There's a commotion and the two men Allie hired to run the kitchen come out of the back. Milton and Wilbur. I’ve only been around them a couple of times. They’re really nice and super funny. They’re always telling war stories but they’re not like Garrett’s. I guess because they still have each other as best friends it’s different. Better. Garrett lost his two best friends.
Garrett, Macie and I laugh at their bantering but get back to work when they start talking to Allie. When Milton calls my name I slide off the stool and head over to him.
“Yes sir?”
“All right, sweetheart, be honest now, is this or is this not impressive,” Milton asks and then starts flexing his muscles.
Oh, my God!
His face is turning red is as red as a tomato. I think he’s going to pass out and I’m not sure what to do.
Giggles from Allie reach us and I give her my best stop it look, turning back towards Milton. He’s still waiting for my answer and he’s turned even redder if that’s possible.
Wilbur slaps Milton on the back as he sucks in much needed air. When he catches his breath he smiles and prompts again, “Well?”
Garrett makes his way over me and I let out an inner sigh of relief.
“Gentlemen, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t tempt or flirt with my Bella.” he growls with no malice, leaning in to give me a small kiss. When his lips touch mine, I let out another sigh.
Milton throws his hands up. “Sorry, son. Didn’t know she was taken. I’ll watch myself. But make sure you watch her too. Now that she’s had a taste, it’s really out of my doing if she comes back for more,” he warns Garrett.
I can’t help the gasp that flies from my mouth.
Garrett winks at me before turning back to Milton. “I’ll watch her. Don’t you worry,” Garrett promises. I’m sitting in shock listening to Macie and Garrett softly chuckle. As I go back to work, Milton asks Allie why he and Wilbur didn’t get shirts like everyone else. Allie was worried they may take offense if she asked them to wear the uniform. When Allie is stumped, I have an idea. I hop off the stool and approach them about the same time Tara, Allie’s mom does. She’s grabbed two shirts from the box.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Milton and Wilbur, Allie ordered you both these super cool monogrammed Holloway’s aprons and caps but we haven’t completed the order. I’ll make sure you both have yours before the grand opening. I’m going to call my mom and dad right now and see what the holdup is,” I smile and pull out my phone. As I make the call, I walk back to bar. After I explain the situation to my dad he tells me he’ll get right on it. He’ll even put their names on them before we hang up he asks how Garrett and I are.
“You two okay?
“Yes. This is a nice distraction. But I know if we wait much longer he’s going to just go up there. I’m not going to lie, I’m worried.” I admit to my dad.
Garrett is at the other end of the bar talking to Macie but smiles at me and my heart does a flip.
“I’m waiting on some calls to come back. When they do, we’ll be able to tell her a day and time. Originally I wanted to rush up there like Garrett, screw the consequences, but the other part of me knows we need a strategy. I just need to make sure that we do this right. I know she’s been waiting over ten years for this, but she needs to keep herself in whatever role she’s started. She can’t give anything away. She needs to hang on a few more days. Tell her that. I’m worried if anyone gets wind of this, they’ll hide her. We’ll still find her; it’ll just take longer. I’m checking on something with Bobby too. Don’t get Garrett’s hopes up, though. The thing is, no matter what information I get on him, Garrett is going to be hurt. So is his sister. You're going to have to be strong for both of them. We’ll be here too, but he’s going to be leaning on you, sweetie.” My dad doesn’t hold back.
“Dad, thank you for doing this. I love him,” I whisper.
“Baby,” he sighs. “I know you do.”
“I love you, too.” I tell him and I feel my chest tighten. It’s a strange feeling. Seems like overnight, Garrett became everything to me when it has always been my mom, dad and Victoria.
“Isabella, I love you so very much and I’m so proud of you.” I can hear emotion thick in his voice.
“Thanks, Dad. I guess I better get back to work. As soon as Raleigh calls, I’ll let you know what she says.”
“Okay, baby. Talk to you soon.”
