In the Midnight Hour

by Deborah Cooke

  “That’s not really a leotard,” Amy said. “It’s a little skinny bit of fabric. A belt.”

  “And you look awesome in it. Come on, I have the hair and make-up person waiting.”

  Amy nodded and hurried to the women’s showers, pulling the scrunchy out of her hair. Her hair had been colored and cut the week before, and Cassie knew she’d look great.

  Cassie went to the room they were using for the photography and checked that everything was set up and ready. The make-up artist was there and the stylist, as well as the photographer. Ty was there already, of course, since he was always prompt.

  The man could tempt a saint. He was pumped up from his work-out and naked above the waist. Cassie tried to keep from staring or drooling.

  Ty stood patiently while the artist applied a fake dragon tattoo to his right bicep, but gave Cassie an intent look. “I hope this is worth it,” he said, showing almost as much reluctance to participate in their advertising program as he had from the outset.

  Cassie smiled. “You even waxed for us.”

  “Don’t remind me.” Ty grimaced. “It’s going to itch.”

  “Then think of the bottom line, Mr. Money. The ad is perfect for Valentine’s Day and you know it. We’ll be overwhelmed with new applicants.”

  “When exactly is it going to be your turn to be on an F5 billboard?” Ty asked.

  “When I think of a good slogan. It could be a while.” Cassie reached up and tousled Ty’s hair a little bit, smiling when he glowered at her. “The idea is that your high-finance friends won’t recognize you, remember?”

  “I remember.”

  The photographer positioned him and began to check the lighting. Amy burst into the room, flushed from being on the run, and Ty’s eyes lit. He smiled, such a sensual and hungry expression that Cassie had to turn away. She was more than ready to have a guy look at her that way—especially a guy like Tyler McKay.

  Her new tattoo itched a little. Was it possible that Chynna’s so-called magic would work? She hoped it would hurry up and do whatever it was going to do. She had another itch that she was tired of tending herself.

  Cassie smiled at Amy and beckoned to the styling team. “We want a really sexy look. Make the most of her eyes and lips.”

  The make-up artist was already at work, knowing that time was of the essence. In moments, Amy had rock-star hair and come-hither lips. Her eyes looked smoky and mysterious. She could have been another person, more sultry and sexy than she’d ever appear in real life.

  Cassie got out the mock-up sketch and reviewed the pose with the photographer.

  At their direction, Amy stepped into Ty’s embrace and put her left hand on his chest with her ring visible. Ty’s left arm was wrapped around Amy’s waist, his wedding ring glinting in the shadows. He stared out at the camera, looking imposing and protective and sexy as hell, while Amy leaned against him, touching her lips to his skin. They both looked perfect, toned and sleek and tanned, and the pose was both tender and romantic.

  Get lucky at F5.

  This campaign was going to set Manhattan on fire.

  * * *

  He wasn’t the ideal roommate, but Haley couldn’t resist him.

  It appeared that she had a weakness for large, dark, brooding males.

  At the shelter, she was overwhelmed by the sheer number of adult cats available for adoption. The girl working there explained their policy of being a no-kill shelter, then pointed out the big black tom who sat at the back of the cat pen as if he wanted to be anywhere else in the world. Younger cats frolicked around him, but he remained impassive. “If we were a kill shelter, he’d be long gone,” she said, as if that wouldn’t bother her too much.

  The cat eyed them, as if he knew they were talking about him. He was completely black and an enormous cat. A miniature panther. Sleek and powerful. Still and watchful. He was missing one eye and his ear was ripped.

  Haley wondered if he had a tattoo or had done military service.

  “Why? Because he’s black?” She knew that black cats were less likely to be adopted, although she thought that was silly.

  “That and he’s miserable. He ended up here because he was hurt in a fight and has been here ever since.”

  “How long?”

  “Eight months. No one ever came for him. Maybe he didn’t have anyone.” The girl shrugged. “Let me show you the kittens. We have some adorable tabbies...”

