Truth and Consequences

by Cate Dean

  With multiple equipment attached to me, the paramedics carefully lifted me to the gurney, and rushed me out of the basement. I didn’t remember much after that, since the painkiller hit my veins and left me in medicated bliss.

  I did remember one thing: Sam held my hand all the way to the hospital, a bandage covering the raw cuts on his cheek. I never felt safer than I did at that moment, with him there beside me.

  19

  I woke up two and a half weeks later. The day after Christmas.

  Mom and Dad sat on either side of my bed, both of them asleep, looking like they’d spent the entire time in my room.

  A Christmas tree stood in the far corner—our tree, completely decorated, with gifts spilling out from under it. On the wall next to the tree was a bright ‘Happy Birthday!’ sign.

  And I could see them all clearly—no blurry edges. The effects from the explosion must have been temporary.

  Relieved, I closed my eyes, checking for any pain. Some serious twinges, especially in my left side, but I could take a breath without passing out.

  I did it. I saved Sam, and survived a maniac bent on killing anyone she thought was responsible for her daughter’s death.

  “Alex?” Mom’s voice opened my eyes. “Alex—” She hugged me, so hard my injuries protested. “Oh, sweetheart, we’ve been so worried.”

  “Alex.” Dad kissed my forehead, tears in his deep voice. “Welcome back,” he whispered, taking my right hand and squeezing it.

  Man—I must have been worse off than I thought. Mom actually called me Alex. I didn’t think that would happen without an impending zombie apocalypse.

  “Hey,” I whispered. They both fussed over me, Dad leaving my side long enough to call the duty nurse and let her know I was awake. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t you dare.” Mom shocked me. I expected her to inflict immediate grounding. “You faced off with a madwoman, saved two lives. I’ve never been more proud of you. Or more scared.”

  Dad moved around the bed and took her into his arms as she started crying. “That goes for both of us, Alex.”

  I swallowed, tears stinging my eyes. Mom and Dad’s reaction, the machines attached to me, and the relief on the face of the doctor who rushed in all told me I was much worse than I thought. Like, close to death worse.

  The good-looking doctor—who insisted on me calling him Rob—did a thorough exam. It left me exhausted and achy.

  “She’s coming along nicely.” He took Mom’s hand, smiling at both of them. “I want to keep her here at least another week, to be sure there are no setbacks. I suggest you go home, both of you, and get some quality sleep. She’s out of danger, and I predict an uneventful recovery.”

  “Thank you,” Mom said, hugging him. “Thank you so much.”

  “My pleasure, Mrs. Finch.” He eased himself out of her embrace and moved back over to me. “I want you to take it easy, young lady. No heavy lifting, no dance parties. You can open a few gifts, however.” He smiled, dead ringer for an ad for the perfect doctor, and patted my shoulder before he left.

  Mom and Dad sat on my bed, holding hands. They looked so tired, and it was because of me. All of this was because of me.

  I had to know what happened, had to stick my nose in—and everyone else paid for it. Especially Katie—

  “Stop it, Alex.” Dad brushed hair off my forehead. “You aren’t responsible for what happened ten years ago. Mrs. Hyatt is, and she’ll be punished for it. Instead of blaming yourself, I want you to be proud. As proud as we are of you. And one more thing.” He let go of Mom’s hand and carefully wrapped his arms around me. “Don’t ever scare us like that again.”

  “Okay,” I whispered. I twisted my fingers into the back of his shirt and just held on.

  ~ ~ ~

  Two days into my waking recovery, a knock on the door pulled me out of my half doze. The nurse poked her head in, smiling at me. “Up for a visitor?”

  “Sure.” My heart jumped when she pushed Sam in, stopping his wheelchair next to the bed. He looked so different, with his streaked blonde hair short. Someone had cleaned up the chopped mess, and the new style accentuated that gorgeous face. I felt a blush heat my cheeks.

  “Just hit the button when you’re ready to go back.” She winked at me and closed the door.

  “Sam—should you be out of bed?”

