by C. J. Thomas
“Kelly, this is Alex.” Her voice was frantic. “Kendra was in an accident.”
Pinching my brows, I asked, “Is she all right?
“You need to get to the hospital now. Please. She’s all alone.”
47
Kendra
My eyes opened. Then shut.
I was weak. I didn’t have my usual strength.
The aches in my bones screamed as my body woke. It felt like my chest was being crushed by some invisible weight. My throat scratched and my nose was dry. Haggard, I crossed my eyes and glanced to the tubes stuck up my nose. Where was I?
A masculine hand lightly touched my shoulder.
Through the blaring florescent light, a friendly face appeared. His dark eyes shone above a comforting smile. “Hi, Kendra. My name is Dr. Childs. Do you know where you are?”
The sounds of beeps filled my ears as a tangle of tubes kept me tied to my bed. I tried sitting up but a sharp pain quickly shot up my leg and I fell back, feeling oddly like my father. Closing my eyes, my memory was foggy. “I’m at the hospital,” I said, convinced this was karma’s way of balancing out my decision to not help my parents.
“That’s right. You were brought in by ambulance. Do you remember what happened?”
I struggled to open my eyes. My lids heavy, feeling sedated. Unable to focus, my gaze kept darting around the room. But when I touched my chest, it was enough to spark my memory. Instantly, I remembered having the seatbelt dig into my ribs when I got stuck in traffic on my way to Kelly’s house. Then I remembered the busted picture frames scattered across his floor, Nora and Patrick’s faces, and then… Angel.
I gasped, remembering the urgency I felt when needing to speak with Kelly. “Oh my god. I have to go.”
Dr. Childs pushed my shoulders into the mattress. “You were in a car accident, Kendra.”
My head was in the past. The ringing in my ears wouldn’t stop. I heard people shouting to stop traffic. Sirens wailed. Then I was pulled from the wreckage and loaded into an ambulance. The memory of what happened coming back to me. “Am I all right?”
“You were banged up pretty good. However, your airbag cushioned the blow. It might have saved your life.”
“I need to call my boyfriend.” With each minute that passed, my memory of Angel came back to me like the rush of water.
“The nurses made a call to Ms. Alex Grace.” The doctor paused as if wanting me to respond. I didn’t. “The paramedics found her name in your purse on the way to the hospital. As soon as she arrives, we’ll let you know. We’re going to keep you overnight for monitoring, but I think you’re going to make a full recovery.” His fingers squeezed my shoulder.
“I can’t stay here.”
“Relax. You’re in safe hands,” he said, just as a nurse entered the room.
I watched the nurse whisper something I couldn’t make out into the doctor’s ear. They both turned to look at me and I heard my heart monitor’s beeping increase in speed.
“A Mr. Black is here to see you,” Dr. Childs said.
“Kelly,” I breathed.
It was enough of a response to have the doctor step into the hall and send Kelly inside. I felt my pulse tick up another notch with excitement. Without sitting up, I kept my gaze on the doorway, waiting impatiently to see Kelly. Then he entered and gave me a dimpled smile that could stop my heart.
“Bella, I told you to drive safe,” he teased.
I smirked and touched his arm. His muscles jumped beneath the tips of my fingers. “You’re okay.”
“I’m fine.” He leaned closer. “It’s you I was worried about.”
He kissed me. “How did you know?”
“Alex called me.”
“Of course she did.” I rolled my eyes.
Kelly played with my hair, his face turning somber. “I was afraid that it was worse, like I was reliving the nightmare all over again.”
“I’m alive.” I smiled.
Kelly dipped his head and pressed his lips against my forehead. A wave of heat washed over me. I closed my eyes and soaked up the moment. With him, I was home. “I have Maxwell leading my own investigation into what might have caused your crash.”
“I know what happened,” I said, witnessing Kelly’s paranoia surfacing all over again. “It was Angel.”
Kelly’s eyebrows slanted.
“That’s what I was trying to tell you.” He threaded his fingers through mine. “She was there. At your house.”
“I put you in danger.” Kelly grimaced.
“You didn’t know. It’s not your fault, Kelly. But, listen, she was behind the Mint narrative and she did this to me. She’s coming after you, Kelly. We’re not safe. Not as long as she’s out there.”
Kelly pushed his fingers through my hair. His lips were flat, his eyes unwavering. “This is almost over, I promise.”
I swallowed, wanting to believe he was right. “What about the mayor? Did you meet with him?”
Kelly nodded. “It’s a long story but he’s offered me a position in the DA’s office.”
I tried sitting up. Kelly held out his hand and shook his head. “What?”
A nurse interrupted us. “Sorry, Mr. Black, but I need you to excuse us for a minute. I would like to speak to Kendra privately.”
“Is everything all right?” Kelly asked.
“Please,” the nurse said.
“I don’t want Kelly to leave.” I brought Kelly’s hand to my chest.
The nurse didn’t budge.
“It’s okay.” Kelly glanced to me. “I won’t go far.”
“And you better not leave,” I teased.
“Never.”
