“You barely know me Cal?” I argued.
“You’re right, but I know enough to know we could really have something great. I’m with you Jack, at the hospital and through whatever comes next. We’re in it all together now if you want us to be?” I had to smile. This man was amazing, and I was falling for him as a teenager fell for his first love, head over heels and so damned fast.
“I want us to be Cal. I think we could have something great too.” I agreed. He leant in and we kissed, just a brief passing of our lips really, both knowing it wasn’t the time for more, but enough to set my racing mind at ease for that moment.
“Come on, let’s get inside.” Cal said as he pulled away with a huge smile on his face. I was so grateful to have him with me. He made me feel calmer when he wrapped his arm around me as he did when we headed in. As soon as we got through the doors of the ER I started running, just needing to know Rob was still hanging on. Finally I saw Matt ahead.
“How is he?” I called as I ran up behind him stood at the nurse’s station. He turned to look at me and I saw the worry on his face.
“Still in the OR. He coded a few minutes ago, but they managed to get him back.” His heart had stopped! That was a bad sign. Come on Rob, I thought, don’t you dare fucking die!
“Have you got his notes up?” I asked as I pointed to the tablet Matt held. He nodded and handed it to me. I flicked through the rough notes on Robs injuries, his surgery so far and the list of drugs he had already been given. It was clear he was fighting, but there was a lot of damage and I knew then why Matt looked and sounded so worried. There was a good chance we were going to lose Rob that night.
“Where’s Lucy?” I asked as I handed the tablet back to Matt.
“In curtain three. She knows we knew about Phil and she’s really pissed off. She threw me out hours ago!” Matt explained.
“Jesus Matt. This whole situation is so fucked up! Have the police been by yet?”
“Yeah. I gave a statement of what I knew, but I told them Lucy was in shock and they’d have to wait to speak to her.”
“Good. It’s the last thing she needs right now.” I agreed. “Did you say anything about the hotel?”
“No. I wasn’t sure what Rob wanted them to know, so I left that out.” I nodded. He was probably right. It wasn’t like the cops could so much about it. If Rob’s guys couldn’t track Phil, they had no chance.
“Maybe I should try talking to Lucy?” I suggested.
“I wouldn’t if I were you Jack. She’s really peed off with us. I’ve been in a couple of times with updates on Rob and she won’t speak to me.”
“We can’t just leave her in there alone.” I sighed.
“Why don’t I try talking to her?” Cal offered. I turned to him and felt terrible. I had completely ignored him since we walked in.
“Sorry, I should have introduced you guys. Matt, this is Cal. Matt is Lucy’s brother.” I explained as I turned to Cal.
“Good to meet you man.” Cal said as he stepped forward to shake Matt’s hand.
“Likewise.” Matt replied with a smile. “You think you can get through to my stubborn sister?”
“Probably not, but I could give it a try.” Cal said with a smile.
“It can’t do any harm.” I agreed. Cal nodded and headed into the cubicle Matt pointed to. Please Rob, please just hang the fuck on!
LUCY
Rob was still holding steady. That’s what Matt had said last time he came in to update me. He was fighting to come back to me, and I tried desperately to cling to that thought. I was still sat where Matt had left me, my head buried into my now tingling knees. The tears were still flowing, and I wondered how long a person could actually continue to cry for.
“Lucy?” I heard the curtain open and close, but I didn’t recognise the voice. I looked up a little and was surprised to find Cal stood at the foot of the bed. He looked so handsome, all dressed up, not a hair out of place.
“Cal? What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice rough from the hours of crying.
“I came with Jack. We were on a date when your brother called him.” Cal explained. He sat on the edge of the bed right beside me. “How are you doing?”
“I’m so scared Cal,” I whispered as the tears began again. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me in tight against his side. I put my head on his chest and cried harder than I had yet.
“Matt said he’s still holding strong in that OR Lucy. You can’t give up hope.”
“I’m in love with him Cal. I can’t lose him before we get a chance to even make a go of things. It’s just not fair.” My voice was muffled as I spoke into his shirt.
