by Linda Warren
Ever since Ben’s kidnapping, events in his life had been spiraling toward this moment. Getting to know his brothers had been the catalyst and now he had to follow through. He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out the chain.
Either Joe and Vera had bought this together or Vera had given it to him. The heart split in two pretty much symbolized their relationship—and Joe McCain’s life.
He’d been in love with two women at the same time and had made some lousy choices for himself, his kids and the women involved.
Joe wasn’t good at intimate relationships. Eli wasn’t, either. But the Tuckers had shown him what love was all about so he couldn’t keep blaming his father for his inability to love. It was time to take responsibility for his behavior.
The chain felt light and warm in his hand. Joe wanted Eli to have the chain and split heart. That meant he’d been thinking about him. He hadn’t forgotten. He knew Eli was his and maybe this was his way of letting Eli know.
He inhaled a deep breath and then let it out. As his diaphragm expanded he glanced toward the door Caroline had gone through. He knew what he wanted.
His hand closed around the chain and he could almost hear Joe saying, “Thatch, you’re gonna be a big boy. Thatch, you have to watch out for your mother. Thatch, make your mother proud.” All Eli could hear were the good things his father had said to him. From somewhere deep inside, he felt Joe would’ve been proud of the man he’d become. In that moment, he forgave Joe McCain.
I forgive you.
Still clutching the chain, he felt the words run through him like a victory cheer from a long-fought game—powerful and uplifting. Nurses and other staff rushed by him. Life went on. No one seemed to notice that a miracle had just happened.
He got to his feet, wondering how he’d forgive himself. That might take time. His past wouldn’t just miraculously disappear, but he could accept it now and move on. He didn’t know a lot about love, but he knew he wasn’t leaving Caroline. He followed her into the room.
Her mother was on the phone and Grace and Caroline were sitting in chairs. Caroline’s eyes widened when she saw him.
Joanna put down the phone. “Ranger Coltrane, I believe.”
He removed his hat. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry about Congressman Whitten.”
“He’ll be fine,” Joanna declared, to Eli’s surprise. “Stephen is strong as a horse.”
Eli wasn’t sure how to respond to that so he said nothing. When Joanna took another call, he sat beside Caroline.
She didn’t say anything—just stared at him. He wanted her to touch him. He needed that, but he didn’t deserve it.
Destructive thoughts.
Yes, he deserved it. As he sat there staring at Caroline, his heart began to beat faster with that wonderful realization. He deserved it. He deserved her. And just like that, he forgave himself for all the hatred, the bitterness and the rebellion. He felt winded, out of breath, surprising himself at this sudden change. All because he loved Caroline. A life without her was unthinkable.
“Hello, Ranger Coltrane,” Grace said.
“Hello.” He nodded briefly.
There was a tense moment, then Grace added, “I’m sorry I lied to you about where Caroline was.”
“I’m sorry you lied, too.” Eli knew he’d answered, but all he could think about was getting Caroline alone. Her family needed her, though.
The doctor came in, preventing further conversation. They got to their feet. Joanna kept talking on the phone and the doctor waited, until finally Caroline nudged her and she hung up.
“Oh, Dr. Miller. I’m sure you have good news for us.”
“Your husband came through the surgery, but he’s not out of the woods.”
“What are you talking about?”
“We did a quadruple bypass and Mr. Whitten’s blood pressure is so erratic we had a hard time finishing the surgery. In short, your husband is not in good shape. We’ll watch him closely during the night and hope for the best.”
Caroline turned white and Eli put his arm around her waist. Grace had tears in her eyes, but Joanna stared at the doctor with a calm expression. Then, just as calmly, she said, “I’m sorry. You’re services are no longer required. I’ll be contacting another doctor to take over Stephen’s case.”
Dr. Miller’s eyes narrowed. “Pardon me?”
“Mom, what are you saying?” Caroline asked.
“He botched the surgery. I’m calling in another doctor.” Joanna picked up her phone, but Caroline took it out of her hand.
“No. You said Dr. Miller was one of the best in the country, so please try to focus on what he’s saying. Daddy needs us to be strong and levelheaded.”
Joanna took a couple of steps backward, shaking her head. “This wasn’t suppose to happen to us. We…we…” She began to cry openly. “I can’t survive if something happens to Stephen. I…I can’t.”
Caroline wrapped her arms around her mother and held her. Grace joined them and for a moment nothing else was said. Then Joanna’s cell phone buzzed.
Caroline reached for it. “My mother is not to be bothered for twenty-four hours. Just take care of things until she calls you.” She laid the phone down. “That was your secretary. Now let’s just concentrate on Daddy.” She looked at the doctor. “What are Dad’s chances?”
Dr. Miller hesitated, then said, “About fifty-fifty.”
Caroline bit her lip and Eli saw how hard she was trying to control her emotions for her mother’s sake. He felt such intense love for her—a deep feeling he’d never experienced before. It was there and he could feel it.
“Fifty-fifty.” She turned to her mother. “That’s a done deal to Daddy. The odds against him were greater in his first election and he won. He’ll beat this, too.”
