Lainey cleared her throat, determined not to let him see how his comment had affected her. “Sure, no problem. I’ll see if I can catch him.” She took a look around the room, then dashed outside. Four cars were left but she didn’t see the big SUV Jake drove. She felt someone walk up beside her, and glanced over to see Cam. “He’s gone.”
“I’m not surprised. His wife is quite ill and he has a couple of kids at home. The man juggles a lot.” Cam’s voice remained steady, without a hint of the turmoil he felt. “Look, I just got back from a hectic business trip. Let’s sleep on it overnight before making a decision about approaching Jake. I’m sure he has his reasons for pairing us up, and even though neither of us wants to work with the other, it may be best to get the assignment over with and then request new partners.”
Cam may as well have slapped her. She could feel her face redden as her temper began to flare. “Wow. I guess there’s no doubt how you feel about me and my skills.” She brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes and glared up at him. “I don’t need to sleep on it. I’ll get in touch with Jake tomorrow and request a change.” Lainey wasted no time turning toward her car and climbing inside, her heart racing faster with each step. She threw her purse on the seat and started the engine, forgetting about Mark until she saw him walk out the back door with Tony. She’d been too irritated to notice Cam standing outside her window, tapping on the glass. Exasperated, she rolled it down. “What?”
Cam almost jumped back at the irritation in her voice. “Look, Lainey, I’m trying to make the most of an awkward situation and it’s obvious I failed. Your skills or experience aren’t in question. I just feel with my schedule, and the way things are between us, another partner would suit you better.”
Her jaw clenched as she watched him try to reclaim something that had already fallen down a deep, black hole. What an idiot she’d been for thinking this man was something special.
“I’ll speak to Jake about finding me someone else. Consider yourself released from your obligation.” She rolled up the window as Mark climbed in, his furrowed brow signaling his confusion at the conversation he’d overheard. She slammed the car into reverse and headed home, taking deep breaths, and cursing herself for letting her temper flare.
“Are you going to tell me what just happened?”
She pounded the steering wheel with both hands, then gripped it tight. “He refuses to be my partner and wants me to find someone else.”
“He told you that?”
She thought a moment. “Not exactly, but close enough.” Lainey made the turn toward her house then rethought it. “How about a drink?”
Mark stared at her. Lainey would have a glass of wine after work or at dinner, a beer with burgers or pizza. He’d never seen her drink out of frustration or anger.
“I’m happy to oblige if you’re sure that’s what you want.”
“Truth is, I don’t know what I want, except I’m too agitated to go home to bed. Maybe coffee?”
“With Baileys?”
“You’re on.”
******
Cam watched as Lainey and Mark pulled out onto the road, feeling empty inside, confused, and unsure how to make his mistakes right. He’d never messed up like this, had no experience to draw upon, and no one except himself to blame.
Jake’s announcement could have gone either way as far as Cam’s relationship with Lainey. It may have been the push needed for them to rebuild a friendship, or confirmed they’d never again find common ground. Right now, all Cam wanted was a chance to rebuild the relationship they’d started and he’d unintentionally ended.
He trudged to his truck on weary legs, tired clean through, and in need of sleep. There’d be no answers tonight. Cam slid into his truck as his phone rang. He checked caller ID and answered the call.
“What’s up?” Cam leaned his head against the seat and closed his eyes.
Eric knew his brother was bone tired and likely frustrated after the SAR meeting. He hated springing this on him tonight. “Mom had an accident.”
Cam sat straight up, now wide awake and squeezing the phone tight in his hand. “Where is she?”
“In the hospital. Room 500, top floor. I’m just pulling into the parking lot.”
Cam clicked off and headed for Mountain Peak Hospital, unable to focus on anything except seeing his mother. Eric hadn’t said what happened or how bad, yet the fact they were keeping her in the hospital told Cam it wasn’t good.
He pressed the elevator button to the fifth floor, trying to clear his mind, and relax. He slid through the doors as they began to open, stopping at the nurses’ station.
