The Broken Road (The Broken Series)

by Ruff, K. S.

  I glanced at Kadyn before shifting my attention to Ellen. “Yes. Once hospitals realize how much money this saves them in unpaid ER visits, they should be willing to fund these mobile medical programs themselves. So I want to propose a pilot project where the federal government offers start-up funds for mobile medical programs in twenty hospitals. This would allow us to capture the data we need to prove this strategy helps hospitals save money. Once we prove that, additional hospitals are likely to fund their own mobile medical programs. Homeless people would gain access to the medical care they need, and the reduced strain on hospital budgets would help ensure hospitals remain open.”

  Jamie nodded. “There are a lot of hospitals shutting down these days. That hurts everyone.”

  “Why are so many hospitals shutting down?” Kadyn asked between bites.

  Patrick chimed in. “Our current economic crisis is seriously impacting hospitals. The cost of providing medical care is increasing, but the number of people paying their hospital bills is decreasing.”

  Ellen leaned across the table and studied me. “You should be able to get bi-partisan support on this. The Dems will be all over this because it helps the homeless. The R’s are more likely to sign on because it's a pilot project. It’s not like the government will be funding these programs in the long term. These are temporary projects intended to demonstrate the cost savings to hospitals. The responsibility remains with the private sector and not the government.”

  I nodded. “I think that’s the mistake they’re making on the House side. Their bill isn’t proposing a pilot project. They’re offering federal matching funds, and they’re making those funds available to a lot of hospitals. I haven’t run this by the Congressional Budget Office yet, but I think we’ll find the House bill costs a lot more than the one I want to propose.”

  “Aren’t you still working on the Orphan Drug Bill and the bill that expands community based alternatives to nursing homes?” Jonathan asked before shoving a chip loaded with guacamole into his mouth.

  “Yes,” I admitted before sneaking a peek at Kadyn. I was worried he might be bored with all the policy talk.

  Kadyn smiled. “I think your friend is suggesting you already have a lot on your plate.”

  Patrick suddenly perked up. “Hey, I’d love to work with you on this mobile medical bill.”

  I laughed at Patrick’s enthusiasm. “That would be great. I could definitely use the help.”

  Ellen stood. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Why don’t you two write up a policy brief tomorrow, so we can get this in front of Senator Rockefeller?”

  I raised an eyebrow at Patrick as I reached for my purse.

  Patrick smiled. “I think we can do that.”

  Jamie reached for the bill.

  Ellen snatched the bill out of her hand. “This one’s on me.”

  Kadyn opened his mouth to object.

  I nudged his shoulder. “No one argues with Ellen. Not even you.”

  Ellen laughed at the look on Kadyn’s face. She handed the waitress her debit card.

  Kadyn reached for my arm as I stepped off the stool. “Thank you for dinner, Ellen.”

  Patrick, Jonathan, Jamie, and I echoed the sentiment. We said our goodbyes as we filed out of the restaurant.

  Kadyn tucked my hand into the crook of his arm as we exited Union Station.

  I gave him an inquisitive look.

  He smiled as he patted my hand. “This I can do.”

  I looked for the saxophone player when I heard his soulful tune. He was standing near the Columbus Fountain in his usual spot. I stepped away from Kadyn so I could throw a couple dollars into his case.

  The sax player nodded as he slid into an upbeat tune.

  Kadyn had an odd look on his face when I turned back around.

  I slipped my hand through his arm. “My jeep’s this way.” I nodded toward the Thurgood Marshall Building. I studied Kadyn more closely. “What’s wrong?”

  He shook his head and smiled. “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just you, Kri. Do you have any idea how amazing you are?”

  “Me?” I squeaked. “What’s so amazing about me?”

  Kadyn opened the door to the building. “I’ve never met anyone so passionate about helping others. You advocate for the elderly, you bake cookies for homeless children, you develop policies that help the uninsured, and I’m quite certain you would give a homeless person your last dollar.”

  I froze just in front of the stairwell. “You couldn’t throw a rock around here without hitting another person who is equally devoted to helping others, Kadyn. And that’s not just true for DC, that’s true at the state and local levels too.”