“Yes.” Joanna hiccupped. “Your father’s a fighter.”
“Can we see him now?” Caroline asked the doctor.
“Yes. But only for a few minutes and, please, don’t try to talk to him. He won’t hear you and we want to keep him quiet.”
Caroline linked her arm through her mother’s. “Ready?”
“Yes,” Joanna replied, linking her other arm through Grace’s.
They followed the doctor out the door.
Eli felt very alone at that moment, but he took a seat. He’d wait.
In a minute Caroline was back. Eli got to his feet with a worried frown. Before he could say anything, she said, “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Sure you can.”
“It’s my fault he had the heart attack.”
“What?”
“I upset him at lunch and he got into a big argument with Greg Sherr. I…I just—”
“Listen to me. You’re not the cause of your father’s poor health and you certainly didn’t cause his heart attack.”
“Then why do I feel so guilty?”
“Because you’re you.” His eyes clung to hers. “Now go see him. Your mother and sister need you.”
She turned and left. Eli resumed his seat, knowing this was going to be a long night. He would be with her, though, every step of the way. That’s what love was all about. He was learning.
A NURSE TOOK THEM to Stephen. The three women just stood and stared at the man in the bed. Caroline had to take a deep breath. There were tubes, IVs and monitors, but her eyes were glued to her father’s face. He looked older and so unlike himself. His face was slightly swollen and he was pale. So very pale.
“Oh, my God.” Joanna knees buckled and Caroline and Grace held her up. After a moment, they helped her from the room.
Throughout the night they took turns going to check on Stephen. Eli went to get coffee and sandwiches, but they ate very little. They drank the coffee and Eli went back for more.
“I like Eli,” Joanna said while he was gone.
“Thank you,” Caroline said. They were sitting on the small settee in the private room. “I like him, too.” The fact that Eli was still here was a good sign. She’d hold on to th
at. She needed it. She needed him.
“He’s strong like your father.”
Caroline had never made the connection, but she could see they had similar qualities. They were both fighters and it seemed as if there was nothing they couldn’t handle. Similar yet so very different. Eli had a softer quality he didn’t show to many people. She loved that about him, but his strength was what attracted her.
“I don’t deserve you girls.” Joanna’s words penetrated her thoughts.
“Why would you say that?” Caroline asked, rubbing her mom’s arm.
“Because I haven’t been a very good mother.”
Caroline and Grace didn’t say anything.
“It’s not easy to have to choose between your kids and your husband. When your father wanted to go into politics, I knew that someday I would regret not being at home with my children.”
“We’re okay, Mom,” Caroline said.
“Yes,” Grace added.
But Joanna kept talking. “It wasn’t so bad when Stephen was a judge, but I was busy with your father’s career even then. I had to delegate parts of my life. I couldn’t take you to school or pick you up, and I missed so many of your functions. I regret that. Your childhood is gone and I can’t get it back. And now your father…”
Her voice trailed away and Caroline saw a side of her mother she’d never seen before—her vulnerable side. She was always so in control of everything in her life. Today, though, that control had been shattered, and Caroline saw a woman torn with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Caroline had never felt so close to her.
Joanna patted her daughters’ hands. “I’m so very proud of the way both of you have turned out. And, Caroline, I know your father has been unhappy with some of your choices, but they’re your choices and it’s your life. From this day forward we will not interfere again, except to support you.”
Emotions jelled in her throat. “Thank you, Mom,” she finally managed to say, feeling the years of resentment slowly ebbing away.
Eli came back with the coffee and Caroline got up to take it from him. “Why don’t you try to get some rest?” he suggested.
“No. I can’t sleep.” She didn’t want to be woken up to hear that her father had died.
She tried to get Eli to go home, but he wouldn’t, and she knew it was useless to argue with him. He removed his hat, sat in a chair and stretched out his legs. He was here for the duration and Caroline couldn’t have loved him more.
She, Grace and Joanna talked about the good times they had shared, the vacations and holidays. Times they’d forgotten. Times they needed to remember to endure the long night.
As dawn crept through the window, a nurse came into the room. “Dr. Miller would like to see you, please.”
“Oh, God,” Joanna cried.
Caroline tried to breathe normally. “Let’s just go and see what he has to say.”
They got to their feet. Caroline looked at Eli and she saw a lot more than concern in his eyes. Her heart tripped. Later, they would talk. Now…she reached out and took his hand. If she was hearing bad news, she wanted him with her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AS SOON AS THEY SAW Dr. Miller, they knew it was good news. He was smiling.
“He’s awake and all his vital signs are good. You can speak to him for a moment if you want, but he’s very groggy. We weathered the worst and, baring any complications, I’m expecting a full recovery.”
“Thank you, Dr. Miller,” Joanna said. “I’m sorry I lost it yesterday.”
“I understand, Mrs. Whitten. This is going to be a long recovery and he has to slow down and take better care of himself.”
“I will see to that. You can count on it.”
Eli waited at the desk while they went inside.
Joanna stepped to one side of the bed and Caroline and Grace walked around to the other. Stephen’s eyes were closed and he still seemed frail, though his color was better. Joanna leaned over and kissed his forehead.
