me

by Checketts, Cami

  Ace cast a look at Willy, who pumped his eyebrows and smiled.

  Ace nodded. The son had money. The grandson was taking care of Don’s wife and the money they needed. Find Ruby, and they could find Don and the gravy boat. Ace smiled at the waitress. “One more question and I’ll stop bugging you.”

  She blushed. “You’re no bother.”

  “Well, thank you.” He retrieved his phone from her slimy palms and asked, “How do we get to the Cub River Retirement Palace?”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Ruby paced the hospital waiting room, clinging to Michael. Ellie held Trevor on her lap, reading to him from a stack of children’s books provided by the hospital. The little boy was silent, probably sensing the terror they all felt. He’d stopped asking where they’d taken his mom several minutes before.

  Ruby glanced at the clock on the wall. It had only been ten minutes since Jake had carried his unconscious sister through the doors and began screaming for Type AB blood, a maternity nurse, and a phone call to Lewis Jamison, Brinley’s obstetrician out of Logan, Utah.

  Dr. Jamison had yet to arrive. A nurse told the waiting party that as the most qualified professional available, Jake was assisting the emergency-room doctor as the other man operated on Brinley. Ruby wondered how Jake could do it. Being a part of the operation on his beloved sister and knowing if they didn’t succeed he’d not only lose his only sibling, but he’d also leave his nephews without a mother.

  Michael wrapped his fingers around Ruby’s. She glanced up, and his eyes filled her with strength. She hadn’t let him act the part of Brinley’s grandfather. She didn’t know why. His strength was the only thing holding her up now.

  A tiny cry rent the air. Ruby’s jaw dropped, and hope flitted across Michael’s face. She clung to him.

  “Hallelujah, the little guy is all right,” Ellie cried out.

  Trevor looked up from the picture book Ellie was showing him. “Is that my brother?”

  Ruby nodded, moisture seeping from her eyes. “I think so, sweetheart.”

  “Can I see Mommy now?” Trevor whispered.

  Ruby hesitated. “Soon, sweetie, really soon.”

  Ellie gathered the boy against her small frame. “We’ll see Mommy and the baby in a minute, sweetheart. I think Aunt Ellie needs to buy you a treat first, so you’re strong and ready to help your Mom and hold your baby brother. What do you think?”

  The boy shrugged. “I guess so.” He slipped off her lap and toddled to the vending machines. Ellie was ready with a handful of quarters.

  Michael pulled Ruby close. The high-pitched cry grew stronger, but it soon disappeared under the doctor’s shouts and Jake’s voice calling out commands. What was happening? Ruby strained against Michael’s grip.

  “Wait.” He held her to him. “Jake will come when it’s okay.”

  “But that’s my girl in there,” Ruby said, still struggling against him.

  “I know, sweetie, and we’ll both be with her soon, but they’re fighting for Brinley’s life and we don’t want to do anything to interfere.”

  It took her several seconds to realize he was right. “Okay.” Ruby nodded against his chest. “But Michael, if something happens to her…”

  “I’ll be here.”

  She didn’t reply as her tears wet his shirt.

  “Would you like me to pray?” he asked.

  Ruby nodded, and Michael started praying for their granddaughter and new great-grandson. Minutes ticked by, each more agonizing than the last. When the door opened behind them, Michael closed his prayer. Ruby heard the echoed amens of Ellie, Trevor, and the man in the doorway.

  “Unca Jake!” Trevor shouted.

  They all turned. Jake’s eyes drooped with emotion, but he smiled in relief. Trevor ran to him. Jake swooped him up. “She’s okay, buddy,” he said. “Your mom is going to be okay.”

  Trevor leaned his head on Jake’s shoulder. “Can I see her?” he asked in a small voice.

  “In a minute,” Jake said, rubbing his nephew’s back. He glanced at Ruby. “The little guy is perfect.”

  Ruby broke Michael’s hold and rushed to Jake, squeezing Trevor between them. “Oh, thank you, Lord. Oh, thank you, Jake.”

  “Heaven help us, another boy,” Ellie muttered with a grin.

  Michael joined Ruby, shaking Jake’s hand. “Good job, son.”