  “My doctor wants me to move around every day.” I held my breath as he slowly pushed himself up, shuffled to the bed, and sat next to me. He had broken a couple of ribs when Mrs. Hyatt slammed into the SUV, and her hauling him around made them worse. My doctor told me he was lucky he didn’t end up with a punctured lung. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” I tried to straighten my sleep tangled hair. “Sorry about the ‘I just woke up’ look.”

  “It looks good on you. Is it okay—” He leaned in. “I won’t hurt you if I—” He kissed me, taking his time. I was lightheaded by the time he finally pulled away, but not from my injuries. “Thank you, for not giving up.”

  “I would never—”

  “I counted on it.”

  Easing myself over, I held up the sheet so he could slide in next to me. I didn’t care who saw us—I earned this. And I knew he’d be leaving again, so I was going to take all I could get.

  I laid my head on his shoulder, reached up to touch the bandage on his right cheek. “How are they healing?”

  “Slowly.”

  “And you haven’t—”

  “Changed?” He shook his head. “Not since Mrs. Hyatt put this around my neck.” He pulled a chain out from under his robe. On it were three keys. Keys that shimmered like the protection shield around Hyattown.

  “When—”

  “Right after she separated me and Jake. She said it would keep me from becoming the monster I was. She was right. I can’t even feel—what I am, with this on.”

  “Can’t you take it off?”

  “I can, but it simply reappears around my neck.”

  This had to be part of the power that affected Simon. According to Zach, he hadn’t shown up yet. No matter how many times Zach called for him. Mrs. Hyatt had more to answer for than she knew.

  We lay there for a while, his arm around me. I felt safe, loved. At peace.

  “Sam?” He looked at me. Those intense grey-blue eyes made my heart beat faster every time. “When are you leaving?”

  “I’m not.”

  “What?” I pushed myself up—slowly. My whole left side still ached. “I thought you—”

  “Had to stay away?” He sat, cradled my cheek. “I did, because I could no longer control what I am. But this,” he touched the keys, “this changes everything. I feel—free. For the first time since I was attacked. Alex—“ He looked serious, and I braced myself for bad news. “I’m going to reopen the haven.”

  ~ ~ ~

  I nearly fell out of bed.

  “Are you—Sam—are you—” My mind refused to function.

  His smile had me blushing. “Yes, I’m sure. I talked to Jake, and he’s on board. Candace will keep doing her research—and we found someone in England, who knows a former Fenris Wolf.”

  He studied me until it sank in. “Former?” I whispered.

  “Yeah. He already emailed Candace his notes.”

  I kissed him, and carefully wrapped my arms around him.

  “You’re staying.” I had to say it out loud, to convince myself. His laugh rumbled against my ear.

  “Yeah. There’s a lot of work to be done on Hyattown, but my parents are in. I’d like you to be part of it.”

  I lifted my head. “I’ll have to talk to my parents. They’re a little protective right now.”

  “I get that. So are mine.” He kissed my forehead. “There’ll be plenty of time. I’m not going anywhere.”

  I let out a sigh, lowered my head to his chest.

  Everyone was alive and on the mend, my parents didn’t hate me, and Sam was home for good.

  At this moment, I could relax, heal, and enjoy my new friends.
>
  Life was good.

  ~ ~ ~

  I was still glowing from my visit with Sam when the detective I met in the school basement showed up.

  “Good afternoon, Alex.” He leaned against the doorframe, studying me with the same dark brown eyes I remembered, eyes that seemed to notice everything. “Do you remember me?”

  “Yes.” I whispered. My mind went absolutely blank. No chance of lying when I couldn’t think at all.

  He moved over to the bed and sat in the chair on my right side. “I’m glad you’re doing better. I wasn’t so sure when I saw you in the basement. Let me introduce myself properly.” He held out his hand. “Detective Joe Sampson. You can call me Joe.” I took his hand, waited for him to start battering me with questions. To my grateful surprise he just smiled at me. “You are the most courageous girl I’ve met—and I’ve been on the job for fifteen years. You saved lives, Alex.”

