Running Target

by Kari Lemor

  Scott got up and pulled out his cell phone. Jack’s eyes flashed open again and his voice croaked. “No, no hospital. This wasn’t an accident.”

  Looking closer at his cousin, he asked, “How do you know?”

  “I heard something before it happened. And when I examined the rope, it was loose. I checked that batch this afternoon right after it was delivered and it was tight. Someone rigged it.”

  “Are you sure it was the same batch?” His cousin didn’t seem to be all there right now. Could he have been mistaken?

  Jack shook his head then cried out in pain. Gritting his teeth, his breath came out in short pants. “No, someone did this as I was walking next to it.”

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, Scott looked at the blood on Jack’s face, trying to figure out where it was coming from. He lifted the hair on his forehead and saw a large gash on his temple. Immediately he grabbed the emergency medical kit and pulled out some gauze and peroxide.

  “If someone was trying to kill you, why didn’t they stick around and finish the job?”

  Jack winced as Scott dabbed the laceration with the cloth. “They probably thought they succeeded. I was out for a while. At least a half hour if I’m guessing. I managed to crawl back here, lock the door and call you. I don’t remember much after that.”

  “You don’t remember the security guard I sent over?”

  One of Jack’s eyes opened slightly then shut again. “Maybe.”

  “Which means you passed out again for another few hours. That’s not good, Jack. You need a medical person to look at you.”

  “No, if it was one of Cabrini’s men, they’ll be checking the local hospitals. Can’t risk it.”

  Scott’s shoulders sagged, knowing his cousin was right. Cabrini had eyes and ears in too many places. They’d discovered that far too often. But he couldn’t leave Jack here in this condition.

  “I have a friend who’s a nurse and she’s not too far from here. Maybe she’ll do me a favor and check you out.”

  “Can you trust her?”

  “I think so. I dated her roommate in college.”

  Jack gazed at him curiously. “Not the rich bitch who dumped you?”

  Heat rushed to Scott’s face. That wasn’t his favorite time to remember. “Yeah, her, but Sarah felt bad about Patrice dumping me like she did. She’s kept in touch. I think she’ll be safe.”

  Making the phone call, he breathed a sigh of relief when Sarah agreed. While they waited, he tried to make Jack more comfortable, removing his jacket and cleaning up more of his cuts. No way was his cousin fine though, no matter what he said. He kept drifting in and out of consciousness and his pain level was high when he tried to move. Internal injuries were the biggest fear he had. The stubborn man could be bleeding inside right now. Dying. And Scott was sitting here allowing himself to be talked out of getting a doctor’s help. But if Jack was right and someone had done this on purpose, going to a hospital might be exactly what they wanted.

  “Scott,” Jack called out, pulling at his hand. “Favor for me.”

  “Anything, you name it.”

  “If something happens to me, take care of Callie and Jonathan.”

  “It goes without question. You don’t even need to ask. But you said you were fine, so I’m sure it won’t come to that.”

  “Not only now. I need to get rid of Cabrini. Callie needs a man around the house.”

  “Sure, I’ll simply move in,” he teased, hoping to lighten the situation.

  “Yeah, marry her. Be Jonathan’s dad. You’d be great.”

  What the hell? How could Jack even be thinking this way? “I’m not going to marry Callie when she’s in love with you.”

  “But if I’m not around…”

  “I think you hit your head harder than you thought. Callie certainly doesn’t want to marry me.”

  “She likes you, respects you.” His voice was growing weaker. “She’s easy to love. You could do it.”

  “We’re getting a little ahead of ourselves now. Let’s wait until Sarah gets here before we start reading your will. We’re going to stop Victor up at some point. Might need to call in the guys for reinforcements soon. Now get some rest.”

  His most immediate worry was finding somewhere for Jack to stay while he recuperated. This trailer was out of the question. The place wasn’t safe for him anymore. And if Cabrini figured out their relationship, his apartment wouldn’t be safe either.

