Footsteps sounded in the hallway, then Wyatt appeared in the room. Without asking any questions, he dialed his phone. “She’s here, but bleeding heavily…move fast.” He told the paramedics how to find the room, and they showed up quickly.
Garrett spoke to Marlene to keep her awake, and maintained pressure on the wound. The medics took over the instant they arrived, and worked swiftly. Moving back, Garrett let them tend to her, but he continued to talk, letting her know he was there. It was a good sign that she was conscious, but he knew she hurt like hell.
Once Marlene was on a stretcher with the bleeding under control, an IV was started and she was given oxygen. Her eyes fluttered opened and closed, so Garrett wasn’t sure how much she was aware of.
Wyatt stood next to him. “Once you booted up the tracker app, we knew you were in trouble. Travis sent me, and had an ambulance waiting out front. He expected the worst.”
“That might save her life,” Garrett said. “Without immediate medical attention, the gunshot wound might have been fatal.”
When the medics began to wheel Marlene out of the room, Garrett followed to ride in the ambulance.
Wyatt was on his phone again. “I’ll take care of this mess,” he said, standing near Buckner’s lifeless body. “I can deal with the police and let Travis know what’s happening. I’ll check in with you later at the hospital.”
Once Marlene was in the ambulance, the medics hooked her up to equipment and took her vitals again. They maintained communication with the emergency room.
Garrett watched, with his heart breaking. Marlene’s eyes were closed, and he didn’t know the extent of the internal damage. The medics weren’t able to tell him too much; that would be up to the emergency room staff and the doctor.
Sitting as close as he was able, Garrett held her hand, hoping she knew he was there. The immediate and aggressive intervention by the paramedic crew was probably all that had saved her. Any delay could have been fatal. He was grateful for the backup from his team, and it hadn’t come a moment too soon.
Upon arrival, Marlene was rushed to emergency and Garrett was left to wait. After what seemed like an eternity, a nurse came out to tell him that Marlene was in critical condition and would be in surgery for a while.
Garrett sat in a nearby chair and put his head in his hands. “God, please let her live.”
Hours passed without any word, and Garrett watched the clock, anxious for the doctor to come out to give him an update. Marlene had to survive the surgery; she just had to.
When Wyatt entered Garrett was pacing the floor. “Any news?” his teammate said.
“Not yet.”
Wyatt sat down. “What happened back there? Do you want to talk about it?”
Garrett gave him a brief rundown of the incident. Near the end, his eyes were moist. “She threw her body on the gun…to save me. If she dies it will be because of me. I’m the one that should have taken the bullet for her.”
“Marlene was very brave. She risked her life to protect you.”
Garrett looked at his friend. “Buckner would have killed me. At close range like that, he wouldn’t have missed.”
Neither said anything for a minute.
Then Garrett spoke. “She has to make it through this; she has to.”
*****
Wyatt stayed for a while, then left Garrett to continue to wait. There was no way to know how long it would be. Eventually, the surgeon came out and talked to him.
“Marlene will come through this,” the surgeon said. “She’s a strong young woman.”
It seemed that the bullet had entered at an angle, not straight on. That was fortunate, and as a result there was less damage than there might have been. The speed of the bullet had propelled it right through her, since it had been fired at such close range.
“I’ve done what I can for her,” the surgeon said. “She’s in the recovery room.”
“When can I see her?”
“I’ll have the nurse come get you when Marlene is taken to a room. She will be sleeping for a while, but you can visit briefly.”
Garrett breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t over yet. Marlene was in serious condition and had a long recovery ahead of her. But she was going to make it.
Not long after, Wyatt reappeared to check on things, and Garrett relayed what the surgeon had said.
“Well, it’s a damn good thing that the shooter didn’t use the armor-piercing bullets this time,” Wyatt said. “That would have been a fucking disaster.”
“What did he use? I didn’t recognize the gun.”
“Travis has been in touch with the police about the incident. This time Buckner used a polymer gun, non-metal so it would get by the metal detectors,” Wyatt said.
“Undetectable guns have been illegal for years, if they can even be found.”
“I’m guessing he nabbed one on the black market,” Wyatt said. “The guy was smart and resourceful; I’ll give him that.”
Garrett gritted his teeth. “And look where it got him.”
“The one good thing about using that ceramic gun was that the cartridges didn’t have metal casings. The charge was bonded to the bullet without any brass shell. I’m not saying they didn’t do a lot of damage…but it could have been worse.”
Garrett frowned. “So how did he get that little stun gun inside the studio? That sure wasn’t plastic.”
Wyatt shrugged. “The Taser? We may not find out. It’s possible he’d hidden it in the sound studio earlier. He was a slimy bastard.”
Garrett raked both hands through his hair, then stood up when the nurse came in. “You can see Marlene now,” she said. “But only for a few minutes.”
Wyatt stayed behind, while the nurse led Garrett to the room in intensive care. She pushed open the door for him. “I’ll be back in five minutes,” she said.
Marlene was hooked up to a bunch of machines. She looked fragile and pale, but was beautiful. Her blond hair fell over the white pillowcase, making her look like an angel in the snow. Her breathing was steady, and when Garrett took her hand, it was warm. “Thank God you’re alive,” he whispered.