I hang up my phone and set it on the bar and then walk over and ask Macie her size. I grab the shirts she’ll need and give them to her. She looks and them and smiles then stores them near her purse while I go back to wiping more of the glasses off.
The door opens and I hear Allie ask someone if they need help. I glance towards her and my heart stops. I gasp when he pushes Allie out of his way and heads straight for me.
Tad Kearny.
Four more guys appear behind him. From the corner of my eye, two of them make their way around the bar.
“Nope. Her. That bitch right there is who can help me,” he growls under his breath, but I hear him and I'm sure everyone else does too. I slide from the stool and slowly start backing away. How did he find me? Garrett drops the glass he’s holding and it shatters on the floor. He doesn’t waste time walking around the bar to get to me, he hops over and then he’s in front of me.
I grab Garrett by his belt loops and start pulling him back with me. He reaches behind him and pushes me back a little, making sure I’m out of Tad’s reach.
“Bella, what did I tell you?” Tad says, ignoring Garrett’s presence which I find extremely stupid seeing Garrett has a good five inches over him in height and outweighs him by probably forty pounds.
“Go away, Tad,” I order him in a trembling voice. He ignores me, his lips curling into a smile full of malice.
I briefly glance around and see almost everyone has their phones out. Macie comes into view and she’s got a baseball bat from somewhere down by her side as she makes her way to us. My attention flies back to Tad when he calls my name.
“Bella, answer my question. What did I tell you?” he demands me to answer. He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly.
“I suggest you get the fuck out of here now!” Garrett growls as he steps up to Tad and now there’s only inches separating them. Tad drops his head and starts laughing. He’s insane.
“Well, well, well, Bella. Another victim of yours? You spreading your legs wide for this guy? Going accuse him of trying to rape you too? Going to lead him on and then when he tries to give it to you, you going to be the fucking whore and tease you are and back down, playing the victim?” he snarls.
It only registers briefly that this guy is immensely stupid because all of a sudden, Garrett starts punching him. Tad flies back and falls, but before he hits the ground Garrett is on him. Tad’s friends move in quick and pull Garrett from him and then they start hitting him.
I scream over and over for them to stop but they don’t. Garrett is fighting and winning, but then the other two guys near Macie start to move in fast. Before I get a chance to warn Garrett, Macie swings the bat and hits one of the guys, then the other. I gasp and look back at Garrett just in time to see Tad has taken to his feet and is heading towards him. I rush to Garrett. To help him. To warn him.
“Isabella? Sweetie, wake up.” my dad calls softly.
I open my eyes to white lights. Where am I?
“Bella, hey, you’re at the hospital.” Victoria tells me.
I turn towards her voice and see her and my mom standing there looking worried.
Garrett!
I struggle to sit up, but my dad gently stops me.
“Garrett. I need to get to Garrett.” I groan out in pain. My face feels like a brick hit it.
“He’s with the doctor. He’ll be here in a minute. Stay still. You’re hooked up to an IV.” Victoria orders.
“What? Is he okay?” Panic sets in. At the same time, I look down and see the IV.
“He’s fine, honey.” My
mom shushes me, trying to calm me.
I reluctantly lay back on my pillow.
“He was just here. The doctor is wrapping his ribs. When he’s done, he’ll be back.” My dad explains.
“Oh, my God. Dad, it was Tad.” It hurts when I talk so I raise my hand and touch my face. It's swollen and it hurts to touch it, even softly.
Did I fall?
“I know. The police are here and have been talking to everyone.”
“What happened to my face?” I look at my mom in question.
“From what we were told, Tad hit you.” she shares, and sadness and worry fills her eyes.
My dad's jaw ticks and he lets out a growl.
“I’m okay. I’m just worried about Garrett. They jumped him when he tried to protect me.” Guilt fills me that on top of everything else, he now has to suffer this.
“Well, Garrett held his own. You should see the other guys.” Victoria leans in and whispers in satisfaction.
“Listen, I’m going to go tell the nurse you’re awake and then go give everyone an update.” Dad says, kissing my forehead. I can feel the anger vibrating off his body. He needs a moment.