  Maybe Heather would know somewhere. Her family had dozens of houses they never used. She offered them on numerous occasions. But Jack could hardly stay in one by himself. In his condition, he’d need someone taking care of him.

  He smiled, remembering Callie and Jonathan were visiting with Heather in Vermont. Yeah, that might work if they were willing. Jack would be thrilled to see his son again, and Callie too. His cousin couldn’t hide his feelings for the woman who had given birth to their child. And as much as Callie tried to hide her feelings, too, they were quite apparent. Now to get Heather to suggest it. He knew exactly what he’d say.

  * * * *

  “It’s wonderful you and Jonathan decided to join me here for a few weeks, Callie.”

  Callie looked around the spacious chalet and smiled at Heather. “I’m glad we came too. I need to simply relax and not think about everything that’s been going on lately. To get away from Victor’s presence. Even though he lives in New Jersey, it still seems like he’s there whenever I turn around. These past few days have been great and I’m sure by the end of next week, I won’t want to leave.”

  Heather smiled slyly. “You know you can always stay here permanently if you wanted. My parents don’t use this place any more. If they want to ski, they go to Vale or Aspen.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but my job is in Connecticut and even though I can do most of it from home, I still need to check in at the office every now and then. But not for the next two weeks. For now, I am free.”

  The tone of Heather’s phone sounded and she quickly pressed the button to answer, mouthing, “I hope that didn’t wake up Jonathan.”

  Callie shook her head. Not much woke her son when he was napping. At Heather’s indrawn breath, she paid closer attention to the conversation.

  “You should definitely bring him here. He’ll be safe and we can take care of him. We’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “What happened?”

  Heather swallowed then her gaze turned concerned. “Jack was hurt on the construction site last night. It’s possible someone pushed a stack of lumber on top of him. He thinks one of Victor’s men may have found him there.”

  “Is he all right? How bad is he hurt? Should he be in a hospital?”

  The questions flew out of Callie’s mouth, her heart beating faster at the thought of Jack injured. Victor had said he would ramp up his search for Angelo’s killer. She hadn’t worried too much with Jack in Pennsylvania but maybe she should have.

  Heather got up and sat next to her on the couch. Was the news that bad her friend felt the need to console her?

  “Scott said Jack refused to go to the hospital. He didn’t want to take the chance if it was one of Victor’s men. Scott didn’t say what his injuries were. He told me Jack needed a safe place to stay while he recovered. They’re flying into the local airport in Scott’s plane. It’ll be a few hours before they arrive. I hope you don’t mind that I told him to come here.”

  “Of course,” Callie said, breathlessly. “He’s Jonathan’s father. We need to do what we can.”

  Heather threw her a skeptical look. Yes, she’d emphasized Jack’s importance to their son. He’s important to you too. Don’t deny it. Still, she needed to keep her distance, emotionally as well as physically. If he was injured, she would take care of him but she also needed to take care of herself, and her heart.

  Heather rushed off to the sto
re to buy extra food, bandages and any other medical supplies they might need. Callie put fresh sheets on the bed in the room connected to hers by the bathroom. It was the only free one left. The large bedroom upstairs near the main living area and kitchen was being used by Heather. The other three bedrooms were downstairs. She had the bigger one and Jonathan had chosen the one across the hall. Maybe she should move Jonathan and have Jack across the hall. But Jonathan had wanted the room with the bunk beds even though she wouldn’t allow him to sleep on the top bunk.

  Heather returned right as Jonathan was waking from his nap. Callie helped put things away with him riding on her hip. It always took him a little while before he got rid of the just-woken-up grumpies.

  The sound of a car pulling into the drive startled her. So soon? It hadn’t been that long, had it? Or maybe she wasn’t ready to have Jack here yet. He’d probably brush off any injuries from this accident like he’d done with the bullet wound he’d gotten in Central Park. Typical man, wanting to be seen as brave and strong. This was something she already knew about him. He didn’t need to prove it to her.

