Hearing Sam open the bathroom door, she knew she was ready for her to doctor her wounds. Sam looked a lot better, but the shower stall was a disaster. A thin layer of mud and leaves circled the drain. Jessie was amazed at the number of cuts and asked Sam why she didn’t have them looked at when she was at the hospital. Sam had been running on pure adrenaline and they hadn’t hurt until now when the hot water hit them. Now she could feel every one and remarked that she may even have bruises from the pieces that hit her in the back. Her hands weren’t cut up, from covering her head, thanks to the gloves. She wondered what the back of her jacket looked like. But it was quite muddy and would have to be washed before she could assess the damage.
Hearing a vehicle coming up the driveway, Jessie turned to see a white truck pull up to the garage. It was TJ and she looked like a woman with a mission. Jessie got to the front door just as she knocked.
“Jessie, what happened? Cyn is a mess. She called and said Alex was in the hospital and that Greenway was dead.” TJ walked in and wasn’t going to work until she heard everything from Sam.
“I’ll let Sam bring you up to speed. I need to finish getting her patched up.” Jessie motioned to TJ to follow her back to the bathroom where Sam was standing in her underwear.
“Oh geez, Sam, what happened to you? Why didn’t you call me if you were going to go up against Greenway alone.” TJ saw the cuts on Sam’s legs as Jessie was finishing up.
“Hey, TJ, I didn’t know I was almost going to be blown to bits, but do you really think I would have asked you along if I did? We were just going to a stakeout to wait for Greenway to show up. I’m sorry to tell you he blew the cabin into kindling wood. I’m sure the tunnels are partially destroyed. The way it went up, he must have used the gasoline he had for the generator and since the bomb he had planted on the boiler was gone he must have used it too, somehow.” Sam wondered if they would be able to salvage the generator for their own use.
“How’s Alex? Does she know Greenway’s dead?” TJ had been wondering how she would have felt about it, if she were Alex.
“No. Not yet. She knew he got away, and that Anna and Ramon were on his tail, but she didn’t know he went off the cliff at Old Woman Hill.” Sam knew that would probably be one of the questions Alex would ask when she was coherent.
“Who’s Ramon?” TJ was sure she hadn’t heard about any Ramon.
“Ramon is Anna’s husband, and Alex in a past life. Someday I’ll tell you the whole story, but right now we need to get going. I don’t want Alex waking up alone.” Sam went into her room to get clean jeans and a long sleeve shirt. “Do you want to come to the hospital after work or follow us over now?”
“I’ll follow you over now. I told my father I’d be in later. Let’s go.” TJ wanted to get to the hospital so she could see Alex and call Cyn with the news that she was really all right.
Jessie wolfed down her breakfast as Sam put her suitcase in the truck and wiped the mud off the seat, while munching on a piece of toast. The drive to the hospital was Q & A time for Jessie, who needed to be filled in on why nothing went according to their plan of sitting in a patrol car all night. Sam wished she’d had a tape recorder to record this conversation because she was going to have to repeat everything to the Sheriff later.
Sam looked at her phone as she pulled into the hospital parking lot. It didn’t show any calls being received. That should mean Alex was still asleep. At the desk they were told visiting hours weren’t until eight, but considering Alex was in the critical care ward they could go up - if they made their visit brief. Jessie looked at Sam and wondered why Alex was in critical care if she was fine. The nurse assured them it was standard after surgery, and as soon as the doctor released her she could go to a private room. Walking in, Sam went weak in the knees as Alex had a tube down her throat that was taped to her face and was hooked up to a breathing machine. She didn’t look fine, she looked serious. TJ grabbed Sam as she buckled and helped her to a chair. Jessie began to cry as she took Alex’s hand. It felt cold and lifeless as she rubbed it trying to get the blood flowing. Sam couldn’t move. She felt like she had been drained of life as she looked at Alex laying their motionless.