“Annie MacLaren’s room. I’m her son.” he called to the lady behind the counter.
“Down the hall. It’s the corner room on the left.”
His long strides propelled him to her room in seconds. He stopped and took a deep breath before opening the door a crack and peering inside. Heath sat next to Annie, holding her hand, and talking in low tones. Eric sat on the opposite side, leaning forward, never letting his eyes leave his mother. Both men looked up as Cam appeared.
“Cam,” Heath stood and looked down at his wife. “I’ll be right back.” He nodded for Cam to follow him into the hallway. “Annie was hit by a drunk driver on her way home from a meeting downtown. She has a broken hip, fractured arm and wrist, concussion, and a lot of bruises. The doctors say she’s lucky as they can’t find any internal injuries. They’ve got her on heavy medications, and, of course, want to keep her for several days.” Heath’s words were heavy, laced with guilt, as if he felt somehow responsible. “The police have the guy in custody.”
Cam listened, saying nothing, his stomach twisted as he listened to the list of injuries his mother sustained. “She had plans to fly out to see Brooke in a few days. I guess I should call her—let her know Mom’s not coming.” His voice broke on the last words, and Heath gripped his shoulder.
“Eric already spoke with Brooke. She’s on her way out—didn’t want to wait for our plane. You need to go in and see your mother, I just thought you should know what to expect.”
Cam nodded and walked past Heath.
“She’s going to make it through this, Cam, we all are. Your mother is the strongest woman I know.”
Chapter Eleven
“Hello, is Jake at home?” Lainey sat at her desk at the preschool, trying to reach Jake before she left for home. Before she spoke with Cam, she’d wanted to confirm he hadn’t already spoken with Jake and requested a different assignment.
“No, he’s at the hospital. May I take a message?”
“At the hospital? I hope everything’s all right.”
“A good friend was hit by a drunk driver last night. Jake’s with the family. I doubt he’ll be too late. I expect there won’t be much space in Annie’s hospital room with all the MacLarens around to keep watch on her.”
“Would that be Annie Sinclair MacLaren?” Lainey stood at the news about Cam’s mother.
“Yes, it is. If you’ll give me your name I’ll make certain Jake sees it.”
“Uh, no, that won’t be necessary. I’ll get in touch with him another time. Thank you.” Lainey hung up, wondering about Cam, and if she could do anything to help. It seemed doubtful.
She’d tried to reach him that morning and hadn’t heard back. Now she knew why.
Her suggestion of coffee the night before with Mark had turned into a three-hour discussion—about Mark’s new partnership, her business, and, finally, Cam.
“You know, Megan and I’ve spoken a few times the last three weeks about the partnership, my role, and changes at the firm.” Mark stopped to savor his coffee with Bailey’s and take a sip. “At one point I mentioned that I’d enjoyed meeting her boyfriend. She told me they’d split up. Megan said both were fine with the decision—no hard feelings either way.”
Lainey had thought over Mark’s comments the following morning and decided to call Cam, find out if he’d still consider partnering with her. Not ma
ny people had the experience he did in several types of rescue situations. The opportunity to work and learn from him might not come again, and she hated to throw away the chance.
Even though he’d split with Megan, Lainey knew the opportunity for anything more with Cam wasn’t possible. If he’d told her about Megan up front, let her know he’d planned to end it with his current girlfriend, she might feel differently—he’d chosen not to. Besides, he hadn’t hidden his feelings about Jake’s request that they partner. Cam had wanted no part of it or her.
Lainey grabbed her keys and started for the door, then stopped and pulled out her phone. She called his number and left a brief message.
“Hi, Cam. It’s Lainey. I just heard about your mother. I won’t bother you, just want you to know my prayers are with you, and hoping all will turn out well. Call when you have time. I haven’t spoken with Jake.” She clicked off and slid the phone back in her purse.
