***
Fiona sat on a hard plastic chair in the furthest corner of the hospital waiting room. She wrapped her arms around her waist but even then she couldn't quit shaking. Cody. Cody. It was as if her mind couldn't let go of his name, as if repeating it endlessly would keep him with her.
She'd reached the ambulance just as they'd loaded the stretcher onto it. There'd been too many paramedics for her to be able to touch Cody but she had been close enough to be frightened by how still and lifeless his body was. Only after they slammed the ambulance's back doors shut did anyone notice she was there. A member of the rodeo committee had offered her a ride to the hospital. She'd nodded dumbly and followed him. He was there now, wearing dusty boots, his hat in his lap, in a chair several rows away. Close enough that she knew he was there but far enough away that she could have her privacy. But she could feel his eyes on her. His pity wrapped itself around her as if it were a blanket draped around her shoulders.
But he wasn't the man she needed with her while she waited for Cody to come out of surgery. Where was Liam? He'd never failed to appear when she needed his counsel. Not ever. Did that mean that there wasn't anything that they could do? No. No. That wasn't it. That couldn't be true. She wouldn't let it be true.
She closed her eyes and immediately saw a vision of Cody standing in the rodeo arena. His clean, crisp white shirt was in sharp contrast to the dirt and dust around him. He was looking at her, a telling smile on his face. He tipped his hat in her direction right before he touched his heart. And then he faded away.
Chapter Twelve
So this was hell.
Fiona hadn't expected there to be fluorescent lights, but then she hadn't really ever put too much thought into it. She was a fairy godmother. Her specialty was wish fulfillment, making dreams come true, not watching nightmares come to life.
And yet, here she was, on the front line of hopelessness.
"Ms. Cantrell?" The doctor's voice pierced through the distraction that fogged her mind. "You're waiting for news about Cody Proctor?"
She nodded. His expression held more sympathy than she could bear. She wanted to see relief in his eyes, but there wasn't any.
"Are you here alone?"
She could only stare at him. It was too hard to talk. Even nodding was an effort too great to make.
"Actually, she's not alone. I'm waiting with her."
Startled, she turned around. It was Tessa. She was dressed in a black pinstripe suit and skirt more suitable for the boardroom than the waiting room. "Tessa, what are you doing here?"
"Obviously, I'm here to wait with you. There are also vultures circling and I'll take care of them in a minute. But first let's hear what the doctor has to say." She put a hand under Fiona's elbow and turned her around to face him.
Fiona never would have thought she'd be grateful to see Liam's wife but she felt a sudden surge of strength. "When can I see Cody?"
The doctor ran a hand over his tired face. "First things first. The patient made it through surgery."
The way he proclaimed this as news rather than a given sent a chill straight through Fiona. It's likely her knees would have given out from under her if Tessa hadn't literally been holding her up.
"What happens next?" Tessa asked, her voice crisp and detached. "What do we need to know?"
"Let's have a seat." He led them over to a semi-private seating area. "Look, I'll be very clear with you that we didn't expect the patient to survive surgery. He's suffered extensive internal bleeding, not to mention several broken bones. Our main concern, however, is twofold." He paused.
"Tell me," Fiona said.
He nodded. "Okay, the chance of paralysis is extremely high."
"And?"
"We're going to have to wait to give you a definitive diagnosis, but you need to understand that your friend has suffered a traumatic brain injury." He looked between the two women as if to assess their ability to read between the lines. "Frankly, from the blows he received to his head, I can't imagine that he will be the same man you knew if he wakes up."
If. If. If. Those two letters ripped through Fiona like a hot knife. She uttered a small cry and sagged against Tessa.
"I'm sorry." He stood. "We'll keep you updated as often as we can but it's going to be touch and go for quite awhile. We can talk in much greater detail after we've done more tests and after you've had a chance to digest this."
Fiona didn't even try to hide her despair. She let Tessa envelop her into a hug while she cried. Sobbed. Despaired. She didn't know where the line was between anything any longer.
After Fiona cried all the tears she was able, Tessa wiped her face with a tissue. "Let's get you cleaned up so you can get in there to see your cowboy."
"We forgot to ask if I could see him," she protested.
Tessa lifted one eyebrow. "I didn't forget. We didn't ask because we'll do what we want. You do want to see Cody, don't you?"
Fiona nodded.
Tessa's voice was unusually gentle. "Are you prepared for what you're going to see?"
"I can handle it."
Tessa smiled her approval. "Good girl. Now, go wash your face and compose yourself while I scope out the nurse's station. Unfortunately, my magic is useless to help Cody but I can at least guarantee that no one will bother you."
Fiona stood and held her purse against her chest. "But my magic will work, won't it? Did Liam say anything?"
Tessa stood and laid a hand on her shoulder. "He said there were no guarantees but you could try and see if you could perhaps alleviate a little suffering."
Try? That was it? Try? She closed her eyes.
Tessa snapped her fingers in front of Fiona's face.
Fiona's eyes flew open.