He pulled a chair close to the bed and continued to hold Marlene’s hand. Remorse filled him. Garrett wished he would have told her about everything sooner—before Buckner had used the knowledge for his own purposes.
Garrett hadn’t expected her to forgive him, but he had hoped to tell her in a way that she could deal with. He’d waited for the right time, but that hadn’t come. Instead, Marlene had discovered the secret from the mouth of a madman.
Whatever resentment Marlene felt for him, Garrett deserved. And how he felt didn’t mean a thing. All that mattered was that she recovered from the trauma, so in the future she’d be healthy and happy. He’d move aside once he was certain Marlene was okay—if that was what she wanted.
Garrett loved her deeply, but that was selfish on his part. He had no right to her, although he knew, without a doubt, there wouldn’t be any other woman for him.
*****
Marlene opened her eyes to a room full of flowers. Bouquets with well wishes had been sent from friends, cast members, the director, and even the producer. She breathed in the floral aroma, so glad to be alive. She’d survived the ordeal and would be allowed to go home soon.
The first few hours had been rugged. Marlene had vague memories of doctors and nurses fussing over her. The pain and discomfort reminded her of just how close she’d come to dying. She felt like she’d been hit by a truck, but she was breathing. And the doctor had said she would fully recover.
It would be a long road of rehab, but the bullet hadn’t damaged any major organs. It had arrowed through her, missing her heart and lungs. Marlene was lucky, and she knew it. But it had been worth it all, because the alternative was too gruesome to consider.
She shuddered to think what would have happened to Garrett if she hadn’t reacted as she had. The thought that he could have died brought tears to her eyes. She loved him so much.
The days in intensive care were rather hazy. She knew Garrett had been there, had heard his voice and felt his touch. But she’d been too weak to speak, and her vision had been blurry. Yet knowing he was there had been a comfort.
But recently, he hadn’t been to see her, and Marlene didn’t have much trouble guessing why.
She’d had many other visitors, although not for long as she was still quite weak. Her mother had flown out and was staying at a hotel close to the hospital. Anna had been by twice a day. Even Wyatt had come by to check on her. Nicholas and some of the cast wanted to visit, but had been told to give her a few more days to recover first.
It would be so good to get out, to get some fresh air, and see something besides the inside of a hospital room. The doctor said he would release her today if her condition remained stable. She’d hired a nurse for home care, and her rehab appointments were scheduled.
Marlene scooted up a bit higher on her pillow, and winced with pain. It was going to be a while before she was normal again. But her life was her own. The evil that had threatened her was gone. Anna had spoken with Garrett about how it had ended, then relayed the story to her.
Buckner was dead. It was finally over, and Marlene could move on with her life.
But she didn’t want to plan a future without Garrett. He’d been scarce the last few days, and she missed him. The bodyguard job was over, but she didn’t want him to go.
Marlene knew how she felt about him, and that wasn’t going to change. Yet she didn’t know how he felt. She didn’t know what she’d do without him. She didn’t need him like she had when she’d been in danger. It was better than that. She wanted him, and had trouble envisioning her life without him.
Anna opened the door and came in, disrupting her thoughts. “You’re awake.” Her friend gave her a gentle hug. “I’d squeeze you hard, but I might crush a rib.”
Marlene laughed. “I’m supposed to get out of here today.”
“I heard. That’s great news.”
“I’ll be up and around soon. We’re long overdue for some shopping.”
Anna grinned. “I’ll say. Between filming a war movie and fighting off a real-life villain, you’ve been a bit busy.”
“I just want to lie by the pool and drink piña coladas for a while.”
“Sounds perfect,” Anna said.
“Have you seen Garrett? He hasn’t been in to see me. I’m starting to think I look worse than I thought.”
Anna giggled. “You look lovely. You even have some color back in your face. For a while you were ghostly pale.”
“Maybe I scared him away,” Marlene said.
“I don’t think that’s possible. Garrett had been in the hospital so much, I think the staff is going to give him a white coat and put him to work.”
“He’d look sexy,” Marlene said, then sighed. “I love him so much.”
“I know you do, honey.” Anna patted the bed. “Tell you what, since the doctor is springing you from this joint today, how about if I assist you with hair and makeup? You are a star, after all. There might be a photographer just waiting for a chance to get a photograph of the awesome Marlene Parks as she’s wheeled out to the car.”
“I certainly hope not,” Marlene said. “But you need to make me presentable anyway.”
Marlene was weak, so Anna propped a few pillows under her head and worked her magic. When she was finished and Marlene looked in a hand mirror, she decided she didn’t look half bad. “The dark circles under my eyes are a nice touch.”
“That’s not my doing,” Anna said. “I brought you some clothes, too. The nurse said she’d help you put them on.”
“Thanks, Anna. I feel better already.”
Once her friend left, the doctor arrived to make his final check. What he found met with his approval, so he signed the release papers. The nurse assisted Marlene to get dressed and then brought the wheelchair to escort her out.
Marlene fully expected to see Samuel pull up in the limo, but she didn’t. After waiting a minute, a luxury sedan pulled up to the curb with Garrett at the wheel. “That’s your ride,” the nurse said.
