by Vella Day
The elevator dumped him on the second floor. Dom blocked out the usual sickening smells as he hurried to the room. He refused to glance into any other room not wanting to see people close to death. Dead bodies didn’t bother him as much as those ready to enter the grave.
He stopped in front of 235, knocked, and stepped in. The young man in the bed had his eyes closed. The overhead lights were out, but a light over the mirror was lit. Alex's face was partially wrapped in gauze and his right leg and right arm were in a cast. Dom’s heart broke.
A steady rhythm emanated from the machine attached to Alex’s arm.
“Alex?”
No response.
Dom pulled up a chair next to the bed. He examined Alex’s face to see if his brother looked like an older version of the little boy he’d last seen. It didn't, but maybe his puffy face prevented seeing the real Alex.
Given Dom had no place to go, he figured he’d stay the night and surprise his little brother in the morning.
22
Wilma bustled into Tessa’s room. “Ready to go home today?”
“I guess so, but I want to say goodbye to my brother and check in on Chelsea.”
“Isn’t she something? All that time in a coma, and she wakes up just like that.” Wilma snapped her fingers.
Tessa bet Wilma had seen many such miracles. “I think it was her mother’s voice that did the trick.”
“I think so too,” Wilma whispered and smiled. “I’ll get you a wheel chair and take you where you like. Okay?”
“Thanks, Wilma.”
Dominic had promised he’d find Chelsea’s parents. Apparently, he was true to his word. Not that Tessa had spoken with Dominic since he dropped her off her three days ago. She contributed some of her depression to not seeing him.
Dominic, Dominic. Where are you? Don’t you care about me?
Tessa needed to face reality. She was part of a closed case and didn’t mean any more to him than a good lay. What a jerk she'd been.
Phil, his partner, had checked in once yesterday, but he claimed he didn’t know where Dominic was. Right. Partners always knew each other’s whereabouts.
Wilma pushed in a wheelchair. “Let me help you.”
“Thanks, Wilma. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
The nurse waved a dismissive hand. “You were no trouble at all and a real delight to treat.”
Wilma took her to Judd’s room. There was almost no room left once the nurse put her wheelchair next to his bed. Judd looked up and smiled.
“Hi, sis.”
His attitude had improved dramatically since the operation, as had his color. “How are you feeling?”
“Stronger each day. And guess what?” he said with a grin.
“What?”
“The bill’s been paid.”
“Really?”
Judd pushed down on the mattress and sat up straighter. “As if you didn’t know. Did you sell Dad’s house or something?”
“Hardly. I’ve been stalked, kidnapped, and stabbed. I haven’t exactly had time to make real estate deals.”
“Then how?”
“I have no idea.”
Judd grinned. “Well, I’m not complaining.”
Tessa couldn’t imagine how something like this could have occurred. The money Judd had saved in his account could now pay for his medications. Once they opened the restaurant, the profits would sustain him for years, but he hardly had enough to cover the operation even after the insurance kicked in a portion.
Judd leaned over and took a sip of water.
“When did they say you could go home?” she asked.
“This week. Of course, I’ll have to rest, but I’m thinking I’ll be back at the restaurant full-time in another month.”
“That’s great.” She couldn’t put her finger on her emotion. Perhaps she’d grown fond on the place. She’d never belonged anywhere before.
“You don’t sound overjoyed,” he said.
“No, I am, it’s just that...”
“It’s just what?” he said in a tone reminiscent of the times when they’d sit in front of the fire and talk. Her older brother always had a way to draw her out.
Tessa didn’t want to explain her need for a family of her own—a husband and a child.
“Who is he?”
Was she that transparent? No use avoiding the issue, even though Dominic might never ask her out. “The detective.”
“The guy who saved you? Come on, Tess. Didn’t you call that transference or something?”
“So you’re the psychologist now? You’ve got your terms mixed up. Yes, he put me into protective custody at his house and then saved my life, but I like him for who he is. Once you get to know him, you'll see Dominic is really nice.”
