Bearing It All

by Vonnie Davis

  “Good night, me luv. Tired.” Heavy breathing rumbled from his chest.

  “Now, if I can just get ye to sleep, young lady. I’ll push the cart into the corridor and text me niece she can come get it.” Once she positioned the pushcart outside their room, she exchanged words with the new guards Kendric had stationed in the hallway. She closed the door as she came back in. “Ye need to sleep well tonight. Nay doubt, the doctor will run ye through a barrage of tests tomorrow to make sure all yer organs are working properly after the poisons.”

  Chapter 19

  The next morning, Dr. MacGuiness charged in with a folder in his hand. “Well, we ken the type of poison used on ye and I need to talk to that pink-haired woman. She was dead-on right. Copper-backed Broodfrog from Australia.” He shook his head twice. “How could she possibly ken that?”

  “You’d have to ask her.” There was no way Anisa was telling the king of bedside manner that Effie was a witch.

  Jaimie had just reported for duty and the doctor told her what anti-toxins to mix to add to Anisa’s IV drip. He also gave Jaimie a rundown of tests he’d ordered before his white coattails flared out as he exited the room.

  Ronan hobbled out of the bathroom, a hand pressed to his abdominal incisions. He looked pale. “Too many pancakes and eggs late at night.” He leaned over and kissed Anisa, his mouth a minty tang of toothpaste. “Och, the nightmares I had. Last night was too close fer comfort. When that bitch shot those police officers, I didna ken I could shift quick enough to protect ye. Fer ye are me life, sweetheart.”

  By early afternoon, Anisa was exhausted from all the tests hospital technicians had put her through. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was wheeled into her room. To her surprise, a muscled man with ginger hair in braids and wearing a kilt leaned against Ronan’s bed. A t-shirt proclaiming “I’m the Da” stretched across his muscles.

  “This must be the kickass woman who captured me brother’s heart.” He extended his arms for a hug. “I’m the youngest of the Matheson brothers, Bryce. ’Tis good to meet the lady who has charmed both me brothers and me mum.” He held her close. “Me beloved’s in labor. Can ye feel me shaking?” A disarming smile creased his face.

  Anisa could sense his nervousness. Poor man was scared. But then Ronan had told her Bryce’s first wife had died birthing their daughter, Colleen.

  “Nurses are getting me wife ready fer delivery and told me it would be fifteen minutes before I could join her in the labor room.” He tucked two fingers beneath the neckline of his t-shirt and tugged several times as he spoke, as if he had to do something with his hands. “I came to get ye and Ronan, so the entire family can wait together. A new bairn is a wondrous event. I’ll push Ronan’s wheelchair. Jaimie, might I ask ye to drive Anisa’s?”

  As she was ambulated to the maternity ward, Anisa tensed. She hadn’t expected to be included within the family unit so quickly. How many people would be there? Was it so terrible she just wanted to crawl into her bed and sleep?

  Yes, it was. This was Ronan’s family. She’d met both of his brothers and his mother. How many more could there be? Sweet mother of Prada, the entire waiting room was filled! The low chatter stopped when Anisa was pushed into the area and all eyes fixed on her.

  A darling auburn-haired sprite, wearing a shirt that read “I’m the Big Sister” came charging over to Ronan. “Uncle Ronan!” She crawled onto his lap, and Anisa worried about the pain the little girl must be inflicting on him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he leaned his cheek against Colleen’s. “I’ve been so worried about ye, so I have.” She planted a dozen or so kisses over his face. “Are ye going to be okay? Why is your head as bald as the Christmas goose? Is this yer intended, then? The one who dropped from the sky?” The child’s slow perusal of Anisa went from her matted hair to her hospital slippers. “I’m guessing she looked a wee sight better at the time.”

  “Mind yer manners, Colleen,” Bryce reprimanded his daughter.

  She scowled at her da. “I will. I’m just excited about the baby. Canna ye give a kid a break?” She stepped in front of Anisa and held out her little hand. “Greetings. Me name is Colleen Matheson and I’m about to have a baby sister. We’ve decided on Linsey Fiona as her name. I hear ye’re one of those French people, but since ye saved me uncle Ronan, we’ve decided to overlook that.”

  Anisa laughed. “Well, I’m glad you did. I can imagine you’re very excited about the new baby.”

