by Donica Covey
“Nope, not if it was a Sig, which by the way, it was. And none of our boys use Sigs. We use Glocks.”
“Not all. Chambers and Glistern use Berrettas.”
“Besides the point. I was trying to figure out what happened and it was eating me alive. A mutt obviously slipped in, but where was he? Who was he?”
“I guess the phone call brought you some answers?”
“Sure did. A mutt was found OD’d this morning, and in his apartment was the gun used to kill Abrahms.”
“So then it really is over.”
“Looks like.”
“So what’s for lunch? I hope you’re buying.”
Chase grinned. “Maybe Sandzis—and your turn to pay.”
“No more Sandzis, not for a long while.”
Valerie came, shouting his name. Panic flooded again. “What’s wrong?”
“She’s moving. I think she’s trying to wake up.” She ran back into the room with Justice right behind her.
“Callye? Come on and open your eyes, we need to go through the newest Brides magazines.”
Callye heard her sister’s voice. Where was Justice? He had been so close, where was he?
“Callye,” Valerie cried out. “You moved your fingers. Do it again.”
Feeling a triumphant wave wash over her, Callye willed her fingers to move again. Now if only Justice’s hand was there to touch.
Open, Callye demanded of her eyes, but they refused to obey. Her fingers had moved. At least part of her mind obeyed.
Suddenly Justice was there, his voice wrapping around her like a safe cocoon. She wanted to move closer to him. Her hand gave into her struggle and moved again. Then she felt his large, strong hand holding hers.
“That’s my girl,” Justice breathed against her skin, his lips on her cheek. “Squeeze me again.”
This time her body was even easier to command—well, her fingers. If only her eyes would obey as easily. But the lids felt like lead weights were attached to the lashes.
She tried with all her might to squeeze his fingers again. Had she done it? It was so hard to tell what was actually working and what was staunchly refusing to cooperate.
“That’s my girl,” Justice whispered near her ear.
She wanted to smile, but as long as she could keep squeezing his hand, maybe that was enough. She was getting so tired. The comfort of emptiness wrapped around her. Just a little rest.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Justice was rooted to the spot. If he left, Cas would know it. She needed him by her side. For the past few weeks, she’d been responding to his voice with her little hand squeezes, but she still hadn’t opened those beautiful eyes. One step at a time, the inner voice reminded him.
“Hi, Uncle Justice.”
He turned to see Megan bouncing her way in. “Mommy says that if I talk to Aunt Callye she may get better.” Megan leaned in close to him. “Haven’t you kissed her yet?”
“Many, many times, princess.”
Megan looked up into his eyes and back at Callye. She walked over to the bed and took Callye’s hand in hers. “Aunt Callye, we need you to wake up. Uncle Justice says that I get to be a fairy princess in your wedding.” Megan jumped back from the bed excitedly. “She squeezed my hand.”
Justice nodded. “She’s been doing a lot of that.”
“Quick, kiss her.” Megan pulled his arm, trying her best to drag him down over Cas’s face.
“Megan, stop it,” Valerie cautioned.
Justice wished desperately not to disappoint the little one, but he had to put the brakes on her insistent belief that all he had to do was love Cas enough to bring her around. “Megan.” He pulled her back and lifted her onto his lap. “Honey, it doesn’t work that way. Only in fairy tales can the prince move in and kiss Sleeping Beauty to wake her up.”
Megan’s jaw set stubbornly. “Everything has worked so far. You did come in and make Callye happy. You…” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Please?” Her pleading ate through to his heart.
He turned to look at Valerie, silently begging her to help him.
“Megan, we told you over and over that Aunt Callye is sick. She won’t wake up until her body says she’s ready. Nothing is going to make that happen any sooner.”
Megan pulled away and went back to Cas’s side. She wouldn’t look at any of the adults, just stood staring at the floor. “Aunt Callye, please come home.”
