by Wendy Hudson
Stella took his arm, lifted it around her shoulders, and sat in his lap. Stroking her fingers down a spiky cheek, she wiped away the last of the tears. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Scott. And I understand more why you reacted that way. You need to talk to Lori about this. And we need to talk to her about us.”
His smile made her happy and she didn’t fight it when he kissed her. It was tentative and gentle, as if she might change her mind. She pressed into him and made sure he knew she meant it.
“So there’s still an ‘us’ to talk about?”
She kissed him again in answer, and felt her own tears coming. There was no going back, she loved this man and was willing to take a risk to make it work.
Hannah’s appearance broke their spell. Stella noted the smirk on her face when she saw them and put a finger to her lips in warning. “Later.”
“A nurse said the doctor will be out soon with news.”
Stella extricated herself and pulled Scott to his feet. “Come on, I want to be there.”
Scott led the way out of the room, but Stella caught Hannah’s arm. “Have you got a minute.”
She nodded for Scott to carry on. “I’ll be there soon.”
She turned to Hannah and saw the smirk was back. “Isn’t that Lori’s brother?”
Stella prodded her with a sharp finger in the shoulder but kept her tone light. “You know fine well it is and I’ll trust you to keep quiet until I can talk to her, okay?”
Hannah gave one of her salutes. “Aye, Detective, whatever you say.”
Stella swatted her hand down but laughed. “Seriously, Lori is going to be pretty mad with me so I need to do this my way. Anyway, you can’t talk. I see the feisty Jess has got your attention. What’s going on?”
“Aye, you could say that.” A wistful look washed over her face. “Let’s just say an affinity was discovered in the back of the ambulance.”
Stella turned up her nose. “How on earth do you make that sound dirty?”
Hannah laughed. “It’s an art. Obviously I barely know her but I’d like to change that. So I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine?”
It was Stella’s turn to salute. “Deal.”
* * *
Hannah and Stella returned as Jess’s doctor entered the room. They all stood expectantly. Alex spoke for the group. “How is she?”
He smiled and she felt her shoulders slump in relief. Lori’s hand slipped into hers again as she joined her side.
The doctor spoke matter of factly. “We had to remove her spleen but that’s a perfectly manageable situation these days, with medication. Although we did have to perform it open, we couldn’t use keyhole surgery due to the extensive bleeding, so with the additional tissue damage, some contusions to her liver, and bruising to her kidneys, she’s going to be very sore and need a lot of rest. But she should be back on her feet in six to eight weeks.”
“Can we see her?” Alex asked.
“She’s in recovery right now, but a nurse will come to get you when she’s properly awake and in her room. There’s no doubt she was a lucky girl.”
Alex reached to shake his hand. She looked around the room at the relieved faces and agreed with him. “She and I both, Doctor. Thank you.”
Her legs finally gave up and she dropped like lead into a chair. Lori was at her side in an instant, along with Stella, but no words would come, only tears. They both reassured and held her hand and rubbed her back, and the relief flooded through her from head to toe.
She’d almost lost her Jess. That Jess had put herself in the line of fire for Alex was overwhelming. To have someone willing to sacrifice themselves, just as Lori had risked her life attacking Sean in those final moments, filled her with love and guilt in equal measure. She loved them both but didn’t know if the guilt would ever leave her, that they were put in that position because of her past. How strong and fallible we are all at once. That we have the power to hold someone else’s life and happiness in our palm.
She looked up then, into the face of someone capable of doing just that with her life and happiness. “He’s really gone. It’s over isn’t it?”
Lori enveloped her into her arms. “It’s over, my love. It’s over.”
Epilogue
Four months later, Alex and Lori were about to see Jess and Hannah off at the airport. The first few weeks since that night at the farm had initially passed by in a blur of police statements, hospital rooms, vet appointments, and calls and visits from friends. The farm hadn’t seen so much activity in years.
The three women’s version of events, along with the call that was recorded from Alex’s phone, and Stella and Hannah’s statements on what happened after their arrival at the scene, had been told and retold a dozen times over. Forensic evidence confirmed Sean Murray as Beth’s killer and the case was finally closed.
There was no one to bury him, his ex-wife had been informed but had no interest in associating herself or her sons with her murdering ex-husband. He was given a pauper’s funeral and Alex was satisfied not to know where his body lay.