  “No,” Haley said, holding the black cat’s steady gaze and knowing exactly who he reminded her of. “I’m interested in that big tom.”

  His eye seemed to glow green as he watched her and the tip of his tail began to flick. Just like someone she knew, he wasn’t in a hurry to share his thoughts.

  “Really? He’s been neutered, of course,” the girl said. “The vet did it at the same time as he was patching him up. It was supposed to calm him down, but it doesn’t seem like it. He’s still got his claws, so he’ll scratch up your stuff.”

  “I thought you were supposed to help cats get adopted, not talk people out of it,” Haley said lightly and the girl flushed.

  “He’s just a lot of trouble. You should know what you’re getting into.”

  “I like trouble,” Haley said, because it was true. “I want to see him.”

  * * *

  Damon was finishing up on Friday night when Ty strode into the weight room. Damon waved, noting that Ty was still wearing his suit and tie and carrying his briefcase. He didn’t think much about Ty being dressed up, just finished putting away the weights. He’d been worrying about his mom all day long and couldn’t wait to get to the hospital. He hated having this knot in his gut, never mind the conviction that there was nothing he could do to help.

  He really hated that he couldn’t talk to Haley. She had an ability to make him feel better, but he didn’t want to withdraw what he couldn’t repay. It wasn’t fair.

  The day had passed more slowly than he’d believed possible.

  He checked his phone again, but there weren’t any messages from the hospital.

  Who had given his mom that red chemo hat? It was knitted and he wondered about that basket of knitting in Haley’s apartment. Did she knit for chemo patients as well as premature babies? It wouldn’t surprise him.

  He was not looking for an excuse to call Haley and he told himself so.

  But Damon wasn’t sure it was true.

  Truth be told, he found the prospect of thanking her one more time pretty enticing.

  “I hope you’re not planning to duck out tonight again,” Ty said and Damon jumped with the realization that Ty had been watching him. The other partner hadn’t put down his briefcase or loosened his tie. There was a resolve in his eyes that made Damon wonder what was up.

  “I’m always off Friday night,” Damon said, but Ty shook his head.

  “You have always been off Friday night. Tonight’s different.”

  Damon raised a hand, only realizing after he’d done it that he was gesturing with his phone. “Look, I have to go.”

  “Because the lovely Natasha is waiting for you,” Ty said and shook his head. “I never thought that I’d need to talk to you about teamwork, Damon. I always thought it would be Kyle who’d be taking off when we could use his help, but...”

  Damon tapped his watch. “I have to go.”

  “No,” Ty said firmly. “Tonight, you have to stay.” When Damon would have protested, Ty lifted a finger and pointed back to the lobby. “You may have noticed that we have a club here, one that’s only open three nights a week.”

  “I worked it last Thursday,” Damon said, hearing coldness in his tone.

  “And I worked Saturday, and Cassie worked all three nights. With Kyle and Theo in San Francisco, it’s tough to keep to our policy of having at least one partner in the club each night.”

  “Hey, it was Kyle’s idea...”

  “And he’s not here because he’s setting up F5 West. You know that! Damon, we’ve got to pull together through the tight spots
to keep this place going.”

  “I’m not staying tonight. I already worked a full day.”

  “So did I,” Ty replied. “And I’d love to go home, but I’m staying.” He drilled a finger into Damon’s chest. “And you’re staying. I sent Cassie home already. She’s dead on her feet and if she gets sick, we’ll really be in a jam.”

  Anger rose hot within Damon but he didn’t show it. “I have plans tonight.”

  “So did I. Amy will have to wait and so will Natasha.” Ty was resolute, his stare hard when Damon didn’t reply. “Or do I have to remind you again that we’re all five equal partners? That can be revised if you want out.”

  “I don’t want out,” Damon said tightly. “I just have to do something tonight.”

  “It’s not fair, Damon, and you know it. Cassie needs a break. The fact that she’s not seeing anyone isn’t a good enough reason to leave her spending every Friday night here at the club.”

