To Love, Honor, and Perish

by Christy Barritt

  “Hollow books?” I let out an airy laugh. “I’d forgotten about those. I gave them to Riley as a joke.”

  She swallowed, though her throat looked tight and uncomfortable. “He had put his Power of Attorney documents in the book, Gabby.”

  I tensed. “Oh?” That was all I could say. I didn’t want to ask any more questions.

  Mary Lou nodded. “What his parents have been telling you is true, Gabby. His dad has durable Power of Attorney over him.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  I thought tears would wet my eyes again. But maybe my tears had dried up. I nodded. “Okay. If that’s what Riley wanted. I can’t exactly argue with his written words, can I?”

  “There’s one other thing I thought you should know. His parents, and Riley’s doctor, decided to take Riley out of his medically induced coma before transferring him.”

  “When?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. Today originally. I’m not sure if anything has changed or not.”

  “I’ve got to get to the hospital, Mary Lou.”

  She nodded. “I thought you’d say that. Do you want me to send the doctor in so you can plead your case?”

  “Plead my case? No, I’m checking myself out.”

  ***

  An hour later, I sat in a wheelchair in the entry to the hospital where Riley was a patient. It had taken a lot of talking and insisting and threatening, but they’d finally discharged me. I was achy, dehydrated, battling chills, and even though I’d cleaned up, I still smelled like the swamp.

  But I was here.

  I’d brought my entourage with me. Teddi and my dad. Chad and Sierra. Mary Lou. Even Parker had shown up.

  But I knew when I went into Riley’s room, I’d be without any of them. No, I’d have to face Riley’s parents, knowing they’d been right. Feeling like they were making a bad choice, but being powerless to stop them.

  Plus, my own partiality was getting in my way. Not in my investigations, but in my decisions. My bias told me what was best for Riley was staying here. But that hospital up near D.C. did have a great brain injury staff. I’d still fight against Dr. Moreno. But I had to let go of what was best for me or what was best for Riley’s parents, and I had to think about what was best for Riley.

  Even if it killed me to do it.

  Apparently, my doctor had called this hospital and explained things to them. I had to promise I would let them admit me here when I discharged myself at the other hospital. Doctors still needed to monitor me or something. I didn’t even care at the moment. I only cared about seeing Riley.

  I waved bye to my friends, grateful that they’d all come out to show their support, especially since I had pushed most of them away. I hadn’t really meant to. I was just trying to process everything.

  My dad squeezed my hand. “I love you, Gabby.”

  I nodded toward him. “Thanks, Dad.”

  I had nothing to say as the nurse pushed me down the hallway, onto the elevator, and up three levels. My anxiety seemed to grow with every minute.

  I met Riley’s mom and dad at the door to the ICU. To their credit, they didn’t flinch when they saw me. In fact, Evelyn gave me a quick hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were so worried.”

  “She’s right. We’ve had enough excitement lately to last a lifetime.” He leaned closer. “And, between you and me, I’m glad you got your guy, Gabby. My soul can rest now that I know the person who did this to Riley won’t be hurting anyone else. Especially not my Evelyn.”

  I was pretty sure that was the first compliment Riley’s dad had ever given me. I’d take it. “Thank you.”

  I glanced at my hands before meeting Mr. Thomas’ gaze again. “Look, I really need to say that I’m sorry for the way I acted. There were better ways I could have handled things, and better ways I could have treated you. I’m definitely a work in progress, and sometimes I feel like I fail more than I succeed, especially when I let my emotions get in the way. Please accept my apology.”

  Riley’s parents both hugged me.

  “Of course we do,” Evelyn whispered. “Forgive us for not consulting with you more before we made our announcement. There’s room for forgiveness all the way around. We know you love our son.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered.

  We all exchanged glances.

  “We can reschedule this,” Mr. Thomas said.

  I shook my head. “No, I’m here now.”

  “You sure you’re ready for this?” Mr. Thomas watched me carefully before his gaze flicked up to his wife.

  Evelyn and I nodded slowly. I felt so uncertain, yet hopeful, yet fearful. Emotions were rarely as easy and simple as I’d like them to be.

  Together we went into Riley’s room. They’d already taken him off the ventilator and he was breathing on his own. That was a good sign.

  As I watched Riley’s chest rise and fall, I realized there were no words for the moment. Nothing anyone said could make me feel better or worse. I just wanted to get this over with.

  The doctor stepped in. He flinched when he saw me, but quickly gained his composure. “No one can predict how this will go,” he started. “We’ve seen some positive progress. I think taking him out of this coma before he’s transferred is the best idea. I think he’s ready. We just don’t know exactly what to expect.”

  The reality remained that Milton Jones had ripped too many lives apart. Innocent people had suffered. In fact, this world was filled with suffering; no one could escape its clutch, it seemed.

  And, all of that, had brought us to this moment.

  Despite the bandage on my hand and how my palm ached every time I moved it, I grabbed Riley’s hand as the doctor walked to the other side of the bed. I was surprised when Riley’s mom reached down and grabbed my other hand.

