The Candy Bar Complete - 4 book box set: Candy Bar Series

by Patrice Wilton

  “We’re just his friends. I don’t even know his family, although his mother lives locally. I suppose someone should notify her.”

  “The patient will be able to make the call. He’ll be awake soon and probably won’t be sleeping much at all tonight.”

  “How long will he be in the hospital?” I asked.

  “A few days, more than likely. Not only did he have the collapsed lung, but several broken ribs. He was under anesthesia when they inserted the chest tube, and will be in considerable pain.” She carried on, “Likely, they’ll want to keep him here until the chest tube is removed. Another x-ray will indicate when his lungs are clear and then he’ll be released. It can take several days.”

  She smiled again. “I’m sure the doctor will be in later to explain all this.”

  “The chest tube drains fluid from his lungs?” Billy asked. “Or is it air that’s trapped there?”

  “That’s a good question. Are you studying medicine?” she asked with interest.

  “No. Hardly. I have a business degree. But I googled it on my iPhone while I was waiting.”

  “Ah…technology. Hardly need a medical degree anymore. We can learn everything online.” She laughed. “In his case he not only had air trapped but there was bleeding from the contusion. What happened?” She gave us a quick look. “You both have soot on your clothes and face.”

  I hadn’t realized how bad we looked, because basically the four of us had looked the same. I sniffed my sleeve, realizing I also stank.

  Billy gave her the details while I pulled over a chair and sat next to Jake, stroking his hand.

  After a few minutes he opened his eyes.

  “Candy…” he whispered.

  “Oh, Jake. Jake…you’re going to be fine.”

  His eyes roamed over the room. “Hey, Billy. How’s the bar?”

  “Interior damage,” Billy answered. “But the structure of the building is still sound.”

  He sounded like he knew what he was talking about, but I had a sneaky suspicion he made that up for Jake’s sake. And mine, I suppose.

  “Good. Glad to hear it. We’re going into business together, right?”

  “Right,” Billy said.

  I squeezed Jake’s hand, wondering just when the two of them had contrived this plan. “You kicking me out?”

  “Never. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  “I could still call Carl Richards. I’m sure he’d be willing to make me an offer. At a fire-sale price.”

  “Don’t bother. Me and Billy can make it work. The inside needed a little sprucing up. Maybe this was the best thing that could happen.”

  “Are you kidding me? You nearly died. And we had about a hundred people in there.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t mean it, anyhow. Just teasing.”

  The pretty nurse was lingering, and she gave Jake a big smile. “Hi. I’m Krista. I’ll be on duty tonight.. Would you like something? There’s iced water next to you, but I could get you juice, or a sandwich in about an hour.”

  “No, not now. But thanks.” His eyes followed her as she left.

  “She’s pretty,” I said, removing my hand from his.

  “So are you,” he answered, giving Billy a sideways look.

  “Susie and Fran are waiting outside. I should probably let them visit quickly, then they can go home.”

  “You could. Or you could stay with me.”

  Billy spoke. “I’ll go. They’ll want to see you.”

  The moment he left, tears welled in my eyes. “I don’t know what I’d have done if I’d lost you.”

  “You didn’t. I was in the supply room, and that must be where they put the explosive. The cops gotta do something now. They can’t ignore this problem any longer.”

  “You’re right. I’m sure with this whole neighborhood watch thing going on, they’ll be on top of it. Lydia will be cracking the whip too.”

  “Did everyone get out all right?” His eyes looked worried.

  “Yes. Everyone got out safely. Thank God!” I touched his cheek. “When the girls get here, ask them what they have planned. You’re going to love this,” I said with a grin.

  Just then they walked in.

  “Jake!” Susie cried, running over to give him a big sloppy kiss.

  Fran pushed her way in too, and dripped tears all over his face. “You big hunk. What were you doing back there? Acting the hero? Why didn’t you get out like the rest of us? No common sense. That’s your problem.”