48
Kelly
Her stare was enough to get my hard.
Her touch softened my callouses.
The woman could destroy me. Pick me up and shatter my heart in an instant. I loved her. She meant the world to me.
It was impossible not to glance back one last time before leaving. I was afraid of losing her. Terrified of having to navigate the world without her by my side.
Her long wavy hair framed her perfect face. She bit her plump, kissable lips and smiled as the nurse was speaking to her. I knew she wasn’t listening, her gaze still locked on me. My heart beat hard and loud, knowing I would kill for her.
I pressed the tips of my fingers to my lips and blew her a kiss.
Kendra blew one back and I stepped into the hallway while saying a quick prayer, thankful she was alive.
When Alex called, I’d feared the worst. I was reliving what happened to Patrick all over again. I couldn’t get here quick enough. I needed to see her with my own eyes—feel her pulse to believe her heart still beat. I had been so scared that I might lose her.
My feet stopped and I let my face fall into my hand. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I blew out a shaky breath. “Thank you, God.”
The doctor passed. “Don’t worry. She’ll make a full recovery.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
He smiled and kept on walking.
A guttural roar crept up my throat. My blood pumped hot with a need for revenge. Angelina Davis would pay for what she’d done to make Kendra crash. Pulling out my cell phone, I called Wes. “Angel was behind the Mint narrative,” I said as soon as he picked up.
“This won’t go away on its own,” he said.
“Angel has to get arrested.” I told Wes what happened to Kendra.
He had already heard. Adrianna was putting a team together to find Angel. “Even if the cops find her, there is only one way to be sure we’re safe.”
Glancing up the hall, he didn’t have to explain. I knew already. “You spoke with the mayor.”
“Of course I did. He’s on our side. An ally who can be trusted.”
My feet shuffled with uncertainty. “It’s up to me then.”
“There is nobody more qualified then you, Kelly.”
I dropped my gaze to the floor. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I kn
ew you wouldn’t listen.”
It wasn’t like I’d stopped considering working as a prosecutor. It made sense. Switch sides to join a team I could believe in. After all I had been through, it was either that or retire completely, and retiring wasn’t an option. I had to accept the mayor’s proposition. If only to feel like I was sitting on the right side of justice more times than if I continued to practice criminal defense. This was my chance at redemption, at finding peace.
It was time to change course.
And we all needed to ensure that, no matter what secrets were eventually shared, we remained in control of our future. I had to take the mayor’s offer and claim Oscar Buchanan’s desk as my own. Even if that meant winning elections and playing politics to secure my seat. The time was now. The city believed in me, and I believed in her.
“We’ll see what happens,” I said.
“That we shall.”
I ended my call with Wes and walked the hallways with my mind drifting back and forth like the crashing of waves on a rocky shore. I knew what needed to be done—what needed to be said.
“If you are able to orchestrate Angel’s arrest,” I said, finally calling the mayor, “then I’ll accept your offer and come work for you.”
The mayor paused for a moment. Then he said, “My team is already assembled.”
49
Kendra
It was easy to lose interest in my surroundings when Kelly was near.
With him here, my pain had vanished. I held his eyes in mine, and they shone equally as bright. The nurse was speaking to me, but I didn’t hear a word she said. When Kelly blew me a kiss, it felt like I was floating.
Kelly finally disappeared into the hallway and that was when it hit me just how lucky I was to be alive. The memory of the crash was vague, but the severity was clear. My body had the marks to prove it.
The nurse’s voice muffled into sounds I couldn’t make clear.
I continued staring toward the door, hoping Kelly would show his face one last time before leaving me completely alone. Even with him promising to stay near, my life was empty without him. Closing my eyes, I was ready to take the vacation he’d promised.
A soft hand landed on my arm. “Your blood tests came back.”
I opened my eyes and blinked. “Huh?”
“Did you know you were carrying?”
Staring, I shook my head and cleared my throat.
The nurse smiled. “You’re pregnant. Congratulations.”
My vision blurred as I stared. A distant, dull gaze fell over my eyes as I came to terms with what I was being told. “Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
A yearning look fell over my face as I lifted my head and gazed toward my belly. Smoothing the soft part of my hands over my womb, I rubbed my stomach, imagining the child growing inside of me. “I’m going to be a mother.”
The nurse smiled. “Is there anything I can get you?”
I shook my head, a laugh bursting out from deep within. As soon as I was alone, I kept holding my belly, thinking how I got what I’d wished for.
“I love you, baby.” My heart swelled with immense joy. “You’re not going to be too far behind your cousin,” I said, thinking about Alex.
I couldn’t wait to call Alex, tell her the news. Couldn’t wait to see Kelly’s face. I thought about the room he wanted to create for this very little person we didn’t know yet. I was excited to begin making the home we were all going to share.
I cried tears of happiness and rocked my baby to sleep, promising I would always be there for them no matter what. I wasn’t going to be like my parents. No, I would break the chain of neglect and abuse, and bring light to the child’s life.
A knock on the door had my eyelids opening up. “Hey.”
