Texas Pride

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Let’s pray she doesn’t have to face that.” Shannon gave him one more hug then opened the door behind him.

  “Do you pray?” He stopped next to his car.

  “Sure.” She nodded, looking so right there in the kitchen door. “Don’t you?”

  “Maybe. Sometimes. Guess I’d better try this time. Thanks, baby. I love you.” He got in the car and almost drove into his own damned garage door. He hit the button to run it open then backed out.

  He heard her say she loved him too. All right then. Praying. It wasn’t something he was in the habit of doing. Church. He’d lost track of that too, though his grandmother had dragged him there until he’d rebelled as a teen. But praying. It was a start.

  God, are you there? Talk some sense into Sally. She just needs to get past this. Figure out something worth living for.

  Hey, what do you know? That had actually turned out to be kind of a prayer. Billy joined the gridlock that passed for morning traffic on Houston’s freeways and added more to the conversation. Sleep. Why couldn’t he sleep?

  God, have any ideas on that?

  At least the coffee had jolted him wide awake. That and the news about Sally. Now he had an angle for keeping her out of jail. Doctor’s testimony. Psychiatric issues. What a hell of a way to avoid punishment. He’d never have wanted this to happen.

  Chapter 13

  Shannon had to psych herself up before she got out of the car in front of Billy’s grandmother’s house. First, delivering this bad news was going to be a nightmare. And to a woman who hated her? Even worse. Second, there were people on the corner again. Teenagers who should have been in school stared at her. She didn’t think they were waiting for a bus. In fact, when a big yellow school bus went past, they made signs and shouted obscenities.

  She clutched her purse to her chest and made a run for it. Two girls detached themselves from the pack and strolled toward her. She didn’t wait to see what they wanted, even after they shouted at her to “Wait up!”

  On Mrs. Pagan’s porch Shannon hit the doorbell repeatedly. The girls were on the sidewalk now, but didn’t mount the steps. They looked her over, smoking and flicking ashes into the flower beds. They were obviously waiting to see if she was going to be allowed inside.

  “Who is it?” The voice inside was reassuring. At least Billy’s grandmother didn’t open the door to just anyone.

  “It’s me, Mrs. Pagan. Shannon Calhoun. Billy sent me. I have important news. About Sally.” Shannon ignored the girls blowing smoke rings in her direction. She could feel all eyes on her. Their boyfriends must be watching too. Deadbolts turned, then the wooden door swung open and she could see Billy’s grandmother through the iron burglar bars.

  “Why didn’t Billy call me? Or come himself?” His granny’s purple hair stuck up like she’d just got out of bed and she wore a brightly colored house coat. “Shannon? What’s wrong?”

  “You want us to get rid of her, Mrs. P.?” one of the teen girls shouted. “Is she hassling you? One of those social services bitches?”

  “Run along, Tasha. She’s my grandson’s girlfriend. I’ve got this. But thanks.” Gran pulled a key from her pocket and stuck it in the lock. Tissues fell to the floor. “Come in, come in.” She stepped back. “Tell me what’s going on.”

  Shannon handed her the wad of clean tissues, then took the key from her and turned to relock the door. Thank God the two girls took off, butts twitching in tight jeans as they headed back to the corner.

  “Sit down, Mrs. Pagan. I have some bad news.” Shannon jumped when the elderly woman gripped her arm, her fingers sinking in like an eagle’s talons. It freaking hurt. She endured and helped her over to her recliner.

  “Bad news? Tell me.” Gran’s lips trembled and she finally let go to put the tissues to her mouth. “Sally?”

  A game show was on the TV and Shannon grabbed the remote, turning it off. “Billy said she was upset when he told her she was to report to jail this morning.”

  “Yes, yes. She fell apart. She didn’t try to escape, did she?” Gran leaned forward. “That girl. Headstrong. Has a half-dozen old boyfriends. No accounts she met in some bar. One of them would come if she asked him to pick her up. Oh, no, tell me she didn’t try that.”

  “It’s worse than that, I’m afraid.” Shannon couldn’t just stand there, looking down. She pulled up an ottoman and it clanked. What was the thing made of, metal juice cans? Anyway, it was better to sit facing the lady.

