Plain Cover-Up

by Alison Stone

  She frowned. “You need to go to the hospital. A head injury is a big deal.”

  “You can watch me. Make sure I’m okay.”

  “How you doing there?” He looked up to see Nick strolling over.

  Dylan rubbed his head. “I’ve been better.” He pushed to his feet and immediately regretted it as dizziness swirled around his head. The paramedic put a hand on his shoulder and made him sit back down. He shone a penlight in Dylan’s eyes then moved his finger in front of him.

  “The doctor’s right. Looks like you have a concussion.”

  Dylan held up his hand. “Hold up.” He turned to Nick. “Did any of these kids see anything?”

  Nick shook his head. “No one’s talking. The principal’s giving me a list of names. We can track them down, check their social media sites, see what comes up.”

  Dylan nodded his agreement and was immediately sorry. Oh, my aching head.

  Christina disappeared and after a few minutes of the paramedics poking him, he’d had enough. “I’m fine. I’m going home with Dr. Christina Jennings.” He pointed at Christina.

  Before she had a chance to protest, he gave her a pleading look. “I’m not going to the hospital,” he repeated, this time for her benefit.

  Christina stepped forward. “I’ve got this patient. I’m a doctor. I can take you to my parents’ home on the escarpment. Keep an eye on you.”

  The paramedic nodded, not that he agreed, but rather that he’d been there before. “You have to sign an AMA form.” Against Medical Advice. He walked over to the ambulance, retrieved a clipboard and shoved it into Dylan’s hands.

  Dylan signed it. “Here you go.”

  He started to make his way toward Nick, but Christina grabbed his arm. “Not so fast. If you want me to take responsibility for you, you’re going home to take it easy.”

  “Let me touch base with Nick first.”

  “You’re an awful patient.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. “But you’re an amazing doctor.”

  He gazed into her beautiful brown eyes and once again couldn’t remember what he had been thinking when he broke things off with her in college. The only thing he could come up with was that he’d been a fool.

  * * *

  A constant ding-ding-ding scraped across her nerves as Christina put Dylan’s truck in reverse and maneuvered out of the parking spot. She put the gear in Drive and squinted at the D, wondering why she was having so much trouble.

  “Are you sure you can drive this thing?” Dylan asked.

  Christina put her foot on the brake and glared at him. “Don’t you trust me with your precious baby?” The adrenaline surge from earlier had ebbed and left her feeling grumpy.

  “Um...” Dylan pointed at the dash. “You need to release the parking brake.”

  Christina felt her face flush and she leaned over to try to see where she was supposed to disengage the brake. “Ahhh...” she muttered to herself and pressed the brake pedal to release it. “I see you’re feeling better.” Her tone was laced with sarcasm.

  “I told you I was fine.” His voice was strong but she noticed him wince.

  “Head hurt?”

  “Yeah,” he said, finally being honest.

  Christina navigated her way out onto the main road. It didn’t take her long to get accustomed to driving a vehicle that felt twice the size of hers, the one that was probably sitting in a junkyard right now waiting to be scrapped after it was vandalized. She really needed to see about a new car.

  Christina tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “What do you think happened back there?”

  “I don’t know. I let my guard down.”

  “We were in the school talking to the principal about Roger Everett. Who knew we were there?”

  “I don’t know.” Dylan tugged on the seat belt.

  “Does your arm hurt?”

  “I’m fine,” he said again, this time with an edge of annoyance in his tone. “Maybe we should go pay Roger a visit.”

  “No, you need to rest. Nick can follow up. And don’t forget I’m the doctor. You won’t convince me as easily as you did the paramedics that you’re fine.”

  “They made me sign a release.”

  “They’re smart. I should force you to go to the hospital right now.”

  “You’re a doctor. Why do I need to go to a hospital?”

  Christina slowed at the intersection and looked both ways.

  “Because I don’t like difficult patients.” She cut him a sideways glance. She couldn’t help but notice the way he held his arm close to his chest.

  Christina’s phone dinged. “Can you check that?” She never answered her phone when she was driving.

  “You don’t mind me going into your purse?”

  Christina rolled her eyes. “Would you just check my phone, please?”

  With one hand, Dylan plopped her bag on his lap and unzipped it. He reached in and pulled out her phone. “It’s from Cheryl, it says—”

  “Ah, man, I forgot about Naomi. I need to get to the clinic. What does the message say?”

  “‘We’re at the clinic. Where are you?’”

  “With all the commotion, Cheryl and Naomi beat me to the clinic. Naomi had called just before I left the school building. She wanted to come in.” Christina glanced over at Dylan. “Do you mind? It won’t take long. Actually, I can pick up some pain meds for you while I’m there.”

  “Do what you have to do.”

  A few minutes later they arrived at the clinic. Cheryl’s orange sedan sat in the parking lot. Naomi emerged from the passenger side, her bonneted head bowed, and she ran toward the door to meet Christina. The Amish woman’s furtive actions reminded Christina of how delicate this matter was.

  Christina had already opened a can of worms with one of the town’s returning war heroes. She didn’t want to do the same for Naomi, who only seemed to want to carve out a peaceful life with the Amish after making a foolish decision.

