Callous Heir

by Michelle Heard

  When Mrs. Reyes pulls back, she places a cool palm to my jaw. “It wasn’t your fault. Okay?”

  Her words make me frown. “What do you mean?”

  Mr. Reyes pats my shoulder, then he explains, “The man who shot Carla lost his son three months ago. Your mother was his son’s doctor. After the death of his son, the man suffered a breakdown due to the grief.”

  My mind rushes to retrieve the information I have on the patient Mom lost.

  I have a twenty-year-old male patient who was rushed in with an aneurysm. Basically, the thoracic aorta consists of the aortic root…

  My twenty-year-old male patient died. The aorta ruptured, and he bled out within minutes. There was nothing I could do.

  My eyes lock with Mr. Reyes’. “So he came to Trinity to take revenge?”

  Mr. Reyes nods.

  The facts sink into my gut like hot coals.

  That man was there to kill me, and instead, Carla got shot.

  I close my eyes against the realization.

  Mrs. Reyes’ arms wrap around me again, and on autopilot, I hold her.

  I feel a hand on my back, and glancing to my right, I see it’s Dad. He smiles at Mr. and Mrs. Reyes, then says, “Carla is in good hands.”

  When Mom finally walks into the waiting room, I jump to my feet.

  Her eyes lock on mine, and she reaches a hand for me. When my fingers wrap around hers, she turns her attention to Mr. and Mrs. Reyes as well. “Carla is in recovery. The surgery went well. She’ll be in the ICU until she’s able to breathe on her own. I’m confident we’ll be able to move her to a private room tomorrow. Dr. Wells is happy with how the baby is doing. It’s a waiting game now.”

  “Thank you, Leigh,” Mrs. Reyes says as she comes to hug Mom. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.” Then Mom turns to me, and she wraps her arms around me. After we’ve hugged, Mom says, “I made several small cuts over the chest wall, and I performed a video-assisted thoracotomy surgery. I felt it would be less invasive. I removed the bullet and drained all the blood that built up. Carla will heal faster than if I’d performed an open lung surgery. She has a chest tube in to drain any fluid that might build up.”

  I nod to show I understand.

  “Carla will probably have to stay in the hospital for five to seven days, depending on how quickly she heals.” Mom’s eyes lock on Carla’s parents. “As she’s in the ICU, we can only allow two visitors at a time, but for the first visit, we’ll allow both of you and Noah.” Mom turns her gaze to me. “But you only get five minutes, then you need to go shower and change into clean clothes.”

  I nod, just happy I’ll get to see Carla.

  I let Mr. and Mrs. Reyes walk first before I follow after them. We sanitize our hands and entering the ICU, Mom gestures to our left.

  The moment my eyes land on Carla, there’s a severe blow to my gut. Seeing all the tubes, the IV, the machines… they make her look so fucking fragile.

  Slowly, I move closer as if any sudden movement might hurt her. Mrs. Reyes lets out a soft sob as she takes in the state of the daughter.

  Mr. Reyes looks at me. “You go first, Noah.”

  “Thank you,” I murmur as I move to the other side of the bed. I reach for Carla’s hand, and the moment my fingers brush over her warm skin, my heart squeezes painfully.

  I move my other hand to her stomach and keeping my touch gentle, my eyes drift shut.

  They’re alive. That’s all that matters.

  Right now, Carla and Raspberry are still with me.

  Leaning over Carla, I press a kiss to her forehead, then I murmur, “Keep fighting for me. I love you.” I press another kiss to her skin, then I pull back.

  I move to the foot end of the bed, and as Mr. Reyes passes by me, he gives me a smile.

  My eyes go back to Carla’s face, and I just drink in the sight of her. My emotions keep fluctuating between hope and apprehension.

  Mom takes hold of my arm, and leaning into me, she says, “Kao’s waiting to take you home. Try not to worry too much. I’ll take good care of them.”

  I press a kiss to her cheek, murmuring, “Thank you, Mom.”

  As I leave the hospital with Kao, I’m exhausted, but I know there’s no way I’ll be able to find a moment's rest until I hear Carla’s voice and see her eyes again.

  Chapter 24

  NOAH

  When we reach Trinity, I say, “You should be with Fallon. I’m just going to shower and get some sleep.”