  Jake searched Michael’s eyes. “Thanks.” He released Michael’s hand, and his eyes swept the ladies. “If you’ll all wash up, you can see the baby. Brinley’s coming around now. She lost a lot of blood and she’ll be weak for a while, but her body responded well to the transfusions and the surgery.”

  They trailed behind Jake while he spoke.

  “Why did she hemorrhage?” Ruby asked.

  “The placenta tore away from the uterine wall and caused some damage. We’ve repaired it, and she should be able to have more children.” He grimaced. “And to think I used to want to be a surgeon.”

  They reached the sink, took turns sterilizing their hands and arms, and then hurried to Brinley’s bedside. Her face was ashen, but she smiled when they approached the bed, not questioning Michael’s presence. The nurse transferred her small bundle to Ruby’s eager hands. Brinley reached for her older son and held him close.

  Trevor patted her cheeks and grinned. “Mommy, you’re okay.”

  She smiled weakly. “I’m great now that you’re here. I hear you’re my hero, buddy.”

  Trevor beamed. “I did what you said. I found Gramma Ruby and Unca Jake.”

  “You did good, sweetie.” Brinley’s voice caught. She blinked, but the tears still raced to her chin. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Trevor snuggled into her arms. “Is that my brother?”

  Everyone’s eyes swung to the bundle in Ruby’s arms. Ruby stared at him with wonder. He was so soft, so tiny. The newborn gazed knowingly into his great-grandmother’s eyes. “Oh, he’s so perfect, Brinley.”

  “I know.”

  A shock of dark hair sprung from his crown. Michael trailed a finger through it. “Look at all his hair.”

  “He is gorgeous,” Ruby crooned, then placed a kiss on the baby’s downy cheek.

  Ellie couldn’t be left out. “I don’t know about gorgeous. His skin looks a little yellow to me.”

  Brinley smiled patiently. “I’m sure he’ll be okay, I’ve got an amazing doctor.” She winked at Jake.

  He squeezed her hand. “And I’m glad I still have an amazing sister.”

  “What’s my baby’s name?” Trevor interrupted.

  Brinley rested her forehead against Trevor’s. “I don’t know, sweetie. What do you think we should call him?”

  The little boy tapped his chin. “How about Spider-Man?”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Sorry.” Brinley shook her head and rested it against the pillows. “Not Spider-Man.”

  “Dora?”

  His mother tweaked his nose with her finger and thumb. “That’s a girl’s name.”

  “Boy’s name, boy’s name.” Trevor’s eyes crossed as he contemplated. “I’ve got it,” he yelled. “Fudge!”

  “What?” Brinley looked exhausted, but Ruby didn’t want to suggest that she rest. Not yet.

  “Fudge,” Trevor repeated. “That’s a boy’s name in that book you just read me.”

  Brinley laughed. “Not Fudge.”

  The little boy twisted a strand of his mom’s silken hair, obviously content to be perched next to her as the center of attention. “What about Trevor, since I saved the day?”

  She hugged him closer. “You did save the day, but it might be a little confusing to have two Trevors around. What do you think?”

  “Yeah. That would be confu… zon.” He stumbled over the word. “And even though Unca Jake was a good doctor, we don’t want two Jake’s around.” Trevor concentrated while the rest of the room held their breath and waited. “I’ve got it! Michael.” Trevor pointed in his direction.

 
Ruby’s breath stuck between her throat and her lungs. Everyone turned to stare at Michael.

  “Michael?” Brinley said quietly.

  “Yeah. Grandma Ruby’s new friend. He helped when you was hurt. He prayed and did a good prayer. Now you’re okay. He’s around Gramma Ruby a lot, but not so much as me and Unca Jake, so I think we should call my brother after him.”

  Michael’s face reddened. “That’s nice, Trevor, but you don’t need to name your baby brother after me.”

  Ruby nodded, her heart swelling. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

  Brinley hugged Trevor closer, kissing his cheek. “I like it too.” She looked at her new baby and whispered. “Welcome to the family, Michael.”

  Chills coursed through Ruby’s body. It was almost like Brinley was speaking to her grandfather as well.

  Ellie pursed her lips and muttered, “If only she knew how welcome and what a part of the family both Michaels are.”

