Gina stepped into Desi’s line of vision, nodded approval, and returned to the back rooms.
Ramon laughed. “Then I must graciously accept, eh?”
“I think you must.”
“When shall I expect the HJ Securities team?”
“I’ll tap the Dallas office. The team leader will call you early tomorrow.”
“Pilar will be relieved. She has been quite nervous of late.”
Pilar! Desi went still inside. Of course! She knew the Greybecks. But how could she tactfully ask Ramon if he had told his wife about the medallion theft? Please, give me wisdom, God “One more thing. Is there anything to report about my missing items?”
“Nothing favorable, unfortunately. Your carry-on was recovered, ripped and empty. Im sure your ring was sold for whatever the little urchin could get. I have the word out among the pawnshops. As to your medallion, this Preston Standish, Esquire, seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. There is no record of him after his arrival in Mérida. I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. Im sorry to have brought my difficulties into your household. I’m sure Pilar didn’t need to hear about more crime in her city.”
“Pilar? I didn’t mention—Ay, caramba, she might have overheard me on the phone with the capitán of the policía. My apologies if you did not wish your privacy invaded that way.”
Desi groaned on the inside. At least she had a good idea who leaked information about the medallion. But why was Pilar Sanchez chummy with the Greybecks? Maybe Ramon knew. “I’m not sure what it means, and there’s probably an innocent explanation.” Her words rushed out. Good going girl, make it sound like the darkest secret since David seduced Bathsheba.
“I beg your pardon,” Ramon said. “What are you trying to say?”
“Are you familiar with Greybeck and Sons, the security firm that was let go by the Museo de Arte Mejicana?”
“I have heard the name.” His words trailed out slowly.
“When I used Pilar’s phone, I accidentally found their business card under her blotter. The card was well-used, and there was a personal answering service number written on the back. A New York number.” She clamped her mouth shut. She’d said enough.
“How…interesting.” Ramon sounded puzzled but not shocked. “I will ask her. My wife makes many contacts at social functions. Perhaps she was considering engaging their services to install security devices as you have offered to do.”
Desi forced a laugh. She’d eat her left shoe if the explanation were that simple. “Guess we beat the Greybecks to it this time. My people will be in touch soon.”
“Bueno. And I will call if I hear anything about your stolen property.”
“That’s all I can ask. Buenos di—Aack! I almost forgot. Unforgivable! Have they caught Señora Coronas killer?”
Heavy silence. Shouldn’t she have asked?
A deep sigh floated through the connection. “The incident has gained international media attention, but you have been out of touch. Señor Corona has been arrested for the crime.”
“What?” Desi’s breath snagged.
“I am not free to speak of the details. The matter pains my heart.”
“Mine too.” She cleared her throat. “Stay safe, Ramon—you and your family.”
“Safety, sí. A priceless commodity. Almost as rare as some of the antiquities you protect.” Ramon released a brief chuckle, lacking in humor.
“There is One who holds us in the palm of His hand, no matter what.”
“In the midst of your troubles, you remind me of this. Your Tony is a lucky man.”
Desi laughed, heart lighter. “I needed to remind myself of that. Buenos días, Ramon.”
An unfamiliar ringtone sounded as Desi put her phone into her purse. Had Tony left his cell at home?
“It’s mine this time,” Gina called.
Desi picked up the newspaper from the easy chair and tore out the offensive árticle. She stuffed that into her purse too, then headed toward the bedroom. The tone of Gina’s voice prickled the hairs on Desi’s neck, though she couldn’t make out the words. She rushed forward. The expression on the woman’s face halted her in the doorway.
Gina closed her phone. “That was the hospital. They are taking Tony into surgery. He’s bleeding internally. Maybe his tumble yesterday tore something inside from his splenectomy.”
Desi made a beeline for her coat draped over the sofa, Gina’s footsteps close behind.
“Cara, wait! We must do one thing first.”
Desi whirled. “What could be more important than getting to Tony?”
Gina held out her hands. “We need to pray.”