  “Och, I am. I’ve been practicing being a sister with Rory Creighton and Roslyn Effie. I never knew a woman who was in the army. Do ye shoot people and stuff? I heard ye kicked Uncle Ronan on his arse a couple of times, but I think maybe he deserved it.” She shot him a blaming glance, her tiny auburn eyebrows lowered into a V. “He gets testy, so he does.”

  Ronan took Anisa’s hand. “Did I mention we’ve spoiled this child?”

  A nurse in purple scrubs decorated with pink and white storks entered the waiting area. “Bryce, we’re ready fer ye. Come with me and I’ll show ye where to put on yer scrubs.”

  Colleen scurried to the nurse. “Make sure he gets pink ones. It’s a girl we’ll be having, ye see.”

  Creighton and Ronan both laughed heartily and spoke at the same time. “Aye. Be sure he wears the pink ones.”

  Bryce gave his brothers the finger behind his back as he followed the nurse. Ronan was pleased his wheelchair was parked next to Anisa’s. Dark circles under her eyes told him she was exhausted. What a hellacious few days she’d just lived through but, thank God, she’d survived. He needed to thank Effie for naming the poison Anisa had been given. He’d buy her some pink beads and earrings as a thank-ye gift. Maybe he’d order some flowers for the nurse who responded so quickly to his beloved’s needs that night. He grinned. With any luck, Kendric would see them and realize he needed to make a move and ask Jaimie out.

  “Did Colleen hurt you when she crawled onto your lap like that?”

  “Nay, shifters heal faster.” He entwined his fingers with Anisa’s, lifted them, and kissed her knuckles. “Do ye remember the last time we had our fingers locked like this, luv?”

  She batted her eyes at him and all was right with his world. “Yes, how could I forget, when you had me soaring over the earth.”

  The woman had a way of making him feel ten feet tall. “Before I molest ye in yer wheelchair, would ye like me to point out who everyone is?” She nodded. “Ye ken me eldest brother, Creighton, holding his daughter, Roslyn. Beside him is his beloved, Paisley, holding their son, Rory. Effie, ye already ken, and Earnan, who was our veterinarian and doctor fer years. Have ye met me mum?”

  “Yes, she stopped by and introduced herself before the woman with the poison arrived. We had a nice talk.”

  “Good. She’s verra protective of her sons.”

  “Maybe I’ll have a son one day to be proud of. Your son.” She batted her eyes again. “I hope we won’t have to wait too long for that event.”

  He had to glance away fer a beat fer his heart to catch up. “Aye. ’Tis something to talk about when we’re healthier and this mess with the traitor charges is cleared up.”

  A shadow crossed her beautiful face. “Sometimes I forget I have an awful situation to straighten up. I get so wrapped up in my feelings for you, I lose touch with the reality that lies ahead.”

  “ ’Tis a subject fer us to talk about later, luv. Fer now, let me get back to naming off who all is here. The lady next to Mum is Cook Edweena. Beside her is the woman who helped raise Kenzie, her aunt Una. She weaves our clan’s plaid and is also a witch who makes healing potions and casts spells.”

  “Is…is Kenzie a…” She cast her blue eyes on him.

  “Aye. She’s a member of the Protectors’ Coven like Effie. The young woman is Mary Kate, Effie’s cook and Kenzie’s best friend.”

  “And they’ve all assembled here for the birth?”

  He brought her hand to his mouth again for another kiss. “Aye. As ye know, Bryce’s first wife died h
aving Colleen. Kenzie’s had two miscarriages, thanks to an abusive husband, who has since died. So, we’re all a bit fearful.”

  “I understand.” She squeezed his hand again. “I’m sure you’re worried, too.”

  He leaned his shoulder against hers. “Aye. Bryce went to a dark place after his first wife died. They were young, deeply in love. I didna think he’d ever work his way out. Part of his healing was caring fer Colleen. She was premature and required extra attention. He’s a damn fine father. But it was a long time before we got the whole man back again. Not until the day he married Kenzie.”

  People slowly came over and introduced themselves to Anisa, making an effort to get to ken her. Once she seemed comfortable in the various conversations, Ronan wheeled his chair around to talk to the men and then his mum, who handed him a few items. He studied them, chose one, and gave the rest back to her.

