“Really? It must be important for him to be flying into town.”
“I’m hoping it doesn’t mean a reorg. Some of the directors have had to lay off some folks.”
“Let’s hope not.” Sheba followed Uriah to the shower.
“Baby, you know I won’t be able to shower with you in there with me,” Uriah said.
“Who said anything about showering?”
Uriah and Sheba spent another thirty minutes enjoying each other. Afterward, Uriah rushed and got dressed, while Sheba sat on the bed and watched.
“I’m going to tell David why I’m late,” Uriah teased.
“Do that. You know he wants me, right?” There, she’d said it. She’d put it out there to Uriah.
“What man doesn’t? Although I married you because I love who you are, Sheba, a man would have to be blind not to see your beauty.”
“Well, I’m not a piece of meat, and it irks me sometimes how men like to gawk.”
“You handle it well, baby. As far as David is concerned, he’s around beautiful women all the time. I’m sure he was just admiring the masterpiece that I call my wife.” Uriah bent down and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
“What do you want for dinner? That’s the least I can do, since I haven’t cooked for you all week,” Sheba said.
“With Mr. King coming into the office, I’ll be there late, so I’ll grab something.”
“Looks like I won’t see you until tomorrow.” She felt disappointed but understood how important Uriah’s job was to him.
“I might swing through the hospital tonight, if you like.”
“No need to. I promise to come home in the morning. If there’s an emergency, I’ll call you.”
“Do that.” He leaned down and kissed her one more time.
She blew him a kiss as he exited the room. Sheba was asleep before her head could hit the pillow. The sound of the alarm she had set on her phone alerted her that she had two hours to get dressed and ready for work. She hadn’t planned on sleeping that long, but apparently, her body had needed it.
She checked her phone to see if she had any missed calls. She had several from friends and one from her husband. Before returning any of the calls, she showered again, with the hopes of it giving her more energy.
Feeling rejuvenated, Sheba dressed for work and headed to the hospital, planning to check on Delilah first. Before getting out of her car, she dialed Uriah’s cell phone but got his voice mail. “I’ll be in Delilah’s room, and I can’t have my cell phone on while in the ICU. I’ll try to call you before my shift starts. Love you.”
She hung up the phone and waited for the shuttle to take her from the employees’ parking lot to the hospital. Keisha was sitting near Delilah’s bed when Sheba entered her room. Sheba was curious about what had led up to Delilah’s shooting, and Keisha was the only one with answers to her questions.
“The doctor said she’s doing better today. She opened her eyes up but closed them,” Keisha informed her.
Sheba picked up her chart and read it. “Yes, she’s doing much better according to the notes here.”
Keisha’s phone rang. “I must get this. This is my boss.”
“You know the phone signals can interfere with the equipment, so you’re not supposed to have your cell phones on in this area,” Sheba lectured.
Keisha ignored her and answered her call. She walked out of the room to get some privacy.
Sheba walked over to Delilah’s bed. “Your friend is something else,” Sheba said. “Anyway, how are you today, sis?” Sheba laughed out loud. “I wanted to meet you, but not like this. You might not believe this, but I need you just as much as you need me. We’ll never have to be apart again. I love you, Delilah.”
Sheba laid her head down on the bed. Keisha walked back in the room. Sheba sat up and dried the tears on her face.
Keisha said, “I’m sorry about earlier. I know that I wasn’t supposed to have the phone on, but I called in to work.”
Sheba shrugged her shoulders.
Keisha took a seat. “Besides you, Delilah hasn’t had any other visitors.”
“I’ve been so caught up in this uncanny reunion, I forgot to ask you why that is,” Sheba said.
“Well, there are some things about Delilah that you don’t know. Things that I’m sure she’s not proud of.”
Keisha seemed to want to talk, and Sheba wanted to know more about Delilah. She took a seat in the other chair.
“She’ll probably kill me for telling you these things, but I’m going to tell you, anyway,” Keisha said.
Sheba’s mouth fell open in shock as Keisha told her about Delilah’s past.
Chapter 6
David watched Uriah and Simon as they held a healthy debate over the state of affairs in the business world. David admired both of the men that sat before him. Both had attributes that would benefit his company. Deciding who would head the Afghanistan office hadn’t been easy.
Uriah removed his cell phone from his pocket when it rang. He excused himself from the dinner table. When he returned, he said, “Sorry. I needed to take that call. That was my wife, and we’ve been playing phone tag.”
“How is your wife?” David asked, hoping not to sound too enthused.
“Honestly, not too well. She’s been working hard since we got back from Dallas and seeing about someone at the hospital during her off-hours.”
“Do you need to go see about her? If so, I understand,” David said. He was really concerned about Sheba. He wanted to ask more questions but didn’t want to raise Uriah’s curiosity.
“I might need to. She sounded a little distraught.”
David pulled out several hundred-dollar bills. “Simon, I’m going to leave you to take care of our bill. My driver can drop you off at the hotel.” David faced Uriah and said, “I’ll ride with you so you can go check on your wife.”
“Mr. King ...” Uriah said nervously as he stood up.
“I told you to save the Mr. King for when we’re in the office. Tonight I’m David.”
