“Yes, I booked myself into the Bridgetown Inn. It is a B & B so I am sure I will be comfortable there. I would like to go back and see if Jack can have visitors yet, if you are finished.” They returned to the waiting room and within minutes, Missy came to get Susan.
“Jack is still in recovery, but Doctor Phillips made arrangements for you to see him. Sorry you two, but only Susan can go in right now.” Missy and Susan disappeared down the hall.
“Wow, she is very attractive. I don’t know how old Jack does it.” Bernie watched Susan walk away, admiring her beautiful black hair swaying on her back.
“And she is very nice; I can see why Jack likes her so much. Apparently she is into all the things that he is into, a much better match than he and Sarah.” Christine agreed as she took a seat on one of the hard chairs in the waiting room. She picked up a magazine. “March 2006, wow they need to update their magazines.”
Susan walked quietly into the recovery room. Jack lay on the bed, tubes running from both arms and an oxygen mask over his sleeping face. Her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of him lying so still. A tear ran down her cheek. Carefully, she took his hand in hers as she stood watching him sleep.
Jack stirred and slowly his eyes opened. He blinked at the blurred image before him. Was he dreaming? Was that Susan standing beside the bed holding his hand? He squeezed her hand and then he knew she was really there. “Susan.” His voice was raspy and merely a whisper.
She smiled and leaned down to kiss his cheek.
“Yes Jack, I had to come. You gave all of us quite a scare. How are you feeling?”
“Sleepy, love you.” His eyes closed and he was asleep again. Missy arrived to check his intravenous, she smiled at Susan.
“He will be going to his room shortly. You should go and get settled and come back this evening. He will be sleeping most of the afternoon, but he is out of the woods now.” Susan felt reassured and turned to leave. “Oh, by the way, I am Missy. It’s nice to meet you, Susan.”
Susan turned toward her. “It’s nice to meet you, Missy and thank you for taking care of my fiancée.” She gave Missy a wink and then grinned to herself, liking the way that sounded.
After Christine dropped her off, Susan settled in at the Bridgetown Inn. Christine went to the newspaper office and Bernie headed for the veterinarian’s. They agreed to meet for supper and then go to the hospital to see Jack. Matt was as impressed with Susan as Bernie and Christine were.
Making their way to the hospital after their meal, the four of them laughed and talked, getting to know each other better. Once in the waiting room, Susan sat between Bernie and Matt discussing her work regarding the Grand Canyon. Both men were fascinated. Christine paced back and forth, up and down the narrow corridor, anxious for some word of Jack. The door at the end of the corridor opened and Christine looked up hopefully. She was surprised to see Sarah come through the doorway. “Christine, I just heard about Jack. Deidre Jackson at the television station told me that Jack’s interview was cancelled because he was in the hospital. What happened?” Sarah was dressed in a very elegant navy suit, with silver shoes and handbag. She looked as if she were going to an important business meeting or a party at the country club.
“Calm down, Jack is recovering. They had to do an angioplasty but there were complications and they had to resuscitate on the table.” Sarah’s face turned white at the mention of resuscitation. Looking over Christine’s shoulder to the other end of the corridor, she noticed Susan sitting with Bernie and Matt. Christine’s head turned to see what she was staring at.
“Who is that with Matt and Bernie?” Sarah’s curiosity overshadowed her concern for the moment. Christine was not sure exactly how to explain Susan’s presence. She weighed her words carefully before speaking. Just then a gray haired woman, wearing the green vest of a volunteer walked through the door behind Sarah.
“I’m looking for Mr. Giovanni’s fiancée. He is awake and she can go in now.” Sarah’s head swiveled toward the woman, her mouth hung open. Christine pointed toward Susan and the older woman moved down the corridor. She looked at Sarah and tried to think of what to say next.
“Jack’s fiancée! What the hell is going on?” Sarah was angry and not wanting her to make a scene, Christine grabbed her arm and propelled her through the door toward the cafeteria.