  Kadyn opened the door to the stairwell.

  I walked alongside Kadyn as we made our way down to the parking garage. “You’re no different, Kadyn. In fact, what you’re doing is far more honorable than me. You and Cenia… Phil and Marie… your entire circle of friends… you have chosen to sacrifice your lives to help make this world a safer place. What I’m doing is nothing compared to that.”

  Kadyn grabbed my arm just as we exited the stairwell. “Don’t say that.”

  I looked up at him in surprise. “Say what?”

  “Don’t minimize the good that you do, Kri. You’ve devoted your entire life to helping others. What I’m doing, what Cenia’s doing, what everyone else is doing has no bearing on that. It doesn’t change who you are.” Kadyn released my arm and raked his hand over his smoothly shaven head. “God, Kri, just when I think I couldn’t possibly be more attracted to you…”

  My jaw fell open. I had no clue how to respond.

  Kadyn closed the distance between us. His hands grasped either side of my face as his eyes searched mine. He growled his frustration, then swept me up into a heartrending kiss.

  My purse and briefcase fell to the floor. My hands slid over his broad chest and shoulders before reaching for the nape of his neck. I angled my head and pulled him toward me, suddenly needing more.

  Kadyn trailed open-mouthed kisses all down my neck. His mouth stopped just behind my ear. His voice was deep and low. “Do you have any idea how much I want you, Kri?”

  Desire swept through me with hurricane force. “Kadyn,” I gasped.

  His mouth crashed against mine.

  I fought for control even as my body pleaded for more. Reluctantly, I pulled away. I kept one hand on his chest as I tried to catch my breath. “Kadyn, we’re in the middle of a parking garage. You’re still in your uniform.”

  Kadyn’s eyes were two dark pools of desire. His hands reached for mine as he regained his composure. “I’m sorry, Kri. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  I smiled nervously. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so thoroughly kissed, Kadyn. Did they teach you how to do that in the military as some sort of negotiation tactic?”

  Kadyn burst out laughing. He picked up the briefcase and handed me my purse. “No, Kri. That’s more a CIA strategy.”

  We walked the remaining distance to my jeep. Kadyn reached for my door as I unlocked the vehicle. I slid into the driver's seat, then pushed the passenger door open for him. “I assume you can direct me to the Pentagon from here? I drive by it every day, but I’m not sure which exit to take.”

  Kadyn smiled. “Of course. Just take I-395, like you’re going home. I’ll point out the exit when we get closer.”

  I eased the jeep out of the parking garage. “Thanks for coming tonight, Kadyn. I’m sorry we talked so much shop.”

  “I enjoyed learning more about what you do.” Kadyn paused as he glanced at his phone. “Troy just sent a text. He’s inviting everyone over to carve pumpkins tomorrow night. Do you want to go?”

  I smiled knowingly. “Will everyone be competing for best pumpkin?”

  Kadyn grinned as he began typing his response. “Of course.”

  I laughed. “No way am I missing that.”

  * * * * * *

  Troy’s apartment was located just ten minutes down th
e road from us. The entire gang was canvassing his living room floor with newspapers when Kadyn and I arrived. We began carving our pumpkins as soon as we polished off the pizza. I was halfway through carving out my pumpkin’s face when I discovered that I was the only person carving a face.

  Everyone else was working on intricate designs featuring cats, witches, skulls, and haunted houses. Cenia transformed her pumpkin into an owl, with two mini-pumpkins for eyes and triangular bits of pumpkin for ears, feet, and a beak. Her owl was impressive, but Kadyn stole the title for best pumpkin with an elaborate carving of the Air Force Falcons logo.

  We were still talking about the competition when we left Troy’s apartment. I was holding my jack-o-lantern in my arms. I looked up at Kadyn as we crossed the parking lot. “Your friends take pumpkin carving to a whole new level.”

  Kadyn chuckled. “You’re telling me.”

  Mason and Gabi were walking just a few steps behind us. Mason groaned. “Why didn’t I think to play the Air Force card? That was a guaranteed win.”

  I giggled as Gabi soothed his ego. “I don’t know, Mason. I really liked your haunted house.”