“Everyone?” I glance at Victoria.
“Oh, yeah. At least a dozen or more have taken over the waiting room.”
“Is everyone okay?”
“Yes. You and Garrett were the only ones brought in.” My mom informs me.
“But he’s okay, Victoria? Please don’t lie to me.” I beg.
“Bella, I’d never lie to you. He’s going to be fine. Sore, but fine. Both of you.”
“What about Tad?”
“All of them were arrested.” Mom answers. That makes me feel a little better.
When the door opens in walks a doctor and nurse.
“Hi, Ms. Rollins. I’m Dr. Fuller. How are you feeling?” he probes as he pulls a pin light from the pocket of his coat.
“My face hurts.” I don’t lie.
“It’s pretty bruised. We did X-rays while you were out.” he informs me, and shines the light in my right then my left eye.
“What? I don’t remember that.”
“You were out cold. We were starting to worry.”
“How long?”
“Almost an hour.” Victoria responds, and I can see she’s relieved too.
“Well, no fractures showed up on the X-rays which was a relief seeing you were out so long. Can you sit up?” I nod and he helps me stable myself by holding my elbow. Except for the feeling of rocks in my face I feel okay.
“Okay, good. Can I get you to stand?” I release a soft yes.
Other than feeling weak, I’m doing okay as I gain my feet.
“Good. Good. Okay. Let’s take a few steps. Think you can walk to the window over there?” Dr. Fuller asks, and points to the room’s window about six feet away. I nod and take a step forward. The nurse quickly positions herself on the opposite side of the doctor, and pulls my IV alongside me. I get to the window and I’ve had enough. I start to sag and the nurse and doctor both help me back to the bed.
“Dizzy?” Dr. Fuller asks.
“Not really. Just hurts. I’m tired.” I admit, and lay back on the pillow.
“I’m sure it does. I’ve ordered some pain medicine for you. They should be bringing it in soon."
“Thanks.” I settle back in the bed and wait for Garrett.
“The police are outside. They’d like to talk to you.” The door opens, and in comes Deputy Walsh and Lopez and another Sheriff along with two more men in suits. Before introductions can be made, Garrett enters with my dad. My body sags in relief and so does his when he sees I’m awake.
My eyes follow him as he makes his way to me.
“You okay?” I whimper, trying not to cry. He nods and reaches out and cups my cheek.
“You?”
“I’m fine.” I glance down and see he’s holding his ribs with one hand.
“I’m so sorry, Garrett.” I reach over and gently touch the spot he’s holding.
“Don’t, Bella. I’m fine.” he assures me. “I’ve had much worse. Got banged up all the time during training. It’s no big deal.”
“Hey, Garrett, Ms. Rollins.” Deputy Walsh greets us.
“We got him this time. He’s going down.” Deputy Lopez promises.
The older man with them steps forward.
“Bella, I’m Sheriff Cullens.” A gasp leaves my lungs.
He was the one that got shot in the back by the crooked cop while trying to protect Jaycee. He almost died that day. I’m so glad to see he’s okay.
“Hi, Sheriff.” I can’t help my eyes getting teary. I hate that he was hurt. I’m so thankful for everything he did for Jaycee. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” I choke out. I don’t know why I’m so emotional all of a sudden.
“Hey, darlin’, now don’t you cry. I’m okay. Going to take more than a couple of tiny pieces of copper to take me out.” He smiles and pats my arm. The two men with him step forward. “This is Captain Walters and Sergeant Taylor with the San Antonio Police Department. Do you mind if they listen in? They have a special interest in Tad Kearny.”
“No I don’t mind.” I try and smile. I remember hearing about them too. They were the ones working Jaycee’s case. Sergeant Taylor is the one that shot Rocky. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Jaycee has talked about you so much I feel like I know you both.” Both of them smile when I say that.