“Then don’t accept it Lucy. Get up and stand firm. Fight side by side with Rob and tell the powers that be you won’t allow them to take him from you. He is fighting in there, maybe he needs you to fight for him too?” Cal said firmly and suddenly I saw things so differently. He was so right. I was sat there in defeat, giving up before I had even lost him. I needed to get it together and be Rob’s strength. I took a deep breath and tried to rein in my tears a little.
“You really think that’s true Cal?”
“I do honey. And I also think you have to stop blaming Matt and Jack. I agree, they should have told you this whack job was in town. I think you had a right to know, but they only did what they did to protect you and you can’t hold that against them. They may have made a mistake, but only because they love you.” Wow, he was clearly a voice of reason.
“I know Cal. I was just mad.”
“And now it’s time to stop being mad and get it together. Rob needs you.”
“You’re right Cal.” I agreed as I wiped away my tears.
“Of course I am!” He said with a grin, making me smile a little. “Now, how about we find a bathroom and get you cleaned up a little, ok?” I agreed and allowed Cal to help me stand on very shaky, dead legs. He wrapped his arm tightly around me and supported me as we moved out of the cubicle. I saw Jack and Matt stood just outside and I forced a tiny smile. They both smiled back.
“We’re just going to get her cleaned up. Bathroom?” Cal called to them. Matt pointed down the corridor to a disabled toilet and we headed that way. I sat down on the closed toilet and Cal used paper towels to clean the blood from my arms and my face where I had streaked it when wiping my eyes.
“This hand’s swollen honey?” Cal questioned as he wiped the hand I’d punched Alec with.
“Yeah, I hit one of Rob’s security guys when he tried to stop me getting to Rob. It’s ok, it barely hurts now.”
“You punched the guy Rob sent to protect you?” Cal asked with a grin.
“Ron had been shot! I had to get to him!” I defended indignantly.
“I see.” He laughed again as he studied my bruised hand. “We’ll get you some ice when we get out there. It will help with the swelling and bruising.”
When Cal was done cleaning me up I stood and looked in the mirror over the sink, My hair was wild and half out of the tie, so I pulled it out and re-did it, so it was neater. Cal took off his blazer and the shirt he wore underneath. I was relieved to see he had a t-shirt under that because I didn’t want to literally take the shirt off his back. He handed it to me, and I changed from my blood covered camisole, into it. It drowned me and I had to turn the cuffs up a lot to find my hands, but it was clean, and I looked a lot more presentable.
“Feel better Hun?” Cal asked as he pulled his blazer back on over his t-shirt. He still looked good, even without his shirt. Jack was lucky to have found such a kind, wise and good-looking guy.
“A lot. Thank you.” I whispered. My throat was very raw from all the crying, but I did feel more collected once I wasn’t covered in Rob’s blood. “Let’s go find out how he’s doing.” I took Cal’s hand and we made our way out to the guys.
“Are you ok Darling?” Matt asked as I approached him.
“Better. I’m sorry I shouted at you Matt. I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s ok Lucy.”
“Have you had any updates?” I asked.
“They’re closing him up now. They managed to stop all the bleeding. He should be out of surgery in the next half an hour and then he’ll be taken to intensive care.”
“And he’ll be ok then?” I asked hopefully.
“He’s still in critical condition. If he makes it through the next twenty-four hours then we should be out of the woods.” I took a deep breath. Twenty-four hours, that’s all Rob. Come on, you can do this, I thought to myself. Please hold on for us Robert Shepard!
“Will I be able to see him when he gets out of surgery?”
“Of course Darling. I’ll take you up to him as soon as I can.” Matt agreed.
“Why don’t me, you and Cal go and sit in the waiting room until Rob’s settled?” Jack suggested. I agreed because I knew my trembling legs weren’t going to hold me up for much longer. I was exhausted. Cal wrapped his arm around me again and I leant back into his hold, grateful for the relief. We walked down the corridor and I took a seat in an empty waiting room with Cal and Jack either side of me. I sat thinking about what a mess everything was, all because I’d been stupid enough to marry a monster!
“Lucy, you should try and close your eyes for a while sweet. You’re wiped out.” Jack suggested.