  I can see Kao’s torn as he asks, “Are you sure?”

  Like Carla’s become the most important person in my life, Fallon is that to Kao. “Yeah. I’ll call you when I wake up.”

  Kao stops the car in front of the dorms, and as I open the door, he says, “Call me any time. Okay?”

  I meet his eyes for a moment and even manage a weak smile. “Thank you for everything.”

  “Of course.”

  I climb out, and after shutting the door, I watch as Kao drives away. I glance over the area between the dorms and the library. There’s no sign of the traumatic event which took place this afternoon.

  My feet begin to move until I reach the spot where Carla fell. Crouching, my eyes scan for any signs of blood, but there’s none. The staff must’ve cleaned up.

  Rising back to my feet, I head to the suite, and the moment I’m standing in the middle of my room, the days’ events replay in my mind.

  The car crashing through the security barrier.

  Carla’s scream.

  The gunshot.

  Carla dropping to the ground.

  The sound of her coughing.

  Her blood splattering over me.

  Her eyes.

  Remembering her fear makes me snap. A growl builds in my chest as I lash out at the laptop and stationery on my desk. Angrily, I sow destruction in my room until nothing looks like it used to. I drop to the floor and bite into the back of my hand as the anger turns to a raw ache.

  Sucking in a desperate breath, I try to regain control of my chaotic emotions, but unable to, I shout, “Fuck!”

  Just then, the door to my bedroom opens, and Kao comes in. He takes one look at me and grumbles, “Yeah, I thought so.” He comes to sit next to me. “Fallon is with her family. I’m staying.”

  I begin to shake my head, which has Kao growling, “I’m staying.”

  After a couple of seconds, I whisper, “She looked so fragile hooked up to all those machines.”

  “The surgery went well,” Kao reminds me.

  “Yeah,” I murmur, my voice hoarse from the worry.

  CARLA

  Waking up, a weird whooshing sound draws my attention, and then it’s joined by a beeping sound. It sounds like a car is idling in the distance.

  Confused, I blink.

  A sharper beep that sounds similar to an alarm gets through the brain-fog.

  I hear voices and movement, and then I feel a kiss against my temple.

  It takes more strength than I have to pry my eyes open.

  “Sweetheart,” I hear Dad exclaim.

  My sight won’t focus on anything but blurs of light.

  “Baby, hello… you’re doing so well,” I hear Mom.

  “Ah…” Dad sighs with absolute relief, and I feel another kiss on my forehead. “You’re so strong.”

  “We love you,” Mom says before a relieved chuckle escapes her.

  Noah.

  Raspberry.

  My parents fade down a dark tunnel as I can’t stay awake any longer.

  NOAH

  Mom: Carla woke up for a moment. There’s no mucus forming in her airways, and she’s recovering at a satisfactory rate. Both she and the baby are doing well. Love you.

  My body goes lax with relief.

  Kao left twenty minutes ago to be with Fallon. I shower quickly and rush through my routine.

  Taking a deep breath, I tuck my phone in my pocket as I head to Carla’s room. I grab the first stuffed animal we bought for Raspberry from her bed, and
then I leave the suite.

  When I get to the hospital, I quickly walk to the ICU. I sanitize my hands and then head inside.

  Miss Sebastian comes to give me a hug. “They’re doing well.”

  “That’s good news.” I walk to Carla’s bed and smile at Mrs. Reyes. “Where’s Mr. Reyes?”

  “He went to get some coffee. We can take turns to sit with Carla.”

  “Thank you.”

  Setting the elephant down by Carla’s feet, I lean over her and press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Hi…” my voice cracks on the word, and I take a deep breath of Carla’s scent to calm my emotions.

  As I pull back, her eyes open, and the sight of her brown irises sends a rush of goosebumps over my body. “Carla,” I gasp, pure relief and joy instantly making me feel high. I grab hold of her hand. “Squeeze my hand if you can hear me.” Her grip is weak, but it’s there.

  Mrs. Reyes presses a kiss to Carla’s temple. “I love you, my baby.” She gestures for me to continue.