Mark had plans for dinner with Megan and Zell that night, so after a brief stop at the store, Lainey drove home. She lifted the grocery sack and started toward the house, noticing a piece of paper wedged between the front door and frame. It fell to the ground as she opened the door. Lainey bent down to pick it up, then paused. The size and color of the paper looked familiar. She snatched it up and unfolded the note.
You’re being watched.
A chill passed through Lainey. This time she knew the message was directed at her and not Helen. She crushed the note in her hand and stormed into the house, dropping the bag and her purse on the counter before pulling out her phone.
“Search and Rescue.”
“Hi Frank. It’s Lainey.”
“Hey, Lainey. What do you need?”
“I just found a note at my front door and wondered if any of the team might be playing some type of prank on me. An initiation thing or something?”
Frank’s tone grew serious. “Not a chance. Jake won’t put up with any of that hazing stuff. Why?”
“It’s probably nothing, just a note someone left saying they were watching me. Must be some of the neighborhood kids.”
“Read it to me.”
Lainey read the three words out loud, the full meaning beginning to sink in.
“Doesn’t sound good. If you’re not sure it’s a prank, call the police. At least let them know. It’s the first note, right?”
“No, the second.”
“Don’t mess around. Call the police and let them know. Tonight.”
“I’m not sure…”
“If you don’t, I will.” Frank’s stern tone told Lainey he meant what he said.
“I hear you, Frank. I’ll take care of it.”
“Let me know if you get another one of those notes.”
They hung up, Lainey unsure of her next move. She didn’t want to overreact if it turned out to be a prank from a neighborhood kid. She knew Frank would contact the police if he found out she hadn’t. Mark had flown back to Idaho that morning to pack his things. Maybe she’d call him, then decide.
******
Cam felt the phone vibrate in his pocket as he walked into his mother’s room and closed the door. He glanced at the caller ID—Lainey. She’d have to wait. Just one day had passed since the accident, if one could call it that, and already Annie looked much better.
“Hey, Mom.” Cam pulled a chair next to the bed, spun it around, and straddled it, resting his arms on the back. “How are you feeling tonight?”
“Much better than last night. Hope to go home tomorrow.” Annie’s groggy voice sounded raspier than it did earlier in the day.
“Tomorrow, huh? Is that what the doctor said?”
“Not exactly. A woman can hope you know.”
Cam looked over his shoulder when he heard the door open and Eric walked in. He walked to the other side of the bed and leaned over to place a kiss on his mother’s cheek.
“How you feeling, Mom?”
“Going home tomorrow.” Annie glanced at Cam, daring him to contradict her.
“Right.” Eric smirked and sat down across from Cam. “What did the doctor say today?”
Cam helped her sit up and take a sip of water.
“He says I’ve improved since yesterday—doing better than he expected given the extent of the injuries.”
“At least they confirmed no internal injuries. Your bones will heal, at least mine did.” Eric’s voice sounded flat, concerned.
“She’s just trying to outdo you, Eric.” All eyes turned to the door at the sound of Heath’s deep voice. “I’m beginning to think the Sinclair branch of the family has bad karma when it comes to motorized vehicles,” Heath joked as he kissed his wife and stroked a finger down her cheek.
“Hey, don’t include me in that statement,” Cam objected.
“It wasn’t my fault some idiot driver ran my bike off the road,” Eric replied.
“With you on it,” Cam added.
Eric grimaced, remembering his sorry state after the accident on his motorcycle over a year ago. “Is Doctor Newcastle your orthopedist?”
“Possibly, but not if Heath has any say it in,” Annie smiled. She’d been dating Barry Newcastle when her relationship with Heath changed.
“I don’t fault Barry for his interest in you, Annie. Anyway, he lost, I won.” Heath leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, looking self-satisfied. Unfortunately, even his cocky stance didn’t diminish the worry in his eyes. He’d practically been living at the hospital since Annie’s accident and his weariness showed.
“You have to admit, he did a great job. I’m good as new.” Eric stood to emphasize the complete recovery of his broken leg.