“Hi, honey,” she whispered.
He moved his head. “Jo…” he breathed.
“Yes. It’s me.” Joanna combed her fingers through his gray hair.
Stephen licked his lips. “Where are…the…girls?”
“They’re right here,” Joanna told him. “Open your eyes and you can see them.”
His eyelids fluttered weakly, then opened. His eyes had a dazed quality and Caroline felt her chest tighten.
“Hi, Daddy,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“Daddy.” Grace’s voice was even hoarser.
He just stared at them, and Caroline grasped his free hand. He squeezed gently and closed his eyes.
“That’s enough for now,” Dr. Miller said. “You can visit at intervals during the day.”
Outside the CCU, Caroline went straight to Eli. “He’s better. Thank God.”
“That’s great,” he said.
Caroline brushed away tears. “Now go to work. I know you have lots to do.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I’ll stay here with my mom and I’ll let you know if anything changes.”
Nothing ever came between Eli and his work—until Caroline. Now he didn’t want to leave her. He had so much to share with her. But he could wait. They had a big break in the Buford case and he should let Caroline know what Belle had told them. He couldn’t, though. She had enough to deal with. He’d tell her later.
On the walk to the elevator, he said, “They recovered your engagement ring.”
“Oh. I didn’t expect that.”
“It’s evidence right now, but you can get it back.”
“I won’t need it—ever.” Her eyes sent him a message.
He inclined his head. “Later,” he whispered, not trusting himself to say anything else.
“Later,” she echoed as he stepped onto the elevator.
ELI NOW HAD TO concentrate on his job, so he called Caleb as soon as he got into his car. They planned to meet at Sherr’s office. Eli hurried home for a quick shower, shave and a change of clothes. In record time he was walking into Sherr’s office. Caleb had beat him there.
“How’s the congressman?” Greg asked.
“They think he’s going to make it,” Eli replied.
“Thank God.” Greg sighed. “That was a terrible scene—not one I want to repeat anytime soon.”
Eli took a seat. “It’s really hard on the family. The congressman was always a strong man.”
Greg grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”
“Have you heard anything from the forensic team?” Eli asked. He knew a group had gone out yesterday to start the search for remains.
“I got a call late yesterday evening from Martin, head of the team that’s out at the camp. It’s a slow go because they don’t want to miss anything. But they found teeth and a bone—what looks like a thigh bone, he said. It and the teeth have been sent to the lab to determine if they’re human.”
“They are,” Eli said.
Greg frowned. “Do you think they burned more than one woman?”
Eli rubbed his hands together. “Probably.”
“This is just horrendous.” Greg leaned back in his chair.
“It’s brutal,” Caleb agreed. “This man has to be stopped.”
“If those remains are human, Amos Buford won’t see the light of day again.”
“Are they taking Buford back to a cell today?” Eli asked.
Greg shook his head. “No. His fever spiked during the night. They say he has an infection, but they can’t isolate it. Until they can get him stabilized, he’s staying at the hospital.”
“Dammit.” Eli got to his feet. “I don’t like this.”
“It gets worse,” Greg said. “The Wessells are in town. They brought Ruth and Naomi to see Buford.”
“You’re allowing this?” Eli’s voice rose in disbelief.
“We argued in front of a judge yesterday, but since Buford hasn’t been convicted of anything, the judge is allowing
his family to see him.”
“How in the—”
“Calm down, Eli.” Greg pushed his chair forward. “We can’t deny this man his rights. If we do, Lansing will get him free on a technicality, and I certainly don’t want that to happen.”
“Caroline and Belle are in that hospital and if they see those women…” He stopped.
Greg shifted in his seat. “I can assure you I have this situation under control.”
“How?”
“A guard will escort Ruth and Naomi to see Buford and there will be heavy security. The judge agreed to it. The visit is at two o’clock this afternoon and the guard at Belle’s door has been alerted not to let her leave her room until the women are gone from the building. And I’m sure you can handle the Whitten situation.”
“You’re damn right I will.” He swung toward the door.
“Eli.”
He looked at Greg.
“The system sometimes doesn’t work in our favor, but we got him this time. Thanks to you.”
“I’d just feel better with Buford in a cell.”
“Maybe soon.” Greg nodded and Eli left.
Caleb caught up with him. “I’ll stay around Belle’s room until this fiasco is over.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Eli said. “I’ll catch you later.”
CAROLINE DIDN’T understand what Eli was doing back at the hospital, and he hedged and lied until he couldn’t do it anymore. Then he took her down the hall to a small waiting room. Luckily, they had it to themselves. They sat on a sofa and Eli told her about Ruth and Naomi’s visit.
She gasped. “They’re allowed to see him?”
“Yes. The visit is at two, so stay on this floor until they leave the building. I’ll let you know when they do.”
Her eyes flew to his. “What about Belle?”
“Caleb is taking care of her.”
“Good. She doesn’t need to see them.”
“Neither do you.”
She folded her hands in her lap. “I’m fine. I really am.”
“I can see that—especially last night when you were handling the situation with your mom. You were wonderful.”