Kara's Protector

by Angela Franklin

  “I’m right here, sweetheart.” He said kissing her hand again.

  “Aiden?” Her voice was so weak, it broke his heart.

  “Gone. You never have to worry about him again.” Cameron felt her hand relax in his.

  “Call Susie.” She murmured.

  “I’m right here.” Susie leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Do you need anything?”

  “Water.” Kara whispered.

  “No problem. I’ll be right back.” Susie said as she left to get a nurse.

  “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Cameron said leaning his forehead against hers.

  “Why?” Her eyes fluttered, but didn’t open.

  “I wasn’t there when you needed me. It will never happen again.” He promised rubbing his nose against hers. His heart sped up when she tried to do it back.

  “How are you feeling?” A nurse said coming in.

  “Thirsty.” Kara croaked.

  “Has she opened her eyes?” The nurse asked him.

  “Not yet.” He replied.

  “Mrs. Denton, I need you to open your eyes.” The nurse told her.

  “Heavy.” Kara told her.

  “Come on, sweetheart, show me those beautiful gray eyes.” Cameron whispered, then kissed both eyelids. Slowly her eyes began to open and locked on his. “There’s my girl.” He said and she smiled at him. He leaned back so the nurse could get closer to her.

  “Here’s your water. How are you feeling besides that?” She asked.

  “Okay, tired, and my body feels heavy.” Kara said after a few sips of her water.

  “That’s normal after anesthesia. Do you remember what happened to you?” The nurse asked, and she looked at him.

  “Yes, but I…” Kara didn’t seem to want to tell the nurse.

  “Cops will come because of the gunshot. We have to report all gunshot wounds.” The nurse warned her.

  “My husband is the sheriff in our town, I’m sure he is taking care of everything.” She told the nurse. That was the first time she had called him her husband, and it made him smile to hear it.

  “Okay. I’m sure he has. Your right arm has been reset and cast, and the bullet was removed from your leg. When you start hurting, please let me know. I will be back shortly to start an IV antibiotic.” The nurse turned and left.

  “The SBI will be here later to take our statements.” Cameron said as he pulled his chair closer to the bed.

  “Why is the State Bureau of Investigation coming here?” Kara asked turning her head to look at him.

  “Because it was an officer involved shooting.” He told her. Susie pulled her chair over so that Kara wouldn’t have to look back and forth.

  “If you need to go to work, it’s okay. I’m sure Susie can stay with me a little while.” Kara said squeezing his hand.

  “Nothing could make me leave you.” He said as he kissed her knuckles. “I am on administrative leave until the investigation is over anyways.”

  “Cameron, I’m so sorry I drug you into this.” He saw a tear escape her tight control, so he leaned up and kissed it away.

  “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m the one who screwed up. I never should have left you alone, it won’t happen again.” He would make sure he was always by her side. “Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go outside? I would have gone with you.”

  “I hollered and asked if we could go get my car, but you didn’t answer. I assumed you were still on the phone with the station, so I decided to look around. When I opened the front door, I saw the swing. I have always wanted a porch swing, don’t think I will ever sit on one again.” She muttered the last part.

  “Kara, sweetheart, can you tell us what happened?” Cameron asked dreading the answer.

  Chapter 5

  Kara took a deep breath, her ribs still ached. She didn’t want to tell them. She hadn’t fought back, but how could you fight back against a gun. If she had, Aiden would have killed her and Cameron. Once she told her story, Cameron would leave her. He was only married to her to protect her, and now that Aiden was dead, she wouldn’t need protection. Might as well get it over with, better now than when she was too attached. It was going to be hard enough now.

  “I fell asleep on the swing. I woke up to Aiden’s hand over my mouth. He pulled out a gun and said he would kill me if I made a sound, then he would kill my boyfriend too. When I got to the steps, he kicked my lower back and I fell down the steps. I felt my arm snap, but I couldn’t hold back the scream. True to his word, he shot me, but he didn’t kill me. He told me he hadn’t hurt anything vital and that he had promised his buddies a turn with me after we got home. I heard another gun shot and thought he had shot me again. When I opened my eyes, I could see his sightless eyes staring back at me. I’m so sorry Cameron, I should have been stronger.” She finished as the tears that she fought started to flow down her cheeks.