“You and Anna knew, didn’t you?”
The nurse just smiled.
Garrett hopped out of the car and came around to help her in. He wore faded jeans with a thermal shirt, and hadn’t looked more drool-worthy. His hair had grown and was a little shaggy, making her want to run her fingers through it. He smiled, and Marlene’s eyes went to his kissable lips.
“You really know how to make a girl feel better,” Marlene said as he lifted her into his arms.
“That’s the idea.” Garrett gently put her in the front seat, then jogged around to the driver’s side.
“Where did you get the car?”
Garrett started up the engine. “I bought it. I can’t have you riding home on the bus now, can I?”
“Um, what about the limo?”
“I thought you’d rather ride in a vehicle that doesn’t have bulletproof windows.” Garrett glanced at her. “Although I might have those installed later.”
Marlene looked out the window. It was a lovely April day and flowers were in bloom. “Can we stop by the park? I’m just so sick of being cooped up…just for a few minutes?”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
She did love it when Garrett called her that. It made her warm all over, and touched her heart.
While he navigated the streets, Marlene leaned back. She was stiff and uncomfortable, but hadn’t felt better. She was with Garrett, and the future was theirs. Maybe.
At the park, Garrett pulled up to the curb so she had a nice view of the lawn and the flowers. He lowered the windows to let in some fresh air.
“It’s so pretty,” she said. “It’s so good just to be alive.”
Marlene studied Garrett for a moment. He was as handsome as ever, but there was a crease in his forehead that hadn’t been there before. She could detect the worry in his expression, although he did his best to hide it.
“So…were you going to tell me?” Marlene said.
Garrett turned in the seat to face her. “I meant to, so many times. I should have said something much sooner.”
“Yes, you should have.” Marlene had felt betrayed, and had been shocked at discovering Garrett’s secret. But in the hospital she’d had time to think. Life was precious, and the most important thing was those she loved. She just needed to understand, to be able to put it all in perspective.
Marlene took a breath. “Now I know why you were there that first day.”
“I had no idea it was to help you dodge a bullet,” Garrett said. “But it’s fortunate that I showed up.”
Marlene admired his strong figure, the hero he was, through and through. Any reason she might have for rejecting him faded when she looked into his eyes. “You saved my life…more than once.”
Garrett’s eyes filled with emotion. “And you saved mine.”
“I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you,” Marlene said.
Garrett took her hand in his. “You scared me to death, taking a bullet like that.”
“So why did you come to my charity event that day? I know you weren’t just a fan, that you came for me. But why?”
Before speaking, Garrett looked down. He rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. “Your brother died in my arms.” He paused. “His last thoughts were of you and your mother. With his dying breath, he made me promise to tell you that he was proud to serve his country, that he had no regret.”
Tears streamed down Marlene’s cheeks, smearing the carefully applied mascara. But she wasn’t sad. Honor and duty were familiar to her; she respected a soldier’s dedication. She’d mourned the loss of her brother, as she had her father, but she was filled with pride for their sacrifice.
“It means so much to hear Andrew’s last words.”
Garrett squeezed her hand. “I did what I could to save him…I failed.”
Marlene knew the
guilt haunted him, but there were no words that could make it go away. “I’m glad to know the truth. I don’t hold it against you. I know if you could have died in his place, you would have.”
They were silent, holding hands. Leaves rustled in a light breeze, birds chirped, and the sound of children laughing could be heard in the park. Life was precious, and so was Garrett.
“I should get you home before you tire out on me.” Garrett started up the car.
Marlene had a pang of loss. Home meant empty rooms, a quiet space…without Garrett. She closed her eyes, and deep exhaustion overcame her. Dull pain filled her chest, but it wasn’t just the physical healing. The prospect of losing Garrett made her ache, and left a gaping hole inside her.
At her home, Garrett carried her inside, but didn’t immediately leave. “Where will you be most comfortable?”
“Take me to the lounge chair by the windows. I want to look out. I’m just so tired of confinement.”
Garrett placed her on the chair and got plenty of pillows. Marlene didn’t want to close her eyes, afraid that Garrett would be gone when she opened them. But she couldn’t fight the heavy feeling in her limbs, and she drifted off.
Chapter 26
When Marlene woke up, she had no idea what time it was. She opened her eyes to see the sun low in the sky, and shadows on the buildings. It was quiet, and she thought she was alone except for her domestic staff. And tomorrow she’d have the nurse.
With effort, she pushed upright and draped her legs over the side of the lounge so her feet touched the carpet. She was relieved to see that she hadn’t been abandoned.
“Going someplace?” Garrett said, his blue eyes sparkling.
“How long was I sleeping?”
“A while. It’s good for you.” Garrett pulled a chair closer so he could hold her hand. “Do you need anything?”
“Water would be good.”
Garrett filled a glass with water from a pitcher that was nearby. He handed it to her.
The water tasted good, and Marlene felt better after the rest. “You’re still here.” She dug her hand through her hair and made an effort to fluff it out. “I must look like a wreck.”
Cold Peril_Military Romantic Suspense Page 24
