“Well, come on in and take a look.”
At first, Molly headed for Howard, who stood between two security guards, his hands behind his back. When he saw Molly, he swore at her. She looked him over but didn’t spot any injuries and asked one of the guards, “I’m a paramedic. What’s the matter with him?”
The guard shook his head. “He’s fine. The other guy over there needs some attention though.” He pointed to the back of the tent. She looked in that direction and saw Sam sitting on the ground, his back against the front of the bar. His face was chalky and dotted with sweat as he held his side. His eyes appeared closed and a shard of fear pierced her heart. “Sam!” She rushed to his side. “Can you talk to me? Where are you hurt?” She put her hand on the arm he clutched to his side, gently pulling it away from his body.
Sam’s eyes opened, and he tried to sit straighter, but winced at the effort. “Of course I can talk. It’s nothing, just a little scratch.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
“Molly, get away. You can’t be here.” He sounded weary.
Stung at his words, she pulled her hand back. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Ray Howard, but right now, I’m a paramedic who just wants to help you.” She tried her best to sound professional and not like a woman whose heart had just been torn in half.
Sam shook his head. “I don’t mean that. When the other paramedics get here, they’re likely to see the other wounds I had and wonder about them. I don’t want you being associated with me and getting in trouble. We can discuss the other thing later.” He grimaced. “Besides, it is just a scratch. I think Johnny’s elbow to my head inflicted more damage.”
“Let me just look and see how bad the scratch is.” She doubted it was just a scratch from size of the bloodstain she saw beneath the edge of his jacket.
“I swear, it’s nothing. I’ll get a few stitches and they’ll send me home. I’m just a big baby about these things—you should know that by now.” He licked his lips. “But why didn’t you tell me about Howard?”
Molly looked over her shoulder as more security entered the tent. So far, they were leaving Sam alone, probably figuring she was taking care of him and they didn’t want to interfere “I was afraid you’d hate me or even worse, hate Kelsie.”
Sam’s eyes searched her face. “I could never hate either of you. You should know that by now.”
“It’s just she loves you so much already and I wanted to protect her.”
His expression softened and he blinked. “She loves me?”
“Of course she does. Why do you think she was acting so miserable the other day when she thought you were leaving?”
“I love her too, but what about her mother?”
Molly reached for his arm again. “Just let me look so the guards will think I’m actually doing something here.”
He allowed her to see the wound, but when she tried to unbutton his shirt to get a better look, he covered her hand with his. “Wait—what about her mom?”
“Her mom?” His hand was covered in blood, but it didn’t faze her. It was his question that made her pause. “Me?”
He nodded.
Molly took another peek around. Nobody was heading towards them yet, but sirens had stopped just outside the tent. “She loves you, too.”
Sam grinned. “Today’s my lucky day.” He allowed Molly to look at his wound and he was right. It wasn’t too bad. It was in an area that tended to bleed a lot, but wasn’t life-threatening.
“I think you’re getting delirious. Good thing the ambulance is here.” Molly smiled. “I’ll see you at the hospital.”
Their brief moment of privacy ended as the ambulance crew swarmed the tent, and Molly stepped aside. Police arrived next and took a brief statement from Sam before he was loaded into the ambulance and taken to the hospital.
Molly wanted to follow it, but she and Johnny had to give their accounts of what had happened, since they were involved, and by the time they were cleared to leave, an hour had passed. Leaving Sam’s bike and Molly’s car at the rally, Johnny drove Victoria’s car as they headed to the hospital. Tomorrow they’d have to do a few trips to take all the vehicles home, but it was the least of her worries Her first worry was about Sam but he was probably going to be just fine. Her next worry was her brother. His whole demeanor seemed to have changed. Gone was his sulky little boy attitude and he was quiet as they drove. Molly glanced at him. “I guess it was a pretty big shock to you.”
He shrugged. “Yeah it was. I never asked about Kelsie’s father because I figured you were embarrassed he didn’t come around, but I never thought something like that happened to you.”