  “I couldn’t—let her hurt them.”

  “She won’t be hurting anyone again, I promise you. Now,” he pulled a small notebook and a pen out of his jacket pocket. “Why don’t you tell me your side of the story?”

  Panic shot through me. I couldn’t tell him the truth—not without drawing unwanted attention to everyone I cared about.

  “I don’t—I can’t remember much about that day—”

  “Just tell me what you can, Alex.”

  I stared at him, those dark brown eyes patient, but determined. I wouldn’t be able to stall him, not without him catching on to it. I did manage to buy some time by raising the head of the bed, so I was sitting up. It made me feel less vulnerable.

  “Mrs. Hyatt took my friend, Sam, threatened his life.”

  “Do you know why?” I shook my head, knowing my voice would give me away if I tried to lie. “Make an educated guess.” He leaned forward, his gaze intent, relentless. “You must have an idea. Why would she focus on your—friend?” When I shook my head again, he smiled. It sent another shot of panic through me. “I can wait all day, if that’s what you need.”

  “I—”

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Mom stood in the doorway, anger practically pouring off her. I had never been so happy to see her.

  Detective Sampson stood, not so smug anymore. “Mrs. Finch—”

  “How dare you interrogate her like a criminal. After what she’s been through, you come in here and—”

  “Beth.” Dad caught her arm before she could hit the detective. Wow—she almost punched out a cop. Go, Mom. “Detective, I think it would be a smart idea for you to leave now.”

  “Right.” He moved toward the door, giving Mom plenty of room. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Finch. Mary Hyatt is not talking, and I needed to talk to someone who was there, who may give me some answers. The Emmett boy seems to have forgotten everything that happened.”

  Dad stepped forward, shook his hand. “Once Alex is better, maybe we can set something up. Until then, I want her to focus on getting better. You understand.”

  “I have a son of my own. I’m sorry for disturbing all of you.” He glanced over his shoulder at me—and I knew we were far from done.

  Once he left, Mom rushed over and started checking my pulse, feeling my forehead. “Are you okay? She’s warm, Raleigh—I think we should call Dr.—”

  “Mom.”

  She sat on the bed and took my hand. “What is it, sweetheart? What do you need?”

  “For starters, some real food.” If I ate another hospital “meal” I might just throw up. “And I really want to go home.”

  I think I whined a little, but I did want to leave, as soon as I could. Detective Sampson showing up made me realize just how vulnerable I was here.

  Mom fussed some more, pulling the sheet up. “Margaret—”

  “We want you to stay,” Dad said. I stared at him, crushed. I hoped he would take my side, and spring me. “Your doctor wants to keep you here until he’s sure you’re okay.”

  “Dad—”

  “No, Alex. I know you’re feeling out of control.” He moved around Mom, took my hand. “But you came so close to dying.” I saw the tears in his eyes. ”I don’t think you realize how close.”

  I swallowed. I did now. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. And I was. Sorry I scared them, sorry I dragged them into this mess, sorry for—pretty much everything I put them through since October.

  “Hush.” Mom wrapped her arms around me, rocking me gently. “We’ll be fine, sweetheart.” Dad sat next to her, rubbed my arm, soothing and tear inducing. I let myself cry, because I knew they’d comfort me. Because I needed to let it out. “We’re going to be just fine.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Misty showed up, breaking the sober mood when she bounced into the room.

  “Alex—oh.” She halted at the end of the bed. “I can go, if I’m interrupting—”

  “Of course you aren’t, sweetheart,” Mom said. She stood, held out her hands to Misty. “A visit from you is just what Marg—Alex needs. We’ll leave you alone. Raleigh.” Dad looked up at her, still holding on to me. “I really could use some coffee.”

  “Oh—of course.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “Kick her out when you get tired.”

  “Dad!”

  He winked at Misty. “She won’t be offended.”

  “Raleigh.”

  “I got the hint, Beth.” He stood, squeezing my hand one more time, and finally let go. “Have a good visit. Just call the nurse if you need anything, or you feel any pain, and have them send for—”

  Mom dragged him out of the room before he could finish.

