Reddest Black_In the Shadows

by P. T. Michelle

  “What’s wrong—” Talia lets out a quiet gasp at the line of blood slowly rolling into the hall from under the closed door. “Oh, God.”

  Chapter Ten

  Talia

  “Talia!”

  Sebastian’s voice bleeds through and I jerk my worried gaze from the blood on the floor to his blue one.

  “Walk over to the nurses’ station with Den so he can have them call security. Don’t leave his side. Got it?”

  My heart’s racing so fast, I feel lightheaded, but I swallow my worry and nod.

  Sebastian shifts his gaze to Den. “While the nurses call security, call Calder. Tell him we need at least two more men here ASAP. Then take Talia home.”

  “I’m not going anywhere!”

  “I don’t have time to argue,” my husband grates, his expression scary calm.

  “Then don’t!” I snap. “My aunt’s in there and we don’t know where Theo is. I’m safe with Den.” I wave him on. “Just go. We’ll do our part.”

  “She’ll be safe, Sebastian.” Den looks at me, his tone focused but urgent. “We need to call security now.”

  Following him, I hate that the nurse’s station is around a slight turn from the hall where my aunt’s room is located. I tell myself to keep taking steps and not let worry about whose blood is on the floor, or that Sebastian might be attacked paralyze me.

  To save time, I call Calder while Den gets the head nurse to call security.

  “Hey, Talia,” Calder says, sounding upbeat. “I got your aunt’s phone. I’ll get it to you tonight—”

  “Something has happened in my aunt’s hospital room, Calder,” I say quickly. “Sebastian’s investigating the blood we saw under the door. He wants more security here immediately.”

  “Blood? What the hell—consider it done. Is Theo backing Sebastian up? Den’s with you, right?”

  “We don’t know where Theo is.” My voice starts to shake. “Yes, Den’s with me at the nurse’s station, calling security.”

  “Stay with Den. I’m on my way now,” he says, the sound of a car starting up in the background. “I’ll call more men in from the car. Be there in ten.”

  “Get a fucking doctor in here right now!” Sebastian’s bellow down the hall makes my heart rate vault.

  “Den!” I call and thankfully he’s right with me, because I can’t hear the worry in my husband’s voice and not be there for him.

  Den’s steps are brisk beside me, and once I reach my aunt’s room, it takes all my willpower not to scream at the sight of Sebastian’s hands covered in blood. He’s kneeling in the doorway with his hand over Theo’s forearm, holding his gaping wound together as best he can.

  “Move out of the way, please,” an older man with wiry gray hair and a white coat rushes in to kneel beside Sebastian.

  “He’s not breathing,” Sebastian says.

  Quickly assessing Theo, the doctor starts barking out crisp orders to the three nurses who rushed to the sound of yells for help. “He’s in respiratory distress and bleeding out. We need to intubate him now!”

  I grab onto Den’s arm and shake my head to keep from falling over. Den folds his big hand over mine as Sebastian says to one of the nurses, “Check on Mrs. Granger. Make sure she’s unharmed.”

  Two security guards come rushing down the hall. They try to tell us to clear the hallway, but Den looks at them, his voice commanding. “We’re not going anywhere. This unit needs to be locked until the police arrive.”

  “We’ve got it covered,” the taller one says, speaking into his walkie-talkie to another guy. “And you need to listen or you’ll be escorted out.”

  “By you?” Den snorts his annoyance. “Locked means unable to open. Why did a nurse just walk through one of the doors?”

  The tall guy grunts and gestures for the shorter guard to make sure the doors are actually locked and only opened if necessary for emergencies.

  I release Den and press my hand to my lips as the medical staff rolls a gurney over, and the three nurses and the doctor lift Theo up onto it. As they turn the gurney and start to rush Theo down the hall, the doctor runs alongside issuing orders, “Get O negative ready. He appears to be in a paralytic state. We need to find out what drug was used on him.”

  A nurse in her forties, with dark eyes that matches her hair, has stayed in the room. I tense as she moves to my aunt’s bedside, then let out a breath as she leans over her and lightly shakes her shoulder, saying, “Mrs. Granger, I’m just checking on you. Are you feeling okay?”