“You’re right. I was embarrassed, and ashamed that I let myself get in that position, but over the last few years, I’ve come to realize it wasn’t my fault. I was a victim because of Ray’s actions, not my own. I was guilty of being young and trusting. That’s it.”
“I can’t believe Howard killed Sam’s son and here I was associating with the guy. It makes my skin crawl.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her brother rub his arms as if something was actually crawling up them.
“He’s a psychopath, but you aren’t You are a good guy, Johnny. No matter how hard you try to be bad.”
“No I’m not.”
“I heard you when Ray had a gun against you. You were going to let him kill you to protect Kelsie.”
Johnny cleared his throat but didn’t say anything for a few moments, but then blurted out, “Sam’s the good guy. He saved all of us. You should marry him.”
Molly chuckled. “He hasn’t asked me to marry him.”
“He will.” Suddenly he stiffened. “Where’s Kelsie?”
“With Victoria. How else did you think I got her car?”
Relaxing, Johnny laughed. “I wasn’t thinking. It’s been a crazy night. I hope Victoria isn’t too mad at me for not taking her tonight. She really wanted to go.”
“I know, she came over and told me all about it. You know she really likes you.”
“You think so?”
“I do.” They made the rest of the trip in a comfortable silence.
* * *
At the hospital, when it became apparent that they were going to keep Sam until morning, Johnny took Victoria’s car back home and promised to show up before noon to pick them up. He’d ride his bike to the rally site, get Molly’s car and come back for them. It was like musical vehicles, but it would work out eventually.
Sam was already in a room sleeping, but when Molly explained the situation, the nurse allowed her to go in after checking Sam’s chart and seeing her listed as a next of kin. That bit of information surprised her, and warmth spread through Molly. Next of kin? The nurse even gave her a blanket so she could cuddle up on the recliner. With all of the excitement, Molly thought she’d be too keyed up to sleep, but the next thing she knew, it was morning. A different nurse from last night had entered and was checking Sam’s I.V. bag.
Molly glanced at Sam’s sleeping form and asked the nurse, “How’s he doing? It didn’t look serious when it first happened.” Had she missed something?
“He received a dozen stitches, but his blood pressure was a little low from blood loss so we had to give him some fluids to top him up. With it being so late already, it just made sense to admit him.”
“Yes, I agree. Thanks.” The nurse left and Molly stood by the bed and reached out to feel Sam’s forehead. He still looked pale, but his skin was warm, not clammy as it had been in the tent. That was a good sign.
A moment later, the door opened again, and expecting the nurse, Molly turned to ask a question about antibiotics, but instead of the nurse, Johnny, Victoria and Kelsie entered the room. Kelsie grinned at Molly and was half-way across the room, arms wide, when she skidded to a halt, her eyes wide and focused on Sam.
“Mommy…what’s wrong with Mr. Sam?” Even at her age, she realized that something was off.
“Shhh…hon. Sam has a owie, but he’s going
to be fine. They gave him some medicine so it wouldn’t hurt anymore, but it made him sleepy.”
Eyes still saucer-like, Kelsie edged past the bed as if afraid to come into contact with it. She wrapped her arms around Molly’s waist and held on tight.
Smoothing back the curls, Molly bent and kissed Kelsie’s forehead. “Don’t worry, Kels. I promise you that Sam is going to be just fine.”
Johnny glanced at Sam then to Molly. “So he’s okay?”
“Yes, thankfully. He should be released after the doctor comes in to see him.”
Victoria looped her arm in the crook of Johnny’s arm and leaned against it. Her expression more serious than Molly had ever seen it. “You both could have died last night.”
“We didn’t though, thanks to Sam.”
“Don’t let him fool you, Victoria. Johnny was as much a hero as Sam. Did he tell you what he did?”
Victoria shook her head.
“Well, I’ll tell you about it later. I think it might be too much for someone to hear.” Molly nodded down at Kelsie, and pulled her close.