A tear slid down the small face and dropped on the hand clasped between Megan’s. Justice walked over to them and planted a kiss on the top of Megan’s head, then lifted her up. “Maybe if we both kiss her,” he whispered.
They leaned down to kiss Cas. Valerie’s disapproving stare washed over him, but he couldn’t make eye contact with her. “I’m sorry, princess,” Justice consoled as Megan slid from his arms. “We tried to tell you. It won’t happen until Cas is ready. When her body says it’s time, then she’ll come back.”
There was a touch to his arm and he jerked his head to Cas. “Cas? Oh God, baby. Do it again. I know you can.”
He dropped to his knee beside her bed and sat still as she touched her hand to his cheek. Her fingers slid down to his lips, and he kissed her palm. “Baby, open up your eyes.” Her lids fluttered and slowly cracked open and his heart stopped for a split second. “Hello, beautiful.”
Valerie dashed over, grabbing hold of Cas’s other arm.
“I told you. I told you,” Megan was singsonging as she danced around him and grabbed his neck. “I told you it would work.”
Justice couldn’t take his eyes off Cas’s face. “I’ve missed you.”
She opened her eyes a little wider. “Missed…you.”
Valerie had been rushing in and out of the door but Justice could only see Cas. Her eyes looked heavy but she was awake.
The next time Valerie came in, a doctor was along. Justice held his breath while the doctor examined Cas.
The doctor looked up and motioned for Valerie to follow him out to the hall.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’m right behind you.” Whatever the doctor had to say to Valerie he could tell him. Justice stood close to Valerie’s side, and he closely studied the doctor’s face.
“She seems to be doing very well. The last MRI came back. The mass has reduced significantly.” He smiled. “Now that she’s awake and has been able to speak some, I feel confident in her full recovery. But I want to caution you, remember that this is going to take her time. There’s still a long road ahead of her. Physical therapy, speech therapy, she’s not going to be able to go home tomorrow or even any time this week. It’s going to be a while.”
“She’s back.” Justice grinned. “That’s all I care about.”
The doctor smiled as he accepted a hug from Valerie. “I’ll let you get back to her. Try not to tire her out. Don’t let her get frustrated. She will have trouble making her words portray her thoughts, so give her some time. Keep her calm. When she’s ready to sleep, let her sleep.”
Megan danced over and hugged Justice’s knees. “Uncle Justice woke her up.”
The doctor reached down, taking Megan’s hand. “That means you, too, little one. Don’t get all excited around your aunt, all right? She needs to rest.”
“I promise,” Megan whispered.
Justice didn’t want to spend one minute longer without Cas. He hurried inside the room and grabbed her hand.
She lifted her finger. “What…do?”
“Had an accident.” He saw her look of worry and soothed it away with his hand. “It’s nothing, I promise.”
“Needs…fix.”
“Megan’s already promised to paint it for me. The doctor says we’re not to keep you from resting, so if you want, go back to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“Promise?” she asked, her lids already drooping.
“Promise.”
* * *
The scent of jasmine, honeysuckle and roses mingled in the bright clean air. The sun
blazed above, just warm enough. A gentle breeze caressed her cheek. She flounced the ruffle on her dress one more time and spun around on the back porch. Any minute now she’d be walking towards Justice, taking his hand in hers and exchanging the vows that would forever bind them as man and wife.
She moved to him, barely hearing the words. Suddenly she was whispering “I do,” and being kissed by this man who’d stolen her heart.
“I do, too.”
She became aware of where she really was. The smell of antiseptic replaced the smell of flowers. Around her the room hummed with the sound of fluorescent lighting. She opened her eyes and looked at Justice watching her face.
“Dreaming.”
“It sounds like it was a great dream.”
“It was.” Her mouth and her brain couldn’t sync up. The doctor, the nurses, Justice, even Valerie had warned her not to try to push it, that it would come, but she hated this. She wanted her life back. She needed it back.