Sarah protested, pulling her arm free as the door closed behind them, blocking them from seeing what was going on at the end of the corridor. “You better start talking, Christine!”
“Just calm down Sarah, why are you so upset? You didn’t want Jack, so he found someone else.” She was about to say that Susan was not his fiancée and that they had made that up for the benefit of the hospital staff, but Sarah cut her off.
“No, I didn’t want him, but I didn’t think he would find someone that quickly and ask her to marry him. And to think, I rushed down here instead of going to the Businessmen’s dinner at the country club. Well, tell Jack I said ‘Good luck’ and thanks for telling me. I thought we were friends.” Before Christine could explain or stop her, Sarah stomped out of the hospital, her silver pumps clicking on the tile floor. Christine just watched her go. We were friends Sarah, but now I don’t know who you are.
The volunteer showed Susan to Jack’s room. He was awake and propped up on his pillows. A huge smile spread across his face when he saw her. She rushed to him and kissed his lips. “Oh God Jack, I was so frightened.” He tried to put his arm around her, but the intravenous tubes were in the way. He reached up and stroked her cheek.
“I’m fine Susan, and very glad to see you, but how did you know?” Susan explained how Bernie had called her and filled him in on her dinner with Christine and Matt.
“Jack, the doctor told me that they lost you on the table. Do you remember any of that?”
“Lost me? I remember being in the surgery room and then remember feeling very warm, a strange kind of warmth, almost a tingling sensation. I saw the brightest light and I thought it was the overhead lights in the surgery, but it was too bright. It blocked out everything else, just a bright light and then in the very center it darkened. As the center grew bigger it gave the impression of a tunnel, but it wasn’t a tunnel. Just a darker center with the bright light all around and people were talking.” He felt Susan’s hand covering his, comforting him. “I could hear the doctor and the nurses talking and then I could see them all. It was kind of strange because I could see myself on the table and the doctor working on me.” He looked into her eyes, they were filled with tears. “Don’t cry Susan.”
“Go on Jack, tell me more.” She wiped her eyes with a tissue.
“I could see myself on the table and then it was like a flash and I was back on the table and everything went black. Pretty weird stuff, eh?”
“I think we will talk about this more when you recover. I love you Jack and I am so glad you are alive.” She kissed his lips gently. He wanted desperately to put his arm around her but the tubes and wires stopped him.
“I love you, Susan. I am glad Bernie called you.”
They chatted for a few minutes until the nurse came and told her she had to leave. Susan promised to return first thing in the morning. Out in the waiting room, Christine had just told Matt and Bernie about Sarah’s visit and her reaction. They found Sarah’s reaction curious.
Susan joined them, looking much less tense, “He looks much better than he did earlier. I can’t thank you enough for letting me know.” She smiled at Bernie and Christine took her arm. The four of them stopped at Jack’s room and stuck their heads in the door.
“Hey buddy we can’t come in, but we are here. Love you.” Jack laughed at the sight of his friend’s faces peering around the doorframe. He was very thankful for all of them. Together, the others walked out of the hospital and the subject of Sarah was dropped for now.
Sarah didn’t quite understand her reaction to Jack’s fiancée. She didn’t want Jack, it was Will that she was planning a future with, but it still hurt.
Old feelings die hard and she had never really put her feelings for Jack away. She took a deep breath, thought of Will and said goodbye to Jack once and for all. She was furious with Christine and didn’t understand her anymore. What happened between us, Christine? You were like a sister to me. I think my life in Bridgetown is coming to an end; it is time to move to the city. Resolved to put the past behind her, she fixed her make up in the car mirror and combed her hair. Now I have a very important dinner to go to. I am going to focus on my new life and forget all about Jack and my old one. With a determined look on her face, she drove to the country club.
