by Jo Leigh
“I’ll take care of it,” she said and kissed his chin. “But thanks.”
He caught her arm as she was about to get up. “Come back to bed after, huh?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Ironically, it was his sleepy smile that woke her up a bit. She segued by the bathroom and grabbed one of the robes, pulled it on, then found her purse just where she’d left it. The phone had stopped ringing, though.
The temptation to turn the stupid thing off and go right back to bed was quite inviting. But as she reached to shut it down, another ring came through. She picked it up, and read the caller’s name. Temptation Bay Hospital.
That woke her up completely, and before the caller could say a word, she asked. “Is this about Ronny Shaw?”
Although she already knew it was.
Chapter Thirteen
“YOU HONESTLY DON’T have to come in,” Cricket said, walking as quickly as she could from the parking lot. According to the nurse, Ronny hadn’t been seriously hurt. That was the main thing.
Wyatt didn’t respond other than to keep pace with her.
“Thank God Skip was with him and called the paramedics,” she muttered for what had to be the twentieth time. Wyatt was probably sick of hearing it.
“Doesn’t Skip normally go with him on charters?”
“I don’t know, but my dad was getting ready to take out a group, so maybe...” Cricket sighed. If Ronny had been feeling poorly but didn’t want to admit it, he might’ve started taking Skip with him under the guise of wanting to show Skip the ropes. That would be just like Ronny.
“Look, I like Ronny. I stop by his place. I drink his horrible coffee. I want to see how he’s doing.”
She looked up at Wyatt, knowing full well he was mostly there for her. “Have you had the coffee in the hospital before?”
He opened the emergency entrance door. “Nope.”
“It’s on par with Ronny’s, just a little more bitter.”
“As soon as we have some info and you’re settled, I’ll make a run, okay? Now, come on, let’s find your father.” Wyatt took her hand, and headed toward Admittance.
She wasn’t going to mention the hands. Or even that it wasn’t helping with the rapid heartbeat. Instead, she told him what she’d learned about Ronny’s health since she’d arrived.
“Damn.” Wyatt shook his head. “Sometimes men can be real idiots.”
“Are you telling me that you have regular checkups and do what your doctor recommends?”
“Back when I was in the military, I had no choice.”
“And now?”
He just smiled.
“That’s what I thought,” she said, letting go of his hand and walking up to the woman standing near the unmanned admittance desk. “Ronny Shaw?”
The brunette looked up, her hazel eyes narrowing before she smiled. “Cricket? You probably don’t remember me. I’m Kit. I used to work at the fish market while I was going to nursing school.”
It took Cricket a moment. “Of course. Nice to see you,” she said. Kit was a good ten years older so they’d had only a passing acquaintance. “Any chance you know what’s going on with Ronny?”
“He’s still waiting for Dr. Oakden. It’s been a zoo around here this morning. A big car accident on the expressway before dawn, and then there’ve been a lot of the regular tourist crises. I honestly can’t tell you much, except that Ronny has been bitching about not needing a doctor since he came through the door.”
“That’s encouraging, but I really do need to know more. The hospital notified me, so I must be his emergency contact. I’m also his only relative.”
Kit seemed reluctant to say anything else.
“Skip, the guy who was with him and called the paramedics, said it might be a concussion?”
Kit pressed her lips together, and gave a slight nod.
“Did Ronny happen to mention that he’s been feeling light-headed for a while now and that he’s had a couple of accidents?”
Glancing back at the chart she held, Kit’s expression spoke volumes. Ronny hadn’t said a word, which wasn’t surprising at all. There was concern in her eyes, something she may have felt for any patient, but it triggered a memory for Cricket. She was pretty sure Kit had been one of the many girls who’d had a crush on Ronny way back when.
“All I can tell you,” Kit said, “is that he’s lucid enough to make his own decisions. But I’ll let the doctor know that you’re here, and that you have questions.”