“David, you don’t have to go with me. I appreciate it, though.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to. She’s your wife. You’re concerned about her, so your concerns are my concerns. Why are we wasting time? We need to go check on your wife.”
Uriah stopped protesting, and David followed him to his car. David could tell Uriah was a little uneasy about him going.
“Uriah, I know this is an unusual situation, but I like you. I want to know more about you, outside of work.”
“Not much to tell. I like what the average guy likes. I love my wife. Sheba and I have been married for almost ten years now. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for that woman.”
“I love your dedication and devotion to your wife.” David didn’t lie. He did admire that.
“Sheba can be a handful at times, but she’s also a sweetheart. She motivates me to do better.”
“Every man needs a woman like her in his corner,” David said.
“If they should be so lucky. I just hate that she’s allowing this stranger room in her heart.”
David listened curiously as Uriah explained to him about the woman who Sheba suspected was her sister. “You know she could easily get a DNA test, which will confirm the truth.”
“I’ve told her that, but she won’t listen.”
“Maybe I can talk to her for you,” David suggested.
“David, this is a personal matter, so I don’t expect you to help me out.”
“You’re more than just an employee. If talking to her will help you, I’ll do it.”
“Maybe she’ll listen to you, because she sure won’t listen to me,” Uriah said.
Fifteen minutes later, they had parked and were walking into the hospital. It had been years since David had entered this particular hospital. The last time he’d visited, he was going to say his final good-byes to his father. That had been over fifteen years ago. Now here he was, in a place to which he’d vowed
never to return.
He followed Uriah to the elevator. Uriah said, “She works on the tenth floor. We’ll try to catch her in between her rounds.”
David tapped his foot. The ride to the tenth floor seemed to take forever. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until the doors opened and Uriah exited. He exhaled. Sheba stood near the nurses’ station with her back toward them. They hadn’t seen each other since the night on the balcony. One of the other nurses got Sheba’s attention and pointed in their direction. Her smile filled up the room when she saw Uriah, but when she looked past her husband and saw David, the smile faded.
David had hoped she would look past his boldness from that night, but from her reaction, she hadn’t forgotten or forgiven him for making a pass at her.
Uriah and David approached her.
Uriah hugged her. “Baby, are you okay?” he asked.
She avoided his question. Frowning, she asked, “What is he doing here?”
“This is Mr. King, remember?” Uriah responded.
David extended his hand. Sheba shook it. “I heard about your sister and wanted to see if there was anything you needed.”
“Oh, how sweet. I think,” Sheba said. She turned and said something to one of the ladies behind the desk. “I’m going on a quick break. If you need me, call me on my cell.”
“That guy looks awfully familiar,” the nurse said.
“He’s just Uriah’s boss,” Sheba responded. She left the nurse to ponder her thoughts. “Follow me,” Sheba said as she walked near Uriah and David. She led them to the empty waiting area.
Sheba pulled Uriah to the side. “Baby, I’m okay. You didn’t have to come all the way down here,” Sheba said, while holding Uriah’s hand.
Uriah tilted her hand up and kissed the back of it. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Sheba squeezed his hand. “Thank you, baby, for always being there.”
David strained his ears to listen but could only hear bits and pieces of their conversation.
Sheba asked, “Why is he here with you?”
“We were at dinner, and he insisted on coming. What was I supposed to do? Tell him he couldn’t come?” Uriah responded.
David pulled out his cell phone to make himself look busy. He went through his messages as he continued to eavesdrop.
After speaking with Uriah, Sheba addressed David. “David, thank you for coming with Uriah, but it wasn’t necessary. He overreacted. I’m fine.”
Uriah wrapped one arm around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. “I can’t help but worry. You’re my heart.”
David wanted to puke. Seeing Uriah express love for the woman of his desires was beginning to make him sick. Sweat started flowing from his forehead. He couldn’t explain what was coming over him when it came to this woman.
Sheba asked, “Are you okay? You seem a little flushed.”
“I’m fine. Probably jet lag. When I left Dallas, I flew to Hong Kong. I just got back this morning,” David explained hastily.
Uriah said, “Sit. Sheba, check his vitals. Make sure he’s okay.”
Sheba eyed Uriah curiously. “He doesn’t need me to check him out.” She looked at David and added, “He said he’s fine.”
“I want to make sure. You’re a nurse. Do what you get paid to do.”
“He’s not my patient,” Sheba said.
“Sheba, please. Do it for me.” Uriah pleaded with his eyes.
“Fine. Mr. King, follow me. There’s a vacant room down the hall. I can check you out in there,” she snapped.
“Thanks, baby,” Uriah said. He faced David. “David, you’re in good hands.”
“I know I am,” David mumbled under his breath as he followed Sheba down the hall.
Chapter 7
Sheba cursed under her breath the entire time she walked to the empty patient’s room. She didn’t know why Uriah felt the need to check on her, and then, on top of that, he brought David. She checked the room to make sure it was empty. “You can have a seat over there. I’ll be right back.”
David did as she told him. He started to unbutton his shirt. “I’ll be waiting.”