  “I intend to take over the place one day, and wanted to save what I could. No way was I going to let all that magic disappear. Not until I get some.” He grinned, and I’m telling you now, my heart flipped over.

  Why wasn’t I madly in love with this man? He was sweet, sexy, warm hearted and gorgeous—and right here in front of me. Why did I always want the ones who were either wrong or unavailable?

  As I sat and watched the girls fuss over Jake, I wondered what it would be like to be married to a man I adored, as all my friends were. Their husbands were all loyal, hard-working, good, sensitive men, and I envied their happiness.

  It must be something wrong with me, I decided. Something fundamentally wrong, because seeing Jake smiling and flirting with my friends, warmed me to the core. I loved him as much as I did them.

  No more. No less.

  I knew only two people were allowed in the room, and I stood up to leave and nearly bumped into Krista, the young nurse, who stood watching from the doorway.

  She had one hand at her chest, and was looking at Jake the way I should have been. Eyes shining brightly, cheeks flushed, the young woman looked thunderstruck.

  I touched her arm. “I’m going to go home now and shower. Tell Jake that I’ll be back later, will you?”

  “Of course. Is he your boyfriend?”

  I smiled. “No. I wish he was, but I think there’s some young woman waiting for him and it isn’t me.”

  She blushed and looked away. “He’s very attractive. I imagine he doesn’t have trouble finding women.”

  I glanced back at him and blew a kiss. “If I were you, I’d give it a try.”

  Before the nurse could reply, I pushed out the door and found Billy in the waiting area.

  “Let’s go home now. We both need a shower and to catch some sleep. I’m sure the police will want to speak with us again tonight, or first thing in the morning, and I want to be back here when Jake wakes up.”

  “You’re not going to stay the night? I thought you would.”

  “No. He needs his sleep and so do I. Besides, he’s got a pretty nurse by his side.”

  “She’s got nothing on you.” He frowned and ran a frustrated hand over his unshaven jaw. “He loves you. Why are you leaving?”

  “A person can’t choose the one they love.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Billy quizzed me a little on the way home, but I gave him enough generalities that he let the conversation go. Bottom line. I did love Jake, but Jake unfortunately was right. I loved him like I did Susie, Lydia and Fran. He was one of the gang, my close-knit circle of friends. My family of friends.

  Back in the apartment, I quickly showered the day’s filth of my body and before I slipped into bed I checked my phone and saw a few text messages. There were two from Harrison which didn’t surprise me. I knew that Katie would have called him and that he’d be concerned.

  I was exhausted, and didn’t want to speak about any of this. Not now. When I had a little more emotional distance, I’d call. Still, I figured he at least deserved a response.

  I texted him a quick message saying Jake was hurt, but out of danger, and that I’d call in the next few days when things were settled. Then I turned out the light and crept under the covers, hoping to put everything out of my brain so I could sleep.

  It was a restless night, but I got up early, made Billy and I breakfast of bacon and eggs, realizing we’d both need our strength.

  “I’m going to the Candy Bar to c
heck things out,” I told Billy over a second cup of coffee. “I’ll meet you at the hospital when I’m done.”

  “Like hell you will,” Billy said quietly. He picked up the dishes from the table and began loading the dishwasher. “I’m going with you. I want to see what’s happening too.”

  “I’m sure they’ll have it taped off,” I told him. “Until the investigation is over, it’s not likely they will let us or anyone in. Even if we do own the place.” The idea of Billy, with Jake, running the Candy Bar, was beginning to settle. I was warming to the idea and seeing great possibilities ahead.

  “They might. It’s worth a try.”

  “I wonder if we’re suspects?” I asked Billy. “They haven’t asked me too many questions, but I’m betting that they are looking into my financial records. Making sure we’re not after insurance money.”

  He grinned. “You watch too much TV. Why would they suspect you? We were all there. Me, your friends, and half the neighborhood.”

  “That’s true.” I made a goofy face. “I guess I thought before I spoke. Funny how something like this can make a person nervous, feeling guilty even when they are the innocent victims.”