  “No! What could be… Oh, God! Is she…dead?” Tears trickled down her wrinkled cheeks. She hadn’t put on her makeup yet and looked every bit her advanced age.

  “No. But Sally did try to commit suicide. She didn’t succeed but she’s in intensive care. I’ve come to take you to the hospital. So you can see her.” Shannon laid her hands on the woman’s knees.

  “Suicide!” The cry came straight from the elderly woman’s heart. “How could she do such a thing?” She bowed her head and sobbed into her tissues. Finally, after several long moments and gasps for breath, she looked up and into Shannon’s eyes. “You sure she’s all right?”

  “That’s what they told Billy. But it’s serious. We should go.”

  “Yes, yes.” She shook her head and plucked at the snaps on her house coat. “I can’t believe she would give up hope like that. How did she…?”

  “I don’t know. Billy didn’t say. But I know she was scared. I would be. Sometimes fear makes us do crazy things.”

  “Where’s Billy?” Gran was struggling to get out of her chair and Shannon rushed to help her.

  “He went to the hospital. It’s out by the rehab facility. He didn’t want you driving when you’re upset so he sent me. If you’re up to it, I’ll take you there.” Shannon held onto the woman’s elbow when she swayed. She didn’t look well. “Are you on medication? Have you taken what you need yet today? You won’t do Sally any good if you become ill.”

  “Give me some time to pull myself together, girl. Of course, I’m going out there.” But she did look around then pick up a pill bottle from the table next to her recliner. “I take this on a full stomach. After breakfast. Haven’t had it yet.”

  “Why don’t I fix you something while you get dressed? You can eat, then take your pills before we get on the road.” Shannon prayed that all the old lady wanted was a bowl of cereal. She could handle that.

  “Quit looking at me like I’m going to fall over. I won’t. But I will take my cereal with a banana cut up in it and some of that two percent in the icebox.” Her hands fluttered around her face. “Look at me. I can’t go anywhere like this. I have to fix my hair and my face. Seeing me like this would scare Sally for sure.”

  Shannon had nothing to say to that.

  “Come on now, help me get into the bedroom. Foolish, but I feel a little unsteady.” Gran used that talon grip again, holding onto Shannon as she shuffled down the hall in her pink fuzzy slippers. “You did say Sally was going to be all right, didn’t you?”

  Shannon figured she’d have bruises from that grip. “We’ll know more when we get out there. But let’s take it as a good sign that she made it to the hospital. Okay?”

  Gran’s lips trembled but she quickly firmed them. “Yes, you’re right. Now sit me down at my dressing table then go to the kitchen. I think you can figure out where everything is.”

  Shannon obeyed orders, careful not to bump the old-fashioned dressing table that was loaded with makeup, perfumes, and hair products. The bedroom itself was centered by a queen-sized bed that had been neatly made. The bedspread was a beautiful quilt that someone had done by hand. The colors were vibrant and suited the lady who reached for moisturizer as soon as she was settled on the vanity stool.

  “Did you make this quilt? It’s gorgeous.” Shannon left Gran’s side to smooth her hands over it. Velvet pattern blocks. It felt as good as it looked.

  “Play your car
ds right and I’ll make one for you and Billy. Wedding present.” Gran ran a brush through her hair. “Oh, don’t look surprised. He told me. Wants to marry you. Give you children. I have to accept it and you if I want to see the great grands. So there. Peace offering.” She took a watery breath. “By God, Sally better live through this. If she doesn’t…”

  “I’ve been praying for her, Gran.” Shannon went down on her knees beside the old lady. She put her arms around her. “Billy is praying too. I love him. I promise I’ll do my best to make him happy.” She inhaled the sweet scent of baby powder. It was comforting and she knew she’d never smell it again without thinking of this strong, sassy woman who’d raised the man she loved.