Desi put her small hands into those big ones. Gina was right. A dear friend died a few years back from internal bleeding detected too late—and Tony’s body had been through so much trauma already…She gulped. His window for survival had just slammed down on all their fingers. Only the mercy of God could lift it again.
Fourteen
Desi paced the OR waiting room.
“You’re going to wear a hole and fall through.” Max threw an arm around her shoulder.
Desi leaned into the support. “What would I do without my friends?” She gazed around the room at Steve and Lana and Gina.
Lana had brought Special K bars, and Steve was sprawled in an armchair, nibbling at one. He must be beside himself. The galoot never nibbled; he gobbled. Lana sat on the edge of a love seat and knitted, cute and composed as ever. Her needle fumbled, and a word left her lips that Desi had never heard from Max’s mother before. Well, maybe not so composed, after all.
Gina occupied a seat near a window that provided a view of the Boston snowscape. With her elbow on the windowsill and her chin resting on the back of her hand, her profile radiated serenity. The pose was worthy of a classic painting. “Madonna of the Waiting Room”?
“See her?” Desi nudged Max. “She’s a rock, and I’m a wreck.”
“Check your eyeballs, girlfriend. Where are they pointed? On outer reality or inner? Gina’s a rock because she’s focused on her Rock. She’s not seeing outside. She’s seeing inside. Watch close. Her lips are moving. You do like that, and you’ll get the same result.”
A wry chuckle left Desi’s throat. “No wonder I pay you such big money to work for me.” She planted a quick smooch on Max’s cheek. “I’m going to grab myself by the scruff and imitate Gina—er, Mom.”
Desi sighed. “I need to get my emotions around having a new parent too.”
“Dont push yourself faster than you’re ready to go. When the time is right, calling her Mom will come naturally.”
Desi subsided into a cushioned chair. She closed her eyes and willed her body to relax, but her mind proved a stubborn customer. Turmoil persisted like static hiss in the background.
Lord, You know I’m struggling here. Forgive me for lack of trust. I know You love Tony more than I do, though that’s hard for me to fathom. Help me to release him to Your care and stand in faith for the victory that Your Word promises.
“Pastor Grange!”
Max’s voice brought Desi’s eyes open. Their pastor, a light-haired man of medium height, walked toward them. Max stepped forward, and his smile bloomed.
“How are the kids these days?”
“Better than last time we spoke. They’re happier now that they can count on seeing their daddy every Thursday. I never fuss at them about bedtime when we go to the prison. I’ll take a little crankiness the next day. Spendin’ time with their father is too important.”
“Wonderful.” The pastor nodded. “And Dean?”
Max beamed. “He’s getting more like the godly man who waltzed me up the aisle. He appreciates your visits and counsel.”
“I enjoy our conversations. He’s found the joy and humility that can only come from a deep revelation of God’s forgiveness. Don’t be too surprised if the Lord intervenes and Dean is released before anyone anticipates.” He tapped Max’s arm, then turned tow
ard Desi.
She extended her hand. The pastor squeezed it, and she battled a rush of tears. Good thing they could talk about something besides Tony for a moment. “Thanks for your efforts with Dean. It took me a while to get over his involvement with a bunch of crooks who meant to kill me, but I think I can finally say I’m getting a revelation of forgiveness too.”
“Forgiveness is as vital for the one who needs to do the forgiving as for the one who needs to be forgiven.” He released her hand. “Any word on Tony?”
“It’s too early yet, but the wait is shredding me into itsy-bitsy pieces.”
“Sounds like we’d better apply a little glue.”
“Glue?”
The pastor glanced around the room. “Good to see so many familiar races. Lana…Steve.”
Desi stared at the couple now holding each others hands. Lana was a regular in church with her family, but when had Pastor Grange met Steve Crane? Some private encounter? Uh-oh! Did she hear wedding bells not her own?
“And this must be Tony’s mother.” The pastor held out his hand to the tall woman.
“You know Gina too?” Desi blinked at her minister.
