by WL Knightly
He pulled up his camera, hoping to see his place, and found there was a problem with the app. He’d have to check it later.
“How’s it going?”
He looked up and saw Brandy standing at the foot of his bed. “Good,” he said. “I can’t get the girls on the phone. Did you tell me you told Lolly and Beth about the shooting?”
She gave him a puzzled look. “Yeah, I talked to them both. They were pretty upset. Did you call both numbers?”
“Yeah, I did. I’ve got a bad feeling about things there.”
She gave him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I know this can’t be easy for you being away for so long, but you left Jim in charge, and things should be okay.”
“No, they’re not.” He closed his eyes. “Neither of those bitches ever gave a shit about me.” He had met them a week apart, and instead of them being offended by the other, they were willing to share. Mostly because they liked the idea of threesomes and they were best friends.
Brandy looked to the floor, and the look on her face was one that screamed, I told you so. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to call them from my phone and see if I can get an answer.” She took out her phone, but Justin shook his head.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “I’ll deal with them when I get back home. Whenever that will be.”
“I think you’ll be released tomorrow, actually. If you want to get back home, I’ll understand. I think the others are going to head out too. Mia said Bay is going to be released. We’re all staying at Lane’s together still.”
“That’s good. It was nice of him to offer that.”
“Yeah, he’s been great. I know he feels bad about the shooting. Like it was his fault it happened at his restaurant.”
Lane had always been a good guy, and there were a few times he’d helped Justin out with some advice. Not many people had wanted to put up with him and his conspiracy theories, but Lane had listened and not judged.
“Any new word on who the hell it was?”
“No, I’m afraid not.” She let out a long breath. “Look, I hate to abandon you, but Corey could wake up any minute, and I really need to get back. I had just wanted to check on your really fast.”
“I’m still breathing,” he said.
She gave him an apologetic look. “I know you’re sick of being in bed. I’ll be back around to check on you, and maybe we can get you up and down for a visit soon?”
He nodded and forced a smile. He was incredibly lonely and envious of Corey for having her. “Yeah, sure. Go on ahead; I’ll just take a nap. I’m feeling a bit tired.”
With one more smile, she left, and he let out a long sigh. Two fucking girlfriends and neither can make up for the woman she is.
Chapter 6
Darek
Darek walked down the hall to Corey’s room. After spending some time with Justin, most of which he was asleep, he thought he’d check on the shooting’s worst casualty. Brandy was in the room when he walked in, sitting close to his side, holding his hand, and playing with her ring.
“He’s still out?” He looked at his friend who lay still in his bed, his hair a bit duller than usual and went in every direction. He still had a small oxygen tube resting in his nose and monitors keeping a close watch on his vitals.
“Yeah, they thought he would be awake sooner, but he’s stubborn.” She reached over and smoothed his hair back away from his face.
He had apparently woken up a little bit the day before, and while he was worn out, he was healing well enough to move into a private room and give the space in ICU to someone more critical.
“He wasn’t that stubborn as a kid.” He remembered the skinny little boy with thick glasses. “But then again, he’s changed a lot in other ways too.”
“Has he?” She looked up at him.
“Yeah, you’d never have known him. He’s a good guy though. That’s never changed.”
“Are you going home today or tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow. I know Raven is more than ready. I can call and check on you, and Lane said if you had to stay a while, you’re more than welcome. He said he’d bring you something to eat from the restaurant too if you like.”
“He’s going to have me spoiled. But I’ll probably just sleep here with Corey.”
“Well, he wanted me to pass the message along. As long as you need.”
“I’ll be sure and thank him. You’ve all been so good. Raven called me earlier. We had a good talk.”
“Speaking of phones, did you ever get his from the hospital?”
“Yes, they sent me his stuff once they moved him here.”
“Good, I know there might be some things on there he wants to be kept private.”
She met his eyes. “I’m sure there is. I’d assume most of us have things we don’t want to be shared on our phones.” She gave a little laugh. Darek didn’t think by her behavior that she had seen anything she wasn’t supposed to.
“That’s too true,” Darek responded with a laugh. He thought of the few messages with Raven and even some of the things that Lizzy sent him during their brief time together. He wouldn’t want to share those photos with anyone.
Suddenly, Corey moved his foot, and then his hand came up and went to his face. Brandy reached up in time to stop him from pulling out his oxygen tube. “It’s okay, baby.”
Darek approached the bed and pushed the button for the nurse. “Someone will want to know he’s awake.”
“Thanks.” She turned her attention to Corey. “Hey, sweetie. It’s about time you come back to me.”
“How…” He said the one word and then must have realized he didn’t have a voice because he didn’t say anything else.
“Let me get you a drink of water. You’ve had a tube in your throat, so it might be a little scratchy.”
His eyes were barely open a sliver, and he nodded and then tried to cough to clear his throat. She gave him a sip of water, and he took a deep breath. “Am I still in New Orleans?”
“Yes, you’ve been through surgery. You were shot three times. Luckily, they got you fixed up, but you’ll be here a while.”