  Ruby shot her a warning glance, but luckily Brinley and Jake were busy with Trevor. They didn’t hear Ellie or notice the wicked smile she cast at Michael.

  ***

  Chanel’s stomach clenched tighter and tighter as the minutes slipped away. What was happening at the hospital? Why hadn’t Ellie come back? Obviously, Chanel wouldn’t see Jake again today, but she was dying to hear some news from Ellie.

  The crowd milled around the cemetery, grumbling about the wait. Marissa’s daughter, Sara, bounced a fussy baby on her hip. As the time passed, Sara’s sour expression mirrored the baby’s.

  Chanel wanted to be at the hospital. Had Brinley’s baby been born? Was he healthy? Was Brinley all right? Chanel should’ve been a part of the group waiting for the new baby, even though she didn’t know Brinley very well. She loved Ruby, and truth be told, she was falling in love with Jake. She wanted to be there with them.

  A black Tahoe careened around the line of elm trees. With one tire on the lawn, the Tahoe bypassed the menagerie of cars and came to a stop dangerously close to a headstone. The door swung open and Ellie climbed out. Running with one hand clutching her hat and the other flailing at shoulder level, she screamed. “I’m here. Don’t worry. The baby’s healthy and ugly as a newborn can be.”

  She had everyone’s attention now. Panting for air, she kept going. “Brinley’s doing fine. Jake said she’ll be able to have more babies. Good news for all you single boys who want to knock up a beautiful girl and take no responsibility for the child. But give her a few months to rest up before you start pounding on her door.” Ignoring the stunned gasps and whispers, Ellie spotted Chanel and darted to her side.

  Chanel met her at a run. “Were there problems?” she asked.

  “Yes.” Ellie panted for breath. “Brinley about died from loss of blood. Her placenta ripped from some kind of wall, but Jake was brilliant.”

  Chanel’s heart thumped harder. “Jake?”

  Ellie winked and said loudly, “Jake and the emergency-room doc did it all. Chanel’s doctor showed up after the party. The gynie doc said Jake saved Brinley’s life and her uterus. The boy’s amazing. We’re all so proud.” She patted Chanel’s hand. “You’d better not let him go.”

  Chanel gnawed at her lip. How could she explain that Jake had already let her go?

  Ellie turned to the silent, gawking crowd. “Okay, you’ve all been waiting for me. Let’s get on with this speech.”

  She ushered everyone closer to Marissa’s coffin. When they were quiet and watching her expectantly, she began. “Now, I had a whole monologue written about my friend. But I’m betting you heard enough bragging about my Rissa during the funeral. All I’m going to say is this. There never was nor ever will be a better friend. Marissa was a kind, fun, lovely woman. I will miss her dearly.”

  She took a deep breath. “Seeing that new baby brought into this world just as Marissa has left it got me thinking.” Ellie’s eyes shifted to the sky. “I’ve always doubted, wondered why things happen the way they do, and how the Lord can truly find the time to care about each and every one of us.” She brought her gaze back to the crowd. “But I’m here to tell you he does. In the midst of our sadness and the senseless loss of Marissa, he blesses us with an angel baby. The thing may be ugly now, but you know he’ll be as gorgeous as Brinley and Jake soon enough.”

  Pausing, Ellie searched the crowd and focused in on Chanel. “What I’m trying to say is—life goes on. We’re all going to die, and that bites. But the Lord is waiting for us on the other side. The things we do for each other, the love we share, will never die.” Ellie turned her attention to the coffin and patted it with a black glove. “I love you, Rissa. Never told you that, but I did and I do. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for sharing your love with all of us. We’ll be lost without you.”

  Ellie paused, gently stroking the smooth wood. “It won’t be the same, but we know you’ll be watching over us.” She cleared her throat. “Don’t forget about us.” She bent and kissed the coffin, then whispered, “I’ll see you up there soon, my friend.” Straightening, Ellie closed her eyes. Tears escaped and ran down her soft cheeks.

  There was a moment of silence interspersed with sniffles and murmurs of approval. Ellie dried her eyes with a handkerchief, and then stuffed it into her purse. “All right, enough blubbering. I’m done.” She pointed. “Bishop, get on up here and dedicate this grave so we can go eat some ham and funeral potatoes.” She tapped the coffin. “I know—you loved them too. I’ll eat your share.”