  My aunt’s eyes flutter open and she sighs, then nods.

  The nurse smiles at my aunt and lifts her limp arm, folding her fingers around her wrist. “Close your eyes and go back to sleep. I’m just going to take your pulse.”

  I’m amazed that my aunt slept through all that, but then she’s on some pretty heavy pain meds. “You’re going to move my aunt out of this room as soon as possible, right?” I say to the nurse after she releases my aunt and steps past Sebastian, who’s bent down staring at all the blood on the floor.

  Moving into the hall, the nurse addresses a much younger blonde nurse who’s hovering nervously outside the room, her tone no-nonsense. “Please call a custodian down here to room 457 to clean this blood up.”

  “No one’s cleaning anything up,” Sebastian says from his squatted position, his gaze never leaving the floor.

  What is he looking at? Yes, it’s a lot of blood. God, I’m so glad we found Theo when we did. We must have just missed the person who did this.

  “This is an active crime scene and until the police arrive, nothing is going to be touch—” Sebastian jerks his gaze to the the dark-haired nurse, his expression intense. “I need a glove right now, please.”

  “Yes, of course. I’m just used to following hospital protocol.” The nurse turns to the wall station, pulls a glove out of the box and hands it to him.

  Sebastian takes the glove and leans over the wide bloodstain to lift something completely submerged in the thick puddle of blood Theo left behind. As I wonder how he even saw that buried in all that blood—I certainly didn’t see it—my husband holds his hand out toward the two nurses. “Get this syringe to the doctor who just left here. This is what was used to drug the man they just wheeled away.”

  After the nurse takes off down the hall with the bloody syringe, Sebastian addresses the two guards standing near Den and me. “The police will be here soon. You’ll be asked for the security camera tapes from tonight. I want copies too. Get them now.”

  The taller, balding guy puffs his chest out. “We will follow procedure and only give that information to the police once they ask for it—”

  “If you had followed procedure, my family wouldn’t have been put at risk tonight. You chose not to do your job and patrol this floor after you were told to be extra diligent,” Sebastian says in a deadly tone. “If you want to keep your jobs, you will get me the information. I’ve got the means and give no-fucks about tearing your lives apart.”

  The shorter one with a round face and spiked dark hair visibly pales, then grumbles, “I’ll get the video feeds.”

  My husband lifts his chin toward the other guy. “Get to the main door of this unit and guard it until the police arrive. What happened tonight never should’ve happened.”

  Once the guards mumble their apologies, then head off to do their jobs, Sebastian looks at Den. “Did you call for backup?”

  Den glances at his watch. “The police should be here in five minutes.”

  “Calder’s on his way,” I say. “He’s bringing extra men. God, I’m so worried for Theo.” My stomach churns as my gaze strays to the door the medical team wheeled him through.

  Sebastian starts to reach for me, then looks at all the blood on his hands. Stepping over to the antibacterial dispenser, he pumps a ton into his hands, then takes the wad of paper towels a nurse hands him. Snapping his gaze to Den, he wipes the blood from his hands, his face set in determined lines. “Get Talia out of here now. I’ll f
ollow with the videos once I’ve dealt with the police.”

  “I’m not leaving my aunt and I want to know about Theo—”

  “I fucking am security!”

  We all look over at Calder with a couple of BLACK Security guys behind him, who’s clearly having a harsh discussion with the tall security guard posted at the main door.

  “I need you to leave right now, Talia.” Sebastian’s sharp tone cuts off any argument. “I can’t focus on getting your aunt moved into a safe space if I’m worried about you and our child too.” His blue eyes hold mine. “You know you’re too exposed here.”

  My heart thumping hard, I press my lips together and try to ignore the painful knotting in my stomach. Taking short breaths, I will it away. It subsides just as Den puts a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll go. Keep us updated on Theo and my aunt, Sebastian. There has to be a reason she wasn’t harmed. Was the killer interrupted? We have to assume that was his goal.”

  “I hope the security cameras will provide that answer along with his identity,” Sebastian says, then shifts his gaze to Den. “I want you and Calder to escort Talia out of here. Once you’re in the clear, send Calder back up to help me deal with this clusterfuck.”