  “Kara, you are the strongest woman I know. This is my fault. I should have been with you.” Cameron looked miserable, and Susie was shooting him the evil eye.

  “Cameron, you don’t really believe that, do you?” As an answer, he nodded and kept looking at her hand. “Susie, tell him he couldn’t have stopped this.” Kara demanded.

  “It is his fault. He was supposed to protect you. He promised me if I went along with him marrying you, you would be safe.” Susie snarled and glared over at him.

  “Stop it. Did either of you stop to think what would have happened if Cameron hadn’t stopped this. If I was at my apartment, do you think I would be here in the hospital? If I had been at Susie’s, or one of my friends, did y’all stop to think about what could have happened? Because of you, Cameron, I never have to worry about him hurting me, or anyone I love again.” Kara was starting to feel her body again, and it hurt.

  “Baby, if I had been outside with you, he never would have gotten close to you.” Cameron looked up at her, and she could see how much he hated himself for her being hurt.

  “If you had been there, he would have shot you first, and it wouldn’t have been fixable. He would have killed you. You being in the house was the best scenario. Yes, I got hurt, but you killed him before he could take me. He planned to rape me, then let everyone else do it too. I would have never survived that. Thank you, Cameron, because of you I can heal and be okay.” Kara was being honest. She would have done something to make him kill her before she went back with him.

  “But…” Cameron started.

  “No. If you keep that up, I will kick you out of here.” Kara was absolutely serious. She could have him thrown out.

  “Yes, dear.” He said and she smiled at him. “I need to let the others know you’re awake. I’ll be right back. Who do you want to see first?” He asked at the door.

  “See? I thought you were going to call them.” She was confused.

  “Nope. Everyone is in the waiting room. Unless you don’t feel up to seeing anyone.” He said quickly.

  “Oh crap. I guess send the girls in.” This is what she got for having a close group of friends.

  “Okay. I will stay with the guys and give you some time.” Cameron told her, then walked out.

  “When you’re released, you can stay with me until you heal, then we will move you back into the apartment.” Susie smiled taking her hand.

  “Why would I do that?” Kara asked confused.

  “Aiden is gone. You are free. There is no reason for you to stay with Cameron, we will have the marriage annulled, then you can get on with your life.” Susie was all smiles now.

  “I think I should talk to Cameron about this.” Kara said. Did he want her gone?

  “We already talked about it. He agreed this was the best choice.” Susie said, but wouldn’t meet her eyes. “We can talk about it when the girls are gone.” She said quickly when the door opened.

  “You have met your quota for scaring us for the next year. No more. If you want attention just cry, it works for the twins.” Callie said marching over to her.

  “Yeah, or ge
t knocked up. That worked for Chasity.” Lindy said.

  “Better this, then a house fire.” Chasity glared at her rubbing her very pregnant belly.

  “Excuse me girls. I just need to start the antibiotics.” The nurse said working her way to where Kara’s IV machine was. “I know y’all want to visit, but not too long. Mrs. Denton has been through a lot today.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” They all sobered quickly.

  “Poor Cameron looks like he could fall over at any minute.” Taylor said quietly, but Susie snorted.

  “So, did the guys explain?” Kara asked wanting to know how much they knew.

  “Yeah. I’m glad Cameron killed him. I wish you had told us before. We are here for you no matter what. If you would like to come stay at the ranch for a while, we would be happy to have you.” Callie smiled at her.

  “She is going to come stay with me, and we will arrange to have this marriage annulled.” Susie said smiling.

  “Like hell you will.” Cameron snarled and the girls spun around to look at him.

  “It’s okay, Cameron. You’ve done your job. Susie told me y’all already agreed.” Kara tried to sooth him.

  “She did?” Cameron said looking at Susie, but Susie was keeping her head down.