"You need to be strong for Cody. It's what you do when you love someone." She gave Fiona a gentle push toward the ladies room. "I want you back here within three minutes and I expect you to be a warrior. Now go."
And so Fiona went. She leaned over the sink and splashed cold water on her face several times. After she'd blotted her face with a paper towel, she stared at her reflection. It was hard to recognize herself, she looked like a frightened shell of the woman she'd been twenty-four hours ago. She heard Tessa's words in her mind. Be a warrior. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. She could do this. She could be strong. For Cody.
***
When she came out of the ladies room, Fiona stopped short. Tessa was in the midst of what appeared to be a heated discussion with two men. Based on their attire, she doubted they were doctors or hospital administrators. Although they wore business suits, they also wore boots and bolo ties. They also carried brief cases. Tessa also carried one now. Fiona frowned. What was going on?
"Ah, there she is now." Tessa waved for her to join them. "Ms. Cantrell, I've tried to tell these gentlemen that you and I are already in negotiations regarding Cody Proctor's next contract." Her gaze was pointed and intense. "Perhaps you could confirm that so we can get back to our business."
What on earth was going on? Something was, but her mind was so numb with worry that she couldn't put two and two together. Fiona joined the group. "What's going on here?"
Tessa spoke first. "These two gentlemen claim they had a meeting with your client."
Her client? Was she talking about Cody? And then it dawned on her what Tessa wanted her to understand. These were the vultures. Fiona met Tessa's gaze and nodded imperceptibly. She would follow Tessa's lead because it was obvious that she had an agenda.
"I don't think this is the right time." Fiona looked from one man to the other. "Or the right place to discuss business."
The taller of the two men cleared his throat. "We actually came to express our condolences."
Fiona bristled. Her look must have expressed her outrage because the second man quickly tried to cover for his associate.
"What we actually came to do was express our concern for Mr. Proctor's welfare. We witnessed the beating that he took and wanted to wish him w
ell during his recovery."
Fiona was grateful that Tessa jumped right in.
"What these two gentlemen are trying to say is that they want to release Mr. Proctor from any responsibility to their company." Tessa reached into her briefcase and pulled out a folder. "Which gives me the floor. We're prepared to make a very generous offer to your client now that their offer is off the table."
"What company did you say you represented?" the first man asked.
Tessa raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say. My business isn't with you, it's with Ms. Cantrell. So, if you two would excuse us please?"
Neither man moved. "Have you spoken with Mr. Proctor's physicians?" one asked.
"Just a moment," Tessa interjected. "You can't come in here with the intent to drop Mr. Proctor from your list of potential endorsement clients and then try to muscle in on my deal." She handed the folder to Fiona. "I'll wait while you take a look at our offer."
"Now?" Fiona asked. Surely Tessa didn't expect her to stay out here and play along with whatever was going on. She wanted to see Cody.
"Absolutely," Tessa said. "After what happened today, your client is going to be considered a rodeo hero. I mean, after what that horse did to him, it's going to seem like a miracle when he rides back into that arena later in the season. Mr. Proctor is going to represent the epitome of true grit and the American spirit." She smiled at the men who considered her to be their competition. "But I've said enough. If you couldn't get here fast enough to hear what the doctors said, well, that's your loss, isn't it?" She pointed to the folder that Fiona held. "Go ahead, take a look at that now. I want to ink a deal today."
Fiona opened the folder and gasped at the amount of money she saw on the bottom line.
Her reaction spurred the two men into action.
"Now, hold on a moment, Ms. Cantrell. We expressed an interest in signing a contract with Mr. Proctor many weeks ago. I feel that it's only fair that you consider our offer first."
"But are you prepared to sign a contract today?" Tessa demanded. "Because I am."
"Of course, we are." One of the men took a folder from his briefcase and held it out to Fiona. "We'll accept your verbal agreement with a hand shake today."
Wearying of continuing the charade, Fiona forced herself to keep her heartbreak from showing. She opened the folder and a quick glance told her just why Cody had been so intent on scoring a win today. She closed the folder and held out her hand to each of the men in turn. It took a herculean effort but she acted the part of Cody's business manager for the few minutes they loitered in the waiting area.
As soon as the elevator doors closed behind them, she sank into a chair. "Oh, Tessa, I can't think anymore." She buried her head in her hands. It wasn't time to cry now. If she gave in to the sobs that threatened to engulf her she wouldn't be able to stop.
"They're gone now."
Fiona turned to look at her.
"It's unfortunate that we had to waste time doing that," Tessa said. "But it was necessary in order to protect Cody's interests."
Fiona nodded. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. There's precious little I can do to be of true help."
"You're here."
The words hung between them for several long moments.
"Go on, Fiona. Go in and see Cody. I'll make sure that the coast stays clear."
Chapter Thirteen
When Fiona pushed open the door to the ICU unit she immediately saw that Tessa had been true to her word. There wasn't a nurse in sight. As if by instinct, she was drawn to the room where they'd taken Cody. Between the bandages and the tubing attached to him, he was virtually unrecognizable. The room was cold, clinical, and filled with machines that made frightening noises as they worked to keep Cody alive.