  “Raspberry’s doing well,” I say, and Carla squeezes my hand again. “Keep fighting.” A weaker squeeze. “I love you more than anything.” Her fingers lose all strength as her eyes drift shut.

  I press another kiss to her forehead, and keeping my mouth against her skin, I close my eyes as I soak in the feel of her.

  “She keeps waking up for brief moments. It’s a good sign,” Mrs. Reyes says.

  Straightening up, I smile at Carla’s mom. “Yeah.”

  My gaze instantly returns to Carla’s face. I stand and stare at the woman who holds my life in the palm of her hand.

  “You really love her,” Mrs. Reyes says.

  My gaze darts to hers. “With all my heart.”

  A smile spreads across Mrs. Reyes’ face. “I’m glad.”

  I place my other hand on Carla’s stomach and murmur, “Daddy’s here. Just keep growing. I can’t wait to meet you.”

  Carla’s eyes flutter open again, and this time it looks like she’s able to focus more.

  “Hi, beautiful,” Mrs. Reyes coos. “You just keep resting. Okay? You’re doing well.”

  Carla’s gaze turns to me, and my lips instantly curve up. “You have another visitor.” I pick up the stuffed animal to show her. “He missed you as well.”

  Leaning over Carla, I press a kiss to the side of her head, and then I say, “I love you. Just keep getting better. I need you.”

  She squeezes my hand, her grip stronger than before.

  With a hand on Carla’s stomach and the other holding hers, I stare into her eyes, just taking in the life shining from them.

  “Thank you for fighting so hard,” I murmur. Her grip feels weaker again, and knowing she’ll probably fall asleep soon, I add, “I love you more than anything.”

  I watch as her eyes drift shut, and then I close my own, sending up a prayer of thanks.

  Chapter 25

  NOAH

  I watch as Mom leans over Carla. “When you cough, the tube will come out. Okay?”

  Carla nods.

  Mom gets ready, then she smiles at Carla. “Cough for me.” I watch as Mom pulls the tube out just as Carla gives a weak cough. “Oh, you did so well,” Mom praises her while she positions an oxygen mask over Carla’s nose and mouth. Carla coughs twice more, but she seems to be holding her own at the moment.

  Mom pats Carla’s shoulder as she checks all the vitals. “Let’s give it a bit of time, and if you continue to do well on your own, we’ll move you to a private room.”

  Carla nods again.

  Mom gives my arm a squeeze, and just then, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes comes back into the ICU. They went home to change into clean clothes.

  Mom talks with them, and I take a moment to press a kiss to Carla’s temple. “You’re badass. I’m so proud of you.”

  Pulling back, I see Carla’s trying to smile. “I’m going to let your parents visit for a while. Okay? Once you’re in the private room, I won’t leave your side.”

  Carla nods to show she understands.

  I press a kiss to her stomach before I walk to where Mr. and Mrs. Reyes are talking to Mom.

  Mrs. Reyes gives me a sideways hug, and then she goes to Carla. “Hi, sweetheart. Are you feeling better?”

  I watch as Carla nods, then I leave the ICU.

  “Noah,” Mom calls behind me. I stop and turn back to her. “Dr. Wells will do a scan as soon as we move Carla to a private room. If she continues to breathe on her own, it will probably be in two hours.”

  Happiness courses through my veins, and I grab Mom in a hug. “That’s the best news. Thank you so much, Mom. God, you’re a miracle worker.”

  Mom lets out a chuckle. “Go have something to eat, please.”

  “I’ll just hang out in the cafeteria while I wait.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’ll message you when we’re ready to move, Carla.”

  I press a kiss to Mom’s cheek.

  When I start to walk down the hallway, Mom says, “Don’t have the meatloaf.”

  I let out a chuckle. “Okay.”

  I’ve just taken a seat at a table with a chicken sandwich when Mr. Reyes comes in. He gets himself a coffee before he comes to join me.

  We sit in silence for a while, then I mention, “My mom said Dr. Wells will do a scan later. We might be able to determine the sex of the baby. You and Mrs. Reyes should be there.”

  The corner of Mr. Reyes’ mouth tips up. “We’d love that.” He takes a sip of his coffee, then his face turns grim as he says, “The man who shot Carla has been admitted to an asylum. They say he suffered a mental breakdown brought on by the loss of his son.”

