Finding Jordie: Things aren't always what they seem. (The Love Lies Bleeding Series Book 1)

by Harley, HJ

  “She had a turkey sandwich,” Isobel said.

  “Thank you, guys.” I managed a small smile and attempted to eat mine but my stomach had other plans for me.

  “Jordan, you need to eat.” Frank scowled.

  “I can’t. I feel so sick.”

  “Eat now. I don’t care about your stomach. My nephew in there is hungry.” Rachel pointed to my belly with her chin.

  “Nephew?”

  “Hell yes, nephew.” She winked.

  I choked down the sandwich and washed it down with the coffee. Tyler finished his phone call and joined us.

  “That was Nate’s parents. They’re on the next flight out of Sacramento. Frank, they’re going to need a ride.”

  “Just let me know when.”

  “She must hate me now.” I slinked down in the chair.

  “Why would she hate you, Jordie?” Tyler asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know. It was my dead husband that nearly killed her son?” My voice shrieked a few octaves higher than normal and I flailed my hand, shaking my head.

  “Jordan...” Frank held up his hand.

  “Please don’t, this is entirely my fault.”

  “Oh yes, your fault entirely,” Frank came back at me sarcastic and pissy. “Of course, you planned for your husband to fake his death, flip on his country, commit treason, come back to kidnap Emma, and murder you and Nathan. Yes, I’m so certain that was all part of your master plan, correct?”

  “What? Kidnap Emma and kill us?” I briefly remembered Jason talking about documents. My stomach tightened and I wanted to vomit.

  “For real, that’s what he was planning? Wait, back up. I need this from the beginning.” I shook my head, confused. I needed something to keep my mind busy. Why not a horror story?

  “Now?” Frank raised an eyebrow.

  “No better time than the present. Talk.”

  My mind went blank as Frank explained that Jason didn’t pass away a war hero as we’d been told. He’d been captured, but then he turned. Apparently, the government felt it would be easier on his loved ones telling us that he passed away, whereas Frank insisted it was only because it’d been happening far too often over there and they didn’t want the word getting out. Essentially they told stories to protect their asses.

  “So why after eight years of supposedly being dead did he decide to come after us now?” I frowned.

  “He was keeping tabs on you all those years, Jordan. The phone taps, remember? He was monitoring your and Emma’s life. It’s when you met Nathan and were falling in love again that he lost it.”

  “I don’t understand. I barely spoke on the phone about Nathan.”

  “It didn’t matter. It was worldwide news, Jordie. Remember, he isn’t Nathan to the rest of the world. He’s Nate Harper. It was just a matter of time before Jason found out.” Frank tightened his lips and nodded his head to the side. “After we discovered your phone lines were tapped Richard did some digging. We noticed Rudy, Jason’s right-hand man, hanging around almost every night, surely trying to devise a plan—and the alarm system and cameras were making things harder for him. At that point we didn’t know exactly why you were his target until you mentioned Jason. When we had a clearer idea as to what was happening, we had Charles approach Rudy with an offer he couldn’t refuse. He pretended to be in a financial jam and offered to assist with getting them inside in exchange for money. From that point on Charles had to play a double agent; it was safest for all of us if we just allowed him to play the role. So nobody would interfere. When Nathan gave Charles his keys to bring the bags up, they made an electronic copy of his remote and a copy of the key. Come to find out that’s why the alarm kept going off. It wasn’t haywire. He was tormenting you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there when all of this went down. Jason set the plan in motion once he found out about the wedding. Charles did everything he could to stall him but Jason was coming for you guys with or without him there, so he made the snap decision to be inside with you, to keep you all as safe as possible without blowing his cover and getting you all killed.” After he explained it appeared as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

  We all sat there silent with our mouths agape, shocked.

  “Unbelievable,” Tyler whispered breaking the silence.

  “What the fuck?” Rachel shouted and caused Emma to stir.

  “Shhhhh!” I hissed through my teeth.