Chapter Nineteen
The next morning, Jack and Susan discussed the chemical dump and the possible gas fracking problem and Susan agreed to go and check out the natural gas well. She had more experience with these things and she also had some very good contacts in the government. Jack was hoping she would come up with some answers while he was stuck in his hospital bed.
Jack was sitting up in his bed, frustrated that he could not get out and do more to rectify the town’s problems. Christine arrived, with a copy of Green Planet magazine and two bars of dark organic chocolate. He had to smile. “Did you just have déjà vu? This time I’m not sharing.”
He reached for the chocolate and she put one bar in his hand.
“You don’t have to, this one is mine.” Christine stuck her tongue out at Jack and laughed. “You seem much better today. Where’s Susan?”
“She’s gone out to the natural gas well site; hopefully she can get some information. We need to get answers and soon. My gut is telling me that Martin and Schultz is at the bottom of this. I want to do that interview as soon as I get out of here.”
“You two are like the dynamic duo, if anyone can solve this, you can. Mmm, this is good.” She popped another piece of chocolate in her mouth. Watching her made him hungry, and he ripped the wrapper from his own bar, biting it hungrily.
“It is delicious and yes, with Susan here, I feel we can come to some conclusion. Is there any news from the dump site at Martin and Schultz?” Christine shook her head. The site was closed to the public and very little information was being released.
“Not yet, but I did notice more ‘For Sale’ signs on the way here. People are starting to panic.”
“The good citizens of Bridgetown are trying to sell before this gets any worse. I noticed that the Chinese restaurant is closed. I really hope this is not a sign of things to come. We have to find out what is causing the water problem and fix it fast. Susan commented on what a ‘quaint little town’ this was and I for one would like to keep it that way.” Jack moved in the bed trying to get more comfortable. It was difficult with all of the tubes and wires attached to his body.
“Charles Martin is going to make an announcement this morning.” She looked at her watch. “As a matter of fact, click on the local news channel; he should be on any minute.” Jack reached for the remote on the bedside table and Christine turned her chair to face the television suspended from the ceiling. The local reporter ran through a list of events at the local Remembrance Day celebrations to be held this weekend before turning the microphone over to the lead anchor. “Here comes Martin now, turn up the volume, Jack.”
The camera panned to Charles Martin, smartly dressed in an Armani suit and looking very handsome and confident. “I don’t like the looks of this already.” Jack bit down on another piece of chocolate with a scowl on his face. “The bastard looks smug.”
The voice of the anchor filled the small hospital room. “Ladies and Gentlemen of Bridgetown, let me say that this has been a very thorough investigation and we finally have new information. Mr. Martin, please tell our viewers your news.” The anchor turned his full attention on Charles and the camera zoomed in on his face. He smiled widely.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Martin and Schultz have been given a full release and our premises declared safe and nonpolluting by the Ontario Hazardous Materials Department, Ontario Health Advisory and Ministry of the Environment.” He paused and smiled into the camera. “Thanks to our conscientious citizens, we now know there is no danger from Martin and Schultz Chemical.” The ‘thank you’ was like a slap in the face to Jack.
“Safe! Nonpolluting! Give me a break. What kind of investigation was this? Who did he pay off?” Jack was getting excited and Christine tried to calm him down, although she had to agree.
“Jack, don’t get excited, you will escalate your blood pressure. We know the investigation was very thorough, we saw it for ourselves. It is good news for the town, and you should be happy.” Christine reached for the remote and turned off the television. “We still have to find out what is causing the water problem however.”
“What the hell is going on? That site couldn’t be free of contaminants. Maybe it is the gas fracking. Oh Jesus! What the hell are we going to do now?” Jack was agitated. A nurse arrived just as Jack shouted. Perturbed and glaring at Christine, she gave Jack a shot.
Christine headed for the door. “I have to go and see Mr. MacIntyre this afternoon, so I will call you later. Now get some rest.” Jack’s mind was busy formulating a plan when she left.