  After four hours of quiet conversation between the adults—Colleen bugging everyone by asking how long her da had been gone, and people taking turns to go for coffee and tea—the doors from the delivery area swung open.

  Bryce, in pink scrubs, grinning from ear to ear, pushed a fussy bairn in a plastic bassinet through the doorway. “Family, meet Linsey Fiona, seven pounds, two ounces of healthy beauty. She’s got red hair just like her older sister.” He wiped a tear. “And Kenzie is fine. I spent an extra hour with her to be sure. The doctor assures me she’ll be okay.”

  Everyone gathered around to get a glimpse at the baby and proclaim her a fine Scottish bairn. Colleen gently trailed a finger down Linsey’s cheek. Linsey quieted and fisted her tiny hand around Colleen’s finger. “Look, Da, she kens me already! She kens I’m her big sister.” She leaned and pressed a kiss to the bairn’s forehead. “I’ll take care of ye. I willna let anyone hurt ye. I love ye more than all me dolls and I’ve got a lot, but we can share.”

  Bryce placed his hand on Colleen’s shoulder. “I have to take Linsey to the nursery. Do ye want to come along? Ye may tell the nurses yer sister’s name so they can enter it in the records.”

  She puffed up with pride. “I know how to spell it, too, Da.”

  “Well, ye’re so smart I had nay doubt.” The two pushed the bassinet toward the nursery.

  Effie tucked her hand in Earnan’s arm. “I don’t know about any of you, but I think Bryce looks good in pink.” She pursed her hot pink lips. “Pink looks good on anyone.” She eyed Earnan.

  “Nay. Dinna even think about it. Let’s go to Mathe Restaurant fer supper. I’m in the mood fer a good piece of fish.” He glanced around. “Anyone want to join us?”

  Ronan’s guts had just recently calmed down from all the pancakes and eggs in the wee hours of the morning. All Ronan could think of was chicken broth and toast. Maybe he could entice Anisa to sleep in his big bed once visiting hours were over. He wasna up fer sex, but he’d delight in wrapping himself around her during the night. To absorb the warmth of her body and hear her gentle snoring.

  When Anisa and Ronan were wheeled into their room, Kendric and a somber man in a black pinstripe suit were there waiting for the couple.

  Kendric spoke first. “We were told ye were waiting fer Kenzie to birth her bairn. Did all go well?”

  Ronan glanced at Anisa. Her face was pale. Even the color had drained from her lips. This was nay good. “Aye. Bryce has a healthy girl bairn. Kenzie came through the delivery just fine. Who is this man ye’ve got with ye?” Ronan’s nose twitched at the gent’s heavy use of cologne.

  Anisa’s cold hand reached for Ronan’s and tightened so hard it was as if she were afraid she’d be torn from him. “Honey, this is the French Minister of Defense, Chasen Laroche. He’s come to interrogate me.”

  “More than interrogate, Anisa Brosseau. Much more than interrogate.” The man had the audacity to glower at his woman.

  Ronan’s heart stuttered several painful beats. “Ye canna take her. She’s seeking political asylum. Kendric, didna ye tell him? Besides, I plan to marry this woman.” After all they’d been through, this couldna be happening. Could the French government come onto Scottish soil and take away his intended, his beloved, his heart? Panic slid over him like a sheet of ice peppered with nails and began to pierce the life out of his being.

  Chapter 20

  “Minister, I’ve had a very long, rough two days. I’m exhausted. Would you mind if I got back in the bed for the interrogation?”

  He smoothed his hand down his expensive necktie. “With your training, you should be strong enough to suck it up and endure whatever I’m about to throw at you.”

  Bastard. There was a time she’d rise to his bait. But truthfully, she doubted he could endure what she had the last few days—mentally or physically. She hiked her chin in defiance and kept her eyes locked on his as she stood and sat on the edge of her bed. After kicking off her slippers, she slid her legs under the blanket and tucked the covers under her armpits. Just to irritate him some more, she closed her eyes. “All right, Minister Laroche, I’m ready for your interrogation to begin. I promise to be truthful, just understand my energy levels are low.”

  A bear’s low growling, ominous and menacing, rumbled from Ronan’s throat. Magnus wanted out. Chasen Laroche spun around, searched for the sound, and shrugged his shoulders as if it were nothing. The high and mighty Minister of Defense had no idea what danger he was in. He better watch his French ass. Her Scottish man would shift and destroy him, which would only lead to more trouble.