The nurse walked in and told them the tube would be coming out. It was just a precaution after surgery to leave it in to make sure she got plenty of oxygen. While the nurse gently pulled it out, Alex began to stir. Jessie talked to her and told her she was fine. Alex coughed as the last of the tube was pulled free and she opened her eyes just enough to see Jessie.
“Hey, Jess.” Alex’s voice was raspy as she tried to talk.
“Sssh. Don’t talk just yet. Give your throat a few seconds to adjust to not having that tube in it.” Jessie looked around for some water.
“Hmmm. I feel so sleepy. The last thing I remember was being in the ambulance. Is Sam okay?” Alex was trying to wake up so she could focus on Jessie.
“I’m right here, Darlin’.” Sam stood up and walked to the other side of the bed to take her hand, with TJ close by in case she needed support.
“Hey, lover. Are you okay?” Alex squeezed both their hands to let them know she was going to be okay, although it hurt her left arm when she squeezed.
“I’m a little banged up, but not as bad as you. How are you feeling?” Sam could see the color returning to Alex’s face.
“I’m fine. Drugs are wonderful, aren’t they?” Smiling, Alex was feeling no pain.
“Yes, they’re great.” Sam chuckled as she knew Alex was going to be fine, just in need of rest and tender loving care which she intended to make sure she had plenty of.
“Alex, Cyn wanted me to tell you how much she loves you and that she wants you back at school ASAP. That goes for me too.” TJ was starting to tear up as she finished relaying Cyn’s message.
“I love you both, too. And believe me I want out of here as soon as they’ll let me go.” Alex knew Cyn was going to be worried about her until she could see her for herself. “TJ, please tell Cyn I’m fine, really. I know I probably look like heck right now, but it’s just the lighting in here.”
“Okay, I’ll tell her.” TJ chuckled as did Sam and Jessie.
The nurse walked back in and told them they needed to let Alex sleep, and that they could come back during regular visiting hours. She would probably be in a private room by then. Heading down to the cafeteria, TJ went outside to call Cyn and relay Alex’s message. Sam was feeling a lot better now that Alex was awake and didn’t look so bad. Jessie breathed easier about having to go home and leaving Alex in Sam’s hands. Not that she wouldn’t do an exceptional job, but she would have worried more if Alex had been in worse shape. She had never seen Sam buckle like that before and knew how it would have affected her if Alex would have needed constant care for a long time. Sam left Jessie and went to see about getting a tetanus shot. When TJ came back she asked about where Sam had gone to and Jessie relayed her need for a tetanus shot, due to the puncture wounds in her legs. TJ had news from school but would wait for Sam to get back. She and Jessie bought coffee and decided to split a bear claw. Then TJ asked Jessie to fill her in on the whole Anna/Ramon/Alex connection. Jessie smiled as she knew TJ was going to love this story. Sam came back just as TJ was commenting about how cool it would be to have spirits like Anna and Ramon watching over her.
“Cool isn’t the word. Fantastic, amazing, and awesome are the adjectives to describe those two. Would you believe that they were waiting on the porch this morning when I got home and then just disappeared in a mist?” Sam felt the tears run down her cheeks as she pictured them in her mind.
“Did they help much last night?” TJ loved hearing about them.
“Ramon saved my life by knocking me down just before the cabin went up. Then he ran in front of the truck to get me to stop when Greenway had Alex trapped in the gazebo, and then he went back to school to help Anna chase him off Old Woman Hill. So without them, both Alex and I would probably be dead right now, and Greenway would be in the next county.” Sa
m would never doubt them again and would tell the whole world, whether they believed her or not.
“Speaking of school, I guess Mrs. Greenway freaked out when Frederick told her about Richard attacking Alex in the gazebo and then falling off Old Woman Hill. Cyn said the Sheriff asked Frederick to break the news, since he’s known her for so long. She was more upset about Alex than her son. So Alex’s classes are going to be suspended for the day and then someone will cover for her starting tomorrow. I don’t know what they’re going to tell the students this time. Cyn is the only other person at school, besides Frederick, who knows the truth. But the students know about the cabin explosion and several of the girls saw the ambulance leave with Alex on the gurney. I can only imagine what wild story is circulating right now.” TJ would love to hear it and she intended to ask Cyn as soon as she got her alone.