Pastor Grange shook hands with Gina. “We’ve never met, just spoken on the phone a time or two when I called Tony about deacon duties, and she was at his town house.” He turned his attention back to Gina. “Your son resembles you.”
The woman laughed. “I’ve never thought so. He’s his fathers son.”
“Oh, no.” Desi folded her arms across her chest. “Hes a lot like you in appearance and personality. Maybe that’s why I’m so tickled to get you as a mother-in-law.”
“Thank you, cara.” Gina touched Desi’s cheek.
Desi bit her lip, tears surging toward the surface again. She couldn’t lose Tony now that she was so close to getting both a husband and a mom. She lowered her head. What a selfish thought, but isn’t that what fears were made of?
Gina fixed the pastor with a stern gaze. “Lets do the glue.”
He nodded. “Anyone willing to engage their faith, please, join us.” He took Desi’s hand, then Gina’s, and closed his eyes. Max clasped hands with Desi on her other side. Then came Lana. The circle was complete.
Not quite.
Steve inserted his bulk between Lana and Gina. A flush rose from his neck, but gentleness softened his craggy features in a way Desi had never seen before. Had something more wonderful than an engagement happened for the Man with the Iron Heart?
The pastor began his petition to the Almighty. “Lord, we seek You as the source of all healing and place our loved one, Tony, in Your capable hands. Guide the medical staff and give them wisdom and understanding as they work with You to preserve his life.”
Simple, direct words—full of faith. The prayer echoed the cry in Desi’s heart, only magnified by the unity of Christs love surrounding her. The true glue that held the universe together. More than enough to put one mans battered body back together. As Pastor Grange continued to speak to God as to a treasured friend, confidence rose in Desi’s spirit, hope sang to her emotions, and peace settled the turmoil in her mind.
The little group unlinked hands and smiled at one another. Desi flopped her arms against her sides and laughed. “I feel like I’m the one who just got healed.”
Gina hugged her. “We all need times of refreshing.”
Pastor Grange consulted his watch. “I’ve got another critical hospital visit, or I’d stay to hear the good report. You have my number.” He nodded toward Desi and strode away.
Another half hour ticked by in small talk and coffee slurping. Desi took the opportunity to update Max on the conversation with Ramon Sanchez.
“I’ll research the Corona murder as soon as I get home,” Max said. “And don’t worry about lining up a team for Mérida. Your all-purpose employees got that covered. You keep your focus on Tony.” Her head swiveled toward the hallway. “O-o-okay.”
Desi turned, pulse throbbing in her neck. Dr. Braniff walked toward them, shoulders slumped, eyes weary, no smile.
He stopped in the entrance. “I see everyone here is on my patients approved list to share results. We found the minor bleed, repaired it, and Tony’s in recovery.”
Desi smiled and smacked her palms together.
The doctor frowned. “However, we got some irregular heartbeats during the procedure. This could have been a reaction to the anesthesia, or it might indicate deeper problems that have gone undetected until now.”
Steve groaned deep and long.
Braniff held up a hand. “We’ll do a battery of tests over the next few weeks to rule out chronic conditions. As I said, there may be nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Gina breathed.
Desi struggled for a clear thought. What did a potential heart condition mean to Tony’s career—to their lives together?
“Even if we discover a problem,” the doctor said, “chances are it will be manageable.” He smiled. “A little nod from heaven, and Tony should recover to lead a normal life.”
“Normal in whose book?” Steve grated. “He’s an FBI agent. That’s not just what he is, that’s who he is.”
“The fate of his career lies with the bureau.”
The Steve Crane that Desi knew from adversarial days turned ice-block eyes on the group. “Bureau agents practically need superpowers. If he can’t meet the physical requirements—”
Lana wrapped her fingers around his arm. The big man visibly sagged. She led him off toward a corner of the room, murmuring words Desi couldn’t make out.
She shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you so much. You’ve been instrumental in saving Tony’s life. Whatever—” she swallowed a lump—“issues might occur, we’ll weather them. The most important goal has been accomplished. That nod from heaven? We’ve got it.”