  Naomi opened her mouth to say something when she noticed Dylan sauntering up with Cheryl right behind. Christina held out her hand and opened the door. “Come inside. We’ll have privacy there.”

  Christina turned to Dylan. “Have a seat in my office. It’s quiet in there. I won’t be long. And Cheryl, if you don’t mind you can wait in the waiting room.”

  “No problem,” Cheryl said, casually.

  Christina led Naomi to the back of the clinic. “Hello, Georgia, how’s everything going here?”

  “Good. Had a few patients earlier, but it’s been quiet.”

  “How we like it, right?”

  Georgia smiled and nodded her head toward Christina’s office. “What’s going on?”

  “Almost got hit by a car.” Dylan’s voice was even, steady, not really the tone of a person who had recently been knocked unconscious.

  Georgia’s eyes flared wide. “What in the world is going on here in Apple Creek? The world’s gone crazy.”

  Worry creased the corners of Naomi’s eyes. “Excuse me.” Christina held out her hand to guide Naomi into an exam room.

  “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “Take your time.” Dylan went into her office and sat down.

  Christina closed the exam door. Naomi was standing in the middle of the room with her hands clasped in front of her. All her innocence and naiveté rolled off of her. Preoccupied, Christina rubbed her arms, wondering how it was possible that sweet Naomi could have been so reckless.

  * * *

  An hour later, a million conflicting emotions washed over Christina when her parents’ house—her childhood home—came into view. It was on a beautiful piece of land that overlooked the escarpment in an otherwise flat countryside. It was located ten minutes from the center of Ap
ple Creek and an hour from Buffalo. A perfect getaway. Yet her parents rarely stayed here, instead choosing to travel the world.

  It had taken some convincing, but Dylan finally realized she wasn’t bluffing when she said he had to stay overnight at her parents’ house under her care or she was going to drag him into the ER. So, after a couple quick stops to pick up a change of clothes, they were finally here.

  “Wow, this is where you grew up?” Dylan leaned forward and stared up at the house through the windshield of his truck.

  “Yes.” What more could she say? She’d never brought friends here even though she went to the public high school in town. She’d figured it would change the way people thought of her. Of course, there was often speculation, but she preferred that to confirmation.

  Christina parked in the circular driveway between the fountain and the impressive double doors. “You want the emergency brake on?” she asked with an edge of humor.

  “I think the truck will be okay.”

  “Come on. You should rest.” She pushed open the door and walked around to his side of the truck to help him out.

  “I got it.” He seemed to be favoring his right arm. “You don’t need to help me.”

  Christina shrugged. “Whatever suits you.” She reached around him and slammed the truck door closed all the same. She walked slowly to the front door, waiting for Dylan to catch up.

  “I don’t need to rest, but it’s not a bad idea to hole up here. I’d feel better if I knew you were safe. Someone already had access to your house.”

  “Ha.” Christina entered a code on the front door and it opened. “I brought you here so I could keep an eye on you and your concussion. Don’t turn this around as if you’re doing me a favor.” They’d be more comfortable at her parents’ estate, never mind the fact she didn’t want to get any tongues wagging. And her brother’s place was too small to accommodate them all.

  A slow smile curved his mouth, transforming his whole face. He really needed to smile more often. “Okay, we’re doing each other a favor.”

  Christina pushed open the door and noticed the awe that registered on Dylan’s face. “Wow. What exactly do your parents do, again?”

  Christina lifted a shoulder. “They’re entrepreneurs. If you really want to know what they do, you’ll have to ask my little sister, Kelly. She’s the only one who went into the family business. She could explain it better.” She paused a moment, thinking about it. “Or I suppose you could Google them. Jennings Enterprises.”

  “Interesting. And you became a physician and your brother’s in law enforcement.” He craned his neck to take in the soaring ceilings in the foyer.

  “My parents always encouraged us to follow our dreams. And due to my parents’ generosity, the clinic has stayed in the black. I’m very fortunate to be able to practice medicine in Apple Creek and not have to worry about finances.” Worry to excess, that is. Christina still pinched pennies, knowing that her parents might not always be an open stream of money.

  Dylan nodded and winced as he held his arm close to his body.

  “You should have had X-rays done at the hospital.”

  “I already told you—”

  “How wonderful to see you, Dr. Christina.”

  Christina turned to see Franny Fritzgerald striding across the marble foyer. She held out her hands and cupped Christina’s cheeks. Christina had called ahead out of courtesy. She didn’t want to presume it was a convenient time to show up. “You don’t come around here enough.”

  “I’m afraid I’ve been busy at the clinic.”

  “Always busy.” Franny rolled her eyes, but in a playful manner.

  Franny and her husband, Henry, had taken care of her parents’ house for the past thirty years. Franny was like a second mother to Christina and her siblings.

  The older woman turned to Dylan. “And this is your friend, Dylan. Finally we get to meet.”

  The word “finally” held far more weight than it should have carried. Renewed worry wormed its way in and pressed heavily on Christina’s heart. “Someone seems to have an issue with me, and maybe Dylan. Can you make sure you keep the doors locked and the alarm set? I’d hate to bring any trouble to your doorstep.”