John Murray was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and placed in a palliative care facility. His blood, along with Beth’s, was found on the handkerchief and, although he wouldn’t see the inside of a jail cell due to his condition, he had, instead, relived the crime almost daily in his head until a massive stroke took him in the night a month previously.
“We’ve come a long way, eh?” Alex looked at each of the women in turn, Lori, Jess, and Hannah. They’d hardly been separated since ‘that’ night at the farm and today was going to be hard on them all.
“If it’s possible, Hannah, I think I’m going to miss your cooking more than Jess’s.” Her comment elicited a pop on the shoulder from Jess.
“Oi, it was me that filled your freezer again don’t forget. I guess the heroine badge has faded already and I’m back to chores,” she pouted.
Hannah laughed. “Aw, you’ll always be my hero, even if you were the worst, most demanding patient in the history of patients.”
“Hey, I didn’t force you to stay at my bedside all those weeks. Just admit it was my awesome bravery in the face of adversity that kept you coming back.”
“Okay, okay you two. Break it up, I’m feeling nauseous.” Alex winked Lori’s way. “Besides, we all know who really saved the day here with her kick ass moves.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, Lady Hunter wins.” Jess rolled her eyes.
They’d had an ongoing argument about who had played the biggest part in bringing Sean Murray down and Alex knew it was for her benefit. That Alex had pulled the trigger and ended his life had never been spoken about in jest. Only in the dark of the night, when the moment returned and haunted her dreams, when Lori lay by her side, comforting her and listening. Only then did she speak about it.
She smiled around the circle again and each woman seemed to sigh. “I’m glad we can talk like this. We won, ladies. We get to carry on. We get to be happy.”
Alex’s smile was returned and she knew each one of them was reflecting on her words.
“And we get to go on great adventures.” She looked at Jess and Hannah. “You two better bloody take good care of each other. I’m serious. The other side of the world is far away, but not so far that I can’t come kick your asses if I hear of trouble.”
Hannah’s salute came out. “I promise. I’ve spent the past four months listening to her whinge and moan about every ache and pill. I think I can handle her in holiday mode.”
Jess feigned hurt, but Alex could see past it to her smile. She was smitten and in Hannah had finally met her match. Alex wasn’t worried at all. They would have a fantastic time, and Jess going on her travels was long overdue. Alex couldn’t stand in her way any longer.
Lori linked arms with Hannah. “Let’s go get some coffee and leave these two to get all soppy on their own.” She blew them both a kiss and wandered in the direction of a coffee cart.
“What’s it like?” Jess slipped an arm aro
und Alex’s shoulders and nodded in the direction that Lori had just gone.
“What’s what like?” Alex didn’t follow.
“To have someone you love that much by your side?”
Alex smiled and hugged Jess to her, thinking on her answer. “It feels like when you get caught in the rain, miles from home with no money, and chance intervenes when a friend happens by and picks you up. You’re still cold and bedraggled, battered by the forces of nature but it doesn’t matter because you’re safe, and you know you’re on your way to getting warm. So you count your stars that that person was there at the right time to save you, and vow never to get caught in the rain again.” She nodded towards Hannah as they wandered back with coffee.
“But I think you know that feeling.”
A short time later, Alex and Lori waved good-bye as they watched Jess and Hannah queue at the doors of airport security. Holding hands, Alex leant a head on Lori’s shoulder, sighing as she watched their friends, still feeling tearful after their farewell. “They’re so ridiculously cute. Do you think they know that?”
Lori chuckled. “Oh, they know it. They also know they’re not as cute as us.” She pecked Alex on the head as she wiped away her own tears. “C’mon we need to get going to the train station.”
Alex glimpsed the back of Jess’s head as they disappeared from view. “I hate this day.”
* * *
Lori had taken a leave of absence and stayed with Alex until Jess was properly on the mend and her own wounds had healed. Well, the physical ones anyway. She had taken just a few small stitches to her cheek and neck that had left only two tiny, white scars, along with a couple of cracked ribs and a concussion from her heroic head butt.
“I can’t believe it’s time already. Where did it go?” Alex pulled her in tight, oblivious to the world around them, the myriad of people rushing around them on the station concourse. She needed to feel Lori close before the time came to say good-bye.