Victoria winked. “I look forward to hearing the story. Now, I think we should get going, Johnny. I’ll drop you off so you can pick up Molly’s car, then I suppose later, you’ll have to go back and get Sam’s motorcycle.”
“Yeah. You want us to take Kelsie with us? She was upset when you weren’t at the cabin this morning so we came here first, but I’m sure she’ll be okay now, right Kelsie?”
Kelsie shook her head and clung to Molly. “I don’t wanna go. I wanna stay with you and Mr. Sam.”
Molly gave her a squeeze and nodded. “It’s okay. She can stay.” She looked at the bed as Sam stirred. “Sam will probably wake up soon.”
At the mention of his name, his eyes fluttered open. “Hey.”
Johnny waved as he and Victoria left. Molly reached out and brushed the back of her hand against Sam’s cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel great! They gave me something.” He gave her a silly grin and she laughed. “C’mere.” He reached for her but missed. “Hold still.”
“I haven’t moved.”
“Oh. I must have.”
Molly burst out laughing and Kelsie giggled.
“Hey! There’s my girl!” He grinned at Kelsie and tried to sit up, but winced. “Ouch.” He gave Kelsie a stern look. “Did you beat me up while I was sleeping?”
“No!” Kelsie’s eyes danced. “Mommy said you have an owie again.”
“I do, and I think your mommy should give it a kiss and make it all better, don’t you?”
Kelsie nodded and giggled again, one hand covering her mouth.
Molly rolled her eyes, but smiled and smoothed the hair on Sam’s forehead. “You need to go to sleep. The meds are making you goofy.”
“Yeah, okay, but first I have to tell you somethin’.” He motioned again, urging her to bring her head down as though he had a secret to whisper in her ear. Chuckling, she played along with him and put her ear near his mouth. His breath tickled when he said, “I forgot to tell you something back at the rally.”
“What did you forget?”
“I forgot to tell you that I love you.”
Molly pulled back. “What?” It must be the pain meds talking.
All traces of amusement had vanished from Sam’s face. “I mean it. I know I’m drugged to the gills, but I was about to tell you in the tent, but everyone came in. I love you.” He pointed at Kelsie. “And you, too!”
Molly and Kelsie exchanged a look and Molly melted at the joy on her daughter’s face. Her own face felt like it was going to split, her smile was so wide.
Sam grinned. “I’m going to wait until tonight to officially propose so you’ll believe me, but I want to marry you. We could live in the cabin. I’ve been thinking about it. I’ll see if I can take on some assignment up here. There are plenty of meth labs and illegal weapons even up here. No shortage of work. I know it’s asking a lot, but—“
Molly put her finger over his mouth. “Shhh…I believe you and I’m going to say yes, when you ask me.” He tried to say something, but she bent to kiss him but pulled back, hesitant to kiss him with Kelsie right there. “Now go back to sleep so the meds will wear off, and you can get released.”
“Mommy, can I use the bathroom?”
“Yes, of course. It’s right there.” Molly pointed to the door.
Finally alone, Molly leaned over and kissed Sam.
Sam returned the kiss, his hand tangling in her hair at the nape of her neck as he pulled her closer. “Mmm…how soon until I get out of here? I’d like to finish this kiss somewhere a little more private.”
A thrill shot through her even as her cheeks warmed. “Soon. We have to wait for the doctor, but he should be in this morning.”
Sam released her, settling back into the pillows. He blinked slowly, as if fighting sleep. “Maybe this is the drugs, but I was thinking, it’s like, poetic justice or karma—something crazy like that.”
“What is?”
“That Howard took my son, but I get to raise his daughter.” His eyes brightened with moisture, but he smiled. “I think Sean would be happy about us. He would have loved Kelsie for a little sister.”
A lump came to Molly’s throat and she tried to blink back the tears. “Yes, it is poetic justice.”
The End
If you have a moment, a review of this book would be greatly appreciated.
