by Jo Davis
“What happened, baby?” he whispered into her hair.
“A van ran us off the road,” she said with a hiccup. She still clung to him like a burr.
Son of a bitch! “Do you know who it was?”
“No. It happened so fast. He came out of nowhere and started hitting us from behind.”
“The driver did this on purpose?” he asked with tightly veiled anger.
“Yes. I’ll bet anything my uncle’s behind this, and now Shane’s hurt.”
Shit, shit.
His team rushed past, except for Six-Pack, who stopped to nod at Clay. “Tend to Melissa. You can assist us once you decide she’s okay.”
“You got it.”
The captain gave Melissa an encouraging smile, then hurried to help his team extract Shane from the truck. Clay was grateful that he’d assigned Melissa’s care to him. She was a victim as well, and he’d use his training to help her the same as he would anyone else.
“Come sit in the back of the ambulance so I can check you out,” he said, guiding her carefully toward the vehicle.
“I’m fine,” she tried to protest. But he was having none of it.
“Who’s the paramedic here? Hmm? Go with me on this one.”
He was glad she offered no further resistance. Though she was shaky on her feet, she made it well enough with him holding on to her arm, and he sat her in the back. Quickly he retrieved some cleansing wipes and bandages, a blood pressure cuff, and a stethoscope.
“Where does it hurt, sweetheart?”
“All over,” she mumbled.
“Anywhere in particular?” He took a small light and shined it into each eye. She was a bit shocky, maybe slightly concussed.
“Smacked my head, but I don’t think it’s too bad. Just a cut.”
He examined the area just under her hairline and agreed. “It’s a small cut and probably doesn’t need stitches. I’m going to clean it, then close it with a butterfly bandage. Okay, baby?”
She nodded, looking tired and wilting more every minute. He longed to take her home, lay her down, and hold her for the rest of the evening, and it hurt him that he couldn’t. He was on shift until seven in the morning. His mind worked on the problem of who was going to care for her until he got off work.
And then he knew. He’d spring that news on her later.
Soon he had her wound dressed and had checked her vitals. Other than being a bit battered, she would be all right, and his gratitude knew no bounds.
Someone had tried to kill his love. And Shane, too. Was it James Ryan? Would he try again? When, and how would he come at her?
He wanted to help his team, but suddenly he didn’t want to leave her sitting there alone and vulnerable. Just then, a uniformed officer and a tall, well-built auburn-haired man in a suit appeared at the top of the incline and made their way over to where he was tending Melissa.
“Austin Rainey,” the man in the suit said to him pleasantly, extending his hand. “I’m a captain at the police department, and one of Detective Ryan’s superiors. How is she?”
Rainey had an easy manner, carried himself straight. There was an intelligence and confidence about the man that drew Clay. He liked the captain instantly.
“She’ll be fine, but we’re still going to take her in to the ER to get checked out.”
“I think that’s for the best.” The captain addressed his detective in a tone that brooked no argument. “When you’re done at the hospital, you’re off today and tomorrow. That takes us into the weekend, so I don’t technically want to see you at work until Monday.”
“But—”
“That’s an order, Detective.”
She slumped. “Yes, sir.”
Austin looked to Clay. “I assume she’ll be in good hands?”
The man was perceptive. “Very much so, sir.”
“Good.”
“How’s Shane?” Clay asked.
The captain’s expression darkened. “I’m not sure. He was coming around when your team arrived. They’re bringing him up now.”
Just as Rainey spoke those words, his teammates appeared at the top, carrying Shane strapped to a backboard. His neck was in a brace, his face bloodied, eyes open. That he was conscious was a very good sign, but that didn’t mean the detective was out of the woods.
Melissa slid from the back of the ambulance to make way for her friend. Clay pulled the gurney out of the back to get it ready, and his team placed the backboard onto it. Shane was awake, but appeared dazed. Zack stepped up to give Clay the rundown.
“BP is good, no broken bones that we could detect, and there doesn’t appear to be any internal injuries. His head took a hard whack, though, and he’s definitely got a concussion.”
Clay nodded, then looked down at the detective. “Shane? It’s Clay Montana. Can you hear me?”
Slowly, Shane’s cloudy gaze found his. “Yeah,” he croaked. “Fuck . . .”
Clay smiled. “You can respond, and as an added bonus, you’ve retained your ability to curse. All good signs.” His easy bedside manner made his patient’s lips curve up in a half smile. It was part of how firefighters made people feel a little better and at ease after the shock of being hurt.
Quickly, they got Shane loaded into the back of the ambulance, and then Clay helped Melissa inside. She took the seat opposite Clay, across the gurney that was holding Shane. Zack slammed the doors, shutting them inside. Once Julian climbed back into the driver’s seat, they were on their way.
With an effort, Clay concentrated on tending to Shane, and sending his love an encouraging smile now and then. Focus on healing, comforting. That’s what you do.
But the pep talk was no use.
If Clay found out who’d done this, he was one dead motherfucker.