  “That’s all I ask, girl.” Gran laid her head on Shannon’s shoulder for a moment then sniffed and straightened. “Don’t dawdle now. I have to get to that hospital. See Sally for myself.” She took a breath that sounded almost like a wheeze but quickly got it under control. She eyed Shannon’s reflection in the mirror. “Coco Charms. Lots of milk. Half a banana. Now scoot.” She picked up purple eye shadow. “Hope that girl’s awake. I’m going to let her know what I think of this stunt she pulled.”

  Shannon got up and hurried into the kitchen. Chocolate cereal? But she had to admit there’d been a breakthrough moment there. Gran was going to try to accept her. And Billy had told her he planned to propose! She hugged that thought close—a wedding, a life with Billy—then got to work. She found the banana, frowning at the brown spots, then carefully cut around them.

  She had the cereal ready when Gran called for her to come help her into the kitchen. The woman needed to lean on her to walk again. That was a worry she’d have to share with Billy. But not until they got to the hospital. She texted him when they were in the car to let him know they were on the way. His text said Sally was stable. Stable. Not very encouraging but not a death sentence either. The long ride out to the hospital was fairly quiet with Gran muttering prayers. Over and over again. Couldn’t hurt.

  * * * *

  “Thanks for bringing Gran out here.” Billy and Shannon were in the waiting room while his grandmother sat with Sally. His aunt had finally opened her eyes. Just in time to listen to her mother give her hell for trying to end her life. Billy had tried to calm them both with the hope that he could postpone jail, maybe get it off the table altogether, if he could get a psychiatrist on board.

  Suicide. He still couldn’t believe Sally had tried to kill herself. She’d come close to succeeding too. The doctor had been clear about that. She’d needed transfusions and Billy had given blood, glad he’d been able to donate. Of course, now he was a little light-headed. He’d had juice in the lab but the temporary boost seemed to be wearing off. He decided to keep all of that to himself. Shannon was already giving him a narrow look, like maybe she suspected something. He kept the subject on the miracle of seeing her help Gran down the hall.

  “You and Gran looked like buddies when you arrived outside the ICU. What did you do?” He smiled for the first time since he’d gotten to the hospital. “Turn that famous Shannon charm on her?”

  “Hah! As if that would work. But we’ve called a truce. She told me some interesting things.” Shannon smiled back and ran her hand down his lapel before straightening his tie. “I admired the velvet quilt on her bed.”

  “She’s quite a quilter. Doesn’t do it much anymore. But I’m sure the compliment meant a lot to her. See? Charm. You’ve got it in spades.” Billy pulled out his phone when it vibrated. He wasn’t taking the call but it reminded him of all the things he had to do later. “I have an important meeting this afternoon. Now that I know Sally is going to be okay, I’ve got to go. I think we can safely leave Gran out here and both take off.”

  “Really? How is she going to get home?” Shannon glanced at the intensive care unit. “She didn’t look well this morning, Billy.”

  “Do we need to get her to a doctor?” He hated that he was pulled in two different directions. But clients put their lives in his hands. Rupert Billingsley was counting on him and right now, Rupert was in danger of spending the rest of his life in prison. He needed to ask him some serious questions today.

  “She’s on medication. Do you know what it’s for?” Shannon frowned.

  “Blood pressure. She took it, didn’t she?” He walked over to the coffee pot in the waiting room and got a refill. “Quit frowning. What’s wrong?”

  “How many cups have you had so far this morning? Have you eaten anything?” She took the cup from him. “We should find the cafeteria.”

  “I don’t have time, Shannon.” He slung his arm around her. “But I appreciate the thought. I’ll drive through somewhere and get one of those breakfast sandwiches. Promise.”

  “Billy. I’m worried about you.” She pulled his face down to study it. “Your eyes are bloodshot and you have bags under them. You’re thirty-two years old and look fifty.”

  “Thanks a lot.” He kissed her lips then pulled away. “And here I thought I missed having a mother.”

  He stuck his phone in his pocket and went inside the unit to say good-bye to his grandmother and Sally. “I’ll check in with you later, Gran. I have work to do. Will you be okay?”

  “We’re fine.” Gran patted Sally’s hand. “She won’t do this again. Will you, Sally?”