“It’ll come, baby,” Justice soothed in a whisper.
This time she knew that the white mists wouldn’t be reaching for her. She pulled on Justice’s arm and he looked into her eyes.
As if he were reading her thoughts Justice slid her over slightly. He reclined on the bed beside her and wrapped her in his arms. Her body ached but she needed him close to her. He wrapped his arms around her and she suddenly couldn’t breathe. Her heart slammed into her chest. She couldn’t stop shivering. He was too close. God, so close.
“Cas?”
“Get away. Please get away.”
He stood from the bed and looked down at her. “Are you in pain? Did I do something?”
“No, I just…I just. Please. Don’t touch me.” It was so hard to keep her panic under control. “I just can’t handle it right now. Try and understand.”
He kept studying her face and finally nodded slowly. “We’ll give it time, baby.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Weeks had passed, therapy for Cas had gone well, and now they were taking her home. Since they’d gotten word that she was being released, Valerie, Chase and their friends were busy making sure her house was in perfect order, inside and out.
Cas had become more sullen and withdrawn. There were times she seemed her old self, but they were growing few and far between.
“Hey, beautiful, you ready to go home?”
“More than ready.”
“Then your chariot awaits.” Justice stepped aside to roll the wheel chair in.
She puckered her forehead and frowned lightly, then moved to the edge of the bed. He reached out to help her and she shuddered at his touch. It took her a minute, but she finally allowed him to help her into a wheel chair.
Chase was waiting outside with the car. He opened the door. “Milady.”
The old Cas would’ve smiled at Chase. This Cas seemed almost unaware of him.
“I’m glad you’re coming home, Callye. I miss my partner and his grouchy ways.”
Justice started to settle in the backseat with her, but she flinched. From the look on Chase’s face he’d seen it too.
“Just want to be home.”
They pulled into her drive and he heard her breath catch as the people milled around under a large banner welcoming her home. “I’m not the only one happy to see you home.”
He went to lift her from the car but she pushed him away.
She struggled to get out and when she did make it to her feet, it looked like her legs would give out. He tried to stay close enough to catch her if she fell but each time he got too close she pulled away.
Inside the house were streamers, balloons, more signs and welcoming hugs. He held back, watching their friends subtly offer support while she moved to the sofa.
“She looks really good,” Chase said, coming to stand beside him.
“The worst is finally behind us. God, I hope it is.” Justice turned and looked over at Cas. “I really hope it is.”
“Amen,” Mickey agreed, clapping him on the back.
Justice watched as Terese and Valerie fretted over Cas while Megan danced around, singing and laughing. Finally, after all the hell he’d seen, there really was a heaven and it was waiting for him.
A woman passed by and Chase snagged her arm. “Justice, this is Brandy Montgomery. Brandy, this is my partner, Justice Bernard.”
He took her hand, studying her closely. There was a sparkle in her emerald eyes, and flaming red hair hung in soft waves down her back. Her smile was warm and inviting. “You’re the friend he’s been sneaking off to spend time with? Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” She kissed Chase’s cheek. “I’m going over to introduce myself to the guest of honor.”
Justice watched the admiration in Chase’s eyes as Brandy wiggled away. “Been bit?”
“Definitely. It’s kinda nice.”
“No. It’s great.”
Chase nodded his agreement then walked off after Brandy.
This was the way it was supposed to be. Justice grinned, took a deep breath and joined the happy crowd.
“Callye?”
She looked up to see Chase grinning at her, his arm around a stunning redhead. “Hi.”
“I want you to meet Brandy Montgomery.” He looked over at the other woman. “Brandy, this is the amazing, wonderful Callye Simone.”
“Soon to be Bernard, right?” Brandy asked.
For a fleeting moment Brandy’s smile didn’t seem to meet her eyes. Callye blinked and it was gone. She must’ve imagined it. “Hello, Brandy. Nice to meet you.”