8
Clay had developed a hatred of hospitals.
That was unfortunate, considering his team ended up there on just about every single shift. Oh, he had a healthy respect for the doctors and nurses who put people such as himself back together, even when there was seemingly no hope. It was the place itself, the white walls, the sounds and smells, that he loathed.
They brought back dark memories of endless pain and suffering. Long days and nights of wishing he’d died upon impact.
He didn’t feel that way now, was grateful he’d survived. But it had been an agonizing road. The journey made him empathize even more with the victims he sought to assist.
The ER was ordered chaos, as usual, when they brought Melissa and Shane inside. His team hung around for a bit, letting him make sure his lady was taken care of before they headed back to the station.
“It’s fine, as long as we don’t get another call,” Six-Pack told him.
“Thanks, Cap.”
“Hey, if it was my Kat, I’d be here, too.”
Their unwavering support never failed to humble him. Following through on the decision he’d made earlier, he placed a call and hoped Melissa wouldn’t be too annoyed with him. But there was no way he was leaving her alone for the rest of his shift, so she could just get over it.
Afterward, with things settled, he wandered back to the room where they were finishing up with her. As soon as he saw her, his heart melted. The tough cop had been replaced by his exhausted baby. She looked so small and forlorn sitting there on the bed.
“Hey, baby.” He smiled and went to her, standing between her legs to gather her close. “Any word on Shane?”
“Daisy and Drew are here, and they came by to see me. Just as your team thought, he’s got a concussion, but no broken bones or internal injuries. They said the doctor’s going to send him home, but they have to watch him closely overnight.”
“That’s great news.”
“The best. For a few seconds after we stopped rolling, and he wouldn’t answer me . . .” She couldn’t go on, and he
r lips trembled.
“I know, sweetheart.” He cupped her chin, gazing into her watery green eyes. “But he’s going to be fine, and so are you.”
He held her for a few more minutes, until the nurse came by with her release papers. As soon as she was free to go, she sighed.
“I guess I’ll call the station and get a ride home.”
“No, you absolutely won’t,” he told her. “I’ve got you covered.”
“How?” She frowned. “You’ve got to go back to work.”
“Because you’ve got me, precious girl, that’s how,” a new voice said.
Melissa blinked past him and Clay grinned, knowing the cavalry had come to the rescue.
“Mrs. Montana?”
“Charlene,” his mother corrected her. “Ready to go? Because you’re coming home with me until my son gets off work.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t possible impose on you like that!”
“Impose? Sweetie, you’re practically family now, and family takes care of their own.” Charlene pushed Clay out of the way and gave the other woman a motherly hug. Melissa sank into the embrace, apparently soaking up the attention. Clay realized how starved she must be for a mother’s attention, and his heart clenched.
Thank God for Mom. She’s the greatest ever.
“I suppose I’m ready, then,” Melissa said. “If you’re sure.”
“Let’s go, sweet girl. Let me take care of you, and you’ll feel better in the morning.”
Clay walked them out and kissed them both good-bye. “I’ll see you both in the morning,” he told Melissa. Then to his mom, “Thanks for this.”
“No thanks needed,” she said, waving him off. “I always wanted a daughter to mother, now I have one.”
He flushed some at that, since he and Melissa hadn’t had The Discussion yet about making things permanent. But he was quickly coming to realize that he and his lady were naturally progressing toward that status as a couple. Already had, if the truth were known.
His mother and Melissa left together, and Clay made a mental note to make sure they were on the same page with where they were going as a couple. Part of him was afraid she’d say she wanted to wait, not get too serious, but he didn’t think that was the case.
Putting all of that from his mind for the time being, he walked over to his team. “Ready when you guys are.”
“Helluva first shift back, huh?” Eve said, patting him on the back.
“A bit more exciting than I’d bargained for. Melissa’s going to be fine, though.”
His friends expressed how happy they were about that as they left the building. But Clay couldn’t stop worrying about what had nearly happened. What could still happen.
They didn’t know for sure who was after her, and why, despite their suspicions. Yes, she was fine for now.
But the next time, the bastard could very well succeed.
• • •
Charlene was, quite simply, an amazing woman.
Clay’s mother was everything a mother should be, and everything Melissa missed about her aunt on a daily basis. She was immediately drawn to the woman’s strength, tempered by a soft, disarming side that made her want to curl into her like a child and never let go.
She let Charlene take her to the older woman’s house and steer her inside. There, the woman settled her on the sofa in the den and fetched her a cup of hot tea with honey. She wasn’t normally a fan of hot tea, but just then it tasted like the best drink in the world. It soothed her, and she relaxed, trying not to mull over the horror of the truck taking a nosedive.
Of Shane, silent and still—
“Oh, honey.” The sofa cushion dipped beside her, and the teacup was taken from her hand.
She hadn’t even known she was crying until Charlene gathered her close, bringing her head to rest over her heart.
“Let it out, sweetie. I know how scared you were, believe me.”