  Kadyn stopped and stared at his car.

  I glanced at Kadyn, then peered at his car.

  “Holy shit! What happened to your car?” Mason exclaimed from behind me.

  All four of Kadyn’s tires had been slashed. Deep scratches marred the paint on the trunk and all down the side of the car.

  I dropped my pumpkin and backed away from Kadyn.

  Mason grabbed my shoulders as I backed into him. “Kri, are you okay?”

  Kadyn turned to look at me. His eyes flitted to my pumpkin, which lie broken on the ground. He took a step toward me, then froze. His eyes softened with understanding. “Are you okay?”

  I stared at him, thoroughly confused. “Aren’t you mad?”

  Kadyn shook his head. “Why be mad? It doesn’t change anything.” He set his pumpkin on the ground and pulled the cell phone from his coat pocket. He examined every side of his car as he reported the damage to his insurance company. Then he called the police.

  The police officer arrived an hour later. He photographed the car and recorded Kadyn’s statement. As their conversation drew to an end, the officer asked Kadyn, “Is there anyone in particular you suspect?”

  Kadyn leaned against the trunk of the car. “No.”

  The officer’s pen hovered over his notepad. “Are you aware of anyone who might have a grudge against you?”

  Kadyn shook his head. “No.”

  “Yes,” I quietly interrupted.

  Kadyn eyed me questioningly. “Tom?”

  I shook my head. “No. Michael.”

  “Who’s Michael?” Mason and Gabi asked simultaneously.

  I turned and looked around the parking lot. I suddenly realized that Michael could be within earshot.

  “Ma’am?” The police officer prompted.

  Kadyn’s eyes locked on mine. “Michael Garcia,” he responded. “They dated briefly when Kri was living in Montana.”

  The officer’s gaze flitted between Kadyn and me. “And…?”

  I tore my eyes from Kadyn’s as I responded to the officer. “I had to get a restraining order against Michael when I broke things off. He sent a post card addressed to me at Senator Rockefeller’s office when he discovered that I had moved to DC. He was threatening to follow me to DC. Michael e-mailed me at work a couple of weeks ago. He knew I was dating someone else. He claimed Kadyn could never love me the way he does. He said we’d be together again soon and nothing would keep us apart.” I shuddered as a chill ran down my spine. “Michael and I have no mutual friends. The only way he could possibly know about Kadyn is if he was here, in DC, watching me.”

  “He’s stalking you,” Gabi whispered as she reached for my arm.

  I looked at Kadyn. I was mortified to think his car could have been keyed because of me. “I’m so sorry, Kadyn. I should have told you about the e-mail.”

  Kadyn pushed off the trunk of the car and walked toward me. “We don’t know that Michael did this. My car could have been keyed by anyone.” He wrapped his arm around me reassuringly.

  The police officer closed his notebook. “Most vandalism cases remain unsolved. We don’t have the manpower needed to investigate these types of cases. To be honest, we have much bigger fish to fry. But it’s good to file a report for insurance purposes. I recommend you get your car fixed and move on.”

  Kadyn hugged me as the officer walked away. The tow truck arrived a few minutes later. We watched as the driver hooked Kadyn’s car to a wench that pulled it up onto the truck bed. Then Mason and Gabi gave us a ride home.

  Kadyn joined me as I walked Cade. “Listen, I’ve been thinking about that e-mail you received from Michael. I don’t want you walking Cade by yourself anymore. You call me when you’re ready to go for a walk, and I’ll join you. I’ll talk to Mason. I'm sure he’d be willing to walk with you if I’m out of town or tied up with work.” He kicked a pebble as he stared down at his feet. “I know you’ve had your fill of controlling men, so I'm asking nicely. Please, let me help keep you safe.”

  I reached for Kadyn’s hand. “I’m sorry my life is such a mess. I didn’t mean to drag you into this, Kadyn. If it’s too much and you want out, I completely understand. You’re such a nice guy. You don’t deserve to have your car keyed like that… and you deserve to be with a woman who trusts you not to hit her when things go wrong.”

