White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1)

by Kristin Mayer

  “Buzz me if you need anything, Ms. Russo.” The nurse gently laid Carson’s buzzer in my lap. “I’ll be back in an hour to check on you unless you need me sooner. At that time, we’ll see how you’re feeling to stay for the second hour.”

  “Thank you.” My voice was hoarse. I cleared it after the door closed and I was alone with Carson. I would force myself to remain calm if it meant more time with him.

  I must stay strong.

  It was hard seeing him lifeless. In my mind I could hear him say, “Everything is going to be okay, angel.”

  Quickly, I glanced away and took a deep breath. Please wake up, Carson. Please. We need you. I cleared my throat again. “Hey, it’s me, Willow.”

  With shaky fingers I touched his scraped-up hand. “We had an accident. The doctors say the baby and I are going to be okay. The seatbelt saved my life. You saved my life. I—”

  The words caught and I swallowed. Needing a moment, I touched his hands.

  “You’re always there for me when I need you. Now I’m going to be here for you. I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner. They had to get me a little stronger before I could come up to ICU.”

  Memories of what was said in the dark flashed through my mind. The warmth of his hand soothed me. “I saw Francesca. She misses you. Marie is taking her back to the hotel to rest. We still have a big proposal to witness.”

  With no response from my best friend, I felt the desperation clawing its way out. But I took a deep breath and pushed it down. The nurse was going to check my vitals when she came back. I had to be strong enough to stay the entire time. I cleared my throat again. “When I was out, I heard some of the conversations around me. If you can hear me, know I’m here for you. I’m going to be fighting right alongside you.”

  My thumb stroked his hand, and I closed my eyes at the familiar touch. “Nonno asked me to say hi. You’re like a grandson to him.”

  Silence.

  This was beyond hard not hearing Carson’s words. I wanted to scream for him to wake up. Never in my life had I felt so helpless.

  “I love you so much, Carson.”

  I looked over and saw no change or response. I leaned in and winced. Repositioning myself, the pain left.

  Carson’s body was too still. “Carson, I need you to fight. I need you to find your way back. For Francesca. For your baby. For me. For your parents. We need you. Fight, Carson. Don’t give up.” I took a breath, feeling my strength return. I was going to be here for Carson and fight for him if I had to. “Do you remember the time you busted your leg during the triathlon? You refused to quit and finished that race. I waited for you at the finish line. We’re here waiting, Carson. Come find us. Please.”

  The tears trickled down, but I forced myself to sound strong. I talked about everything… mainly memories of our life together.

  Nearly five days had passed since I saw Carson for the first time after the accident. The swelling had gone down in his brain, but no changes occurred in his situation on life support. They’d tried to take him off of it once, but his vitals quickly declined.

  Knowing a few machines kept him alive was enough to nearly send me into a mental meltdown as I considered every negative outcome. But I kept it all inside, bottling it up for the time being.

  Francesca was a wreck. Yesterday, she’d fainted and was now being observed for stress. If all went well, she’d be released with me today.

  Andre had been released three days ago. His injuries had been less serious than mine since his airbags deployed. Paul was still in the hospital but hoped to be released by the end of the week. He had a broken arm that ended up requiring surgery four days ago.

  But I was determined. We were going to weather this storm to find the rainbows on the other side—all of us.

  The two hours a day never seemed enough time for any of us.

  In the bathroom, fresh out of the shower, I caught my appearance in the mirror. I brushed my finger against my cheek where the bruise had turned to a more purplish yellow. Still tender, I carefully dressed in yoga pants and a T-shirt. The soreness had lessened, but I still felt the effects from the wreck.

  A door opened and shut in my room. I assumed it was Trent coming to take me to the Whitmore Hotel where we were staying for now. He’d been checking on me regularly. When I insisted Nonno be taken to rest, Trent stayed with me to keep me company. I had learned he grew up in an impoverished part of Ireland. After his parents died, he was adopted here in the states within a year. Shortly after, his new mother died from cancer and his new father killed himself. Trent had no one. I felt for him. Until Dad had come into his life, Trent had isolated himself almost completely, except for work.

