The Stuntman

by Maggie Carpenter

  When the meeting broke up she waited in the kitchen as Blake said his goodbyes, and as the last car drove out of sight, she watched Blake and Joshua moved slowly back into the house. As they walked through the lobby she couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

  “Boss, you look really pale, and I know you don’t feel right.”

  “When the going gets tough, Josh. I’ll be fine. Why don’t you clean up in the bar?”

  “Okay.”

  Moments later Blake entered, and she smiled her greeting as he moved across to join her.

  “I’m all yours,” he said sliding on to a seat across from her.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Beat up,” he sighed, “but I bounce back fast, and seeing you is excellent medicine.”

  “You might not say that in about thirty-seconds.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’ve done something you’re not going to like.”

  “What?” he asked as a stabbing pain sliced through his head. “Please don’t tell me you’ve accepted the job.”

  “No, not yet, but I’m going to, I have to, and before you start going on about all the bad things you’ve heard, I need to tell you something.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I know you’re in pain, and I have zero doubt that the doctor who treated you told you not do to anything for at least twenty-four hours. Right?”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “There is no yeah but zone here, big fella,” she said firmly. “The longer you’re able to rest the faster you’ll heal.”

  “You still haven’t told me what you’ve done, and it’s way past thirty-seconds. You’re making my headache worse.”

  “I’ve hidden the keys to the Porsche and the bike, including the extra set you keep in the hall tree. I’ve also taken the hide-a-key under the back tire of the car, and the one near the license plate of the bike.”

  “You did what?” he asked, incredulous at what she was saying.

  “You’re not going anywhere. You’ve had your meeting, and they don’t need you today, and probably not tomorrow either. I’m going to make sure you stay here and rest.”

  For a moment she thought she’d crossed the line. He was deathly silent.

  “Joshua should stay here too,” she added, “in case you need him. I’ll tell you where your keys are in the morning.”

  “Belinda, you haven’t thought this through. If there is some kind of emergency, and I don’t have access to a vehicle, what then?”

  “Ooh, I hadn’t thought about that,” she said sheepishly.

  “You didn’t have to go to so much trouble. I’ve already decided to stay home today, and probably tomorrow as well. I told the guys that this morning.”

  “You did?”

  “I’m glad you care about me so much,” he smiled, “but I’m not a complete idiot.”

  “Sorry. I know you’re not,” but I am. What was I thinking?

  “I need to lay down. That meeting took the small bit of energy I had. By the way, how the hell did you find all the keys?”

  “I’d seen the ones in the drawer, and you’re such an organized guy I knew you’d have hide-a-keys somewhere on the Porsche and bike. I just hunted until I found them,” she said softly.

  “Wow. You’re quite the resourceful one, aren’t you? Come upstairs with me, I need to talk to you about Barrett.”

  “Sure. Do you have any frozen vegetables?”

  “Yep. I know that trick too,” he said as he slowly stood up.

  “I’ll get them,” she offered, and moving to the refrigerator she found a package in the freezer, then walked with him up the stairs and into his bedroom.

  “I’ll come back in the morning and check on that dressing,” she promised as he laid down. “I wish I didn’t have to go into work.”

  “That would be nice,” he sighed. “Never mind. Please sit down for a minute.”

  “You don’t need lecture me about the job,” she said firmly. “It’s only five days, though I admit I’d rather be here taking care of you.”

  “I’m a fast healer. In a couple of days I’ll be up and around, I’m sure of it, but Belinda,” he said gravely, “you can’t take the job. The guy’s a crackpot. Strange stories come out of that house.”

  “I spoke to the man who works for him. He told me that George Barrett is just a recluse and he has solid reasons for his privacy and heavy security.”

  “What else is he going to say? That his employer is a total sociopath who kills people and eats them for dinner?”

  “Now you’re being ridiculous,” Belinda frowned.

  “Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but there are plenty of rumors about what goes on up there. Don’t do it.”

  Staring at his injury, thinking about how he’d thrown himself down a staircase and hurt himself so badly, she felt an unexpected rise of temper, and before she could stop herself a blaze of words bubbled up and burst from her lips.

  “What’s crazy is doing something that ends up almost killing you. Have you looked in a mirror?”

  “Belinda, I didn’t do this—”

  “What’s going to happen when you’re better? You’ll fall down another flight of stairs and smash up the other side of your face?”

  “You don’t understand, please listen...”

  “No. I can’t have this argument. It’s not good for me, and it sure as hell isn’t good for you.”

  “Stop it, you’re throwing a tantrum. If I wasn’t so—”

  “What? If you weren’t so busted up you’d spank me?” she quipped nearing tears.

  “Exactly, but I am, and my head feels like it’s imploding.”

  “Oh, Blake, I’m sorry,” she cringed. “I didn’t mean to make it worse. I’m burned out, and I’ve been so worried about you, and now my fears have been realized. You’re hurt. Do you forgive me? I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”

  “Of course, it’s okay,” he said softly. “Maybe all you need is a vacation.”

  “Maybe,” she muttered taking his hand and wrapping her fingers around it, but more than that I need to quit my job. Working for George Barrett is my way out of trauma. I have to do it. Maybe when it’s over I will take a vacation, a real one, to an island somewhere.