“So weak,” he said.
Darek stepped closer. “You’ve been through a lot, man. Just take it easy.”
“The others?”
“Raven and Bay were both shot, him in the shoulder and her in the wrist. They are both doing good. Then Justin took one in the side, but he’s good. He’ll be in later to see you.”
“Good. Glad. Okay.” His voice was really weak, and his movements became even slower as his mind seemed to be more alert. Darek figured he was saving his strength for conversation. “Who did it?”
“We’re not sure; the police are keeping things close. They don’t like outsiders very much, or I’d be with them.” Darek gave him an apologetic look and turned to look over his shoulder when the nurse came into the room.
“Glad to see you awake, sugar.” She was a big woman, tall and curvy, and walked in like she owned the place. She checked his vitals and made sure he was comfortable. “I’ll leave you to your company if you’re feeling okay, and I’ll check back in with you later.”
“Thank you,” said Brandy. “His best friend is down the hall, and I know he’s going to want to come in and see him eventually. Could you arrange that for me?”
“No problem. I’ll let the doctor know he’s awake now. He’ll want to see him first, I’m sure.” The nurse gave them a smile and walked out.
Corey grabbed hold of Brandy’s arm. “Take care of things for me.”
“I’m going to take care of everything, okay. You don’t worry.”
He shook his head. “Not here. Home. Money, belongings. I want you to have it all.”
Brandy’s face fell, and tears came to her eyes. “You’re out of your head, baby. You’re awake now; you’re getting better. You’ll be the one taking care of things as usual. I’ll help you though, so don’t worry about all that now.”
He turned to Darek. “Make her. Make sure
she’s provided for.”
Darek nodded. “I’ll make sure. But you’re kind of scaring me, man. That sounds like giving up, and trust me, you’ve already survived the worst. You can heal now and will be home before you know it, walking down the aisle with this beautiful girl.”
Corey shook his head. “Don’t feel right, man.”
“It’s true,” said Brandy with a look of horror in her eyes. “I’ve sat here and watched you improve, okay? You’re going home with me. I’m not going anywhere without you.” She shot to her feet and walked over to the window. “Don’t you dare give up on me now, Corey.”
Corey pinched his eyes tight. “I deserve this. For Alan.”
“Fuck Alan, brother. You have to live. If for any reason, then to live each day for him.”
“Feel too weak.”
“You need to sleep, man.”
“No.” He shook his head. “Who did this? Killer?”
“We don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s even related or not. The cops think it was a random shooting.”
Brandy walked back to the bed and took his hand. “I need you to promise me you won’t leave me ever again.” She took the cup of water and held it close to him.
He took a sip and laid back against the bed. “I promise. While I was out, I dreamed.” He took a deep breath. “Nothing left for you. I want you to have it all.”
“We don’t have to worry about all that now.” The woman gave an exhausted sigh and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Darek knew he should help her out. “I’ll make sure if anything ever happens to you that nothing stops her from having your stuff.”
“Justin will take care of me, okay?” She patted his hand. “Can we talk about happier things? Like our wedding. I think as soon as all of this is over, we should set a date.”
Corey cleared his throat. “I want to marry you when we get home. No waiting.” Darek felt like he was intruding on a tender moment, but then he turned to him. “And you catch the men who did this.”
Darek was going to have to stop arguing and just agree with the man who was so out of it and had begun to repeat himself. “I will. I will even bring Raven to your wedding. I think our two girls have made fast friends.”
Corey smiled. “Good girls.”
About that time, the doctor walked in. “Hello, I’m Dr. Avery. How is my most stubborn patient?” He walked past Darek to the bed. “I’m here to check you out.” He turned to Brandy and Darek. “If you could step out, it would be for the best.”
“Yes, of course.” Brandy walked around the bed toward the door, and Darek followed her. She let out a long sigh, leaned against the wall, and closed her eyes. “I swear, I hope he gets a good report. I can’t handle him giving up on me.”
“He’s not going to. You said it, and so did the doctor. He’s too stubborn; he’ll be fine.” He looked at his watch. “Hey, I’m going to go down and check on Justin before I go. I’ve got to get back to Raven and help her pack. She’s still not able to use her hand.”
“Damn, I guess I didn’t realize how bad it was.” She let loose a long breath. “I’ve been so wrapped up in myself and Corey. I will try to do more to uplift her spirits.”
“Thanks. I think it’s worse than she’s letting on.” He had a feeling her mental health was suffering too.
“She might do better at home. Let me know when you guys leave. I’ll be sure to call her.”
“We will come by to say our farewells, I’m sure.” He hoped he could get her to stay with him once he got her home, and he knew things were going to have to change. He just didn’t know how. “I’m really glad she met you.”
“I just hate that this was the experience that has probably made us friends for life, but at least we’ll have something to tell our grandchildren.” She gave him a pat on the arm and turned to head back into the room.
“No kidding.” He turned and walked away, heading toward Justin’s room.