  “No, Mama.” Sally looked terrible, an IV in her arm and monitors keeping track of her heart rate and pressure. She was pale and her cheeks were sunken. The bandages on her thin wrists wouldn’t let him forget how she’d rather die than go to jail.

  “I hope you mean that, Aunt Sally.”

  She stared up at him. “Promise me I won’t have to go to jail, Billy.”

  “Sorry, no promises.” He realized he’d been too quick to claim he could work wonders for his clients. Sometimes, he wasn’t going to win. It sucked but there it was.

  Sally closed her eyes and turned to face the wall but not before he saw the tears that ran down her cheeks.

  “Sally, you know Billy will do all he can.” His grandmother glared at him. “You’re just tired.” She grabbed Billy’s hand and pulled him to the door, leaning heavily on her cane. Once outside with the door closed, she wagged a finger in his face. “Shame on you. The girl needs hope right now. What’s wrong with you?”

  Billy grabbed that finger and held on. “I couldn’t lie to her. I’ll do what I can but—”

  Gran threw off his hold. “Stop! I don’t want to hear it. Fix this. I know you can.” She glanced at the door to ICU. “I’m staying here until I talk to her doctor. I don’t like the way she looks, so pale and listless.”

  “She lost a lot of blood, Gran. Give her time.” Billy tried to put his arm around her but she shrugged it away. “Call when you need a ride home. I’ll arrange something.”

  “No. I’ll get one of my friends to come get me.” She frowned at him. “Giving up isn’t like you, Billy boy. Obviously, you need rest. And maybe time with Shannon. She wants to take care of you. Let her.” She thumped her cane. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m still not sure I trust her. But she was good to me this morning. Even made me bring this thing.” She held on to the door frame and thumped that cane again. It was a fancy one with pink and purple stripes that he’d bought her but she never used. “It was the right thing to do but makes me feel old.”

  “She likes to take care of people.” Billy kissed her wrinkled cheek. “Like someone else I know.” He held the door for her to go back into the ICU then looked for Shannon. For a moment he thought she’d left. He wouldn’t blame her. He’d been an asshole.

  The elevator doors opened and there she was. She walked up and handed him a sack. “A breakfast sandwich. Try not to drive one-handed. Eat it when you’re stopped at a light.”

  “I love you and I’m sorry.” He took it then pulled her in for a hungry kiss. He gave her points for not hitting him. He probably tasted like that horrible hospit
al coffee.

  She tugged at his hair and he let her go. “I love you too. But don’t compare me to your mother again. I was just trying to help.”

  “I hear you and I appreciate that.” He ran a hand over his face and realized he’d forgotten to shave. “I’ve got to go.”

  “I’ll follow you as far as the turnoff for your office.”

  “Did you eat anything?” He had to start this caring thing. She always looked good to him, but obviously her own rough morning had taken a toll. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she had on yesterday’s clothes.

  “Coco Charms. At your grandmother’s.” She grinned. “They were a rare treat.”

  “She needs a doctor’s appointment. Next week. To get her blood sugar checked among other things.” He rode down in the elevator with her then held her hand all the way out to the parking lot.

  “She told me she has a sugar addiction. She’s not apologizing for it or giving up sweets. Stubborn lady.” Shannon stopped next to her car. “I’m going home. I need fresh clothes. And a nap. I may head into the office later. Or not.” She kissed him again. “I wish you could take a nap.”

  “No chance.” He glanced at his phone. Albert had e-mailed him with some files attached. “I just got some new information I have to look over before my meeting this afternoon. I’ll be in the office all day. Dinner tonight?”

  “Sure. If you think that’s possible. You won’t be coming back out here?” She glanced at the hospital.

  “No. They’ll be moving Sally out of intensive care later today. I got that from her doctor. Then I’ll have her transported to a hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Closer to Gran. It’ll be more convenient for both of us. I’m arranging an independent psychiatric evaluation too.” He shook his head when Shannon pressed her hand to his heart. “I know. Sounds bad. But it may be what keeps her out of jail. We’ll see.”

  “I’m sorry, Billy.” She opened her car door. “If it’s one less worry for you, though, then this was a good thing.”