So she did. She let go of all the fear and pain, and gave it to this strong, sure woman who knew exactly what to do with it. She cried until she was sagging like a limp noodle, and Charlene continued to hold her, stroking her hair.
“Why is he doing this to me?” she whispered brokenly. But honestly, she knew the answer to that.
“Who, babydoll?”
“My Uncle James. He hates me. Always has.”
“James Ryan is a piece of horse shit,” the other woman said softly, surprising her.
Melissa pulled back and peered at Charlene’s tight expression. “You know him?”
“I’ve lived in these parts all my life. Many of my childhood years were spent on a farm outside of town, and everyone knew about the Ryans. Not your parents, but James and his father, your great-uncle. The government’s been trying to nail them for making illegal moonshine and God knows what else just about as long as it’s been trying to balance the national budget—and they haven’t been successful at either one yet.”
Melissa had to snicker some at that. “True. So, James didn’t start the business?”
“No, his father did, way back in the fifties. He’d built a nice little empire by the time he passed and left it to James. Your uncle saw it flourish from there, sort of like an out-of-control fungus.”
This time, Melissa laughed outright. “Anything my uncle touches is rotten, for sure.”
Charlene hummed in agreement.
“So, did you know my parents?” she ventured.
“No,” the older woman answered, her gaze filled with warmth. “My family knew of them, and talk was they were nothing like their felonious family up in the hills. That’s all I really knew of them.”
She’d get nothing more there, and couldn’t help but be disappointed. Part of her constantly sought some connection with her folks, but there just wasn’t much left except faded memories.
“Rest awhile, and I’ll make dinner in a bit.” Charlene rose. “Come and I’ll show you the guest room.”
Melissa followed dutifully, then took off her shoes and sank into the soft, comfy bed with a sigh. Clay’s mother smoothed her hair, then bent and kissed her cheek before straightening.
“Sleep, honey.”
She couldn’t help but obey, and knew nothing more for a very long while.
• • •
Clay hurried from the station the next morning as if the hounds of hell were after him.
As excited as he’d been to work his first shift, he was ecstatic to see it end. All he cared about was getting to Melissa. He was sure his mother was sick of his constant texting to check on her, though she’d never say so. Every time, she’d replied that his lady love was still sleeping peacefully, having been quite drained from her ordeal.
He arrived at his mother’s house right at seven thirty, parked, and rushed to the front door. His mom opened up before he could even knock, and he hugged her fiercely.
“How’s she doing?”
“For the hundredth time, she’s fine,” his mother said in exasperation. But her eyes were sparkling, filled with love.
“Sorry. I’ve just been so worried.”
“I know, honey. But she’s up now, and a bit perkier than when you saw her last. Come on in, I’ve got breakfast ready.”
His stomach rumbled, and he followed his mom inside. In the kitchen, Melissa was seated at the small breakfast nook table, sipping a mug of coffee. When she saw him, she got to her feet and walked right into his open arms.
“How are you, baby?” he asked, kissing her temple.
“I’m good, honestly. Hungry as hell, too, because I slept right through dinner last night.”
“I’m sure you needed it. But now let’s get you fed.”
She sat and he helped his mom set the dishes on the table. There was a bowl of scrambled eggs, bacon, gravy, and homemade biscuits. His belly growled again, and Melissa smiled.
/>
“I’m not the only one who’s starving.”
“I could eat my weight in Mom’s breakfast,” he said, taking a seat. “Thanks for making all of this.”
His mom grinned. “You know I love having someone to cook for, and now I have two people. Just promise you’ll come over often.”
“We will,” he said.
Melissa spoke up. “But you have to let us bring something next time.”
“I can probably do that.” The other woman winked.
“Oh, Mom, the guys at the station are having a cookout at Howard and Kat’s house this Saturday. You’re invited, so Melissa and I can pick you up if you want to come.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” she demurred. “I may leave the partying to you young people.”
“We want you there. It’s a welcome back party for me, and a bunch of hot firefighters want to spoil you,” he teased. “How can you say no?”
“Well, when you put it that way!” She laughed. “I may come, then, but I’ll drive myself and meet you there. That way I can leave when I want.”
He figured she really just didn’t want to be a third wheel with him and his girlfriend. Of course, she probably didn’t want to stay up as late as his friends were known to party, he so it let it slide. “Sounds good.”
They finished their breakfast, chatting companionably. He was happy to see that his mother had taken Melissa under her wing and that the two were getting along so well. Both women had been through so much turmoil in their lives, and had come out the other side, that they had plenty of common ground. They deserved to have each other.
After breakfast, he made Melissa sit while he helped his mom clean up and scrub the pans. When they were done, he was flagging some. He needed rest in his own bed, and it showed.
“Take your girl home, son. You need sleep.”
“I will. We didn’t get any calls last night, but you know it’s never a deep sleep when we’re always waiting for the alarm to sound.”
“I know, baby.”
“Thanks for everything, Mom. I love you.” He wrapped her in his arms and gave her a noisy, sloppy kiss.