They turned at the knock on Annie’s door. Heath walked over and pulled it open.
“Hello, Jake. Good to see you. Come on in.”
Jake slipped past Heath, and stood at the end of the bed, a small vase in his hand.
“Hi, Annie. How’re you doing?”
“Much better tonight, Jake. Are those for me?”
“Emma reminded me how much you like plants.” His sheepish reply had the men grinning.
Heath took the vase from Jake and clasped his shoulder. “How’s Emma doing?”
“Still in remission. She’s weak most of the time, but wants to go back to work soon. We’re hoping for the best.” He turned back to Annie. “When are you getting out of here?”
“Tomorrow, assuming the doctor will listen to me.”
The group fell into quiet conversations while Heath left to speak with the nurse, Eric discussing his physical therapy experiences, and Cam talking about the last SAR meeting with Jake.
“I know you’ve been swamped, Cam. Did you already schedule the first training session with Lainey or would it be best if I found someone else?”
Cam sat forward, resting his arms on his knees before looking back up at Jake.
“We didn’t have a chance to pick a date. She planned to call today.” That’s when Cam remembered the other call earlier that day. The second one from her he’d ignored. “Give me a day or so to see if Lainey and I can work something out.”
“Cam, don’t be changing your schedule on my account.” Annie had heard enough of the conversation to understand Cam’s reluctance might be due to her accident. “I have plenty of help. Do what you have to.”
Eric sat back, watching and wondering if Cam still struggled with his attraction to Lainey. No matter how much Cam might deny it, Eric knew his brother had feelings for her—strong ones.
Cam glanced at his mother, then to Jake. “I’ll work it out with Lainey. Don’t worry about it.”
“All right.” Jake stood and put his hand over Annie’s. “Sure hope you’re able to go home tomorrow. I know what it’s like living in a hospital room. Call if you need anything.” He squeezed her hand lightly then turned to leave as Heath walked back into the room. “I’m heading home, Heath. Let me know if I can help in any way.”
“I will. You take care.” Heath watched Jake start down the hall. “I don�
�t know how he does it. Emma’s illness, the kids, his job, and SAR. He must run on adrenaline.” He shook his head and looked back toward Annie. “The doctor will be here in about ten minutes.”
“You found that out from the pretty nurse you used to date?”
Heath’s eyes snapped to his wife’s. “You knew about that?”
Annie smiled as Cam and Eric tried to stifle grins. “Heath MacLaren, it would be easier to list the women you didn’t date before me.” She laughed for the first time since her accident, making it impossible for Heath not to join in.
“You have a point there.”
******
Cam slipped into his truck a couple of hours later, starving and ready for bed. At least he knew his mother would be going home in two or three more days. She hadn’t been happy about the delay, but kept her disappointment to herself.
He pulled out his phone and called a local Chinese take-out place, ordered, then started to toss the phone on the seat when he remembered to check his messages. A couple from his office, neither urgent, one from Eric telling him he was on his way to the hospital, he erased it, and another message from Lainey. He supposed he’d better call her back.
Lainey had just turned off the light and snuggled under the covers when she heard her phone. She thought briefly about not answering, just staying tucked in her warm bed, then remembered the message she’d left for Cam.
“Hello.”
“Lainey, it’s Cam.”
She wasn’t prepared for the immediate and intense sensation that flowed through her at the sound of his voice. She could listen to his voice all day long and never tire of the sound—deep, rich, and sensual.
“Lainey, you there?”
“Um, yes, I’m here.”
“Sorry to call so late but I just left the hospital.”
“I heard about the accident. I’m so sorry. How is your mother?”
“Better. Ready to come home. The doctor may release her in a couple of days, assuming she keeps improving. Not much anyone can do except wait until he makes a decision. Hold on a moment.”
Lainey could hear rustling through the phone.
“Sorry. I haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast so I grabbed some take out.”
One More Day: MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary, Book Three (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 3) Page 9