  Damon took a deep breath and stared around the weight room, composing himself. Tyler was right and he knew it, but he was worried about his mom. “I just need to make one phone call,” he said, meeting the other man’s gaze. “If that’s all right with you.”

  “Give my regards to the lady,” Ty said and turned to leave. “I’m going up to change. If you’re not in the club when I come back down, I will find you, even if I have to drag you in there.”

  “Got it,” Damon acknowledged. Ty nodded once and left, heading for the elevator and his apartment in the tower above the club.

  Damon clenched his fist, exhaled, then punched in the number for the nurses’ station at the hospital. He hated asking for help, but this was about his mom and her comfort.

  And there was only one person he could trust to take his place this one time.

  Chapter Seven

  Haley was early for her shift, although she told herself it wasn’t because it was Friday night. No. It was because it was snowing like crazy and there would be people coming to work late and others wanting to get home. The worst of the storm was supposed to hit during the night.

  The tom had checked out the apartment thoroughly when she brought him home. Contrary to prediction, he had yet to set his claws on her furniture. He wasn’t much for eating and he tended to sit on the sill, either watching her or looking out the window. He seemed aloof and hadn’t wanted to snuggle or even let himself be stroked.

  Haley was pretty sure he didn’t think he was staying. She’d broiled fish that night for herself and given him a piece. He’d gobbled it up then watched her more closely, still wary, still considering her merit.

  When she left, she’d looked up from the street and seen his silhouette in the window. Impulsively, she’d waved.

  Megan was on the desk in the cardiac ward. Haley nodded to her and went to put her stuff in her locker, wondering what the cat would do in her absence.

  She still hadn’t decided on a name for him, although she had sent a picture to her mom.

  “Hey,” Megan said, peeking around the corner. “There’s a message for you.”

  “For me?”

  A bell sounded and Megan swore under her breath, then hurried to the desk. Haley changed and closed her locker, then followed Megan to the desk. The other nurse was on the phone but she held up a finger, motioning for Haley to wait.

  “What’s up?” Haley asked when Megan ended the call.

  “Oncology called. They asked if you were in, then when you would be in, then left a message.” Megan rummaged on the desk and came up with a pink slip of paper. “Here! They asked if you could come to Mrs. Perez.”

  Because Damon wasn’t coming.

  “Does that mean anything to you?” Megan asked when Haley didn’t say anything.

  “It does,” Haley said. “Thanks. She’s a patient who responds really well to massage. I guess she’s hurting.”

  “Wait a minute. Is she the one with the hot son?”

  “Well, she has a son. He let me try massage on his mom and she responded well, so I said I could do it again if she needed me. Sounds like she does.” Haley shrugged, trying to sound casual about it. “Do you need me early?”

  “Nope. All quiet.” Megan crossed her fingers and smiled.

  “Okay. I’ll be back for eight.”

  The phone rang again and Megan nodded at Haley before she answered it.

  Haley fought her disappointment all the way down to the oncology ward. The message made her realize how much she’d been hoping to see Damon—if only to tell him off for not confiding in his friends and partners. But Oncology wouldn’t have called if he was there. Maybe he wasn’t even coming in tonight. She wasn’t sure whether she should be pleased that she could help his mom, or annoyed that she was just useful.

  Then she got to the oncology ward and Teresa greeted her with a smile. “Hey! You did get the message.”

  “Absolutely. How’s Mrs. Perez?”

  “Not good. Poor thing. Even the opiates aren’t helping tonight.”

  Haley felt a wave of compassion. “Getting close?”

  Teresa winced. “I think so. They’ve stopped treatment because it’s not helping.”

  Haley’s heart squeezed in compassion for Damon again. She walked down the corridor to Natasha’s room with Teresa. “Doesn’t her son usually come in on Friday nights?”

  “He called and said he had to work late. He’s the one who asked for you.” Teresa winced. “He sounded pretty upset about work, actually.”