  “I think it’s time for us to go girls. We will see you tomorrow.” Callie said, and they all left.

  “Calm down, Cameron. I knew that this was temporary. I appreciate everything you have done for me, but you’re free now.” The more she talked, the madder Cameron seemed to get.

  “Susie said that I already agreed to this?” He asked, his mouth a flat line in his anger. Kara felt the hairs on the nape of her neck stand and cautiously nodded her head. “Why, Susie? Why did you lie to her?” His whiskey colored eyes were narrowed, and focused on Susie.

  “Cameron, what is wrong…” Kara started, but she was cut off by Susie.

  “You proved you couldn’t take care of her. She deserves better than someone who can’t even be there when she needs them.” Susie snapped at him.

  “Susie, what has gotten in to you?” Kara asked pulling her hand away from the closest thing to a mother she had ever known.

  “You’re right, she does, but how would you keep her safe? What would you have done if Aiden had showed up while she was with you?” Cameron’s jaw was locked tight, his anger like a breathing thing in the room.

  “I would have never left her alone for him to come after her.” Susie snarled as she stood up.

  “Then he would have killed you, and taken Kara.” Cameron growled through clenched teeth.

  “He’s right, Susie. If Cameron or anyone would have been beside me, Aiden would have killed them, then taken me. Since I was alone, he wasn’t looking for anyone. That gave Cameron the chance to sneak up on him.” Kara said as she reached for him.

  Cameron didn’t hesitate to go to her. He was on the wrong side of the bed, so he took the fingers that were sticking out of the cast and held them gently. He was furious, but still managed to be gently with her. He looked up, and her eyes got caught in his gaze. She gave him a smile, and his features softened as he looked at her.

  “Susie, you need to tell her the truth. She won’t thank you for lying to her, even if you think you’re protecting her.” Cameron never looked away from her. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion at his words.

  “Fine.” Susie snapped and Kara turned her head to look at her. “Cameron wants you to stay with him.”

  “Why did you lie to me, Susie?” It hurt to know Susie would betray her trust.

  “He didn’t protect you. You need to come stay with me so I can get you back on your feet.” There was a plea in Susie’s eyes as she spoke.

  “I am grateful for everything you have done for me, but I don’t appreciate you trying to manipulate me into doing what you want me to.” Kara said shaking her head.

  “Can’t you see Cameron manipulated you too?” Susie snapped. At Kara confused look, Susie continued. “He manipulated you into marrying him.”

  “I may not have had much of a choice, but he didn’t lie to me.” It was breaking her heart to fight with Susie.

  “Yes, he did. He said it was to protect you, but now he doesn’t want to let you go.” Susie said glaring at Cameron.

  “You’re right, Susie, but you forgot that this is her choice. When we discussed this marriage, I told her I wanted it to be a real marriage. A man doesn’t back out of a real marriage.” Cameron said as he looked down at Kara.

  “I’m not up for this right now. I think you should go back home now, Susie. We can talk later when I feel better.” Kara said seeing the hurt in Susie’s eyes.

  “Okay, call me if you need anything.” Susie kissed the top of her head, then left.

  “Don’t worry about this right now, just rest. I will be here when you wake up.” Cameron promised as he kissed her forehead.

  Between the medicine and the events of the day, Kara was exhausted, physical and mentally. Cameron pulled a chair close to the bed on her good side, and laced his fingers with hers. She knew she should send him home, but she didn’t have the energy to tell him to go. She looked over at him and he gave her a smile. She could tell he was just as tired as she was.

  *****

  Cameron watched her as she slept. It was hard to believe he had woken up with her in his arms less than twenty-four hours ago. He had gone to sleep on his side of the bed, but at some point during the night he had gotten his arms around her. When he woke up with her body snug against him and his face buried in her neck, he had never been happier.

  Kara was stronger than anyone gave her credit for, and so smart it amazed him. She was absolutely right, anyone with her would have been killed. He hated that she had been hurt, but the broken arm might have saved her life. If she hadn’t screamed, he wouldn’t have known what was going on.