  Kadyn grasped my shoulders as he forced me to look at him. “Kri, this isn’t your fault. You didn’t do this. Terrible things have happened to you, and still you’re determined to make this world a better place. You are selfless, kind, funny, and smart. You’re so devoted to helping others, Kri. You’re exactly the type of girl I want to be with, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Tom or Michael ruin this chance we have to be together.”

  I caressed Kadyn’s cheek as I sought to soften the fierce look on his face. “You’re an amazing man, Kadyn Rand. Thank you for saying that.”

  His eyes softened. “You’re amazing, and it’s about time you had someone acknowledge you for it.” The tension eased from his body as he pulled me into his arms. He kissed my forehead and the tip of my nose before finding his way to my lips. His lips teased and coaxed mine until we fell into a soft, lingering kiss.

  Kadyn steadied me as he ended the kiss. Still, he seemed hesitant to release me. He held me in place while he silently studied my face. My pulse quickened as his eyes captured and held mine. The hunger reflected in his eyes was provocative and raw. I couldn’t have moved if I had tried. My breath caught as his lips suddenly crashed against mine. I whimpered softly as he backed me against the side of the building. I dropped Cade’s leash and reached for Kadyn’s face as he consumed me in a firestorm of passion and hope.

  Chapter 7 – Home

  Patrick knelt on the floor in front of my desk. “Kri, are you okay?”

  Jonathan peeked around the corner of my cubicle. “What’s going on?”

  I tried to rein in my tears. “It’s my cousin. She’s in the hospital. Something’s wrong with her transplanted kidney.”

  Patrick grabbed my hands. “Tell me how we can help.”

  “I’ll get her some coffee,” Jonathan commented before disappearing around the corner.

  Patrick handed me a wad of tissues from his desk.

  I sopped up my tears. “I need to go home.”

  Patrick reached for my hands as they fell into my lap. “Virginia home or Montana home?”

  I stared at him through watery eyes. “Montana home.”

  Patrick stood and walked back to his computer. “I’ll help you find a flight.”

  My cell phone rang again. I glanced at the Caller ID, then picked up the phone. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Kri. It’s Charlie.”

  The tension eased from my head and chest the second I heard his voice. “Hi, Charlie.”

  “Kimme and Ann are here with me. I have you on
speaker phone. We need your help tracking down the source for some data from that aging report you worked on earlier this year.”

  “Okay.” I sniffed as I tried to clear my head and focus on the question at hand. “Which statistic are you looking at?”

  “Krissy, are you okay? You sound sad,” Kimme interrupted.

  Tears pooled, then spilled from my eyes. “No. It’s my cousin, Lexie. She’s in the hospital in Great Falls. They think she might be rejecting her kidney. I’m trying to find a flight home.” My heart stalled as I began to panic. “Oh, God… what if she dies before I get there?” I folded in on myself as I began to sob.

  “Kri? I just pulled Betty, Jerry, Doug, and Cec into the room with us. We’re going to pray, okay? You don’t have to say anything. Just listen. We’re going to pray for your cousin, right here on the phone.” Charlie didn’t give me a chance to respond. He immediately began praying. “Father, we pray that you lay your healing hands on Lexie. Breathe new life into her kidney. Hold her in your loving arms. Guide her doctors and nurses… guide their hearts and hands and minds. Comfort her family and friends…”

  Patrick slid a note in front of me. I read the slip of paper. The cheapest ticket I can find is just under $3,000. He looked at me apologetically.

  I buried my head in the crook of my arm as I curled over the top of my desk. I continued pressing the phone to my ear.

  Charlie’s voice rolled over me. “We pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

  I tried to say something, but I was completely unable to speak. I felt… hollowed out, hopeless, and unbelievably cold. Finally, I forced the words from my mouth. “I can’t come. The plane tickets are too much.”

  “We’ll figure out a way to get you home,” Kimme soothed.

  “Thank you,” I whispered. I glanced at the piece of paper Patrick had slipped in front of me. There was no way I was going to make it home.

  “Keep us posted on Lexie. We’ll keep praying for her and for you,” Charlie responded.

  “Please, Kri. Don’t worry about that data. We’ll do some more digging here or sort through it later. You just focus on your cousin and on finding a way to get home,” Ann added.