“The guy was single minded and tough when he came to talk to me.”
Tessa didn’t need to convince her brother of Dominic’s good points. Even before Dominic had rescued her from certain death, she’d fallen for him, but she planned to keep that fact to herself. Dominic’s unexpected tenderness in bed the one time they’d make love, convinced her he was the man for her, though Tess was the first to admit she didn’t need a man to complete her as so many of her friends had claimed. She wanted Dominic because he made her feel special and wanted as a woman. Even though her brother had a child, she didn’t think he’d understand.
“Dominic mentioned you helped him find me,” Tessa said, wanting to change the subject.
“I did?”
“You told him about the Green Swamp, and from there he traced Charley’s whereabouts.”
“Cool. I guess when Charley asked me there, he never planned to kidnap you.”
“No, I think his brain confused me with a woman who he’d loved and lost.”
“Sad.” Judd took another sip of water. “How’s your friend Chelsea doing?”
“Better. She’s out of I.C.U. Speaking of which, I need to let you rest and go check on her. I’m going home afterwards.”
“They’ve released you?”
“Yup. My shoulder is healing, but I’ll need therapy to get back full range of motion. And my ankle will take a good six weeks in this cast.”
Judd yawned and Tessa could tell it was best to let him rest. “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Judd groaned and Tessa backed her wheelchair out of his room. She wondered if it was acceptable hospital practice to be out and about by herself.
Both of Chelsea’s parents were by her side when Tessa rolled in.
“Claire, let’s let the girls chat. There isn’t room for all four of us.”
Guilty she was kicking them out, she wanted to leave, but Chelsea’s parents were up and out before she could protest. Tessa never would have guessed Chelsea’s dad was a Virginia Senator. Her mom looked the part of the politician’s wife, dressed in an elegant suit complete with pearls, and a Gucci bag on her lap.
Once Chelsea’s parents left, Tessa wheeled closer to Chelsea’s bed.
“I know this whole mess has been terrible for you, Chelsea, but can you tell me what happened?”
She closed her eyes and said nothing for the next minute. Had her friend fallen asleep?
“I’ve gone over this in my mind so many times, hoping with each passing I’d get a better idea of what happened, but nothing changes.”
“What did you see?”
“I’ve told the police. Trace saw that guy from the bar pull out of the parking lot. We started kissing. I heard wheels screech and the next thing I know Trace hops in the car and we take off. I gotta tell you, I was mad.”
“About what?”
“I was really hot for that guy and he blows me off. He was more interested in a car chase than in me. I feel real bad about that attitude now.” She looked up at Tessa, seemingly ready to cry. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”
“I’m afraid so. I’m sorry, Chels. I know you liked him, but the best thing now is to help the police find his killer. Do you remember the car?�
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“The one racing out the lot?”
“I guess so.”
“I think it was white. Yeah, a white van.”
Tessa gripped the wheelchair until her fingers cramped. “Charley had a white van. Did he do this to you?”
“Charley?”
“Yes, our Charley.”
Chelsea grabbed her chest and winced in pain. She grabbed a pump and gave herself a shot. “Sorry. I can’t remember. It was dark. The streetlights were behind his face. I remember the gun going off and that’s all.” Chelsea’s hand trembled.
Tessa grabbed her hand. “Charley is dead, hon. He can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Dead? How? When?”
Tessa told her about Ralph and Charley. As she finished, Chelsea’s parents returned, concern lacing their features. Tessa turned back to Chelsea. “I need to let you rest. I’ll try to stop by tomorrow if I can.”
“Thanks, Tessa.”
Tessa waved goodbye, and then wheeled out to find Wilma. The nurse spent twenty minutes going over every procedure from medication, rest, and a litany of other instructions. Once she signed the paper to indicate she understood, she was free.