  “Not me. I feel like getting my hands on the person or people responsible and wringing a few necks.”

  I snorted. “I like your feelings better than mine.”

  We locked up and headed downstairs to my car. On my way, I called John, and asked him how the investigation was going.

  “Candy, we have the arson squad on it, but it’s going to take a few days to get an official report. You know I’ll do my best to keep you informed.” He cleared his throat. “How’re you hanging in? I’m sure you’re taking it hard. That place was your second baby.”

  I gave a weak laugh. “Yeah, it’s tough all right. Thank God there was no loss of life. With all those people in there, I’m not sure how we all managed to get out. Your crew did a fine job as usual, John. Stopped the fire from spreading and minimized the damage.” My voice broke. “Plus you saved Jake.”

  “Well, we couldn’t leave him behind, now could we?” His voice was gentle. “Fran told me how you wanted to stay and fight the fire, and how she and Susie had to forcefully remove you. I’m glad your friends were there. But if anything had happened to her…”

  “I know, John. We were all so lucky. If anything had happened to one of my friends, or Billy—well, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation. I don’t know what I’d have done, I can’t even bare to think of it.”

  Billy said, “Mom,” and took away the phone, telling John good-bye. He handed me a tissue from the glove box and I dried my eyes. For a woman who hated to cry, tears seemed to be non-stop.

  A few minutes later we pulled up in front of the bar,and after one hasty glance I sat in the car, too stricken to speak.

  “Shit!” Billy yelped. “Those frickin’ bastards. Look what they did!”

  Tears rolled down my cheeks. My beautiful brick building was now ugly and blackened from the fire. It had my breakfast rolling around my stomach, and I gagged.

  “You all right?” Billy asked, putting a protective hand on my shoulder.

  I held on to my stomach and took several deep breaths, willing the food to stay in place. My brow beaded with perspiration and my mouth soured.

  “I hope so.” I mopped up more tears with shaky fingers. “It’s worse seeing it than I’d imagined.”

  “I knew it would be. Didn’t want you coming here alone.”

  “Thanks, Billy.” I forced a smile which was more of a grimace. “When did you turn into such a nice kid? I must have been sleeping or something.”

  “When I started to grow up.” He looked at me, serious for a sec. “Once I was in college and had to do everything on my own, I realized how good I had it back home. I never appreciated you enough.”

  His words caused my eyes to tear up. Again. All this emotion lately was getting the better of me. “Ah…you were just a kid. They never appreciate their mothers.”

  “Well, when I have a son of my own, I will make sure he does.”

  I swallowed a lump of more guilt. If he’d had a father, so much would have been different. He’d have had better supervision, a loving hand to guide him and teach him manly stuff. Still, I’d done the best I could, and—surprise, surprise—he hadn’t turned out too bad after all.

  “So you ready to take a look inside?” he asked me.

  I nodded and grabbed a few more tissues for good measure. I wadded them tightly in the palm of my hand. “Sure. Let’s do it. I know it won’t be pretty.”

  We stepped around the big yellow tape across the door, mutually agreeing to ignore that little obstacle. What could the authorities do? Sue me? My heart had already been ripped out, and I felt as though I’d been bled dry.

  I handed Billy the key from my handbag and he pushed the door ajar.

  We didn’t step in. We didn’t have to. The big, ashy cavern of a place was all that was left. The beautiful mahogany bar was gone, the stage, all the tables and chairs. My eyes swept everywhere, but nothing remained except a handful of memories.

  Not that I cared a rat’s ass about the material stuff. What mattered to me was the mural that Susie had painted so beautifully, and the brick wall behind the bar—that had so many happy times in the past warned us of the magic.

  Had it somehow survived? And what about the poor Indians buried beneath? Had their long-lost spirits survived too? Were they still hooping and hollering around, furious at this new outrage, or were they to be silenced forever?

  * * *

  A short time later Billy and I walked into Jake’s room and found him sitting up in bed. He looked much better than the night before. The oxygen tubes were out of his nose, but we could see his breathing was labored.