  “Wow,” Misty said, staring after them. “Feeling a little smothered?”

  “Oh, a little.” She smiled at me. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Alex.” She rushed the bed, and froze mid reach. “Is it okay to—I won’t hurt you if I—”

  “I’d be seriously insulted if you didn’t hug me. Gently.”

  Sitting on the bed, she wrapped her arms around me. I used my right arm to return the hug. “I was so scared,” she whispered. I heard the tears in her voice, and my eyes stung. Obviously I hadn’t cried enough yet. “By the time the paramedics wheeled you out of the basement, you looked—”

  “Dead?”

  She leaned back, wiping at her eyes. “Honestly, yes. Don’t you ever do that to me again. Got it?”

  “Got it.” I blinked, tears sliding down my face. “I will never attack a maniac with a knife ever again.”

  “Smartass.” But it got her to smile, and eased the pain on her face. Pain I put there. “Now I know you’re feeling better. When are they going to spring you?”

  “Not for a week, at least. I think I have to be able to stand without tipping sideways before they’ll discharge me.”

  I was kidding—kind of—but Misty frowned. “You really can’t—stand on your own?” I swallowed, shook my head. Carefully. I still got dizzy if I moved too fast. “But—you’re going to recover, right?”

  “Misty.” I touched her hand. “I’ll be fine. It’s going to take a while, but I’ll get there.” I knew my life would change after this—starting with the end of my dance career. I mourned it less than I expected, because I had another goal. To learn as much about self-defense as I could. Next time I would not be the one recovering in a hospital bed. “How are things at school?”

  She sniffed, wiped at her face. “I got an extension on the English project. We’ll be dead last, and we’ll have to do it all in one shot, but we have until the end of the school year to get it ready.”

  “Really?” I was sweating over that one. The grade for this project was pretty much the grade we’d get in class for the year. “Trust me—it will blow them all away. And Misty—since we have so much time, I’m going to change the book. You get to pick it.”

  She looked so surprised I was glad I decided, just now, to do it. “Can I think about it? I mean—absolutely we can change the book! No offense,” she added, biting her lip. “But I just couldn’t talk with any sort of in
telligence about our current book.”

  “None taken. I do have one condition.”

  “What?”

  “No books with monsters.”

  Her laughter bounced off the walls.

  20

  Two weeks after I woke up—more than a month after my nearly fatal battle with Mrs. Hyatt, Mom and Dad brought me home.

  Because I’m stubborn, I insisted on walking up the stairs—with their help—and by the time we got to my room I felt creaky, achy, and a little lightheaded. They settled me on the bed, each one kissing me goodnight on my forehead, touching my wrist, when I knew they were checking for a fever, or if my pulse was too fast.

  “Get some sleep,” Dad said. He still looked exhausted, so I hoped he took his own advice. After a last kiss he left Mom and me alone. Uh oh.

  “Margaret.” I tried not to cringe. Mom let out a sigh, and took my hand. “I won’t make any promises, but I can try calling you Alex. It’s just so—”

  “Masculine?”

  She smiled, but it was a shaky one. Tears swam in her eyes, and she pulled me into a hug. “Oh, sweetheart. We almost lost you, and I would have done anything, promised anything, to keep you with us.”

  It was my turn for the tears. We held on, cried, talked, and ate the gourmet jelly beans she brought home with us. She’d snuck them into my hospital room on a regular basis, and I’ve been mainlining them ever since.

  “So, Alex.” We smiled at each other, and she wiped at the last of the tears on my face. “Can you promise me something? Or at least try?”

  “Okay,” I said, not sure I’d be able to, if this was headed where I thought it was headed.

  “Bring one of us along the next time you face off with someone intent on killing you.”

  I opened my mouth, so shocked my mind went blank. That was so not what I expected.

  “Um, okay.”

  Mom laughed, brushing hair off my face. “I know better than to keep you from what you’re involved in. You have friends now—good kids who obviously care about you. I can’t tell you how happy I am about that.”