“It was him, wasn’t it?” I asked as the realisation hit me.
“What sweet?”
“At the hotel, the other night. He paid that guy to drug me and get me to the room, then Phil…..it was him, that hurt me wasn’t it?” I felt ill at the thought that bastard has once again got his hands on me and I’d just taken it.
“We should talk about this later.” Jack suggested, but there was no way he was putting me off. I wanted the truth.
“Just tell me Jack!” I barked. Jack took my hand and squeezed it before he spoke.
“Yeah sweet, I’m sorry. Rob watched the surveillance footage at the hotel. Phil walked into the room where that guy took you. He was in there a few hours, then slipped out before you woke up.”
“Oh God!” I cried as yet more tears escaped. “He raped me again…..hurt me again and it was my stupid fault, again! I’m so fucking pathetic!”
“Lucy, don’t say that. None of what you have been through is your fault.” Jack tried to embrace me, but I jumped to my feet angrily.
“It’s all my damn fault Jack. I married the freak, I stayed with him while he hurt me again and again. Jesus, Matt carried me out of there and offered me a new life and what’d I do? I went fucking back! I stayed with him and let him tear me apart and then when I finally get my shit together enough to get away, I go to that bar and get so pissed Phil can have some loser drug me! It’s all my fault and now it’s going to cost Rob his life!” I was screaming, between sobs and gasping for breath by the time my tantrum was over.
“Lucy, come here.” Jack said firmly from where he stood across the room. I looked across and saw nothing but worry on his face. His best friend, the man he loved like a brother was fighting for his life and there I was, throwing a tantrum and making it even more stressful.
“Oh God, I’m sorry Jack.” I whimpered guiltily.
“Come here.” He simply said again. I ran into his arms and burrowed into him as close as I could get. He held me tight and I just sobbed into his shirt.
“Everything is going to be ok. Rob will come through this. We’ll get rid of Phil and you will get over all of this. I know you will, because we’re all going to be with you every step of the way. The end of this horrible chapter in your life is in sight sweet. You just need to hold on a little longer.” Jack soothed.
“I’m scared Jack.” I whimpered.
“I know you are, but I promise we’ll end this soon and you’re not alone. You have Matt and me and Rob will be awake and yelling at everyone before you know it.” He joked, making me smile as I lifted my head from his tear-soaked shirt.
“And you have me honey.” Cal added. I turned to him and smiled. “I’m here for you all, whatever you need.”
“Thank you Cal.” I whispered as I sank down beside him again. Jack sat down beside me, and I rested my head on his shoulder.
“Try and rest a while sweet. You’re exhausted.” Jack suggested.
“You promise you’ll wake me if you hear anything?” I asked weakly. Jack nodded and I gave in. I lay my head lower down on his chest and closed my eyes. Jack put a supportive arm around my back and held me as I allowed peace to take over for a little while.
ROB
I was awoken by a beep beep beep sound. It was annoying, my alarm? I tried to think why I had set my alarm? Did I have a job to get to? I couldn’t remember. Everything seemed a little fuzzy. I thought hard about the last thing I remembered. Lucy. I said goodbye to her at the lobby of the apartment building. She told me she loved me, and we kissed. God, I loved that woman. Then suddenly the rest of it rushed back to me, the sound of the shot and the pain as the bullet hit me. I turned and there he was, a gun in his hand. I wanted to stop him, to kill him, but all I could do was fall to the ground. Lucy! Had he shot her? Was I dead? I tried harder to focus on the beeps and eventually they became louder. I forced my eyes open. It took a while because they felt as though they were weighed down with lead weights. Finally I got them open and I instantly felt pain, a lot of pain. At least I’m not dead!
“Hey man.” I looked up into the red eyes of Jack. He looked stressed and as though he hadn’t slept for days. Shit, something really bad has happened! I could see it all over his face. Was Lucy dead? “You had me worried for a while there you dick!” He joked. I tried to speak, where’s Lucy? But my mouth wouldn’t cooperate. “Rob, you’re sedated. Don’t try to talk.” I looked at him with my most pissed off look. Where the fuck is Lucy? Is she safe? Jack studied my face and thank fuck he knew what I was trying to say. “Lucy is fine. She’s right here, sleeping.” Jack said as he pointed across from where he stood. I turned my head, which was agony, but I had to see her. She was holding my hand and she was asleep with her head laid on the bed beside me. Thank god!