“I’d like to go in with him and wait for the doctor.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll tell Ronny you’re here.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled.” Cricket glanced at Wyatt and sighed. “Guess we’ll be in the waiting room.”
Kit smiled. “Hey, how are you doing, Wyatt?”
“Good, thanks,” he said. “You and your rowdy friends haven’t been to the bar in a while. It’s getting too quiet.”
“Careful what you wish for. The nursing staff is having a party there in about a week. You know how we get when we’re finally let loose.”
“I look forward to it,” he said, then smiled at Cricket. “So, coffee?”
“I’d skip the machines, if I were you,” Kit said right before she turned to answer a call.
Cricket actually managed a laugh. Now that she knew her father had been cogent enough to complain, she felt slightly better. Leading Wyatt through the two doors, past the water fountain and the terrible coffee station and vending machines, they found themselves in the crowded waiting room. That was par for the course during tourist season. Didn’t matter what time, there was almost always someone who’d been hurt having too much fun.
Luckily, there were a couple of chairs separated by a small table covered with magazines. She sat down while Wyatt went back to the vending machines. She heard the clunk of a soft drink, and then he was in front of her. Only he was holding out a bottle of water. “I can tell your mouth is dry.”
“You can...” She put her hand up to cover her mouth. “My breath is that bad?”
“No. Your speech is slightly altered. This will help. When people are anxious, they tend to get dry mouth and can have a hard time remembering things. Like what you want to ask the doctor. Drinking will activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which will help you relax and calm down.”
She blinked at him. “Huh?”
“Trust me on this. Your brain will be able to discern that even though you’re stressed, you’re not in danger. And your prefrontal cortex will come back online.”
“No, I meant—” Shaking her head, she took the bottle from him. “That was unexpected.”
He shrugged. “It’s just something I know. Water and deep breathing are what I turn to first when I’m in a tight spot.”
She set her purse down and twisted open the cap, drinking mostly so she wouldn’t give in and start grilling him. She’d bet his military training had something to do with how he’d come by the information. But just because she knew things about him that others didn’t, it wouldn’t be right to bring it up too often. Plus, she was touched he’d shared that with her. It had worked, too. She felt much more at ease.
He smiled and sat down on the other side of the table. “I didn’t realize you spoke to Skip. When was that?”
“I didn’t.” She took another quick sip. “It was a bluff. At least I know they suspect a concussion.”
Wyatt laughed, then took out his cell phone. After he swiped a bunch of screens, and typed a bit, he smiled at her before looking down at the ugly carpet. “Hey, Skip, it’s Wyatt. Where are you?”
Cricket leaned forward, wishing Wyatt would put the call on speaker, but she didn’t want to make a fuss with all these people around.
“What happened this morning?”
Wyatt was quiet, but he didn�
�t look alarmed, and about a minute in, he said, “Hold on a sec,” then lowered the phone. “Ronny slipped on the deck. Hit his head. Was out for a short time. That’s why Skip called 911.”
Cricket was grateful for the information, but wished she could speak to Skip herself. Maybe she’d call after—
“What about the charter?” Wyatt asked. “Alone?”
Another brief pause.
“No, Jim’s a good guy. I’m sure he’ll be a big help. So, I’m assuming you’ve checked to see if the boat needs fuel?” Wyatt pulled out his wallet, and while he settled the cell phone between shoulder and chin, he did a quick check. “Okay. Good. What about the supplies for the guests?” Wyatt listened and nodded. “Sure. That’s smart.”
He smiled again at Cricket, who was still marveling at his thoughtfulness. She hadn’t considered the bookings or the money or any of it.
“Fine. Call if you need anything. If for some reason Jim can’t make it, I’ll jump in. Just make sure the boat goes out on time. I don’t want Ronny having an excuse to get back to the dock right away.” Wyatt chuckled. “Good. You sound like you have everything under control, and I’m sure the guests will really like your music selections... I’ll tell him. And her. Go get ’em, kid. You’ll do great.”