  “Well, what the fuck!?” she whispered loudly. “I never liked that controlling SOB anyhow.” She folded her arms like a spoiled brat. “Look at what he did to you... again.” She touched my forehead and eye then my lip, gently. “Jordan, you could be dead right now.” She busted into tears and hugged me.

  “Where are they now?” I changed the subject to avoid another outburst of tears on my part.

  “Rest assured, Jordie, they will be in prison for the rest of their lives.” Frank sounded certain of his words. “Treason is a huge deal, as is attempted kidnapping and attempted murder.”

  There was a knock on the door and the nurse poked her head in. We all turned our attention to her.

  “They’re almost finished. He’ll be in recovery for about thirty minutes or so. The reason I came to you is because there is quite the gathering out front of the hospital for Nate—I mean Mr. Harper, excuse me. I was wondering if you’d like security to ask them to leave or does anyone want to make a statement?”

  “Is it all reporters or fans?” I asked not meaning to sound as agitated as I did.

  “More fans than reporters. That’s why I figured I’d come ask you first.” She smiled apologetically.

  “I’ll go down while he’s in recovery.”

  She nodded to me. “You should be able to see him within the hour.”

  “How is he?” I asked and she glanced around the room at all the faces. “We’re his family.”

  “He’s in stable condition. Vitals are all good right now,” she said before dipping out of the room. Rachel hugged me and Frank took my hand. Tyler was back on the phone, I assumed to call Nathan’s parents. I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

  “Okay, he’s alive and stable. Thank you, Jesus.” I looked up. “I guess I’ll go down and talk to his fans.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Rachel and Frank said in unison.

  “Isobel, do you mind watching Emma for me for a few minutes?”

  “No worries. Go ahead.” She smiled and took a seat closer to the TV.

  As we walked Rachel and I held hands and Frank had his arm around me on the other side. Tyler walked beside us. I don’t know what compelled me to ask at that particular moment but I did.

  “Frank, when did Nathan put me on his medical stuff?”

  “Jordie, I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

  “Why not? It’s not like it’s an intrusive question or anything. What’s the big deal?”

  “Perhaps when we are alone?” He stared straight ahead.

  “Oh, he probably did that the same day he changed his will and left his life’s work and savings to you,” Tyler chimed in nonchalantly.

  “Uh what?” Rachel and I said at the same time, spinning around to look at Tyler.

  Frank smacked his own forehead and mumbled something under his breath. “Really, Tyler?”

  “What? Not like it’s a secret. It’s a secret? Oh. Oops.” Tyler slouched, embarrassed.

  “Oh hell no, that’s his parents,” I snapped.

  “What’s the big deal anyhow? Once you two get hitched it’s all yours anyway. I mean, you are the mother of his kids.”

  “Will be the mother of his kid,” I corrected him.

  “Jesus Christ, Tyler, do you have diarrhea of the mouth today?” Frank yelled at him.

  “Damn it. That was a secret too, wasn’t it? Shit shit shit.”

  “What’s a secret? What the hell, guys?” The elevator door opened and we stepped out.

  “Once Nathan recovers this is something you can discuss with him.” That was Frank’s poor att
empt to put the kibosh on the conversation.

  “No, now.” I stopped mid-step before we hit the main hallway to the entrance of the hospital.

  “Why do you put me in these positions, Jordan?”

  “I didn’t put you in shit. He did.” I pointed at Tyler.

  “I’ll tell her. It’s my fault. It’s no big deal. Nathan was going to see what you thought about him adopting Emma. This was pre-psycho dead husband made his debut in town on his crazy train though.”

  Rachel slapped his arm.

  “Ow! What did I say?”

  Rachel rolled her eyes and yelled at him, “It’s called tact, you fucking jerk.”

  “Oh yeah, because you two are the epitome of tact and class?” he joked.

  “Really, he said that?” I smiled.

  “Yeah, he did, Jords. He’s crazy about that kid.” Tyler returned the smile.