  “I think Uncle Scott’s here. Let’s go see.”

  Jonathan rallied at that and wiggled to get down. Following Heather, she ran down the stairs then deposited her son on the floor. She opened the door to see Scott escorting Jack across the driveway. He was limping slightly but the sun had set and she couldn’t see his features clearly.

  “I don’t need your help walking, I’ve been doing it for a while,” Jack grouched as they drew nearer. She smiled. If he was well enough to complain, he couldn’t be that bad.

  “Stop your whining and get in here,” Callie teased, moving aside to let them in. “It’s too cold to be standing here flapping your jaw.”

  “Daddy,” Jonathan squealed when he saw who was walking in. His words rang out clear as day. Jumping up and down, he waved his hands in the air, his hint he wanted to be picked up.

  “Hey, pal,” Jack greeted his son, his voice weaker than she’d heard it before. He didn’t immediately bend down to pick Jonathan up and she worried more.

  The light from inside shone on his face showing the cuts and bruises. One arm clung to his abdomen while the other reached down to tousle his son’s hair.

  “I can’t pick you up right now, pal. I hurt my hand a little and it’s sore. But you can hold my other one.”

  Jonathan’s eyes widened but he understood and held up one hand. Jack took it gently.

  “We should get you lying down,” Scott suggested and Jack scowled at him.

  “I’m fine. I don’t know why you thought you needed to bring me all this way. I could have holed up in a motel somewhere and not bothered anyone.”

  “But the company’s not as nice at a motel,” Heather said. “Nor the nursing services. We have much better accommodations here. And we have the cuteness factor.” She pointed to Jonathan who was twirling on the end of Jack’s hand in a little happy dance.

  Callie loved how delighted her son was now his father was here. No matter how anxious she was regarding his proximity, he made their son happy. She wanted that more than anything.

  “I’ve put sheets on the bed in here. The shared bathroom’s attached.”

  “Tum, daddy, tum.” Jonathan pulled his father’s hand and Jack reluctantly followed. Callie could tell he didn’t want to be treated like an invalid.

  “I’m coming,” Jack said, and moved in to sit on the side of the bed. His face creased in pain and he held tightly to his middle as he sat. Not that he’d mention how bad the injury was. She’d have to find a way to ask Scott or check it herself.

  Scott placed a small bag on the floor. “I grabbed some clothes for him but I didn’t have time to pack properly. He’ll have to make do. If he really needs anything, let me know and I can try and find a way to get it here.”

  “There are stores near here, Scott,” Heather sassed with a grin. “I think we can manage. Why don’t we let Callie and Jonathan take care of Jack for now and I can make you some coffee.”

  “Thanks, I’ll need it. I’ve got the plane waiting at the airport so I can go back. I wish I could stay longer to help out but I have a big meeting tomorrow about a possible new contract.”

  “We’ll get you coffee, then.” Heather hooked her arm through Scott’s and headed up the stairs.

  Callie turned back to Jack who was attempting to heft Jonathan onto the bed beside him. Quickly she helped then reached for his coat. “Why don’t we take this off and get you settled.”

  Jack winced as Callie slipped the jacket from his shoulders and Jonathan frowned.

  “Boo boo, daddy?”

  Holding his left arm close to his body, he forced a smile. “A little one, pal. Not too bad. I’ll be better soon. Being here with you will help.”

  Jonathan looked up at her with big eyes. “Mama, tiss boo boo.”

  She almost choked at her son’s words. He wanted her to kiss Jack’s boo boos. The boy didn’t understand what he was asking.

  Jack knew all right. His eyes sparkled with humor and his lips twitched. “Yeah, pal, maybe a few kisses from Mommy will make it all better. Kisses, Mommy?”

  Jonathan watched her with such an expectant expression. She hated to let him down. He truly believed in the power of her kiss.

  “Let’s get daddy settled in the bed first. Then we can work on the boo boos.”