  With that she swept to Chanel’s side and whispered, “How’d I do?”

  Chanel reached an arm around the frail shoulders and squeezed. “It was perfect.”

  The birds twittered in the trees, and a soft breeze played with her hair. Chanel still ached to be with Jake and his family, but here at this sacred spot, she felt peace.

  Chapter Twenty

  After checking on Brinley the next morning, Jake found himself driving up the canyon towards the retirement center. After almost losing his sister and nephew, he couldn’t stop himself from mulling over what he was doing—or rather not doing—with his life. It wasn’t like he was a bad guy. He accomplished a lot of good with his pediatric practice. He helped others every chance he got, and he loved his family. But he couldn’t forgive himself for Angela’s death and move past the hurt.

  He thought of Chanel. She was beautiful, smart, and fun—everything he’d been looking for. Yet when he imagined holding her and telling her how he felt, the guilt of betraying Angela consumed him. How could he move on and forget his first love? Then he thought of Brinley, unconscious and bloody, and how hard he’d prayed and fought to bring her back. How could he not live life when it was so fragile?

  Jake made up his mind. He wanted to see Chanel. He wouldn’t put his feelings on the table today, but maybe he could stop by her office on his way to see his grandma. He clenched his fingernails into his palms. His and Chanel’s last date had ended so awkwardly. Why had he opened up so much? And why had he demanded that she tell him her own secrets? He knew the answer to the second question. He wanted to comfort her, to help her. But he couldn’t take that comfort in return, and now he’d driven her away. He shook his head, disgusted with himself.

  He entered the retirement center through the back door. Nervous, he concentrated on the sound of his footsteps on the carpet. Soon, he reached Chanel’s office and poked his head in the door. She was gone.

  “Sorry, Jakey. The hottie is in town getting her hair done.”

  He whirled to face Ellie, unclenching his fists. “That’s fine. Where’s Grandma?”

  “Where is she always? With the manly hottie.” Ellie batted her eyelashes. “I think it’s love.”

  Jake’s eyes widened. “The manly hottie? You mean Michael?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “Hmm.” He stepped closer to Ellie. “So what’s your take on Grandma and Michael? I thought she hated him, and then it’s like a switch was flipped and all of a sudden she can’t get enough of him.�
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  Ellie shrugged. “Having your friends murdered has a way of changing what we think.”

  Jake watched his adopted aunt struggle with her emotions. He stooped and hugged the little woman. “Are you doing any better?”

  She shook her head, eyes glistening. “No.” She sniffled. “I miss her.”

  “Oh, Ellie, I’m sorry.”

  She pulled from his embrace. “Don’t give me that sorry business. I’ll get better.” She pivoted on her heel. “Come on, I’ll take you to Rubes.”

  Jake followed Ellie, wondering how to comfort her. He jammed a hand through his hair.

  Ruby and Michael snuggled together on a couch in the Palace’s commons area. Ellie cleared her throat. Ruby glanced up, saw Jake, and inserted several inches between herself and Michael.

  Michael stood. Jake bent and kissed Ruby, then straightened to shake the hand Michael offered.

  “How are you, Jake?” Michael asked before returning to his spot next to Ruby.

  “Okay.” Jake offered Ellie a chair. He sank into a fabric love seat across from the glowing couple, thinking that Grandma Ruby looked twenty years younger. “I just stopped by the hospital. Brinley’s doing good.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that,” Ruby said. “I talked with her early this morning and she sounded much better. Michael and I are going into town after lunch to pick up Trevor from his aunt, so he can stay the night with me here.” Ruby smiled up at Michael. “But we’ve got to run by the hospital first and see the cute little namesake.”

  Jake arched an eyebrow. “Well, you look like you’re doing good despite,” he waved his hands in the air, “everything.”

  Ruby smiled, tilting her head toward the handsome man at her side. “Michael’s been taking care of me.”

  Jake’s eyes widened. “Oh. That’s…good.”

  Ruby giggled. “Very good.”

  Ellie gave a disgusted sigh, but there was a smile in her eyes. Michael wrapped his arm around Ruby’s shoulder, his chest flared out like a rooster’s.