  “Okay, let’s do this so we can get back upstairs and be there when he’s out of recovery,” Frank said as he opened the door. We walked out front. To the right of the entrance there were about twenty-five to thirty people sitting and standing quietly. Some held pictures or posters of Nathan, others held candles. The outpouring of love for him overwhelmed me and I began to sob. A few paps and reporters walked over to us slowly. That was rather considerate of them. Everyone gathered in closer to hear what I had to say.

  “Jordie, we love you guys! We’re praying for Nate!” one fan shouted from the middle of the crowd. A few pictures were being snapped but nothing too outrageous.

  “Thank you, everyone. Thank you for coming out to show support for Nathan. Wow. Nathan, Nate, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and head trauma. We were just informed that he’s out of surgery and in stable condition. When we’re finished down here, I’m hoping he’ll be out of recovery and up for a visit.”

  “How are you, Jordie? How’s the baby?” a familiar pap asked me. The woman from CNN News shoved the mic in my face making sure she didn’t miss my answer.

  “Other than a few cuts and bruises I’m well, thank you. Emma was unharmed, thankfully.” I gave a small smile.

  “And the baby?” The pushy mic broad asked this time. What the...Is this lady just taking a wild guess or did someone tell her? Who would do that? Nobody really even knows. The paramedics? It doesn’t matter, not like it won’t be obvious in a few months. Even still, I’m not telling anyone anything right now.

  “I really have nothing else to report on Nate’s condition. We’ll know more once he’s out of recovery. Again, thank you all so much for your support.”

  “Is it true your military-trained ex-husband is the person who shot Nate? Where is he now?” The questions kept coming at me.

  “I believe she said thank you and goodnight everyone. To Nate’s fans, we’ll be sure to pass along your love and support.” Frank whisked me off back towards the entrance.

  “How’d they know?” I snapped.

  “It’s obvious, Jordie, you two getting hitched so soon,” Rachel snapped back at me.

  “Whatever. I just want to see Nathan.”

  We headed back to the room and Isobel let us know that he was out of recovery.

  “Thank god. You guys stay with Emma, please? I need a few minutes with him,” I said to Rachel and Tyler.

  I turned back out the door to find out what room he was in, Frank not two steps behind me.

  “Follow me. The doctor would like to speak with you first,” a nurse said to us as we reached the desk.

  We walked a bit further down the corridor into another waiting area.

  “He’ll be right in.” She closed the door.

  “Ugh. Now what? I just want to see him.” I paced.

  “I know, Jordan. Be patient.”

  The door opened and Nathan’s doctor entered. “Hello, I’m Dr. Hawkins. This is my PA, Sonja,” he said politely. “I need to speak with you about Nathan’s condition before anyone sees him.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?” I was panicked again.

  “Physically, nothing, and we are hoping, once a familiar face is present, mentally as well,” he began.

  “What the fuck does that even mean?” I stood up, furious.

  “Jordan, have a seat,” Frank scolded me.

  I sulked but sat back down.

  “Thank you.” Dr. Hawkins nodded politely and Sonja gave me a sympathetic thin-lipped smile.

  “We aren’t sure what exactly triggered it, if it was the blow to the head or if it’s a mental defense mechanism but he’s suffering from post-traumatic amnesia. I’ll have a better diagnosis and prognosis once I observe him around loved ones and familiar faces. I need to ask a few questions, then we can go see him.”

  “Amnesia? As in can’t remember anything? Holy shit,” I sobbed.

  “Well, that isn’t entirely true. Now, I know he is Nathan Harper, but who is Lucas Black?” the doctor asked, not looking up from the chart in his hand.

  “Lucas Black? That’s the role he’s portraying in the film he’s working on right now. Why?” The disgust in my tone was clear and my stomach churned because I knew what was coming next. My Nathan, the love of my life, the man who had captivated me mind, body, and soul, believed he was a womanizing business tycoon. After a moment of silence, the doctor finally looked up at me, adjusting his glasses. Frank squeezed my knee lightly.

  “He thinks he’s Lucas Black, doesn’t he?” I strained to say the words. “Doesn’t he?”

  “Yes, at the moment he does, Ms. Spagnato. We hope when he sees you and familiar faces this will jostle his memory back and make things clearer for him. It’s a rare form of amnesia, but in most cases it’s not permanent.”