The biggest problem was that she had no way home. “Damn it.” Tessa immediately slapped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry, but I just remembered I don’t have my purse, which means, I don’t have my keys to my house.”
Wilma smiled. “I’ll be right back.” A moment later she returned with a key chain. “You know the friend of your detective, the one who brought you in?”
“Detective Rossi’s partner?”
“Yes. Well, he said that Detective Rossi gave these to him to give to you. They’re the keys to his house. He thought you might be needing them. Seems he had to be somewhere for a while.”
Tessa smiled. Maybe her bad luck was at an end. “You wouldn’t happen to know where he was, now would you?”
“No, dear. Did you think I’m some kind of snoop?”
“Not at all. Thanks, Wilma.”
“Do you need me to call you a cab?”
“That would be great.”
Dominic awoke with a jerk. He must have dozed off. Last thing he remembered, he’d been watching Alex’s chest rise and fall. Friday, his brother had opened his eyes, but with the tube in his throat, he couldn’t say a word. The doctors and nurses had bustled Dom out so fast, he wasn’t able to let Alex know he was there for him.
Alex’s hand twitched, and Dom straightened. “Alex, can you hear me?” He’d been talking to Alex for hours, hoping his voice would rouse him.
His brother’s eyelids fluttered, opened, and then closed again. Dom reached over and pressed the button for the nurse.
The room door flew open, and she rushed to Alex’s side. He opened his eyes and lifted his hand an inch off the bed. Her arm went limp again.
“Alex,” Dom pleaded. “Can you hear me?”
A low guttural sound emitted from his brother’s throat.
“Let me call the doctor,” the young nurse said as she raced out of the room.
Dom’s heart raced as Alex’s gaze found his. Dom grasped his brother’s hand. “It’s me. Dominic.”
Alex’s brows pinched together, and his brother’s look of intelligence thrilled Dom. The doctors hadn’t been sure if there’d be any brain damage. Alex applied pressure to Dom’s hand. To him, it was the best handshake in the world.
“Excuse me, I need to see to Alex,” a man in a white coat said.
“Sure.” Dom let go and moved out of the way.
“If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside,” the doctor said, as he turned back to Alex.
Not wanting to interfere, Dom stepped from the room and headed straight to the coffee machine. Alex was going to make it. Dom could feel it in his gut.
He’d been gone three days and had never contacted the Captain. Not that he really cared if he found out the man had fired him, but he should check in. He slugged down the coffee and located the exit. Standing outside the front entrance, he made his call to Florida. Given the hour, he’d rather speak with Phil.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Phil. It Dom.”
“Good to hear your voice. I thought you’d left the force or something. How’s Alex doing?”
“I think he’s going to be okay.” Dom swallowed hard to remove the lump in his throat.
“So when are you coming back? Or are you?”
Dom didn’t like Phil’s tone. “Has something happened to Tessa?”
“No, no, she’s fine. It’s the Captain. He’s hoppin’ mad you left without a word. He didn’t believe me when I said you’d left to visit your brother who’d been in an accident.”
A month ago, he wouldn’t have believed it of himself either. The force once meant everything to him. Not any longer—not since he’d met Tessa and found out Alex was alive. The idea of a family had crept into his soul and stolen his heart again.
“That’s why I called. I need to stay with Alex a little longer to make sure he’s going to make it. If you want, I can tell him.”
“I’ll do it. You just take care of yourself.”
“How’s Tessa?” Dom held his breath.
“I told you she was fine. She’s banged up a little, but with rehab, she’ll be good as new.”
His shoulders relaxed. Dom wanted to ask if she’d asked about him, but working through a mediator never worked. “Thanks. And Ralph?” He wanted Phil to say the asshole had died on the way to the hospital.
“He’ll pull through, but he’ll be paralyzed for life.”
“Maybe there is justice in this world.”
“You got that right. Hurry home.”
“Yeah.” Dom hung up. He’d return when he was good and ready.