  Den releases my shoulder and looks down at me. “Let’s go talk to the guard so the guys can get in here and help Sebastian.”

  “Talia!” Cass says from her kneeling position on the living room floor among an explosion of ribbons, wrapping paper, and tissue. Open boxes and packaging litters our sofa and side chair, spilling over onto the coffee table. Colorful toys and fully assembled baby paraphernalia are scattered throughout the apartment: including a highchair in the far corner of the kitchen, a bouncy chair next to the table, a swing near the side chair. Sippy cups, baby plates and utensils line our island, along with diapers, formula and everything in between.

  “Indeed, very entertaining,” Den mutters as I walk in and stare, completely speechless.

  “Please tell me your aunt is okay? Calder didn’t fill me in on any details. His text just said he had to get over to the hospital.”

  I slowly nod and Cass exhales a breath of relief. “Whew, okay that’s good. I hope you don’t mind that I took the initiative. I started with the baby monitor. I just thought I’d get it set up for you guys and well…” She spreads her hands wide, a sheepish look on her face. “Surprise? Calder’s been gone all day with Ben, and I was going crazy waiting to hear something.” Cass scrambles to her feet. Kicking paper, ribbons, tissue and packaging out of her way, she approaches, but then stops and takes off the baby backpack she’d obviously been adjusting on her shoulders. Grabbing up a notepad from the back of the side chair, she moves closer and speaks so rapidly I blink and try to keep up.

  “Holy crap, some of this stuff was hard to put together. It’s almost like you need a Master’s degree in assembly or something. I know the crib is Sebastian’s domain, so I left that, but I prevailed! My goal was to have all the trash cleaned up before you got back.” She holds the notepad toward me. “Here’s the entire list from the shower of who bought you what. I’ll be happy to help you stuff, lick, and stamp the ‘Thank You’ notes if you’d like.”

  I’m so out of it from everything that’s going on, all I can think to do is reach out and slowly pull the short screwdriver Cass had tucked in the front pocket of her jeans. Cass looks at Den’s somber expression, then drops the notepad and pulls me close, folding her arms around me. “What’s wrong?”

  “Why don’t you take Talia into her bedroom to talk, Cass.”

  “Yes, of course.” Lowering her arm around my shoulders, my friend leads me to my bedroom and sets me down on the bed.

  Facing me, she crosses her legs and takes my hand. “I’m freaking out here. You said nothing is wrong with your aunt. God…” Her hand squeezes mine tight. “Has something happened to Sebastian?”

  I shake my head and put my free hand over hers. “No, Calder and Sebastian are at the hospital.” After I explain everything that happened, Cass links our hands together and whispers, “Holy shit! I hope Theo’s going to be okay.”

  As I nod my agreement, my phone pings in my purse, but when I don’t reach for it, Cass’s gaze snaps from me to my purse. “Aren’t you going to check it?”

  “I don’t think I can handle it if Theo didn’t make it.” Tears misting my eyes, I shove my purse toward her. “Check the message for me.”

  Cass takes a breath, then pulls out my phone. Smiling, she turns it toward me. “Good news!”

  My gaze drops to Sebastian’s text.

  They’ve stabilized Theo. He’ll have a hell of a scar on his arm, but he’ll live. Vanessa has been moved to the critical floor under an anonymous name. Room 215. There’s less traffic there, but she’ll also have BLACK Security watching over her. She never knew what happened. Slept through most of it and was probably too groggy to remember being moved. As far as we can tell, she’s fine. Will review video at home. Police to do the same tonight.

  Crying my happiness, I take the phone and text him back.

  I’m so happy Theo is going to be okay. Thank you for taking care of my aunt. I’ll let Charlie know her new room number. Please be sure he’s on the approved visitor list.

  Already done. Be home in a half hour. Wrapping up with the police now.

  Get home sooner.

  Miss me?

  I miss you the instant you walk out the door.

  My father calls just as I start to set my phone down. I instantly pick up.

  “Hey!”

  “Hey, Talia. How’s Vanessa doing? Did she get my flowers?”