I smiled. “What are you doing here?”
Dr. Hall entered the room and moved to stand next to the bed. “I heard what happened and knew I needed to come see you.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
Dr. Hall’s gaze drifted down my body and stopped at my hands grasping my belly. She tilted her head and gave me a questioning look.
We shared a knowing look. I nodded. Together we laughed.
“Congratulations.” She bent and kissed my forehead.
My lips pulled into a frown. “I tried to make peace with my family. I really did,” I said, afraid to look Dr. Hall in the eye. “They’re not willing to accept that what they did really destroyed me.”
Her fingers closed around my forearm and squeezed.
“I had to walk away.”
She sighed dejectedly.
“I know it wasn’t what you would have wanted, but it was the only way I could fully surrender and let go.”
Dr. Hall held my hand and brought her other to my shoulder. Looking me directly in the eye, she said, “Sometimes letting go is the best option.”
I wanted to hug her. Wished I could. Instead, my cheeks flamed when my eyes lit up with a rush of enthusiasm. “Though, on a lighter note, I think you would be happy to know I finally orgasmed.”
Dr. Hall’s eyes sparkled. “I’m thrilled for you. Really.”
“I hope you’ll still continue to see me.”
“For as long as you’d like.”
“I’m not sure Kelly will join us.”
“Then you have to be there for him.”
“I will,” I said. “We’re talking about taking a vacation. Just the two of us.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
50
Kelly
Two Weeks Later…
Kendra stepped outside and tucked her beautiful hair behind her ear.
I stood and stared, considering my luck. With my hands inside my pants pockets, I asked, “Do you have everything?”
“If I don’t, I’ll have to get it there.”
I took her by the hands and tugged her against my chest. Her eyes swayed with mine. Lowering my lips to hers, my tongue swept into her mouth. She tasted of mint and mild hesitation. Flicking my wrist, I checked the time on my watch. “We better get going. We don’t want to miss our flight.”
Kendra glanced back to the house.
“It will be fine,” I said, reaching for the door to my car.
Assisting Kendra inside the passenger seat, our bags were packed for a week’s vacation to see the fall colors in New England. It was somewhere Kendra had never been, and it was about as far away from LA we could get without having to leave the country. It was perfect.
Hurrying around the hood of the car, I was excited to have a week alone with my woman. We were free to do what we wanted, at whatever pace we pleased.
Taking the key to the ignition, I started the engine.
The speakers filled with radio news. The host was discussing the public protest that resulted when Blake Stone was released. Then, to everyone’s surprise, a day later he had been picked up on federal charges. During this time, Stone had created a fan base of sympathizers protesting his injustice and, though I never mentioned it to Kendra, I had a theory that Angel was somehow the mastermind behind his growing popularity.
“It’s a battle that can’t be won, isn’t it?” Kendra solemnly asked.
It was all part of Drake’s plan, the mayor’s, too. Stone was never going to get off. Even if he was let go on state charges, he would have been picked up on federal. There was always a contingency plan.
I turned to look at Kendra. Turning off the radio, I said, “No, probably not.”
She clasped her fingers on her stomach and glanced down. Angel hadn’t been seen since the day of the accident, but a few leads made me believe we were close.
Backing out of the driveway, I put the car in gear and said, “You look beautiful.”
Kendra reached for my hand and smiled.
Her body healed quickly, just as the doctors had predicted. After her release from the hospital, I’d taken her back to my house where we laid low. With Maxwell’s help, I added additional security the
day we moved in to be sure that we were doing everything to defend ourselves from those who might still be coming after us.
Kendra was quiet as I drove. When I asked about the future, she didn’t care to guess her next move. I never mentioned anything more about wanting to start a family and she never brought it up, either. Instead, I went on with my life, keeping busy with small repairs I’d neglected on the house. We settled into a domestic life and, though the pace was much too slow at first, soon it relaxed me.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’ll be fine once we’re in the air.”
My thumb brushed over her knuckles as she clung to my hand. I had spoiled her with dinners at home and night walks on the beach between making love to her night and day. We were finding our new normal. It was a different kind of excitement I was learning to appreciate.
I turned to Kendra. “There is something I would like to do before we fly.”
“What is it?”
“Do you trust me?”
She rolled her eyes and gave me a look.
I turned my attention forward, deciding not to tell her where I was taking her before we boarded our flight. Her hand went damp and her knee bounced with anticipation. As soon as I turned into the neighborhood, Kendra turned to me. “You recognize where we are?”
She nodded. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
I parked near the cemetery where Patrick was buried. Kendra turned to me with brilliantly round eyes. “I’d like you to finally meet my son.”
Kendra nodded, her lips curling at the corners before we both exited the vehicle.
The grass folded beneath our feet as we walked toward Patrick, holding hands. I liked having her here. She provided me with the strength to not break down.
I slowed my steps when we approached. His headstone stood tall—a small baseball mitt and ball still leaned against the side. We stared silently for several minutes before Kendra picked her head up and said, “I wish I would have known. I would have brought flowers.”