Sarah waited in the green room of the television station for Charles Martin. Her mind was in turmoil. How could Jack be engaged and who was this person? Where did he meet her? How long had this been going on? Jack had betrayed her. Wait, no he didn’t, I broke up with him. You didn’t want him, remember? Oh God, what is the matter with me? Her reverie was broken by Charles Martin’s entrance.
“What did you think Sarah? I was quite convincing, wasn’t I.” It was a statement and not a question. She nodded, trying to clear her head of the foolish thoughts of Jack Giovanni.
“I am very pleased and I think you made a good impression. Did you need me anymore today?” Sarah stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt.
“No Sarah, I have a meeting in Ottawa with the Canadian Conservative Party Leadership committee this afternoon. Once I see them, I might like to run some ideas by you about my campaign. The plant parking lot is being restored today and we are back in full production. My secretary will have your check this afternoon. Thank you very much Sarah. You have been a Godsend to us and I would like you to consider working for me as my political publicist.” She had not expected this. He reached out his hand in a gesture of thanks and she shook it absentmindedly.
“I am honored that you think I would be an asset in your political career. Let me think about it and thank you for the check, I’ll pick it up later today. It was a pleasure working with Martin and Schultz for the past year.” Charles left her standing in the green room, gathering her briefcase and laptop as well as her thoughts. Wow, political publicist, this is a surprise. But what about the job in Toronto and Will, what about Will? Had she really forgotten about Will because of this foolishness with Jack?
Charles drove his new BMW home to change his suit. He was flying to Ottawa at three today for the next step in his ambitious career plan. His mind went back to the morning after the incident with the foreman. He had arrived early and requested that the cleaners give his office a special going over. He explained that he was meeting with some important government officials and wanted the wood floors to sparkle. Offering an added bonus in this week’s pay packet ensured that the job was well done quickly and without question. He also informed his wife that if the Conservative party wanted him to campaign as a candidate, they would have to move to Ottawa. Being as socially ambitious as her husband, she was happy to hear the news. He asked her to call her sister, the realtor, and make arrangements to put the house up for sale. A car passed him, drawing his attention back to the road. Yes Charles, you are on your way now. It is goodbye to Bridgetown and all of its problems. A huge smile crossed his face as he pulled into his driveway.
Chapter Twenty
Sarah called Will as soon as she got home. He was in meetings but she left a message asking him to call her as soon as possible. She sat at her desk staring at her b
ank book. The check from Martin and Schultz was deposited and her bank balance looked better than ever. She felt satisfied, confident and a little sad that the campaign with Martin and Schultz had come to an end. She checked her organizer and realized that she had an entire week off, no work, no new assignments, nothing. What will you do with yourself?
She would use the time to make some rational decisions about her career. Hopefully she would hear something from Will’s father about the job in Toronto and Charles Martin would be successful in Ottawa. Both were very profitable and prestigious career options and she would have to think it over carefully. Do I really want to leave Bridgetown for Toronto? Where does Will fit into my plans? Would Mr. Martin stay in Bridgetown or move to the capital? And if so, where would she have to be? Everything was up in the air right now and her mind was racing. I can’t make any decisions until I have more information but one thing I do know is that I am on my way to the top. A nice hot bath will relax me, yes that is what I will do right now.
Sarah settled herself on the side of the tub, but when she turned the tap, nothing happened. Confused, she moved to the sink and tried the taps there, nothing. She went to the office and called her sister. “Edna, how are you? I just tried to take a bath and there is no water. Does Dan know anything about that?”
“Dan is still at work, apparently there is some problem. That is probably why the water is shut off. I am sure it will be back on shortly. How do you feel now that your project with Martin and Schultz is over?”
“I feel great. I just have some decisions to make about the future now. We will talk soon, thanks Edna.” Sarah hung up a little annoyed that the water was off and her sister, whose husband worked at the water treatment plant, could not give her any reason why. Needing to burn some energy, she decided to go for a walk.
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