She closed her eyes against the stillness that surrounded her. Hadn't the day started with blue skies and sunshine? Laughter and anticipation? Hopes, dreams, and togetherness?
She approached the bed. A silent sob tore through her when she reached Cody's side. His form was lifeless, his eyes closed, his dark eyelashes the only color on his bandaged face. With a tentative hand she reached out to touch a small part of his hand that wasn't bandaged. She stroked his skin as gently as a butterfly might land on a rose.
"I'm here, Cody." She wiped away the tears that streamed freely down her face with her free hand. "I need you to hold on. Don't let go. We need you." She took a deep shuddering breath. "I need you."
'Be a warrior', Tessa's words echoed in her mind.
It was time for battle.
Fiona set her purse on a chair and dug through it until her fingers closed around her wand. A quick measurement told her what she already knew, there wasn't enough glitter to begin to heal Cody but she had to try something. How much time she had was completely dependent on how long Tessa's magic held out. But how to start? Where to start? According to what the doctor had said, Cody likely faced both paralysis and brain damage. It was the ultimate impossible choice. Did she try to heal his body or his mind? Cody was young and strong, and his livelihood came from riding. But that was only because of his keen intelligence and his choices as to how to live his life. She thought of the joy in his eyes when he talked about riding. She blew out a long breath and then inhaled, seeking courage and guidance.
She would start with his spirit.
***
A tiny ray of light pierced through the darkness. Cody wanted to turn toward it, to exchange the cold for the warmth, but he was unable to move. However, he was able to feel. He felt fear. Dread. And a desperate longing to break out of the blackness that he was submerged in. For all that he was worth, with all the strength he had, he struggled to focus on the sliver of light.
***
Fiona slipped out of the ICU unit and into the hallway. She looked around but Tessa was nowhere in sight.
But her husband was.
"Liam." Fiona sank into the nearest chair, too relieved to cross the room to where he stood. He was here. That had to be a positive sign. Didn't it? "You came," she said, when he sat beside her.
He nodded. "Tessa's with the boys." He attempted a half-hearted smile. "I think they've just met their match."
"Are they okay?"
"They will be. Children have a remarkable way of reframing events with enough guidance from caring adults."
Fiona recognized the fairy godparent doublespeak for what it was, an admission that he'd done his best to alter their memories so they'd avoid the traumatic memory of what they'd witnessed today. There was much good that fairy godparents could do, but there were limitations. "I feel so powerless."
"Fiona," he said, his voice gentle, "We're not angels. Our powers are limited to granting wishes."
"Don't talk to me about limitations, Liam Kennedy. And don't you dare try to prepare me for the worst because it's already happened." She grabbed ahold of his arm. "I need more gold glitter."
"You used everything you needed for London?"
"Forget London. That means nothing to me. I'm not going and I don't care about it." Her eyes pleaded with him to understand. "I need more glitter and I need you to get it for me. I'm begging you." She'd beg, she'd borrow, and she'd certainly steal. She'd do anything. "I know it will work, if I could just get enough. I felt Cody react to it."
Liam's eyes widened. "He responded?"
"No, not the way you're thinking. But his skin immediately absorbed the gold the second I applied it. That's a good sign, right?"
He remained silent.
"Look, Liam, I don't have time to be diplomatic about this. I need every single speck of glitter you can get for me. I will do anything, pay any price, for it. There's nothing I won't give to bring Cody back to us." She decided it was time to drive her point home. "You would do it for Tessa."
"You love him that much?"
She nodded, unable to speak. There were no words.
Liam stood and began to pace the length of the waiting area. It took every ounce of self control for her to sit quietly.
She nodded.
"There's only one way that you can get enough to possibly reach Cody."
"I'll do anything," she repeated.
"I can't believe it's come to this." He shook his head. "I don't even want to say it out loud."
"Tell me."
He stood and drew her to her feet. He held her hands in his. "Your only option is to request a one-time disbursement of gold glitter. You know what that means?"
Her mind raced to process his words. "It means that I'd no longer be a fairy godmother."
He nodded. "It's not a decision you should make in haste."
"I want to do it." She didn't need time to think. "Now."
The silence in the waiting area surrounded them while they both waited for the other to speak. But Fiona wasn't going to back down. Or change her mind. She was ready to give up everything.
"There's one more thing you have to know before I can, in good conscience, let you go through with this." He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "There were angels at the rodeo."
Fiona ignored the tears that pricked the back of her eyes. "They weren't there for Cody." She shook her head. "Somebody else, but not him."
"He has to want to come back."
"He does."
Liam eyes were sad. "You're completely certain you're ready? This is an irrevocable decision."
She squared her shoulders. "We're wasting precious time."
"I'll go then." Liam drew her close and hugged her for a long moment before he reached into his pocket and handed her a vial of gold glitter. "I'll send more as I get it. I'd suggest you make yourself invisible because the mortals won't let you stay with him around the clock."
Magic Wand Ranch Page 8