“Pleasure’s mine. Chase has told me all kinds of wonderful things about you and Justice. About all of you.” Brandy leaned close. “Actually—” she dropped her voice to a low whisper, “—I was really nervous about coming here. If I can’t get your and Terese’s approval, he’ll kick me to the curb.”
Brandy’s breath on her face made chills streak down her spine. Relax, Callye. Focus on the reality, not the fear.
She inhaled a steadying breath. “It won’t matter what anyone says or does. If he really cares for you, he won’t let you go.”
Brandy leaned back, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I just really want to fit in with his friends.”
Callye relaxed a little more. “I remember that feeling.” Her mind was buzzing with a dozen thoughts and she couldn’t concentrate on getting the words she wanted to say out. Brandy placed a light hand on her arm and she wanted to jump out of her skin.
“It’s okay, take your time.” The words were soft, friendly and soothing.
Once more, Callye tried to get herself under control. “Terese… She’s the one you have to watch for. If you have anything at all to hide, she’ll find it out. She’s like this human lie detector. She knows an insincere feeling from a mile away. But I don’t think you have to worry. Chase seems to be crazy about you.”
Brandy looked up and smiled at Chase. Callye knew that look well. A woman falling in love. “Looks like we’re getting a new addition to the family.”
Terese and Valerie came up, armed with a calendar. “Now, before he can get a chance to wriggle off the hook, you two need to set a date for this wedding,” Terese ordered, a laugh in her voice.
Remain calm. Everything is normal. Your life is coming back. “I could be ready tomorrow.”
Valerie looked horrified. “Tomorrow? Too soon. We wouldn’t have time to get the dresses, the flowers, the minister, the cake…” Her tone was becoming frantic.
“I was kidding.”
“I knew that. I was just making a point,” Valerie argued. “But we could have everything set by the end of the month.”
Justice came over and took Callye’s hand. “I’m ready to do this whenever you are.”
The touch of his hand sent shivers down her spine. The people in the room made the walls come crashing in. She pulled her hand from his. “Let me go.”
The room became silent. She could feel their eyes watching her every move. “Get out,” she screamed and rushe
d to the safety of her bedroom.
The door creaked open. “Cas? They’re leaving.”
“Leave me alone,” she shrieked. He stood in the door. It was as if he couldn’t decide what to do. “I said, get out.” She grabbed the nearest object, a lamp, and hurled it at him. There was a sound of the glass breaking and he ducked his head.
“Cas?” he moved to her.
His body loomed above her. His hand touched her arm. “No. Let me go. Leave me alone. Don’t.” Her screams pierced the room.
“Baby, it’s me.”
“Get away.”
“Justice?” Valerie’s voice?
No, it was a trick. “Get out. Stay away from me.”
The voices whirled around her. They sounded like her family but it wasn’t, it couldn’t be.
Chapter Twenty-Five
In the locker room, Justice stood in front of the mirror while he dried his hair. He couldn’t stop thinking about Cas. Since her breakdown, he’d moved into the house. He couldn’t, wouldn’t leave her. She continued to push him away. Chase and Valerie had pressed him to go back to work and finally he agreed.
There was no denying Cas had changed. There were times when she held back, became silent. She used to make up silly lyrics to old camp songs. She didn’t do that anymore. The sparkle that used to dance in her eyes was rarely seen.
Her nightmares hadn’t receded. She still woke in the middle of the night screaming, begging for him to help her. When he tried to hold her, tried to comfort her, the screaming became worse. She punched and kicked at him, trying to break free.
He wanted to hold her but when he touched her, panic would make her eyes widen, and if he managed to pull her close, her heart would race out of control. Tears would slide down her cheeks and she’d stiffen in his arms. He would have to step away and watch as she’d go to the sofa, curl her knees to her chest and stare off into space, rocking back and forth, not hearing him or seeing things around her.
“Justice?” Chase came into the locker room.
“What?”
“What can I do? None of us know how to help.”