  I knew Trent was working around the clock to figure out who was behind the wheel of the Hummer. Unfortunately, no leads had developed thus far.

  Stepping into the room, my suspicions were confirmed. Trent was seated in a chair speaking with Bennett. Everyone looked tired from the weary days and the sleepless nights. Carson hung out there, unspoken, on the lips of everyone.

  Trent stood. “I hear we’re busting you out of here today.”

  “Yes, I’m so glad to be leaving.” Being in the hospital kept me on edge with all the monitoring and beeping. I looked forward to uninterrupted sleep.

  Marie walked in with Francesca, who looked more rested. Yesterday, I’d gone to her room for a few hours to keep her company and talk. For Francesca, it had been love at first sight with Carson. She’d known he wasn’t ready to settle down and had respected that. On top of everything, Francesca had been terrified Carson would initially think she’d trapped him.

  Francesca had an honest soul. I sensed it.

  “Did they release you?”

  Obviously relieved, she responded, “Yes. I got to visit with Carson this morning. He’s looking better.”

  So much hope resided in her voice. It was good to see her more rested, especially for the baby.

  “I saw him, too. I agree, some of that ashen color is gone.”

  It was still hard seeing him so beat up and broken, though I knew I looked fairly bad myself. From time to time, I saw Nonno looking at me the way I knew I did with Carson.

  “Come in and sit.”

  Marie stayed at the door. “I’m going to see Carson. Francesca wanted to leave with you if that’s okay, Willow. Or Bennett can take her.”

  “I’d love the company. Francesca can show me the ropes of the hotel.” I gave her a wink which earned me a genuine relaxed smile. Though we were getting close, I knew Francesca was lonely and felt like she was intruding. Nothing could be further from the truth. I think the baby helped us hang onto hope. We had a piece of Carson.

  At my insistence, Nonno went to the hotel to sleep for a bit. Being here most nights with me had worn him out. The last thing I wanted was for him to get sick. Francesca still hadn’t heard from her father even though she had left a message to tell him what happened.

  He sounded like a genuine asshole.

  The door cracked open and one of the security guards leaned in. “A Mrs. Rene Adams is here. She said Mr. Whitmore is expecting her.”

  Bennett stood. “Send her in. I know about this.”

  I knew what this was about as Bennett had told me this morning she would be stopping by. Hopefully, it helped Francesca. Everyone clung to anything to do with Carson. It kept him here in the present and not in ICU, hooked up to life support.

  Mrs. Adams was an older lady in jeans and a yellow summer cardigan. I’d met her a few times when I was with Carson. “I’m sorry to intrude. Hello, Willow. It’s good to see you again, even under these unpleasant circumstances.”

  I gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you, too.”

  She looked at Francesca. “You must be Francesca.”

  Shocked, Francesca glanced at me as Rene handed her a key.

  “I’m Rene, Carson’s realtor. These are for you. I know Carson is in ICU, but I think he’d want you to have them.”

  A gasp left Francesca
’s lips as she looked at the key and then cradled it to her heart. Tears flowed. I walked up to her and hugged her. “He’s still here, Francesca. He loves you so.”

  More tears as she gripped me harder. “Did you see it yet?”

  “No, but he told me about it.”

  She showed me the brass key. I took it and read it. It had a simple silver heart key ring attached. An inscription in elegant script appeared down the key.

  My fingers traced over the wording. I will not cry. I will not cry. He hadn’t told me about the engraving. Carson always paid attention to the details.

  In a low, voice she asked, “What is it to?”

  I looked to Bennett, and he nodded. “It’s to a beach house where you and Carson can live in and become a family. It’s a little more kid friendly than his loft.”