  I decide to keep the answer as simple as possible. “Yes, thank you for the flowers. She’s slowly getting better.”

  “That’s wonderful news. I’m so glad to hear that. I just wanted to say I’m sorry for not seeing you yesterday. They wouldn’t let me come up.”

  “Yeah, they were being pretty strict, but she really appreciated the flowers.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. How are you feeling, Tally-girl? Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and my grandchild.”

  “I’m taking care of both of us. Don’t worry.”

  “I’ll try. Please be sure to tell Vanessa I hope she heals quickly.”

  “Will do. Talk to you later.”

  Once I hang up, Cass brushes my hair back from my face. “How are you really feeling?”

  “Less anxious and a bit tired. And, yes, I didn’t tell my dad everything. It’s just easier to make sure he doesn’t worry.” Smiling, I rub my hand over my belly. “As for how I’m feeling…when we first discovered Theo, my stomach felt like it was full of knots. I had to take several deep breaths to make it go away. Now that I’ve heard from Sebastian, I feel so much better.”

  Cass frowns. “Your stomach was in knots? Are you sure it wasn’t the baby? Were you having early contractions? What do they call those?”

  “Braxton Hicks contractions. I’m not due technically for two weeks, but I think it’s more like one. I’ll see what the doctor thinks at my next check up on Monday.”

  “You don’t know your exact due date?”

  I laugh. “Well, the doctor gave me one date based on my last period, but the baby is measuring a bit bigger, hence the date swing.” Just then, the baby starts moving around. I quickly grab Cass’s hand, putting it over the spot. “Do you feel it?”

  “Finally! That’s so amazing,” Cass says, her gaze full of wonder. “It feels like a little alien moving around inside you. Does it feel that way to you?”

  “Ha, it does feel like an out-of-body experience at times.” Tilting my head toward the play yard and the bouncy saucer with squeaky table top toys and colorful thingy-ma-bobs she’d placed in the corners of our bedroom, I tease, “Is that what happened to you today?”

  “Are you mad?” Cass bites her lip, looking embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I honestly was trying to be helpful and put everything away for you so you’ll be ready to go when the baby comes.”

  “I�
�ve had our hospital bag ready to go for two weeks now, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten,” I say on a grimace. “The idea of opening all those presents and putting them together would be so overwhelming to me right now, so…thank you for being your crazy can’t-stop-once-you-start self. I love you, Cass.”

  Grinning, she hugs me once more. “Love you too.”

  As her arms fold tight around me, I moan and pull back. “The baby’s putting an elbow or something in my pelvis,” I say, gasping at the sharp pain.

  “Didn’t you say that moving helps the baby reposition herself?” Cass hops off the bed and tugs me to my feet. “Let’s go into the kitchen and I’ll make you a cup of decaf tea. That should help relax you some, while I clean up the mess I made. By the time I’m done, hopefully the guys will be back.”

  As we step into the living room, Cass gapes at the pristine place, then says excitedly, “Den, will you marry me?”

  “What the hell!” Frowning, Calder steps into the living room and instantly glares at Den who’s leaning against the counter in the kitchen, a mug to his lips.

  “Don’t worry, Calder. All Den’s guilty of is cleaning up Cass’s mess.” Laughing at the confused look on Calder’s face, I walk straight into my husband’s arms as he steps off the elevator behind Calder. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  Sebastian quickly takes in all the new stuff set up in the apartment as he presses a kiss to my forehead. “Someone’s been busy.”

  I gesture to Cass, who’s pulling two mugs down from the cabinet. “You can thank Miss I-Can’t-Stop-Myself.”

  Dropping tea bags into the mugs, Cass shrugs and lifts the electric teakettle, shakes it to see if it needs water, then turns it on. “Whether you guys are ready or not, that baby’s coming. I just made sure the apartment was in order for you.”

  As Den chokes on his drink, I burst out laughing. “Oh, Cass. I can’t wait to clear all those crazy, twisted paths for you.”

  Cass, Calder, and Sebastian all look at me like I’m talking nonsense, but Den lifts his cup in salute, a smile tilting his lips. Setting his mug down in the sink, he approaches Sebastian and me. “I take it the hospital is secure?”