“I can’t imagine having a stalking homicidal killer for a son being good for business. But then does anyone really need to know who died at Old Woman Hill? Maybe they could say he was an escaped mental patient that blew up the cabin to watch it burn. Then he came across Alex in the gazebo all by herself and tried to kill her, but she escaped and in his panic to get away, he ran off the edge.” Sam thought it sounded believable.
“Wow, that does sound good and people around here would believe that, since there’s a mental hospital about fifty miles away. Aren’t we lucky to have all the modern conveniences so close by?” TJ smiled at both women and shrugged.
“Perfect. I’ll tell the Sheriff when he takes my statement. Or he’ll just laugh and make up his own story. I really don’t care what they say as long as this all goes away soon.” Sam remembered how much Alex hated the fuss made over her supposed heroics with Sally Jennings, and now this. She knew how thrilled Alex would be at this latest news.
Chapter 42
As they discussed the situation further, regular visiting hours were starting. But they hadn’t finished moving Alex into her private room. They needed another fifteen or twenty minutes and she would be ready. Sam wanted to talk to a doctor and find out exactly what damage the razor had done to Alex’s arm and chest. She met with a very good looking woman, Dr. Adrienne Delgado, who was Alex’s surgeon, and she filled her in on when she should be up and around and what complications could occur. Sam asked why Alex was in surgery so long. The doctor explained she had been cut across both breasts and that she wanted to make the stitches small so they wouldn’t leave a noticeable scar. She didn’t want Alex to relive the event every time she looked in the mirror. She had lost a lot of blood from the cut to the arm and had needed a transfusion, but the Brachial artery was only nicked and it would fine. She would be very sore and physical therapy would be necessary to get the strength back in her left arm, as the bicep had been nearly severed completely. Miraculously there was no nerve damage . Sam thanked the doctor for everything and for thinking about Alex’s mental health as well as physical.
Getting back to the cafeteria, Sam looked at the clock and couldn’t believe the time. She needed to get Jessie to the airport soon. Thankfully TJ volunteered to drive her and knew a short cut so Jessie could stay another half hour and visit Alex. As they started to head up to her room, there was a commotion and everyone could see a news crew setting up to broadcast from the lobby of the hospital. The explosion was big news for this area and Sam hoped that was all they were going to report. But then why would they be here? Somehow word must have gotten out. Then Alex remembered TJ said several girls saw Alex go into the ambulance.
“We need to get to Alex now. She doesn’t know anything about the news that could be circulating and I’m sure they know she’s here.” Sam wanted to find a nurse and ask her not to tell the reporters where they were keeping Alex, while TJ and Jessie went on up.
The nurse told Sam the hospital’s PR person would be talking to them about the woman that was brought in early this morning from Taylorwood. Sam asked her what was being said. She wasn’t sure, but something about an escaped mental patient trying to kill one of the teachers after blowing up a building on school property. Sam stared at the nurse as that had been her idea word for word. Thanking her, Sam wondered who came up with that story, as she had only told TJ and Jessie. Possibly the Sheriff or Frederick thought of it to protect Mrs. Greenway’s reputation or maybe it was Mrs. Greenway herself. Either way, Alex was in the spotlight once again and wouldn’t be happy about it.
Sam asked the nurse in charge of Alex’s floor to make sure no one else but the Sheriff was allowed to see her from now on. She informed her the lobby was filled with reporters and that it was the last thing Alex would want to deal with right now. The head nurse had been briefed about the situation and promised no one would get in to see her.
“You look a lot better.” Sam was happy to see the color back in Alex’s cheeks as she was beaming at Jessie.
“Well, as Richard Greenway said, I’m one tough bitch.” Alex was wondering if he was in the Sheriff’s custody, but since no one had said anything she had to ask. “Speaking of the slime bag, did the Sheriff catch him? I figured Anna and Ramon had him cornered somewhere until the cavalry arrived.”