“Okay, what rank were you in the military? I’m guessing colonel? General?”
He looked a little abashed, or maybe just hesitant, but her cell phone rang, and she wasn’t about to let it go to voice mail, not after almost missing the call this morning. She didn’t even check the name before she said, “Hello.”
“Jessica,” Grant said, sounding as if he hadn’t expected her to answer. “Tell me you’re here in Chicago.”
Her first instinct was to tell him to stick it but this was no time to make a snap decision. Not when she was this scattered. She glanced at the time. It was barely after 6:00 a.m. in Chicago. Grant must be panicked if he’d call her this early. “I told you. I’m taking care of my father. He’s ill.”
“Look, I’m sure your father needs some help, but you do realize what’s going on here, right? If you think they’re going to budge on this because of a sick family member, you’re wrong. You’re putting everything you’ve worked for at serious risk here, Jess. I mean it. Ulrich is really pissed, not to mention the hell being wrought by Burbidge. If you have any sense of self-preservation, you’ll get off your moral high horse and get on a plane today.”
As she was about to tell him that it wasn’t a ploy, the hospital intercom went off calling for a Dr. Hyland to go to the nurse’s station.
Obviously it was loud enough for Grant to hear. “What was that?”
“I’m at the hospital, Grant. Waiting in the ER for my dad to be checked out. I’m not playing games. And if you think I’m going to hop on a plane today, you’re mistaken. If the partners need a doctor’s note, I’m sure I can get my father’s cardio surgeon to write one.”
Grant exhaled. “Fine. Call me later.”
He was gone, without a single word of concern or compassion. The stupid bastard hadn’t even acknowledged her sarcasm.
When she met Wyatt’s gaze, she felt her cheeks heat. She’d been so determined to walk away, to tell the firm to shove it, when they’d talked on the beach. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple. It was horrible that it occurred to her that being in the hospital was convenient, when the last thing in the world she wanted was for Ronny to be ill.
“I’m glad that happened,” Wyatt said.
“What?”
“I couldn’t help overhearing...at least he knows you weren’t lying. Personally, I can’t believe the SOB had the nerve to accuse you of using your dad as an excuse.”
“To be fair, I did lie about the cardio surgeon. At least I hope it was a lie.”
“After what he did to you? That’s the least he deserves.”
She smiled her thanks, looking for judgment in his eyes and finding none.
Kit came around the corner and walked directly over to Cricket. “Look, if you want to see your dad, I’ll take you in, but I decided it was best not to tell him that you were here.”
“Great call. Thanks.” Cricket got to her feet, along with Wyatt. It had occurred to her that if Ronny refused to see her, it would be game over. She wouldn’t be able to put in her two cents with the doctor. As they followed Kit down the corridor, Wyatt found her hand and gave it a light squeeze.
Considering this was just a brief fling, he was being remarkably considerate. Attentive and comforting. Partly because of Ronny, she knew that. And maybe this was her fear of going home speaking, but she wouldn’t mind taking a legit vacation to get to know him better. A lot better.
They entered the area where a number of patients occupied a row of beds, each of them separated by a wraparound curtain, while they waited to be seen by the doctor. Wyatt let her hand go, and she looked at him. “You don’t have to come in,” she said. “I know you probably have a lot to do, and Ronny’s going to be a big baby about all of this.”
“Hey, I’m your backup plan. Besides, I promised you coffee, which I’ll get once we know all is well.”
Kit led them past the only two empty beds, and Ronny’s voice came through from behind the next curtain. “There’s nothing wrong with my head. People slip and fall all the damn time. I’m fine.”
“Mr. Shaw.” The young nurse, who was standing guard, as Ronny, wearing a hospital gown, tried to get around her, put her hands on her hips. “I’m sorry, but you can’t leave yet.”
“Wanna bet? I know all about AMAs. Not to mention I’ve got a real smart daughter who’s a lawyer. She won’t put up with you keeping me here.”