  “You’re wired again,” he said staring at her.

  “You’re right,” she said quietly. “I should leave. You need your sleep and I have to get home and go to work.”

  “And I’m going to take the advice of an excellent nurse who keeps telling me I need to rest. It’s just a shame she won’t be here when I wake up.”

  “I wish I could be,” she whispered.

  “Drive safely, and before you go put all the keys back where you found them.”

  “Yes, I will,” she promised, then leaning forward she kissed him on the cheek. “Please take care of yourself.”

  “I will. I know how to do this. It’s not the first time I’ve had stitches and had a bump on the head.”

  “I hate that you’re hurt,” she mumbled. “Okay, I’m leaving. It’s hard, but I’m leaving.”

  Squeezing his hand, she stood up and slowly ambled from the room, giving him one last look as she softly shut the door.

  Closing his eyes, Blake begged for sleep. There was a dull black pain filling his head and the side of his face. He knew it would pass, and a deep nap would help, but his mind wasn’t quite ready to be still.

  That girl, she needs a strong hand. Hiding my keys. Sweet, but no, no, that will have to be dealt with. Man, I wish those painkillers would kick in. I probably did too much this morning. I’ll rest up today and tomorrow. I should be back on my feet in three days. Won’t do the car thing though. Don’t need a vehicle smacking me right now, and I’ll postpone the jump until I feel up to it. A week? Yeah, I should be good to go in a week.

  His mind continued to wander, then finally began to blur, turning the black pain to grey. The grey fell into nothingness, and he slept.

  Chapter Twenty-
Six

  Driving home, Belinda couldn’t shake off her embarrassment. Hiding Blake’s keys had been an impulsive act, bordering on immature, and she had been far too defensive when he’d attempted to talk to her about working for George Barrett.

  “It’s a wonder he didn’t tell me to take a hike and not come back,” she muttered as she drove down Pacific Coast Highway. “I’m a grown woman. Why do I do these things? Now what? Oh, shit, the accident.”

  The traffic from the collision she’d encountered when she’d left had backed up the traffic, and there was no other way to reach her house.

  Damn. I should have realized. I’m going to be late. So late. Shit.

  Touching the screen on her dashboard she switched her cellphone to bluetooth and called her Department Director.

  “Helen, it’s Belinda.”

  “Don’t tell me, you’re not coming in.”

  “Why would say that?”

  “I’ve already received word from above that you could leave any day now and I’m to accommodate you. I’ve already got Patty on standby in case this happened.”

  “Really?” Does this mean I can bail right now? Should I? I could have a couple of days off before I start the new job? I could take care of Blake. Is this fate pushing me forward?

  “Aren’t you the lucky one,” the Director continued, “heading off to some gorgeous palace in Malibu, and I’ll bet they’re paying you a pretty penny. You must have made quite the impression. Their donation to the hospital was extremely generous.”

  “I don’t know what I did, but yes, the offer is impossible to turn down,” Belinda said slowly. Oh, my gosh. It’s happening. I’m going to do this. Shit.

  “You’ll be missed, Belinda. You know you’ll always have a place here if you want to come back.”

  “Thanks, Helen, I’ll miss you guys too, but not the drama. Not anymore. I feel bad though, not giving you any notice.”

  “Like I said, I was prepared so don’t give it another thought. We’re used to the celeb crowd here. They get what they want, and in this case, it appears to be you.”

  “Apparently. I hope I’m doing the right thing.”

  “Like I said, you’ll always have a home here. When the job’s over and you’re back in the real world we have to go out. The whole gang. You deserve a proper send off. Promise?”

  “Yes, I promise. Obviously I’ll swing by and clear out my locker, and sign whatever I need to sign. Thanks so much, Helen, for everything. Okay, this is weird, I’m starting to feel emotional.”

  “I’m not surprised. It’s a big step.”

  “Yeah, it is, a really big step.”

  “Call me if you need anything. Let me know when you’re coming in so I can be here to give you a good luck hug.”

  “I will. Thanks again. Bye.”

  “Bye, Belinda. Take care.”

  She ended the call, then sat motionless as the reality of the moment swept over her.

  “What have I just done?” she mumbled. “Deep breaths, take deep breaths. This traffic, we’re not even moving. I can’t sit here like this. Shit.”

  Knowing she was overwhelmed, she forced herself to move slowly and cautiously as she pulled out of her lane and did a U-turn. Not even sure where she was going she headed back towards Malibu, but the emotion began to take hold. The tears were starting. Pulling to the side of the road she dropped her head in her hands and began to sob.

  She sobbed in sadness for Blake, for his swollen, discolored face; she sobbed with happiness and fear from the huge leap of faith she’d just made; she sobbed for all the people that she had seen move through her trauma unit, the ones who had made it, and those that hadn’t; she sobbed for the loneliness she’d been feeling before Blake had swept into her life, and she sobbed because she’d been holding herself together for too long, refusing to allow herself to succumb to the depth of the emotional toll of her work.