“I’ll let her sleep now Rob. You need to sleep too.” I turned back to him. He was my rock. Always there when I needed him. He was my brother and my greatest friend. I knew now that Lucy was safe and the stress on his face and in his eyes had been for me. I must have been on death’s door for Jack to worry so much.
“Phil?” I got the word out. I had to know he was taken care of. I had to know the rest of my family – Jack, Matt and Lucy were safe.
“He got away Rob. The CPD have an APB out for him and I spoke with Alec, the guy following Lucy. He’s co-ordinating all your guys to find him. Matt and I have Lucy. We’re all good. You just focus on getting strong again. That little thing there needs you. She’s struggling without you.” He said, pointing to Lucy. My eyes became heavy again and they started to close, despite my fight to keep them open. Fucking drugs! I hated them.
“Just rest now Rob.” Jack said and I was out again.
***
It was Lucy’s voice that woke me next time. I heard her quietly talking to someone and I fought to open my eyes, wanting more than anything to see her beautiful face.
“Have they stopped the sedatives now?” She asked and then I heard Matt.
“Yeah, he should be waking up any time now. We’ll be able to get him, out of here and down to a private room tomorrow. He’s doing well Lucy. Stop worrying.” Matt ordered.
“I concur.” I managed to say roughly and then I opened my eyes and there she was, stood looking down at me. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she looked completely exhausted. She was wearing a guy’s shirt which swamped her, but she had never looked more beautiful to me.
“Rob?” She whimpered emotionally.
“Hey baby.” I forced a smile and she smiled back.
“Oh Rob, I thought I’d never see you again!” She cried as she put her head on my chest. I very slowly lifted my hand and placed it on her head. The effort was huge, and
I was pissed to be so damned out of it.
“I’m ok Lucy. I wouldn’t leave you.” I soothed as best I could.
“How are you feeling mate?” Matt asked as he appeared in my line of sight.
“Ok actually. Have you got me dosed up?” I asked. I hated to be on strong drugs. They dulled your reflexes and I liked my reflexes as they were, sharp.
“You’re on morphine. The last of the sedatives will be leaving your system in the next few hours. Jack said you’d want to get off them as soon as.”
“He’s right.” Good old Jack. No one knew me better. “I want off that morphine as soon as too!”
“Rob, you had major surgery three days ago. You’ll need pain medication for a while yet.” Matt chided.
“We’ll see.” I would get off of all the meds and up and about as soon as possible. I had to get back to work. It was the best way for me to get back to fighting fit, plus Phil needed to be found and taken down.
“Rob, don’t argue. Matt’s the doctor!” Lucy ordered as she sat up and looked at me firmly.
“Baby, this isn’t the first time I’ve been shot. I know the drill.” I replied.
“It is the first time you almost died though, so do as Matt says and stop arguing!” She barked, taking me by surprise. I had never seen her so bossy.
“Yes ma’am.” I joked, making her smile.
“I’m going to give you guys some space, but please try and convince her to go home and sleep Rob. She’s been here for over 72 hours now. She needs rest.”
“Matt, stop it! I’m fine!” Lucy cried. I nodded at Matt to assure him I had it under control and he left, closing the door behind him.
“Don’t listen to him. I’m absolutely fine.” Lucy started.
“Come here and kiss me.” I ordered and she stopped talking and stood to lean into me. Our lips met and I was at peace again. I needed her close to me so I reached down and lifted her with one arm, up onto the bed before she could stop me.
“Rob, don’t! I’ll hurt you!” She cried as I planted her down half on me and half on the bed. It did hurt a little, but the need to feel her beside me won out. I ignored her comment and pulled her down, so she was kissing me again. She kissed me a little and then pulled back and tried to lift her weight off of me.
Something Other than Fear Page 21