  Once Jack was leaning against the pillows propped on the headboard and his shoes had been removed, he patted the bed next to him. “I’m ready for those healing kisses now, Mommy.”

  Jonathan, sitting on Jack’s other side, nodded solemnly. What choice did she have unless she wanted to rob her child of the notion mother’s kisses healed all wounds? She slid on the bed near Jack, attempting to keep from being too close. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to discover what injuries he had.

  Leaning over, she took his head in her hands. “Daddy’s got a few boo boos on his face. Those will need to be taken care of.” She placed tender kisses along his cheek, forehead and chin. Jack closed his eyes at the feather light touches and her heart ached for him. Why couldn’t she do this all the time? Don’t even think of getting used to this. It won’t last.

  “Where else does it hurt?” Ignoring the voices in her head, she touched the arm still pressed tightly to his waist and pushed up his sleeve to find bandages wrapped from the wrist up. Lifting his hand, she pressed kisses along the white fabric.

  Jack adjusted on the bed and pain sliced across his features. Callie looked at him sharply. Moving to where he’d been clutching, she probed gently.

  “No, it’s fine.”

  But the grimace on his face told the true story. Pulling the shirt from his waistband, she cringed at the discolored skin on his ribs. There was swelling as well. She lowered her head to place her healing kisses along the injured area. You are seriously asking for heartache.

  “If you keep doing that, Calico, there’ll be another area in pain very soon.”

  She looked up at Jack’s face then down at the part of him she’d been kissing. What had she been thinking? And right in front of Jonathan. Though their son didn’t seem to be paying any attention to her. He’d curled himself against Jack’s side and stuck his thumb in his mouth. Reveling in the comfort of his father near him? She understood his feelings exactly.

  “This looks a bit swollen, I think I’ll get some ice for it,” she announced as she pushed herself away from the bed. “Heather got some pain reliever also. Do you need any?”

  He shook his head then closed his eyes in obvious discomfort. Stupid macho bravado.

  “I’ll bring some down anyway. Jonathan, take care of daddy until I get back, okay?”

  The child didn’t even take his thumb out of his mouth. Simply nodded then turned adoring eyes up at Jack, who smiled down at him. She was lost. This scenario was precious but didn’
t happen often enough. So not fair.

  Trotting up the stairs, she found Heather and Scott sitting next to each other on the couch. She plopped into the chair opposite and started asking her questions.

  “What exactly happened? Where else is he injured that I can’t see? Are their specific instructions on how to make him better?

  Scott chuckled then shook his head. “He never even saw a doctor so I can’t give you exacts. Somehow a stack of lumber got loose and tipped over on top of him. He says he was unconscious for a while but then managed to get back to the trailer. I got there as fast as I could after he called.”

  Scott frowned as he recalled what happened. “He was in pretty bad shape but refused to go to the hospital. I have a friend who’s a nurse and she took a look at him. Possible concussion, some cracked ribs, and maybe a fractured wrist, though it could simply be a sprain. He’s got some bad bruises on his leg as well.”

  She swallowed hard. “What do we need to do?”

  “My friend suggested trying to keep him in bed for a few days as least. He needs rest. But you know Jack, he isn’t one for doing nothing. He needs to be busy. With Jonathan here, I thought maybe he could stay busy but still not overexert.”

  “I’ll try and make him rest but as you said, it won’t be easy.”

  “Listen, I’m sorry you have to take care of him but I can’t very well take him back to my place if Victor was responsible for this. If he connects us, then my apartment would be the first place he’d look. He still has no idea you two have a history, and this chalet is registered to Heather’s parents, so I thought it would be safe.”

  Scott looked in the direction of the stairs then back at her. “I couldn’t let him hang out in a motel room by himself. I know he’s not at death’s door but he’s more injured than he lets on. I can’t stand the thought of him being alone when he’s hurt. He’s been alone too much over the last few years.”

  Moisture pricked at the back of her eyes and she tried to blink it away. Loneliness was something she knew about. It wasn’t fun. Jack had known it far too much also.