The room became quiet, as TJ and Jessie looked at Sam, waiting for her to explain to Alex what exactly had happened to Richard Greenway.
“Darlin’, he’s dead. Apparently he ran off Old Woman Hill to get away from Anna and Ramon. I’m sure he didn’t know where he was going he was just running away.” Sam didn’t want it to sound like Anna and Ramon did it on purpose.
“Dead. He’s dead.” Alex didn’t know whether to laugh or cry from the news. “I’ve wanted him gone, but dead? I guess it is the only way he would ever be gone from my life completely.”
“The Sheriff will need to take your statement about what happened at the gazebo. He knows about Anna and Ramon, although I’m not sure he believes they saved your life or mine.” Sam couldn’t tell what Alex was thinking as her expression hadn’t changed since she first heard the news.
“Does Mrs. Greenway know what happened?” Alex wondered how she would deal with this latest blow regarding her son.
“Frederick told her. Apparently she’s more upset about you being attacked than his death. But she’ll need more time to process it all.” Sam had just said a mouthful and Alex needed time too.
“Oh gosh, my classes. We were just getting back on track. There’s so much to catch up on before winter break.” Alex wondered if this was a sign she should just let Mrs. Greenway replace her for the rest of the school year.
“Alex, Cyn said they have it handled. Today’s classes were cancelled and they’re getting a regular substitute in ASAP. Mrs. Greenway won’t be teaching for you this time.” TJ hoped she liked that idea since Cyn told her how much Alex didn’t like the way she taught her class before.
“Excellent. Hopefully she can follow a lesson plan. TJ, what did Cyn say they’re telling everyone about what happened to me this time?” Alex could only imagine.
“Well, in order to protect the school and Mrs. Greenway, the initial story is that an escaped mental patient was hiding out at the cabin near school. When he thought the authorities were closing in on him he blew the cabin up to get away. But seeing all the activity that the explosion caused at school, he waited around to get one of the students alone in the gazebo. Then you came along and ran the girls back to their rooms and so he went after you. In the pursuing struggle, you were badly cut and he ran away. Not knowing the area, he ran off the cliff at Old Woman Hill.” Sam filled in a few gaps that she thought the story needed and hoped she was right.
“And they’re buying it?” Alex could see the headlines now, Super teacher does it again.
“Not sure, but I think that’s the story that’s circulating.” Now Sam could see Alex’s expression change. She wasn’t happy one bit.
“All I can say is crap, crap, crap. Sam, could you please call Carol and tell her the real story. I don’t want her seeing it on the news. I’m sure Bob knows some of the truth, but I
doubt if the Sheriff will share the wolf part with him, unless he has to.” Alex was ready to get on the next plane to New Mexico and come back when all this was ancient history.
“I can call her for you when I take Jessie to the airport.” TJ knew Carol and would love to tell her about the wolves and their part in the whole thing.
“Thanks, TJ. Gosh, Jess, I hate the fact that you have to leave. We didn’t get to do any real shopping and goofing around.” Alex was getting emotional and hoped Jessie knew what she meant.
“Darlin’, you know we only need to be in the same air space to have quality time with each other. And besides you’re coming for Christmas, remember?” Jessie could hardly wait to get them both back at the ranch.
“You’re right, and yes, we’ll be there for Christmas.” Alex reached for Jessie and gave her a big one arm hug and kiss.
“Well, I need to get to the airport. Alex, you need your rest and Sam, you need to get my bag out of the truck.” Jessie didn’t want to break down completely in front of everyone. She would wait until it was just her and TJ.
“Yes ma’am. Call me tomorrow so I know you got back safely.” Alex just wanted to hear her voice and she knew Jessie knew it.
“Will do. You take care of yourself and keep Sam on her toes. Bye, Darlin’.” Jessie followed TJ out of the room and headed for the elevator.
“I’ll be right back, don’t go away.” This was the first time Sam was alone with Alex and she could give her a kiss.
but, mercury's not in retrograde! Page 24