  For centuries, these shifters had succeeded in keeping their existence a secret. She could not ruin the lives of so many, just to save her own behind.

  “How much do you know and where would you like to start, sir.” She opened her eyes and stared directly into his gray gaze fastened on her.

  The room fairly vibrated with Ronan’s anger. “Kendric, ye went behind our backs and called in her boss? Ye put her in danger without a word of warning?”

  “I’m a law enforcement officer. There was a warrant out fer her arrest. I have laws by which I must abide. Although the Minister was surprised she’d applied for asylum and was under the international protection that affords.” He pushed over a chair for the Minister and plopped his own behind in her wheelchair.

  Ronan stood and got into his big bed with what appeared to be little difficulty. He slipped something under his pillow before he turned to scowl at Kendric. “Is yer laird aware of this?”

  Kendric ran a palm down his face and shook his head. “Yer brother will nay doubt beat me senseless. But me job carries certain duties here in Scotland and internationally. I was under obligation to share what I knew with the Minister of Defense. The Minister and I have gone over the intel Anisa freely gave me.”

  Minister Laroche opened a folder full of printouts of what she’d discovered. Page by page he went over every word of information with her. After a couple of hours, her head hurt so badly, she could barely think straight. “Minister, my head is pounding. I can scarcely hear your questions much less think clearly enough to answer them. May I ring the nurse for some medicine? Otherwise, my answers might be nothing more than mumble-jumble and not the truth you require.”

  To her surprise, he snapped the file closed and stood. “I’ll return at nine sharp tomorrow morning. We will continue then, even if it takes us all day. Thank you for your openness thus far.” He gave a curt nod. “Good night.” He marched out with straight, military precision.

  Kendric turned to Ronan. “I ken ye dinna understand why I had to do things this way.”

  “Get the fook out! Ye put yer career ahead of the sleuth’s mandate and our friendship.”

  She couldn’t allow the mess she’d gotten herself in to ruin a lifelong friendship between cousins. “Ronan, man that I love, what Kendric did was the honorable thing. We don’t have to like it right this minute, but what he did was right. His job carries a huge burden of responsibility. I’m betting he took a sworn oath when he got his job. A man can’t go against that, not with Scottish blood running through his
veins. He belongs to the law system, just as I belong to the French government.”

  Ronan glared at Kendric. “I dinna want to lose her. I’ve waited all me life fer this woman. Dinna expect me to accept yer putting me beloved at risk.”

  “What I’m trying to do is clear her name so she can go home to Paris to see her family if she wants or if one of her family members becomes ill. Some things we’ve got to do in steps. Aye, her asylum, if approved, will keep her safe within our borders, especially after ye’ve wed. But wouldna ye want yer name cleared if ye’d worked as hard as she has to earn her rank? Wouldna ye want to come home to see yer mum if she became deathly ill…or one of yer brothers?”

  Ronan’s hand extended in a stop gesture. “Dinna give me yer excuses right now. Thanks to yer righteous devotion to yer job, the French government, the CIA, the good and the bad of ICAT, and the Russians know where she’s at. Every dirty, fookin’ rat will be heading toward Mathe Bay fer her!” He pointed to Anisa.

  “Sweetheart, I put myself in danger the moment I copied those files from CIA computers. I ruined my military career when I stole that drone. The things I’ve done on one hand were to clear my name and, on the other, were illegal. Even though I’d planned all along to turn every bit of the intel over to a law enforcement agency. One I trusted. Blame me, not your cousin.” She wiped tears from her cheeks.

  “Thank ye, Anisa. Maybe after he’s had a few days to think about what all me job entails, his attitude will change.” Kendric spun and opened the door to leave.

  “Not if me woman is taken from me, ye knife-in-the-back friend.”

  Anisa’s heart pounded in her ears and her breathing was rapid. She was going to have to pay for what she’d done to ICAT and the French Intelligence Agency. The fact that the Minister of Defense came to Scotland to talk to her was a bad sign. One that carried a death knell with it, for it was not lost on her that neither his greeting nor his farewell included mention of her rank. He’d insist she’d return to France for a military trial and court-martial. She’d be put in jail for the rest of her life—or shot, as a traitor.