  Franny opened her eyes wide, but didn’t seem overly concerned. “Your parents always made sure this home was secure. But you’re not going to get off that easy. You’re going to have to tell me what’s going on.” Franny pursed her lips and clucked, like the mother hen she was.

  “Someone tried to run Dylan over. The driver may have been aiming for me, because Dylan was holding my umbrella at an odd angle to block the blowing rain.” She cut a sideways glance at Dylan who had obviously been thinking the same thing.

  “Who would do such a thing?” Franny asked, clutching the fabric of her crisp white blouse.

  “The sheriff’s department is investigating.” Christina wanted to blurt out Roger Everett, but she decided to keep it to herself. They had no real evidence other than that he was jerk who had gone after her.

  And how many others? That familiar haunting voice nagged Christina.

  Christina stepped back and let her hand linger near the doorknob. “Maybe it was a bad idea to come here.” She’d never forgive herself if Franny or Henry were hurt because of her.

  Would Roger really go that far? What would be the point?

  Another dark thought hit her and she gasped. She had heard of guys coming back from the war with anger issues. Was that what had happened to Roger? When he first attacked her, he had already been on one deployment and was ready to go off on a second.

  Dylan was still babying his arm, something he’d immediately stop doing if she dared call him on it again.

  “No, no...this place is very safe. We always set the alarm. The world is a crazy place and Henry and I are responsible for this home.” She held out her palms as if to emphasize this home. “You both can stay here as long as you’d like.”

  “Do you think maybe Henry can park Dylan’s truck in the garage? I’d rather not advertise that we’re staying here.”

  “What’s going on, dear? This is so unlike you. You’ve got me worried.” Franny’s forehead furrowed, much like it had when Christina used to tell her about the mean girls at school or the test she thought she had failed, all made better by homemade cookies and tea.

  “We’re not quite sure, but there have been a few incidents,” Dylan said.

  “It’s nothing,” Christina quickly added. “It’ll pass.”

  “Okay,” Franny said, stretching the word out in three syllables. “You’re the only one I’ve never had to worry about. What with your brother putting himself in harm’s way in the sheriff’s department and your little sister traveling the world... I always took some measure of comfort knowing you’re right here in Apple Creek.”

  Christina stifled a wince, wondering not for the first time if her fear of opening herself up had led to a life that was smaller than it could have been.

  Franny held out her hand and Christina frowned. “The keys,” Franny said, by way of explanation, “to move the truck.”

  “Oh...” Christina laughed and handed them over.

  “Thanks for your hospitality,” Dylan said. He pointed to his head. “The doctor has to keep an eye on me because she doubts how hard my head is.”

  “Oh, if the doctor thinks you need looking after, you need looking after. She’s one smart doctor.”

  The corners of Dylan’s mouth tugged down in mock uncertainty.

  “I suppose I need to give you more information because I don’t want to put you and Henry in danger.” This all still seemed surreal.

  “What is it?” Franny studied her, much like she had when Christina came home from college the weekend after Dylan broke up with her claiming that nothing was wrong.

  “The
re’s something I never told you.”

  “Oh,” Franny said with a hurt tone.

  “I never told anyone.” The back of her throat ached. “Remember Roger Everett?”

  “Your brother’s friend...?”

  Christina nodded. “I should have said something a long time ago...” She paused, deciding she was too tired to go into all the details about the attack back when she was in college. Franny might somehow blame herself. Women were good at that. “I can give you more information later, but Dylan and I have had a few near misses and I think Roger is behind them.” Maybe.

  Franny shook her head. “I don’t know what this world is coming to.” She stepped forward and cupped Christina’s cheek with her warm, soft hand. “But one thing I do know. If you say Roger’s not welcome around here, he’s not.”

  Franny’s quick acceptance of her word as truth filled Christina with an emotion she couldn’t quite name. Maybe she hadn’t trusted those closest to her to be accepting. Tears filled her eyes and she quickly looked away.

  Christina cleared her throat. “Come on, Dylan, I’ll show you your room, then we can order a pizza or something.” She lowered her voice. “Come up with a plan.”

  “Sound good,” Dylan said.

  Franny lifted her hands. “You’re not ordering pizza. I’ll make you your favorite.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “My pleasure. Henry and I rattle around in this huge house. We’ve been here so long, sometimes we forget we don’t own the place. Until we remember how much money it takes to run it.” She laughed in her easy, gentle way and smiled brightly. “It’s so great to have you here.”

  “Thank you, Franny.”

  Christina led Dylan up the spiral staircase to a guest room. “Change into dry clothes. Meet me downstairs.”

  “Okay, Doc,” Dylan said with a twinkle in his eye.

  Christina wandered down the hall and pushed open her bedroom door. She needed a minute to collect herself.

  Christina flopped onto the bed, covered her face with her hands and finally released the tears she had been holding back since she saw Dylan unconscious on the pavement of the school parking lot. Had she put him in harm’s way? Had her accusations against Roger jeopardized those she cared about most?