  Another tear slipped from her eye, causing some to form in mine. Rene approached her. “I know you don’t know me, Francesca, but I hope my words give you some sort of comfort. I’ve helped Carson broker deals for many hotels. He’s an impeccable young man. About a week ago, he called me to finalize the deal on the beach house. He said it was for the most special person in his life. The one who would always own his heart.”

  I sniffled as the emotions broke free. Damn it. I want to be strong, but I’m an emotional wreck. Carson, you are one sweet man. Please wake up.

  Tracing the heart key chain, Francesca said, “My surprise,” as more tears sprang free. They rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

  Yesterday, Francesca mentioned Carson had told her about a surprise he had. I was glad Bennett reached out to Rene to get the keys. I thought it would help her through this difficult time to realize how much Carson truly loved her.

  “Yes, your surprise. He was so excited to give it to you.”

  Shaking her head, she replied, “Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed this. Not the house, but something to keep Carson close to me.”

  Bennett gave me a nod, silently thanking me for asking him to do this. I was already able to see more hope in Francesca’s eyes. This was good for the baby. I knew it.

  Francesca clutched the key to her chest again.

  Please pull through this, Carson. I’m begging you.

  Coming to me, Francesca asked, “Can we go out to see it? I need to have him closer to me. Will you come?”

  I wanted to be there for Francesca. “I’d like that.”

  Trent touched my shoulder. “Let me make a few arrangements while you finish getting discharged. We’ll go to the beach house from here and return before it gets dark.”

  “Thank you, Trent. That will work.”

  Bennett added, “I’ll come, too. There’s something else Carson wanted Francesca to have.”

  Her eyes danced with excitement. Over breakfast, Bennett had asked if he should give her the engagement ring. I knew Carson would have wanted Francesca to have it to know how he felt until he was able to tell her himself.

  The security guard let Marissa and Rosie in as Trent left. This was a busy place today. They’d frequently stopped by along with my other friends. Each time so far, I’d either been with Carson or asleep.

  “How are you?” Marissa asked with concern.

  Each one gave me a gentle hug. None of my friends knew about the baby yet. “I’m hanging in there. There’s no change in Carson, but I’m hoping for the best.”

  I had to stop before I cried. Between the emotional stress and the hormones, I was a basket case.

  Marissa gave me an understanding look, and Rosie grabbed my hand. “I know, sweetie. We’re here for you.”

  “Thank goodness Francesca wasn’t in the car, too. Have they found any leads?” Rosie gave me a gentle squeeze along with a sympathetic look while waiting for a response.

  Francesca took a seat beside Bennett, looking at the key chain. She had reached her limit for talking. I understood.

  I shook my head. “Nothing yet. It appears to be a hit and run.” That was the answer I had been instructed to give anyone who asked for now. Trent wanted to keep everything on a need-to-know basis. However, this was planned.

  “I hope they catch that motherfucker.” Marissa’s sternness startled me for a second.

  I echoed the sentiment. “Me, too.”

  The nurse walked in. “Ms. Russo, I have your discharge papers.”

  Finally, I was leaving.

  In the back of the SUV, we rode in silence with Trent at the wheel. There was one car in front and another at our back. Bennett rode in the car behind us with Francesca. I was grateful to have some time to myself, not needing the silence filled.

  I hadn’t heard from Tack. My stuff had been taken to my house after the accident. The offer to stay at the Whitmore Hotel had come afterward. Tomorrow I would ask to get some things, including my phone. From the rose delivery on my tray every morning, I knew Tack kept tabs on my wellbeing. It was the only way we had to communicate since people stayed close to me almost every second of the day.

  Not too long ago, Carson and I made this same drive. It was to give me comfort. Now, we made the same drive to give Francesca comfort. The world certainly came full circle sometimes.

  I focused on good memories of our childhood as scenes from the car wreck tried to overwhelm me. He had buckled. Why hadn’t the buckle held? I thought back to our conversation after seeing Carson for the first time in the hospital.

  Trent walked into the room. “It’s good to see you awake. We’ve all been worried about you.”

  “Thanks. It’s good to be seen.”