When he stopped in, Justin was up and walking around. He was moving slowly on his feet, and the back of his gown was open to show most of his bare ass.
Darek averted his eyes. “Hey, it’s good to see you up.”
Justin turned and reached around to make sure his gown was tied shut. “The nurse said to walk around the room a bit and make sure I can handle going down the hall. I want to see Corey, and it’s apparent that Brandy isn’t coming back anytime soon.” His bitter tone spoke volumes.
“You have a problem with those two?”
“Nope. No problem at all. I killed my chances with her years ago. I should have made my move then, and maybe I wouldn’t have gotten shot protecting them. Not that she even noticed.”
“Did you want her to say thanks?” Darek couldn’t believe how petty he sounded.
“I wanted her to at least acknowledge that I nearly got myself killed covering her ass.” He let out a long breath. “I know it sounds bad. I’m just bitter because I’m here all alone and everyone else has someone checking on them. Not only that, but I have two fucking women who don’t care shit about me, and for all I know, they’ve cleaned out my fucking house.”
“You think they’d do that?”
“I don’t know why else they aren’t answering the phone. I called one of my employees to go by and check the place out, but that won’t be until later.”
“I can make a call into the local station and have someone drive by the place.” Darek hoped at the very least it would give him some peace of mind.
“No offense, but I don’t want a bunch of pigs rooting around in my house.”
Darek clenched his jaw and tried to shrug the comment off. “Then I hope it works out for you.” He was done trying to help the man. If he didn’t want the help of pigs, then he didn’t want his help anyway. He turned to leave but stopped. “You know, I’ve been walking a fucking tightrope for you guys. I don’t ask for thank yous to feed my ego, but I’d just like you to remember that the next time you go mouthing off about pigs.” He turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
Chapter 7
Darek
Darek hoped to find Raven in better spirits than the last time he’d left her. And thankfully, she was up and moving around the house with a smile on her face. At least, until she noticed him home.
“Don’t let me interrupt,” he said. She and Lane were discussing his house, and she was directing him to where he needed to move a recliner. The rest of the furniture had already been moved, and there was one odd table that was left stuck out in the middle that Lane quickly moved next to the chair.
“She’s good at this home decorating stuff. I just moved in and put things wherever I thought my mother would put them.”
“I’d hope your mother had better tastes,” she said with a teasing tone.
“Ouch,” said Lane, holding his hand over his heart. “She’s brutal.”
Darek laughed but noticed that Raven’s mood seemed much different than Lane’s. “Yeah, I don’t let her near my furniture.”
“I’d be more effective if I could actually move the furniture myself.” She walked over to the kitchen and stood behind the bar to face them.
“I brought some food home. I knew how much Raven liked my Cajun pasta.” He walked over to join her, and Darek walked to the bar, pulling out a stool to watch the two who seemed more like an old familiar married couple than two people who had met for five minutes before being shot at.
“I was quite fond of that myself. And the fried green tomatoes.”
“I brought some of those too. I was thinking about you too, man.” He looked up and gave Darek a sly grin. “How are things at the hospital?”
Apparently not as chipper as they are here. “Good,” he said. He watched Raven fix her plate and take it to the table.
“Good,” said Lane, passing him a plate across the bar. “Let’s talk about it over dinner.”
He fixed a plate and then walked into the room to join Raven. He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek before sittin
g beside her. “Missed you.” He gauged her reaction, and she looked up and gave him a half-hearted smile.
“Missed you too. I talked to Brandy. She’s worried about Corey.”
“Yeah, he’s in a funk. Says he doesn’t feel right.” Darek didn’t know how normal he was supposed to feel with his stomach turned into mincemeat.
“I talked to the police earlier,” said Lane. “They came by the restaurant again finally, along with my insurance adjusters who I didn’t think I’d see until Friday.”
“What did they have to say?” Darek wondered if they had made any progress at all or if they were even trying.
“Well, the officer that came by said they would do some investigating at the end of the week to determine position. I told him I’d help with that to the best of my knowledge, but the blood stains on the concrete should do the trick.” He rolled his eyes.
“So you have to leave that shit there until Friday? I bet that’s terrible for business.”
“Slightly. The broken glass was worse. I finally got the windows fixed though. Thankfully, the glass company came right out and fixed me up once the insurance left. I know they wanted me to leave that too, but being a business, I told them I had to protect my property. They said that was fine.”
“I don’t know what they expected to preserve,” said Darek. “It’s not like people haven’t been stomping all around the scene every day since that night. Boarding up is no different, so at least they didn’t give you fight.”
“No, just a lot of attitude and the third degree about you guys. I explained you all were friends from out of town. They wanted to know the nature of your business. I lied of course. Told them you were there to give reviews for me.”
Raven put her fork down and wiped her mouth. “Well, you get five gold stars from me.”
Lane leaned in close and took the wine from the middle of the table to open it. “Wait until you have dessert.” He poured Raven a glass and then Darek. Then he poured himself one and returned the bottle to the center of the table.