  “Really? I expect he worries about his mom, but he doesn’t seem like the type to show his emotions.”

  Teresa laughed. “No, his heart’s not on his sleeve. I meant that he was really terse. Jake’s like that when he’s upset,” she said, referring to her husband. “He bites off his words and gets even quieter than usual. Most people miss it when he gets upset, but I’ve learned to look for the signs.”

  “Survival instinct,” Haley teased and Teresa smiled.

  “You’ve got it.” She tapped gently on the door. “Hello, Mrs. Perez. Are you feeling any better?” There was a weak moan of reply. “She’s had some pain meds,” Teresa murmured. “But that’s her allotment for today and it’s not doing it. I’ve got a call in to her doc requesting some more morphine.”

  Haley nodded. It wouldn’t matter now if Natasha had too much. She bit her lip when she saw that Natasha had curled up on her side. She looked even smaller and more fragile than she had the other night. It was easy to believe that she’d been a ballerina, because she was so tiny. She seemed to be all bones beneath the sheet.

  Haley dropped a hand upon Natasha’s knee. “Hello,” she said with a smile and saw Natasha glance at her. “Damon asked if I could visit you. Would you like a massage?”

  “Isn’t he coming?” she whispered.

  Later, Teresa mouthed then shrugged.

  “It’s snowing,” Haley said to Natasha. “The roads are bad. It sounds like he’s been delayed, but I can try to help you now.”

  “Haley.”

  “That’s me,” Haley said, taking the massage lotion out of the drawer. She smiled. “Is it good or bad that you remember me?”

  “Good,” Natasha said with an answering smile.

  “I know I’m not as good at this as your son, but should we give it a try?”

  Natasha’s eyes closed as she nodded.

  “You could tell me about Russia,” Haley said, easing the older woman to her stomach. She unfastened the neck of her gown, and rubbed lotion between her hands. The lights were already dim in the room and Teresa had shut the door. The heart monitor beeped but otherwise, the room was peaceful. “What was it like?”

  “Cold,” Natasha said. “Grey.” She sighed at Haley’s first touch. “But when we danced on stage, it was like another world, a beautiful world of color and possibility.” She breathed for a few moments as Haley worked on her shoulders, then sighed again. “It wasn’t an illusion. Dancing did bring possibility.”

  “Because you met your husband when you danced.”


  “Yes. My Marco.” Natasha smiled without opening her eyes. “And we had a son.”

  “Does he look like his father?” Haley asked, because she couldn’t resist.

  “They could be brothers. So much alike, but so many years apart.” She licked her lips. “I miss him so much, my Marco, but that isn’t enough to make me ever wish I hadn’t met him. He was everything to me.”

  Haley nodded at the familiarity of the story. “It sounds like you lived a love story.”

  “It was. It is!” Natasha’s eyes opened. “And have you lived a love story?”

  Haley shook her head. “Not me. My mom and dad did, though, and my big brother.”

  “And you want one, too.”

  Haley frowned at this conviction that she must want the same thing as her mom and Natasha had. She ducked the question instead of replying. “Isn’t it hard, though? When it ends?”

  “It never ends,” Natasha said with conviction. She raised a hand to her chest. “He’s here, in my heart, all the time, giving me strength and helping me go on without him.” She gestured to the room. “He’s here, in my dreams, talking to me, telling me that he’s waiting for me.”

  Haley wondered. “Waiting for you?”

  Natasha nodded. “Marco says we’ll be together again soon.” She sighed. “I know it’s true, but Damon, my boy Damon, will be alone. That’s what really breaks my heart.”

  And there was nothing Haley could say to that.

  * * *

  Something was wrong.

  Ty didn’t know what it was, not exactly, but Damon had changed. He didn’t know Damon well, so he was uncertain what to make of his partner’s impassivity. Damon had shown up for his shift at the club, as Ty had insisted, but didn’t seem to enjoy himself and didn’t interact much with the patrons. Ty had the impression that Damon was fulfilling a duty or marking time.