Dom returned to Alex’s room, and the nurse looked up. “You can see him now. The doctor has removed the throat tube. Alex is breathing on his own, but don’t tax him. He’s weak.”
“Thanks.”
Dom’s palm sweated again. Why was he nervous? Even if Alex didn’t remember him, they could spend time together and be brothers again. So what if they lived across country?
Alex’s breaths were coming fast—too fast. The nurse stood at the end of the bed taking notes on the machine readouts.
“Dom?” Alex croaked.
His voice sounded scratchy. The nurse grabbed a cup of water and fed Alex a drink.
“Yeah, it’s me. I finally found you.”
Alex cleared this throat. “What took you so long?” A small smile lifted his lips.
A tear ran down Dom’s cheek and he wiped it away. “I’ve been trying, bro. I’ve been trying.”
Alex’s eyelids fluttered. Dom’s heart sped up, and he looked up at the nurse.
“He’s tired. He’s been through a lot. Maybe you should let him rest.”
Dom leaned over the bed. “I’m going let you get better. Then we’re going to spend some time together. I’ve got someone I want you to meet. I’m putting my card on your table. When you’re ready to do some catching up, call me. I’ll fly back out here in a heartbeat.”
Alex opened his eyes. “You can count on it.”
23
Dom pulled up to Tessa’s house, spotting her Toyota in the drive. He needed to remember to thank Phil for bringing her car here from The Blue Moon.
He’d thought about calling a million times, but speaking over the phone was too impersonal. With his family back together again, he was ready to move on with his life. And he wanted Tessa in it, one way or another. Not knowing if she wanted him was another reason why he needed to see her face-to-face.
Sure he’d been disappointed she’d removed all of her possessions from his house, but at least she’d left a note. Given he hadn’t contacted her, he was glad she hadn’t trashed his place, not that doing so would have been Tessa’s style.
Dom took a deep breath and rolled out of his truck.
“Here goes,” he said to the clear blue sky.
He rang the bell and waited.
A moment later the door swung open. With crutches under her arms, Tessa looked amazing. Breathtakingly beautiful, actually, despite her injured state. She smiled and his heart did a summersault.
“Hi,” Dom said.
“Hi, yourself. Come in.”
Nervous as a teenager on a first date, Dom inched past her, not wanting to bump her. His gaze caught sight of Mandy’s empty playpen and a longing tugged at him. He missed the little girl. Sure, Phil had told him Mandy had never been in danger, and his relief had been immense. But now, he wished she were back here. He liked holding her.
Had he suddenly turned into a family man? Maybe. Reconnecting with Alex might have freed his inhibitions. In all honesty, he’d never believed he’d ever have a family, let alone keep one. He’d lost his folks, and then believed Alex to be out of his life for good. When he lost his fiancé to cancer, Dom had decided he’d spend the rest of his life alone.
Then came Tessa.
Sweet, wonderful, Tessa.
As gently as he could, he leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss, needing to test the waters before rushing forward.
She hobbled over to the sofa and plopped down without saying a word. Dom grabbed the crutches before they crashed to the ground and leaned them against the sofa arm.
“How are you feeling?” Dom asked as he sat as close as he dared.
She lifted her cast that covered her foot. “Only five more weeks to go.” She raised her left arm parallel to the ground. “I started physical therapy two days ago and already I’ve got a lot of the movement back.”
“That’s great. And how are Judd and Chelsea?”
Tessa laughed. The sound delighted his senses. He wanted her. Broken ankle and all.
“Judd’s operation was a great success, and he’s doing fine. Chelsea should be leaving the hospital this week. Her parents were so happy to see her. I wanted to thank you for finding them.”
So much had happened, he felt like he’d been away for weeks. “No problem. Actually, I have a private investigator who’s pretty good.” He draped her arm along the back of the sofa and curled a bit of her hair around his finger. “Did you ever find out why she left home?”