“Hmm…well, I recall lots of getting better, talking into the small hours around our nightly bonfires, lots of wine, terrible attempts by you to cook, oh, and my favourite part…hours that led to days in bed with you.”
Alex groaned. “Can’t we be there right now? Please, I’ve changed my mind. You’re not going anywhere apart from back to my bed.”
Nowhere did Alex feel as safe as when Lori’s warm body was tucked close. She felt at home, supported, and cared for. The fear of what came next had left her. They looked to the future together with excitement instead of the previously felt trepidation, and she knew that love and support had to be returned on her part. No matter how hard it was.
Lori replied with a kiss. Alex could kiss her all day and all night. She melted into it the same way each time, and each time, it only got better.
They broke apart, leaving Alex breathless. “Have I told you today how much I hate Adam?”
Lori laughed and looked at her watch. “Two o’clock and that’s the first time. We’re making progress.”
“He knows I blame him entirely for this, doesn’t he?”
“He does, but still can’t wait to meet you when you come to New York. And you promised you’d play nice, remember?”
“Aye, okay. But that was until I stupidly made you go for that interview and talked you into taking the job. It was all lies, damn lies, I tell you.” She stamped her foot, and Lori laughed again.
“You’re such a drama queen.”
“Yes, I am, but I’m being serious now. I don’t know if I’m ready to let you go.”
Lori’s arms circled around her, and she was back in that safe space, reassured and happy with the decision they had made.
Lori had gotten an offer from the UN for a year’s contract in New York. She had turned it down at first, but Alex could see a part of her regretted it. She had reassured Alex, she was where she was meant to be. But it had been a dream not so long ago, and Alex wanted nothing more than to see her dreams come true, to be part of them.
They had talked about relocating together but decided there was time enough for that. Alex wasn’t ready to leave the farm quite yet, and it had become home to Lori as well.
Adam was heading to New York with Lori after bagging the permanent job, which had reassured Alex. She would at least have a friend there. In a year, they would reassess. They had already dreamt together that maybe Alex would be ready to join her then, or Lori might make Scotland her permanent home.
If they’d learnt anything, it was that the rest of their lives didn’t need to be decided now. It was Alex and Lori, now, in the future, forever. They’d take each day together as it came.
“It’s only a year. It’s only a year,” Alex repeated what had become her mantra in the weeks leading up to Lori’s departure.
“See that’s where you’re wrong. It’s only three weeks. Three weeks and you and I will be in the Big Apple together and I’ll have you in my arms again. Think of the adventures we’re going to have.”
The call came over for Lori’s train, and Alex blew out a breath. “Shit. I still can’t believe it’s time already.”
“You’re sure I can’t persuade you to run away with me?” Lori pulled her in tight.
Alex laughed despite the tears that were threatening. “Not today, my beautiful Lori. Maybe tomorrow?”
Lori smiled. “There’s no maybe about it. You’re still mine tomorrow, no matter where we are.”
Kissing her, Alex felt it. Felt the truth of Lori’s words in her heart. This was just the first step towards their future, and she felt excited, not sad. They were in it together and always would be.
The final call for the train broke them apart.
Leaning in close to Alex’s ear, Lori whispered, “I’m going to marry you someday, Alex Ryan.” She followed it with a soft kiss to Alex’s cheek, just the way she had done that first night on the farm.
Lori started walking backward, her eyes never leaving Alex’s, shining with happy tears that mirrored her own. Before Lori turned to pass through the platform gate, Alex mouthed, “I love you,” and already couldn’t wait for that day.
About Wendy Hudson
Originally from Northern Ireland, Wendy is an Army kid with a book full of old addresses and an indecipherable accent to match. As a child she was always glued to a book, even building a reading den in the attic to get peace from her numerous younger siblings.
She’s always enjoyed writing and turning thirty was the catalyst for finally getting stuck in to her first novel.
By day Wendy is a trade union officer, campaigning and fighting the good fight. By night you’ll find her with a laptop dreaming of becoming a full time writer and doing her best to make that happen.
Now settled in Scotland, her summers are all about wild camping, sailing, golfing, and drinking beer at as many festivals as possible. This is normally followed by a restful winter of eating out, skiing, avoiding the gym, watching ballet and football, and not dancing at gigs.
CONNECT WITH WENDY:
Website: www.wendyhudsonauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendyhudsonauthor
Twitter: @whudsonauthor
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