  He came further into the room. “Is now a good time? I assume the police will be here shortly. I want to prepare you for their questions.”

  After my visit with Carson, I was emotionally raw. “Umm… yes.”

  He sat next to Nonno in jeans and a blue T-shirt. There were dark circles under his eyes. “We’ve been going over every detail. At this point, I believe the best story to give the cops is that it was a hit and run.”

  Nonno agreed. “I can do that.” My voice was barely audible as I remembered Carson talking about how much he loved his baby.

  After a few minutes, I looked at Trent. “What have you found so far?”

  Regret shone in his eyes. I hated it. “We can’t find any traces of the vehicle except for the description Andre gave us. Whoever it was came from over the hill and left the same way until they got to the dirt road on the other side. From there, we can’t find a trail. We’re looking at all rentals, traffic cams, anything we can think of.”

  “So, we have nothing.” I needed to talk to Tack to see what he knew. Hopefully, he would reach out to me.

  “I won’t stop until we figure this out, Willow. I swear it.”

  Trent had that determined look in his eyes that told me he was a man of his word.

  Pulling up to the beach house brought a smile to my face. I remembered the night Carson brought me here to get away after Alex died. He’d burned so many marshmallows it was a miracle he hadn’t burned the house down.

  When he woke up, I was going to roast him all the damn marshmallows he wanted.

  “All is clear, Willow.” I looked at Trent, and he continued, “We’ve done an internal and perimeter sweep. I have a man stationed in the study on the main floor and two upstairs. I’ll be outside on the front porch. Francesca has asked for a few minutes by herself.”

  “Of course. I’ll wait here.”

  Bennett walked Francesca to the front door. She sobbed as she took it all in for the first time. I totally got it. The beauty had overwhelmed me.

  Carson was going to wake up. He had to. I glanced out at the ocean to give Francesca a little privacy as she walked around. I imagined beach playdates here. Kids buried in the sand. We had a beautiful life ahead of us as soon as Carson came back.

  Francesca walked in while Bennett stayed on the front porch. I wasn’t sure when she wanted me to come or what she wanted me to do, but I was here. However she needed me.

  Life was cruel, making us
suffer as we had. How much loss was one person supposed to withstand?

  My mother.

  My father.

  Alex.

  And now, potentially, Carson.

  Please come back to us, Carson. Please.

  I knew the importance of remaining optimistic, but a piece of me was gone until he came back. For my entire life, he’d always been there.

  Bennett gave me the ten-minute signal and walked in. Trent stayed nearby in full-force observation mode. There were a few security guards around. Hopefully later, Trent and I would be able to talk more in depth. With the constant interruptions, we’d kept our conversations more surface level.

  Looking up at the second level, I remembered Tack coming to my room. I needed my phone. Once I heard his voice, my nerves would calm.

  When ten minutes had elapsed, I walked to the door with Trent not far behind.

  The house was just as I remembered it as I walked through and saw the fireplace we had sat in front of for hours, talking.

  I paused. We were going to have more of those moments.

  Beyond the living room, I walked to the open patio doors.

  Bennett was on the back porch with Francesca. I gasped at the sight. Carson had recreated their night from Italy. It was painfully beautiful to see Francesca clutching a velvet box to her chest. I touched the gauze curtains that swayed in the wind at the door.

  It would have been perfect for them.

  A night to start the rest of their life.

  “Carson was going to propose to you that night,” Bennett said to Francesca. “I’m certain he would have wanted you to know how much he loved you by me giving you this. He was so excited about the baby and finding his true love. That morning he called me and said this was the first day of the rest of his life.”

  I bit the inside of my cheek. Bennett kept going. “I told him how proud I was of him.”

  Francesca opened the box. “He has to pull through, Bennett. He has to.”

  Everyone’s future hung in limbo. Francesca needed Carson’s strength. The baby needed a daddy. I needed my brother… my best friend. Life was not the same without Carson here. In fact, a hole—a Carson-sized hole—grew inside me while he lay immobile on life support.