  The SBI had called, and Cameron had given his initial report to them over the phone. They had agreed to wait till the next day to come to the hospital. Kara needed the rest. She had been through so much. Cameron wanted to wrap her in cotton and protect her for the rest of her life. It would be her choice if she went back home with him. He had always been attracted to her, but it was turning into something deeper fast. Knowing Kara was safe, and that she would sleep through the night, he leaned his head on the bed and kissed her hand before he fell asleep.

  Cameron woke up to fingers running through his hair. He looked up and Kara smiled at him. He took her hand and kissed her palm softly, then placed it against his cheek.

  “Good morning, sweetheart, how do you feel?” Cameron asked loving the feel of her hand on him.

  “I’m okay.” Kara answered and curled her fingers, gently scrapping her nails against his stubble. Cameron’s whole body shivered in response, causing her to laugh.

  “I forgot to bring my shaving kit on our adventure.” Cameron smiled at her. Her laugh lit up his world.

  “Now that you mention it, I think I forgot to pack anything.” She joked back.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Denton, how are you feeling?” A nurse asked coming through the door.

  “I’ve been better.” Kara pulled her hand back to let the nurse get her vitals.

  “How bad would you say the pain is on a scale of 1-10?” The nurse asked.

  “Um, probably about a 5.” Kara said then looked to him, Cameron smiled to reassure her.

  “I can bring you something for the pain.” Then nurse said turning for the door.

  “Can you make it something mild? I don’t want to sleep all day.” Kara asked her.

  “Sure, I’ll just bring prescription strength Tylenol if that’s what you want.” The nurse said with a smile.

  “Yes, please.” Kara said, and they watched the nurse walk out. “How long do you think I have to stay?” She asked him as he walked back over to her.

  “I don’t know. The doctor should be around soon, and you can ask him.” Cameron said taking his seat by the bed again.

  “When will I hav
e to talk to the SBI?” Kara asked. He knew she didn’t want to talk about what happened.

  “If you have to stay, I will call and they will come here today. If you get to go home, they will meet us after you get settled. I’m sorry you have to go through this, Kara.” He said reaching for her hand again.

  “It’s better to get it over with I guess.” She sighed. “This wasn’t your fault. Thanks to you, I never have to worry about Aiden again.” She squeezed his hand.

  After the nurse gave her the pain medicine, they turned on the TV. There was no way of knowing when the doctor would come in. Neither of them were paying attention to the TV, it was really just for back ground noise. They weren’t talking, but it was a comfortable silence. If they were home, he would put his arm around her, but he couldn’t do that now, so he kept her hand in his.

  “What’s wrong?” He asked when she started wiggling in the bed.

  “I have to pee.” She scrunched her nose up at him.

  “Okay, let me get the nurse.” He said reaching for the call button.

  “I hate this.” She mumbled.

  “If it wasn’t for the IV, I would take you myself.” Cameron wished he could make this better for her, he hated seeing her laying in a hospital bed. When the nurse answered over the intercom, he told them what they needed.

  “This is so embarrassing.” Kara whispered.

  “Don’t worry. She will be in soon.” Cameron said as he pushed her hair off her forehead.

  “Do you want to walk to the bathroom?” The nurse asked as she came in.

  “Yes, please.” Kara said already trying to get up.

  “Hang on, speedy.” The nurse said with a laugh. “Let me just unplug the IV machine so you can take it with you. If you need to get up again, just unplug it, and drag it with you. There should be a tooth brush, and a few other personal care items in there, if you want them, but your leg is going to be weak, so be careful not to put too much of your weight on it.” The nurse stood in front of Kara and helped her steady herself when she stood up.

  He heard Kara grunt when she stood up, and winced thinking of the pain she was in. He would give anything to take her pain away. He was sure most grown men would be screaming in pain, but not his Kara. She took everything in stride. She hadn’t once cried, or even said she was hurting. The nurse came out of the bathroom, and told him to call if they needed anything.