“So from what I’ve been able to gather, Tad Kearny assaulted you on campus a few months ago.” Sheriff Cullens takes on an official investigating tone and I nod. “We know he was told by the school’s President, Dean Norris, he wouldn’t be allowed back onto campus or to register for classes until he completed those anger management courses. He did not do as he was required. He’s tried using his family’s clout to push his way back in. Didn’t work. President Norris stood firm.”
This bit of information I didn’t know. I give the sheriff my full attention as he goes on.
“Before we came here, we stopped by and questioned Tad, and the boys with him. Tad’s not talking. Well, he’s talking but it’s more like whining. He’s demanding this and that and throwing threats around along with his name. The boys with him are talking. They were misled. Doesn't excuse what they did. They will be charged with assault. They’re feeling real bad. When you can, I need you both to come down and fill out some paperwork.”
“Um, will they be there?” I inquire hesitantly, not wanting another run in. Before they can answer me a nurse enters with a syringe. She walks over to my IV tubing and checks it before twisting the syringe in.
“This is morphine. It’s going to make you sleepy. It’s best if you don’t try to fight it okay. Rest is what you need.” I watch as she the medicine is fed into the line.
A rush of uncomfortable heat takes over my body, but my pain subsides. A wave of fatigue washes over me and my eyes droop closed. I try to open them back up but they’re too heavy.
“The medicine kicked in.” Doctor Fuller's voice informs everyone.
I feel a hand on my shoulder. “Rest.” Sheriff Cullens orders. “We’ll take care of this.”
“I’ll come down as soon as we get discharged but I’m taking her home first. She’ll come another day.” This from Garrett.
“Sure. Sounds good. We’ll talk more then.” I hear another man say. I don’t recognize the voice as slumber takes over.
A couple of hours later, I get the clear to leave the hospital, and Garrett and my family make our way back to my house. An impromptu Texas thunderstorm is going on, and flash flood watches are being announced. Luckily, the drive to my home is short and on higher ground. Victoria leaves against my wishes to fill our prescription for pain medication while my dad, Jack Holloway and Garrett take off, heading down to the police station to press charges. I’m concerned about both of them driving in the storm but they don’t seem worried.
I’m lying in bed when my mom comes in with an ice pack.
“Think you can tole
rate this? It’ll help with the swelling.” She comes forward, handing me the ice pack.
“Yeah.” I take the pack and gently place it on my cheek while my mom climbs on the bed next to me. She doesn’t say anything, just starts running her fingers through my hair. I love when she does this. Whenever I had problems sleeping when I was little, she would do this and I’d drift off to sleep.
“I’m sorry, Mom.” Her eyes are tearing up.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. Just don’t like seeing you hurt and in pain.” She continues soothing me.
“We have to go get Raleigh, Mom. We can’t wait because of this. We have to go.”
“We will.” I let out yawn as she caresses my head.
“I’m back,” Victoria walks in the room a little wet from the storm and carrying two bottles of medication, a bottle of water and some crackers and cheese. “Can you eat?” She sets everything down on my nightstand and looks over at me.
“Sure.” I rise up with my mom’s help and begin nibbling on a couple of crackers and cheese. Her face scrunches up as her eyes travel across my face. It’s then I realize I haven’t even looked at myself in the mirror. “Get me a mirror, please.” I take a few sips of water and wait.
“Ummm, okay.” Victoria walks into the bathroom and comes back with one of my makeup mirrors. “It’s bad, Bella, but it’s going to go away.”
I take the mirror but keep my eyes on her. When I look in the mirror my lips start to tremble. The entire side of my face is swollen and bruised.
“Bella, don’t cry.” My mom begs. “It’s going to heal.” she says and takes the mirror from me.
“I know. I just can’t believe I brought this trouble to everyone, and Holloway’s. I’m so embarrassed. Now this? I mean, I want it to be over.” I admit, as a few tears run down my face.
A little while later, Dad comes in my bedroom with Garrett. Garrett is holding a huge military backpack. No one says anything as he walks over and sets it down near my closet door and comes over next to me. He leans in and gives me a soft peck before sitting down. I curl into the side of him and he wraps his arm around my waist.
Salvation At Sunset (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 5) Page 13