  Shaking my head, I mutter, “It’s still… I can’t believe it happened.” My gaze locks with his. “I’m guessing my mother doesn’t know yet?”

  “No, I thought it would be best if we only tell her after Carla is out of the ICU.” He lets out a hollow-sounding chuckle. “Selfish of me, I know. But I wanted her to focus on Carla.”

  “You did the right thing,” I assure him. “I’d like to tell my mom, or she’ll blame herself.”

  “Okay,” Mr. Reyes agrees. “Let me know if you want me there.”

  My mouth curves up. “Thanks, Mr. Reyes.”

  His gaze meets mine, the corner of his mouth lifting. “You might as well call me Julian, seeing as our lives are intertwined now.” Surprised, I stare at him, and it makes him frown as he continues, “Uncle Julian just doesn’t sound right.”

  I let out a chuckle because I can’t see myself calling him uncle. “Julian, it is. It might take me a while to get used to calling you by your first name, though.”

  His smile grows before the serious look returns to his features. “I’ve watched the security footage on campus.” His eyes lock on mine again. “You reacted fast. Thank you.”

  Unable to accept the thanks, I can only nod because it’s my duty to protect Carla. She shouldn’t have been shot in the first place.

  We both take a deep breath, and after Julian finishes with his beverage, he asks, “Where are you thinking of purchasing a house?”

  “We haven’t decided on a specific area, and the places we’ve seen so far weren’t to our liking. I got Kao and Fallon’s agent's details. I’ll give her a call and see what’s on the market once Carla has been discharged from the hospital.”

  “Let me know if you need help,” he offers.

  My mouth twitches as I suppress the smile.

  Carla will be glad to hear things are better between her father and me.

  CARLA

  For the past two hours, my mind’s been racing, trying to catch up with everything that happened. I’m struggling to come to terms with the fact I was shot.

  As I’m moved onto the bed in the private room, my parents and Noah stand to the side, so they’re out of the way.

  Tired, my body relaxes against the pillows.

  Miss Sebastian makes sure my IV is flowing right, then she checks my oxygen mask. “There you go. Dr. Wells will come to check
on you soon.” She points to a remote. “Just press this button if you need assistance.”

  I nod and say, “Thank you.” The words are muted by the mask.

  “We’ll start decreasing the pain medication, as well,” she informs me.

  I’ve only felt discomfort so far, but I’m sure the medication can’t be good for Raspberry. “The sooner, the better,” I agree, not wanting to risk Raspberry’s health.

  Miss Sebastian pats my hand before she leaves to attend to her other duties.

  Mom’s the first to approach the bed. “Is there anything I can bring you?”

  I shake my head. “Noah can bring my clothes…” feeling breathless, I take a moment to get air into my lungs, then I continue, “…from the suite.”

  Dad comes to press a kiss to my forehead, then he says, “I need to get back to work, but I’ll see you later. Okay?”

  I nod. “Thanks for being here, Daddy.”

  He gives me a loving smile before he walks back to where Noah is standing.

  Noah’s eyes meet mine, then he says, “I’m going to pack your bag, then I’ll be back.”

  When the men leave, it’s just Mom and me. She takes a seat next to the bed, and her eyes scan over me.

  “I’m much better,” I say to ease any worry she might have.

  Mom nods. “I know.” Leaning forward, she takes hold of my hand. “How do you feel emotionally?”

  I stare at Mom as I try to gather my thoughts. “I’m confused.” I take a couple of breaths. “I don’t understand why it happened.”

  Mom glances at the door before she says, “Noah and your father will talk to Leigh.” I frown, the sudden change in topic throwing me for a loop. Then Mom explains, “The shooter’s son died during surgery. Leigh was the surgeon. The man blamed her, and he wanted to take revenge by killing Noah.”

  My eyes widen as I gasp for a breath of air. “What?”

  Mom rubs her hand over mine. “He’s unstable due to the loss he suffered. Your father watched the footage. When the guards tackled the man, the gun went off, and you got shot. Your Uncle Lake is handling the matter, and he said the man will be in a mental asylum for a very long time. I’m guessing once he’s learned to deal with his grief, he’ll have to face his guilt as well.”