  Tears glistened in her eyes. This was hard for them. I could tell that it was. If anyone understood the enormity of this moment, it was Riley’s parents. Maybe I should have given them the benefit of the doubt a little more.

  The doctor told us what he was going to do. How he’d unplug the machines. How he’d disconnect Riley from the medical equipment keeping him in this comatose state. And then we’d all wait and see.

  I braced myself. Lord, watch over him. Help him to come out of this.

  Was it selfish to want him to be like he was? To pray that he could still walk and talk and do what he used to? I mean, on one hand, I was happy he was just alive. Maybe I was praying for too much.

  That didn’t change my prayers, though.

  The doctor adjusted something on Riley’s IV. Probably the medication they’d used to sedate him. “It will take a few minutes for this to wear off.”

  I held his hand. I waited. I watched for a sign that he’d be okay. For him to open his eyes.

  I don’t know what I was expecting. I knew he wouldn’t instantly sit up and return to normal.

  But the minutes just dragged on and there were no changes. No signs of hope.

  An hour later, the doctor announced, “He doesn’t appear ready to come out of his coma yet. We have to give him time.”

  A tear rolled down Evelyn’s cheek. Ron hung his head down toward his chest. I’m not sure what I was doing, until I realized I’d laid my cheek against Riley’s hand.

  Did this mean he was in a coma? Not a medically induced one this time? Was I jumping to conclusions too early?

  “Riley, you’re still in there, right?”

  “His brain still has significant function,” the doctor said. “If he had brain death, we would have recommended taking him off this medical equipment much sooner. We just have to give it time.”

  I remembered the vows Riley had written for me. I raised my head and began to hum, “If I Loved You.”

  Riley’s mom and dad looked at each other like I was crazy. I didn’t care. I continued to hum until my hum turned into soft singing. I continued to sing softly until my soft singing turned into louder singing.

&
nbsp; Tears wet my cheeks, but I continued. I didn’t care how crazy I looked or sounded.

  I just wanted Riley to hear me.

  As I finished the last note, my voice cracking, I lowered my forehead back down to his hand.

  When this was over, the nurses were going to bypass my regular room and take me up to the psych ward instead.

  “Gabby?” Evelyn asked.

  Slowly, I raised my head. “I just love him. I do.”

  Just then, I felt pressure on my hand. My gaze darted down to where my hand met Riley’s.

  I felt it again.

  A squeeze.

  Riley squeezed my hand!

  “What is it?” Evelyn asked.

  “He’s responding. He’s responding!”

  Who would have ever thought something so little, something as small as a squeeze of the hand, could bring so much joy?

  But, that motion had brought me hope.

  And sometimes hope was all a girl had to hold on to.

  ***

  Two weeks later, my body was still healing. I had bruised ribs and a sprained ankle. But I was at home, busy with paperwork for Trauma Care. I did what I could on the job sites, but Clarice was continuing to fill in for me.

  My cellphone rang. I saw the number and recognized the first three digits as the hospital’s. I braced myself for this call.

  “This is Gabby.”

  “Gabby, it’s Evelyn.” Her voice sounded charged.

  “What’s going on?”

  “You’ve got to come down to the hospital now. Riley woke up. Please, come now!”

  I nearly fell over myself as I hurried to the hospital. I was breathless by the time I reached his room. His parents stood at his bedside when I walked in. A new light glimmered in their eyes.

  I paused, my heart in my throat when I looked at Riley. He was sitting up in bed, his eyes fastened on me. He looked pale and swollen and bandaged. But he was awake!

  I took a step closer, unsure what to say, how to act. I’d dreamed about this moment, but now that it was here, I tried to be cautious.

  I swallowed, licked my lips, and then grabbed his hand.

  “Hey, Riley,” I told him softly.

  I resisted the urge to throw myself in his arms and sob about how much I loved him and missed him.

  He peered at me, a blank look in his eyes. “Do I know you?”

  I gasped. Looked at his parents a moment. They had strange expressions—concern and . . . something else.

  Why hadn’t they told me he couldn’t remember me? Why would they withhold news like that? I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

  “Riley Thomas,” I heard Evelyn mutter. Was that reprimand in her voice?

  A wide smile spread across Riley’s face as his gaze met mine. “Just kidding.”

  My head snapped back toward him in a double take. I couldn’t have just heard him right. What was going on here? “What?”

  He smiled again and squeezed my hand. “I’m just kidding. Of course I know who you are. Gabby. My fiancée. The love of my life.”

  I nearly melted with relief. My hand went over my heart. Emotions ping-ponged inside me. Irritation. Relief. Love. Hope. Aggravation.

  I narrowed my eyes at Riley, making sure I kept my tone light. “I . . . you . . . that wasn’t funny.”

  He grinned again. “I couldn’t resist.”

  I sat beside him and ran my fingers across his cheek. “Be glad you just came out of a coma, or you’d be in big trouble right now.”

  “It’s good to see you, Gabby.” His smile faded. “You’re okay, right?”

  “Why would you think otherwise?”

  He faltered. “Because . . .”

  His eyes went from my bruised jaw to my busted lip to my black eye. “Yes?”