“Amen!” Gina came up beside Desi.
Braniff looked from one to the other. “I see a lot of family reactions in my line of work, but you impress me with the strength of your convictions. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. It’s working.” He nodded to Desi, smiled at Gina, then headed toward the nurses’ desk.
Gina humphed. “Pity he seems content to remain on the sidelines of faith. He’d enter a new dimension as a doctor if he became a player, not just a spectator.”
“I suspect he thinks active faith would distract him from his work rather than enhance it.”
“I suspect you’re right, mia figlia. No wonder Tony admires your powers of observation.”
A spurt of mischief shot through Desi. Probably a symptom of relief that Tony was on the road to recovery. “Too bad. I suppose lack of spiritual depth shoots down any hopes Dr. Frank might entertain about seeing you socially.”
Gina’s eyes widened. “The doctor? Interested in me? Wherever did you get such a notion? Besides—” she lifted her chin—“I’m too old to consider dating. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to visit the powder room.”
Max let out a husky chuckle as Tony’s mother disappeared up the hall, spine stiff, cheeks rosy. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”
Desi laughed. “I should check my mouth at the desk sometimes. But it actually felt good to get my first scolding from a parent in too many months.”
Max’s gaze was assessing. “You know what felt good to me? Seein’ your sassiness perk up. It’s been droopin’ for a while.”
“How soon do you think they’ll let me see Tony?”
“Shouldn’t be long, but we’ll leave you to it.” Max waved Steve and Lana over. “My babysitter needs to get home. Call if anything comes up.”
After hugs between the women and a pat on the shoulder from a grim-faced Steve Crane, Desi watched the threesome head for the elevator. When they were gone, she flopped onto a sofa and laid her head back. “Just call me limp dishrag,” she said to the ceiling.
Honestly, she’d been wrung out and twisted every which way in less than a week’s time.
Lord, please give me strength,
because if You don’t, I’m going to mess up on something and that will hurt more people than just me.
A gentle hand smoothed Tony’s brow, then soft lips met his. The familiar exotic scent of Desi’s hair pleased his nostrils. He breathed deep and willed his eyelids to lift. They managed a slit. The love of his life smiled at him. So beautiful, but man, she looked ready to wilt on her feet. He’d been pretty hard on her these past days, and if things didn’t turn around pronto, she’d be smart to walk away. They hadn’t exchanged vows yet. She was a vibrant woman, and she could…
Forget that thought. Desi wasn’t the kind to leave when the road got rough. Thank You, Jesus! This guy didn’t mind admitting he needed his woman. But did she need him in the shape he was in? Pain of a non-physical sort shot through him.
Desi traced a finger across his mouth. “Why the frown? Do you hurt?”
Something was missing from her hand. His eyes came fully open. “Your ring? Where?” His voice sounded like he hadn’t used it in the last century.
“Not to worry.” Her lips smiled, but her eyes didn’t. “I’m surprised Mr. Observant didn’t notice sooner. A pint-sized suitcase snatcher purloined it in Mexico. An insurance claim will replace it, but you haven’t given me much time to think about anything so mundane.”
“I remember now.” He licked dry lips. “You told the nurse who was trying to stop you from coming into my room. More trouble than a stolen ring.”
Desi laughed. “I know you’re on the mend when you get your Grand Inquisitor look. It’s a long story, but we can save it for later.” Her voice broke, and her lips quivered. “Oh, Tony. I was so scared! I need you.” A tear traveled down her cheek.
“Hey, sweetheart, I’m here.” He lifted an arm, and she rested her head on his shoulder. He laced his fingers in her hair. “I seem to recall you sentencing me to ancient age with you. Do you think I’d dare change the plan? Just a couple of old codgers rocking on the porch.”
“Yeah.” Her soft body relaxed against him.
Well worth a twinge in the incision if his beat-up self could offer her a shoulder to cry on. Just went to prove he could still be her man when the codger days came, because he couldn’t be much more of a wreck then than now. A chuckle left his throat.
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