Cricket folded her arms. “Wanna bet?”
At seeing her, Ronny broke out into a wide smile, but that changed to a scowl a second later. “What the hell are you doing here? This is your vacation. Who called you?”
“AMAs,” Cricket muttered under her breath. “You’re not leaving against medical advice. Under any circumstances. Now get back in bed, or I’ll have Wyatt put you there.”
Grudgingly, he sat on the edge of the bed. “What are you doing here, Wyatt?”
“I gave your daughter a ride.”
“Traitor,” Ronny mumbled, and then something caught his attention behind Cricket. “And now he shows up. Great.”
“Good morning. I’m Dr. Oakden.” Fortyish, wearing green scrubs, he looked up from the chart. “I see you had a fall.”
Ronny sighed, pushing a hand through his long unruly hair.
Kit mouthed “Good luck” to Cricket and slipped away.
“Hello, Doctor. I’m his daughter, Jessica Shaw,” Cricket said, pointedly ignoring her father’s groan and shaking the doctor’s hand. “I imagine he hasn’t told anyone about his dizzy spells, or his vertigo. Or his accidents.”
“Dammit, Cricket—”
The doctor frowned at the chart. “No, he hasn’t. How long has all this been going on?”
“I think it’s been a couple of years. But I only heard about it secondhand.”
“I’m sitting right here. In person.”
Cricket threw a glare Ronny’s way. “As if I trust you to tell him anything. Right now, consider me your power of attorney.”
“I’m not senile,” Ronny said, clearly hurt.
“No. You’re not. But stubborn can be just as dangerous.” She looked back at Dr. Oakden. “I’m sorry, Doctor. I know you’re busy.”
“That’s okay.” He moved closer to Ronny. “Does your regular physician know about any of this?”
“Sure, Ira knows everything.”
He was lying. Cricket could see that as plain as day. She suspected the doctor wasn’t fooled either, but she kept her mouth shut. For now.
“Ah, you’re Dr. Zachi’s patient,” the doc said, and Ronny winced a little. “You’re in good hands.”
“Exactly.” Ronny darted a smug glance at Cricket.
“I’ll give him a call.” Dr. Oakden pulled a flashlight out of his pocket, ignoring Ronny’s sudden worried expression. “Now, let’s have a look at your eyes.”
She’d known Ira Zachi since she was a kid. He’d been her doctor. He was the one she needed to speak to about getting her dad a complete physical. She backed up to give them room and realized that Wyatt had stepped out to the corridor. Cricket hoped he didn’t think she was the most awful person ever. The last thing she wanted to do was bully her own father, but she knew Ronny. He’d have to be half-dead before she’d get him to see a doctor again.
No, Wyatt was merely being polite. The doctor was asking Ronny questions about his health and the fall. His answers were probably all lies, but Wyatt wouldn’t want to intrude.
After Dr. Oakden had finished and explained that he was ordering some tests, he went on to the next patient, and Cricket motioned for Wyatt.
“I’m not hanging around here,” Ronny said. “Ira can give me those tests. Where are my damn clothes?”
“Please don’t make this any harder than it has to be, okay? As much as I’d like to stay here indefinitely so I could keep an eye on you, I—”
“You have a job. An important one. I know.” He sighed as if all the joy had left him in one breath. “But truth is, I’ve got a job, too. And this is my busiest time of year.”
She went to the bed and took his gnarled, tanned hand. “Dad, I know. What I also know is that there isn’t anyone on this island who wouldn’t help you. Right now, your morning charter is on schedule and halfway to the best fishing spot in the bay.”
“How?”
“Skip and Jim have it all under control. Wyatt made sure they had plenty of fuel and the supplies were in order.” She smiled at him as he came to stand beside her. “And you know full well one word would get you a dozen more volunteers.”
Another thing she knew better than anyone was that her father was a complete sap, so it was no surprise that his eyes had gotten a bit glassy. She stood her ground until he could get it together, which he did pretty quickly.