  He grinned when he saw us. “Hey! Thanks for coming. I wasn’t sure if you were stopping by. Figured you’d have enough to do with the investigation and such.”

  “Naw. Nothing’s more important than you,” I told him, and leaned in for a quick peck to the cheek.

  His eyes searched mine. “Did you go over there today?” At my nod, he spoke gently, “How bad was it?”

  I swallowed hard and bit my bottom lip. Words were still difficult for me. Speaking of this loss would only result in a crying jag, and that was so not going to happen. Those mobsters might take everything from me, but they wouldn’t break me.

  Billy answered for me. “Nothing’s left. The structure is still standing but the place is gutted inside.”

  Jake nodded. “Figured it would be. Shit. With all that liquor around, the place went up like a torch. Didn’t take any smarts for those assholes to figure that out.”

  A faint smile turned up the corner of my lip. “Why didn’t they leave a calling card?” I asked Jake. “That way the police could just pick them up.” A thought occurred to me. “Our security cameras probably were destroyed but I bet some of the other businesses in the area still have theirs. Wouldn’t they be seen collecting every month? What do you think?”

  “I’m sure the guys are smarter than that,” Billy answered. “They’d conduct their business out of sight of the cameras, or they are too stupid for words.”

  “You’re probably right. But if the police could bring around a photo album of hoodlums, maybe the business owners could pick them out.”

  Jake grinned. “A nice big fat family album filled with mug shots? You’re a sweetheart, but you make me laugh.”

  “Well, whatever they call it. A mug book then.”

  “Tell the police to get over here.” Jake sat up straighter. “I’m sure I could finger the guy that put the heat on me and slipped cocaine behind the bar.”

  “You bet I will.”

  The morning drifted into the afternoon and the police came and went. It seemed like there was a steady stream of traffic in Jake’s room. The girls came of course, and there were doctors and nurses and people jabbing him with needles and taking his blood pressure every few hours. The usual f
un and games of a hospital visit.

  I kept my eyes out for Krista, wondering if she’d be on duty again today. Perhaps she was on the night shift. I hoped so. While I was home sleeping I wanted him in good hands.

  All the activity wore Jake out, and he drifted off to sleep. Billy left for the apartment, but I stayed a little longer. Going home would only make the reality of everything that much harder to bear. Here, I had little time to think.

  I fell asleep in the chair, my hand gripping Jake’s.

  After awhile I awoke, feeling someone standing over me. I pushed my hair out of my eyes, straightened up and lifted my head.

  Harrison. He had come.

  My heart skipped several beats—I really should see a cardiologist with all the dancing it’s been doing lately—and I whispered his name.

  “Candy. How are you holding up?” His hand touched my hair, then stroked my back.

  “Better now. What are you doing here? You have an important case to try.”

  “It can wait. Besides, my sympathies are with the woman, and that’s never a good thing for a prosecutor to feel.”

  “It is, if you’re the person charged with the crime.” My nose crinkled up at him. “I’d like very much for the prosecutor to be on my side.”

  “I am.” He gave me a warm smile. “How’s Jake doing?”

  “Not great. But he’ll be out in a few days, hopefully.”

  “Can we go somewhere? Grab a bite to eat? I left the office before noon today and never had any lunch. It’s what?” He glanced at his Rolex. “Four already. What do you say to an early dinner?”

  “Sure. As long as we’re not gone long. I’d like to be back when Jake wakes up. It was a trying day today, what with visitors, the police, and he was in pain, I could tell.”

  “No problem. I won’t keep you away.”

  “Okay.” I picked up my handbag and my ebook reader, and kissed Jake’s cheek. “See you later, pal.” His eyes flickered but didn’t open.

  “You want to eat in the cafeteria?” Harrison asked as we made our way to the elevators.

  “No, I’ve been here most of the day. Let’s get some fresh air.” The elevator door opened and we stepped inside, sliding toward the back to accommodate a wheelchair and attendant. “I know an outside café where we can catch a quick bite.”