Other Books by M.P. McDonald
All books can be found on my website with worldwide links:
www.mpmcdonald.com
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Mark Taylor: Genesis (Prequel)
(This book is permanently free in the US, UK and AU)
Mark Taylor's life changes forever when he finds an antique camera in an Afghan bazaar. Back home in Chicago, he discovers that the camera has a strange and unique ability--it produces photographs of tragedies yet to happen. Gifted with powers to change destiny, what drives him to risk his life for others? And when presented with photos of 9/11 a day before it happens, what else can he do but attempt to save lives and thwart catastrophe?
No Good Deed: Book One (A Kindle Top 20 Bestseller)
Mark Taylor discovers first hand that no good deed goes unpunished when the old camera he found during a freelance job in an Afghanistan bazaar gives him more than great photos. It triggers dreams of disasters. Tragedies that happen exactly as he envisions them. He learns that not only can he see the future, he can change it. Then the unthinkable happened and everyone ignored his frantic warnings. Thousands die. Suddenly, the Feds are pounding on his door and the name they have for Taylor isn't urban hero. It's enemy combatant. And, it means they can do anything they want to him. Anything at all.
March Into Hell: Book Two
Mark Taylor’s life takes a dark turn when his heroism becomes the subject of a newspaper article. The media attention and a harrowing encounter while saving a young woman, puts him in the sights of the ruthless cult leader who covets the secret to Mark's power.
Uncomfortable in the public spotlight, Mark suspects he's being tested by the force behind the camera's prophetic magic. Battling his own self-doubt, he must maintain the secret or risk certain death.
Deeds of Mercy: Book Three
An unexpected visitor from Mark's past brings him unwanted attention from the authorities. Unable to decide who is friend and who is foe, Mark becomes a fugitive from the law, but with thousands of lives at stake, he is forced to put aside his fear of capture, and instead, seek help from his pursuers.
March Into Madness: Book Four
After thwarting a disaster in the nation's capital, Mark Taylor captures the attention of the CIA. Mark doesn't trust the agency—not with his history with them—but he agrees to demonstrate the miraculous camera in the hopes of creating a team to help him ward off future catastrophe.
Mark realizes too late that he should have l
istened to his gut instincts when he finds himself held in the bowels of DC against his will while agents of the CIA, intent upon learning the secrets of his psychic abilities, use him as a test subject.
Acknowledgements
This book would never have seen the light of day if not for the help and encouragement of Jessica Tate and Vickie Boehnlein. Jessica for being my writing buddy for so many years and pushing me with frequent writing sessions and instant feedback. Without her prodding me, I’d probably spend most of my time surfing the internet or watching television.
Vickie probably doesn’t know it, but if not for her words of encouragement that evening at a mutual friend’s house (Hi Lala!), I probably would never have finished this book. I had let it languish for so many years in order to write Mark Taylor books that I thought I’d never be able to finish this one, so thank you, Vickie!
In addition to Vickie poking me with a sharp stick to get this book done, she was also one of my amazing beta readers. Without them, I don’t know what I would have done, so I’d like to thank them. My other beta readers were Win Johnson, Pam Moore, and Al Kunz. Thank you guys so much!
About the Author
My name is Mary McDonald and I’ve always been an avid reader since as long as I can remember. The day we got our first computer in the early 90s, I vowed I’d write a book one day. I started writing a few years later, and began sharing stories online in various writing forums. After about eight years of that, I finally had an idea for a novel, and that became No Good Deed.
I started writing under M.P. McDonald for my thriller series. You wouldn’t imagine that this part of the book is always the hardest to write, and ironically, playing on Pandora right now is the song, Who Am I, from Les Mis. Fitting. Well, I’m not 24601, that’s for sure. (Les Mis reference, sorry) In addition to being an author, I’m a respiratory therapist and have been working in that profession for twenty-eight years now. I can’t believe it’s been that long. A lot has changed in healthcare, some things good, some bad, but it never gets boring.
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