  “You look wonderful, yet not that great.”

  “Have you taken a look at yourself yet?” I teased.

  “I don’t want to see. For a long time.” He squeezed my hand. “My parents were telling me about everything you did for me. Thank you.”

  “It’s nothing you wouldn’t have done for me. And your parents were pretty great. I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other better.” And we had. We’d had dinner together several times and didn’t have a single disagreement. I was so thankful we’d moved beyond our differences.

  “I’ve talked with my doctor, and I’ve decided to stay here for my recovery.” He glanced at his parents. “My mom and dad said they understand.”

  Relief nearly crushed my heart and broke me into a million pieces. Which was weird considering my spirit soared higher than it had in a long time. The relief was just so strong that it felt palpable. “I like that decision.”

  He pulled my hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I love you, Gabby.”

  Joy spread through me. “I love you too, Riley. Welcome back. I’ve missed you more than you imagine.”

  ###

  Don’t Miss These Other Books in the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series:

  #1 Hazardous Duty

  She always wanted to be a forensic pathologist. But when circumstances force her to drop out of school, Gabby St. Claire starts a crime-scene cleaning business. Suddenly a routine job turns up a murder weapon, and Gabby and her neighbor Riley realize that the wrong man is behind bars! Will they catch the real killer?

  #2 Suspicious Minds

  Rock and roll may never die, but the King is definitely dead . . . again.

  In this smart and suspenseful sequel to Hazardous Duty, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire finds herself stuck doing mold remediation to pay the bills. But her first day on the job, she uncovers a surprise in the crawlspace of a dilapidated home: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this?

  #2.5 It Came Upon a Midnight Crime

  Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday? Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.

  #3 Organized Grime

  Gabby St. Claire knows how to clean up scum. She can get blood out of carpet, pick shattered bones from plaster, and clean up other less-than-enticing fluids from nearly any surface. St. Claire also knows how to clean up another kind of scum— the scum of the earth. Crime scene cleaner and wannabe forensic investigator Gabby St. Claire knows her best friend, Sierra, isn’t guilty of killing three people in what appears to be an ecoterrorist attack. But Sierra has disappeared, her only contact a frantic phone call. Crime scene evidence Gabby discovers while cleaning tie seemingly random murders together—and point to Sierra as the guilty party. Just what has her animal-loving friend gotten herself into? If that’s not disturbing enough, who’s the person following Gabby? A federal agent who hopes Gabby will lead him to Sierra? Or someone with more sinister plans? To find Sierra and prove her innocence, Gabby will have to rely on all of her training and abilities, plus the help of a man she loves and the protection of a God she’s only recently begun to believe in.

  #4 Dirty Deeds

  “Promise me one thing. No snooping. Just for one week.”

  Gabby St. Claire knows that her fiancé’s request is a simple one that she should be able to honor. After all, Riley’s law school reunion and attorneys’ conference at a hoity-toity resort is a chance for them to get away from the mysteries Gabby often finds herself involved in as a crime scene cleaner. The weeklong trip is a chance for them to be “normal,” a word that leaves a bad taste in Gabby’s mouth.

  But Gabby finds herself alone for endless hours while Riley is busy with legal workshops. Then one of Riley’
s old friends goes missing, and Gabby suspects one of Riley’s buddies might be behind the disappearance. When the missing woman’s mom asks Gabby for help, how can she say no?

  Secrets abound. Gabby even has some of her own. When the dirty truth comes out, the revelations put everything in jeopardy—relationships, trusts, and even lives.

  #5 The Scum of All Fears

  “I’ll get out, and I’ll get even.”

  Gabby St. Claire is back to crime-scene cleaning, at least temporarily. With her business partner on his honeymoon, she needs help after a weekend killing spree fills up her work docket. She quickly realizes she has bigger problems than finding temporary help.

  A serial killer her fiancé, a former prosecutor, put behind bars has escaped. His last words to Riley were: I’ll get out, and I’ll get even. Pictures of Gabby are found in the man’s prison cell, and Riley fears the sadistic madman has Gabby in his sights.

  Gabby tells herself there’s no way the Scum River Killer will make it across the country from California to Virginia without being caught. But then messages are left for Gabby at crime scenes, and someone keeps slipping in and out of her apartment.

  When Gabby’s temporary assistant disappears, Gabby must figure out who’s behind these crimes. The search for answers becomes darker when Gabby realizes she’s dealing with a criminal who’s more than evil. He’s truly the scum of the earth, and he’ll do anything to make Gabby and Riley’s lives a living nightmare.

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  You haven’t seen desperate until you’ve met Laura Berry, a career-oriented city slicker turned suburbanite housewife. Well-trained in the big city commandment, “mind your own business,” Laura is persuaded by her spunky 70-year-old neighbor Babe to check on another neighbor who hasn’t been seen in days. She finds her neighbor, Candace Flynn, wife of the infamous “Couch King,” dead, and at last has a reason to get up in the morning in suburbia: murder. Someone’s determined to stop her from digging deeper into the death of her neighbor, but Laura is just as determined to figure out who’s behind the death-by-poisoned-pork-rinds.