  When the tears finally passed she realized where she needed to be; at Blake’s side, nursing him back to health, and gulping back the few remaining tears, she started her car and headed off.

  I might even consider not taking that job if it means so much to him. It’s served is purpose. It forced my hand and gave me a reason to quit. I feel so much better. No wonder I’ve been so impetuous and short-tempered. I’ve been wound up like a violin string. I’ll go back and visit with George Barrett this afternoon and make my decision then.

  Not knowing what medicinal supplies Blake had at his house, she drove into the small shopping center in Malibu and picked up the few things she’d want to have on hand. She also stopped at a deli and bought a large container of chicken soup, some pasta salads, and two large slices of some delicious-looking cheesecake.

  It was a little while later that she pulled up to the front of Blake’s house. Josh was working out on the front lawn and she paused to watch. He was kicking in the air, spinning around, fighting invisible opponents, and she couldn’t help but noticed his washboard stomach and muscled arms.

  He looks like a young version of Blake. He also looks like he could kick some serious butt.

  As she stepped from her car he spotted her, and breaking his routine he jogged across the lawn.

  “You’re back?” he called as he approached.

  “I am. I’ve returned to take care of your boss. He doesn’t know that though,” she smiled. “Could you help me get these bags into the house? Are you hungry? I’ve brought food.”

  “Cool, yeah, sure,” he nodded.

  “Is he still sleeping?” she asked as they carried the supplies inside.

  “I poked my head in before I came down for my workout, and yeah, he was out.”

  “Thank goodness. That’s what he needs, and I need a cup of tea,” she said dramatically.

  As she unpacked the provisions, Josh put the kettle on, then studying the various salads he made his selection, standing aside as Belinda spooned a generous amount into a dish.

  “Thanks so much,” he said enthusiastically as he picked it up and headed to the table. “I’m really glad you’re back. I’m hopeless around a kitchen.”

  “You’re welcome. You should have Blake teach you how to cook,” she remarked as she made her tea. “Women find men who cook very sexy.”

  “You do, I mean, they do,” he added hastily.

  “They do,” she laughed sitting across from him.

  “Then, hey, I will, for sure.”

  “Josh, were you there when Blake had the accident?”

  “Yeah, I was at the bottom of the stairs.”

  “I don’t understand? I thought these things were carefully planned.”

  “They are, very carefully planned, down to the last detail.”

  “Then how did he get hurt?”

  “The fall was an accident.”

  “What? You’ve lost me. Start from the beginning.”

  “The fall was supposed to happen at the end of a fight sequence. The guys had been rehearsing for, I guess, an hour or so. Everything was ready, all planned out, and Blake had just finished his ritual—”

  “Ritual,” she interrupted, “what ritual?”

  “Most stunt guys have something they do before they go into the gag. It focuses them. Some listen to a few seconds of a song, some take a short stroll, everyone’s different. Blake stares at the ground and walks in a small circle.”

  “Interesting. Sorry, I interrupted you, go on.”

  “He came out of the circle, stepped to the edge of the stairs, and his toe caught on a wrinkle in the carpet and tripped him. Next thing, he’s banging his way down the stairs.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah, it was really freaky. I mean, Blake is one of the smartest, safest guys out there, really careful about everything, and he trips over a fucking wrinkle in the carpet. Oops, sorry about the language.”

  “No, that’s okay. I don’t blame you. I didn’t realize it was like that, I mean, I thought he’d been hurt doing the actual stunt.”

  “No, Blake co
uld fall down stairs all day and not get hurt like that. Everything has a technique.”

  “Right, a technique,” she sighed. I’m an idiot. He was trying to tell me what happened this morning and I wouldn’t listen. Oh, Blake, I’m so sorry.

  “None of us could believe it, but like he said, things happen. I could be jogging in the hills and get bitten by a snake, or surfing and get dumped by a wave and have the board hit my head. I’m more likely to get hurt like Blake did, tripping over a stupid a wrinkle in a stupid piece of carpet than doing a gag.”

  “Josh, I’m really glad you told me all this. You have no idea.”

  “Any time,” he grinned. “Honestly, with Blake, you don’t have to worry. If you were going out with a bank manager, then I’d worry.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Sitting behind a desk all day and falling to flab, going to the gym trying to stay in shape and having injuries because the guy doesn’t know what he’s doing, eating too much at lunch, drinking too much at cocktails parties, and let’s not forget about bank robbers,” he laughed.

  “Josh, you have a very unique perspective and I love it,” she grinned. “This has been quite a morning.”

  “Well, thanks for that salad. I’m going to take a walk, let it settle, then go for a jog. Now that you’re here I can escape for a while.”

  “If you’re boss says it’s okay, you can probably leave. I’ll be here for a couple of days.”

  “Really? Cool. Okay, well, thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome. Thank you, Josh.”

  As he headed off, she gazed out the window and sipped her tea as she tried to catch her breath. Out of nowhere her life was rapidly changing in unexpected and dramatic ways.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Blake had a series of disjointed dreams, most of them involving Belinda, and when he opened his eyes he thought he was still asleep and having some kind of vision. He could see her sitting in a chair by his bed reading a magazine.