  “I want to see him now.” I rose to my feet, wiped the tears away with the backs of my hands, and stopped at the door. “Now,” I demanded.

  Frank followed me out the door.

  “What room?” I snapped.

  “Jordan, please, let’s wait until his parents—” Frank’s feeble attempt of, oh, I don’t know, consoling me or stalling me wasn’t going to work.

  “What room?” I growled through my teeth.

  “Three forty one,” Sonja responded.

  “Thank you.” I turned on my heel and practically ran to his room with my arms wrapped around me so I didn’t fall apart. I stood outside room three forty one and ran my hands through my hair, straightened out my rumpled clothing, and took a deep breath. I exhaled slowly and composed myself completely before I pushed the door open. When I entered the room, there was a nurse standing over him checking his IV line. She looked back at me and gave a sympathetic smile. She gathered her equipment off the snack table to leave. “We’re all pulling for him.” She touched my shoulder before she left.

  I croaked out a thank you, not taking my eyes off Nathan. His head was bandaged. The left side of his face was severely bruised and cut up. I could feel the bile rising to my throat and my stomach began to turn upside down. He was covered from the waist down with a blanket, his chest and abdomen exposed but bandaged as well.

  Frank put his arm around my waist to offer support and guided me to the chair next to Nathan’s bed. The doctor and his PA walked in as I sat down. I scooted the chair silently closer to his bedside and reached for his hand. He didn’t move when I touched him. I looked up to the doctor and he nodded to me.

  “Go ahead, try and wake him.”

  “Nathan? Baby? Nathan?” I rubbed the top of his hand with my thumb.

  He slowly moved his head back and forth and opened his eyes groggily. When he focused on me immediately, he smiled my smile. I breathed a huge sigh of relief and put my head down on the railing of his bed.

  “Oh thank god, Nathan. I was so scared...”

  But when I looked back up at him the smile had left and his face had turned cold.

  “Who is this Nathan everyone is going on about? I’m not fucking Nathan. I’m Lucas fucking Black.” He snarled the words through his gritted teeth and yanked his hand out of mine.

  “But you s
miled... my smi...” I shook my head in disbelief.

  “I smiled at you because quite frankly you are one hot piece of ass, and by the looks of it, you probably like it rough,” he spit out.

  “Nathan, it’s me. Jordie. We’re in love and we were supposed to get married this week. I’m having your baby, for Christ’s sake,” I said. The chair tipped over from underneath me as I hopped out of it.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Of course we are.” He rolled his eyes and dismissed me. “Sorry, toots, wrong guy. I shoot blanks and the only thing I do is fuck. I don’t love anyone or anything, except pussy and money, of course.” He laughed sardonically and waved me out the door. “Now, I need my rest. If you aren’t going to blow me, get out.” He dismissed me for good that time.

  My insides couldn’t contain the fullness any longer, and I vomited all over myself and the floor. “Frank!” I screamed and everything went black again.

  “HONESTLY, RACHEL, I WISH you wouldn’t leave these rag mags around my bar.”

  “Honestly, Jordie, I wish you’d stop being such a raging bitch,” she quipped back, nasty.

  She was right yet again. I hadn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows over the last six months. I looked past my enormous belly and picked up the magazine. “Don’t these people have anything else to report besides Nate fucking Harper living the bachelor’s life? And if he’s going to be a man whore I wish he’d go back to L.A. and not do it in my backyard.” I tossed the magazine back onto the bar and popped a peppermint in my mouth to try and fight off the familiar feeling of nausea. Not the “I’m ginormously pregnant nausea” either. It was the kind that took over your body when you saw the father of your child, the man you loved, live his life big pimpin’ style, without you.

  “Stop dwelling on it. It is what it is, Jordan. You know we’ll all be here for you. Tyler, Frank, Nathan’s parents, Emma, Kelly, Isobel, all of us.”

  I was in tears again. “Everyone but him,” I wailed and put my head down on the bar.