“You can leave your shirt on. Just roll up your sleeve, and I’ll be back to take your blood pressure.”
David smiled and stopped unbuttoning his shirt. He sat as instructed, and Sheba went in search of a blood pressure cuff. She returned with it and a thermometer. “Open up,” she said as she placed the disposable thermometer in David’s mouth. “Now, hold out your left arm for me.”
He extended his arm. She rolled up his sleeve some more so that she could wrap the black piece of cloth around his arm. She could tell he worked out from his nice biceps. Once she had the cuff secure, she squeezed the ball and watched the gauge. “Your blood pressure is a little high. When was the last time you saw a doctor?” she asked.
He mumbled something. She couldn’t understand him, because he still had the thermometer in his mouth. She removed the thermometer.
“Your temperature is normal. Now, what were you saying?” she asked.
“I get a regular checkup once a year.”
“Well, nothing to be alarmed about, but your upper number is on the borderline of putting you in the high blood pressure category. I’m no doctor, so I suggest you follow up with your primary care physician.”
“Yes, ma’am. I appreciate you looking out for me.” David smiled and stared at her with his piercing eyes.
“You’re good to go. Again, I appreciate you coming with Uriah to check on me, but as you can tell, I’m fine.”
“That you are.” David looked at her with lustful eyes. “I think we have some unfinished business to discuss.” David reached for her hand.
Sheba felt the electric current that seemed to flow from his body to hers. She didn’t pull back, although she knew she should. “The only business we have in common is sitting out there in the waiting room.” She withdrew her hand from his.
“Touché,” David responded.
“Uriah’s my heart, and I won’t jeopardize our relationship for anyone. Is that understood?”
David saluted her. “Yes, ma’am. You’re dedicated to your husband, and I commend you for that. Uriah’s one lucky man.”
“I’m lucky to have him, and so are you.”
Surprisingly to Sheba, David changed the subject. “You know he wants you to get a DNA test on the woman you said is your sister.”
Sheba laughed. “You two have become real chummy. He’s sharing our personal business—or should I say my personal business—with you. I don’t know if I should be mad at him or you.”
“Neither. He’s only concerned about your well-being, and I would be, too, if you were mine.” David stressed the word mine.
Sheba felt a knot in her stomach. Being around David alone made her feel uneasy. She had to get them out of this room. The magnetic pull she felt for him at this moment was not right. Not when she had the man of her dreams waiting for her. Besides, her mind should have been on Delilah, the sister that had an aura of drama surrounding her. She hadn’t had time to think about all the things Keisha had told her about Delilah. She had to get out of this room and away from David before she suffocated. She rushed to the door, opened it, and searched for her husband.
“Baby, he’s fine,” she said as she walked up to Uriah, who was standing by the window in the waiting room.
“That’s good to know.” Uriah pulled Sheba into his arms.
Uriah didn’t notice the smirk on David’s face, but Sheba sure did. She squeezed Uriah as if she were holding on for dear life. Sheba’s cell phone rang. She pulled away from her husband and answered it. She listened to the caller a moment before saying, “I’ll be right there.” She faced Uriah. “I have to go. I’m fine, okay, baby?”
“Let me get David to his hotel. Call me later, when you get a chance.” Uriah gave her a quick peck.
“Will do.” She walked away without saying good-bye to David.
She went t
o make her rounds, and instead of taking a break afterward, she made a detour to Delilah’s room. Keisha had long since gone home. She sat near Delilah’s bed and recalled some of the things Keisha had told her. Delilah had gotten caught up in a scandalous affair with one of the local ministers, and all hell had broken loose at Delilah’s church and in the community because of it.
Delilah was something else. No wonder the police didn’t know who tried to kill her. It could have been a number of people. It seemed she had a hard time making friends but had no trouble making enemies. Maybe Uriah was right. Maybe Sheba should get a DNA test. Sheba was a peaceful person, well, for the most part, but drama seemed to follow Delilah wherever she went.
Sheba was in deep thought and didn’t realize she had company at first. She almost fell out of her seat when she looked up into David’s face. “What are you doing here?” For the second time in one night, she found herself asking that question.
“I told Uriah to go on home. I’m waiting on my driver to come pick me up.”
“That was an hour ago. Shreveport is not that big that he couldn’t have been here to pick you up by now.”
Before David could respond, Sheba felt a touch on her hand. She looked down. Delilah had reached out and touched her hand. She looked into the eyes of her sister for the first time.
Delilah started coughing. Sheba jumped up. “It’s okay. I’m here. Don’t try to talk,” she said. She looked in David’s direction. “Go get a doctor, quick.”
Delilah had regained consciousness and seemed to be alert.
“Thank you, Lord,” Sheba said out loud several times.
David returned to the room with a doctor. Sheba moved to the side as the doctor examined Delilah.
“You’re our miracle lady,” he said to Delilah.
Delilah looked at the doctor and then at Sheba. Delilah coughed a few times. Her voice was low, but Sheba could make out the words. Delilah wanted water.
Sheba handed the doctor a cup of water with a straw. He held the straw while Delilah took a few sips. “Thank you,” she said, barely above a whisper.
Ruthless Page 3