Killer Career

by Mandel, Morgan

  The boy nodded solemnly then turned his attention to Julie. “Do you have a baby here, too?”

  Wishing she were here for a happy occasion, Julie blinked back sudden tears. “No, I don’t.”

  The elevator stopped. The two exited on the fourth floor. At seven, it was Julie’s turn.

  With heart pounding, she rushed blindly down the still hall, past a waiting room with a man and a woman seated on a couch.

  Behind a concave desk, a nurse entered data into a computer, another one spoke on the phone, while a third scribbled notes on a writing pad.

  “Is Dade Donovan here? How is he?”

  The nurse who was writing the notes looked up. “Are you related?”

  “No.”

  “I’m sorry. Only relatives,” she said, turning back to her paper.

  “I’m his fiancé. I have to see him.”

  The nurse threw her a sharp look. Julie tried to look innocent and sincere.

  Dade would laugh when he heard what she’d said. She’d love to hear that laugh.

  “He’s in Three B,” the nurse said, relenting. “Dr. Patterson’s with him.”

  * * *

  The man lying still, with the bandaged head and purple and blue face, couldn’t be Dade. He was always busy. He’d not be caught dead lying around like this.

  At sight of the oxygen tube, the IV flowing into Dade’s arm and the splint on the other one, an almost physical pain swelled in Julie’s throat, threatening to choke her.

  The doctor stood over the bed and shone a light into Dade’s eyes. A machine beeped. A nurse scurried to refill the IV solution.

  “Will he be all right,” Julie asked the doctor.

  He turned momentarily from his patient.

  “That depends. It’s been four hours since he was wheeled in and he’s still in a coma. The longer he’s under, the heavier the risk to his brain, heart and lungs. At this point it’s crucial he wake up. His injuries also include a lung bruise, a broken right hand, multiple right leg fractures and possible internal injuries. His blood pressure is elevated.”

  Julie’s eyes filled and she blinked rapidly. What if Dade didn’t make it? She couldn’t imagine a world without him. He couldn’t be gone forever.

  “Can I speak to him? Maybe a familiar voice would help.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt,” the doctor said, then turned toward the door. “I’ll be back later to check on him.”

  How could he abandon Dade? Anything could happen. Of course, other patients needed the doctor, but still, she wanted him here every minute just in case.

  She’d stay. Dade would not be left alone, no matter how long it took. He had to get better. She’d see to it.

  Julie leaned over the bed. The cold railing dug into her abdomen, but she ignored it. Careful not to disturb the IV hose carrying the precious fluids to Dade’s ravaged body, she lightly pressed his right hand.

  “Dade, it’s Julie. Can you hear me?”

  He lay unmoving.

  Julie bit her lip. She’d almost expected him to speak, as if nothing had happened. It was unnerving to see him so unresponsive

  She wouldn’t give up.

  “Dade, please, I’m worried. Can you hear me? If it’s too hard to talk, can you move your finger or a toe?”

  Nothing. Julie fought back hot tears. Could he hear her? Could he tell what she was saying? She had to reach him somehow.

  Somewhere, deep inside of his brain, did he even register what she was saying? She had to bring him back. A past memory might help.

  Her mind went blank. All she could think of was Dade lying still forever, never waking up. What could she say to make a difference?

  A bittersweet smile escaped her. If he were functioning at all, he’d remember this.

  “Dade, remember the day my parents died in the plane crash? Avery tried to make me feel better, but it was you who really helped. You took out your handkerchief, wiped my tears and said, ‘Julie, you’re a Donovan now. We’ll be there for you, no matter what.’”

  She choked back a sob. “Dade, don’t break your promise. You’ve got to come back. You’re a part of me.”

  It tore at her to see him like this. And the worst wasn’t over. Taking a shaky breath, she reached for the phone by the bed. Avery’s cheerful voice answered.

  God, she hated to destroy her friend’s happiness.

  “Avery, I had to call. Something terrible has happened. Dade was in an accident. He’s in a coma at Northwestern Memorial. You and Marcia need to get here. Promise you’ll drive carefully.”

  “We’re on our way,” Avery answered, the life drained from her voice.

  Chapter Thirteen

  With chest crushed and head pounding, Dade swam through the murky waters. He had to reach Julie. She needed him.

  Her fresh floral scent filled his nostrils. Her stifled sobs penetrated his ears. Someone was hurting her. He had to protect her. It was his job.

  With his last ounce of willpower, Dade commanded his eyelids to open. They refused to obey, but he would not give up. He’d keep trying until they did.

  When he finally did manage to pry his lids open, he was greeted by a blurry white world.

  A band of searing pain flashed across his forehead, stealing his breath and making his stomach turn. Every part of his body clamored for attention, but he had only one focus: Julie. Where was she?

  He skimmed the area until he caught sight of her standing to the left. Her eyes were puffy and red. Who was hurting her? He’d promised to take care of her and he would. Dade forced his lips to move. “Don’tttt crrry, JJJJulie.”

  “Oh my God, Dade. You’ve done it. You’re awake.”

  Of course. What was the big deal?

  He watched in amazement as she reached over the side of the bed and pressed the call button.

  “You have no idea how scared I was,” she said.

  Before he could begin to form a response, a nurse and a doctor rushed in. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Julie leave the room.

  Who’d guess that a tiny bright light could hurt like a cleaver slicing his brain?

  The doctor poked and prodded, then asked, “What’s your name?”

  Dade had to think about that one, but it came to him. The doctor shot off more questions, asking for his address and age. It took a while to figure out what to say, but he managed. When he spoke, his voice sounded weak and hoarse. Still, the doctor smiled, apparently pleased.

  “Do you remember what happened today,” the doctor asked.

  Dade tried to think, but pain sliced his forehead. A fog filled his mind. Try as he might, he couldn’t penetrate it. How and why had he gotten here? A vague uneasy feeling filtered in. He was forgetting something important.

  “That’s all right. We’ll take it slow. Maybe it’ll come to you later. In the meantime, why don’t I send your friend back in?”

  Julie reentered. Dade flashed a wan smile.

  As if Dade were not there, the doctor turned to Julie. “Let’s work on the memory a bit. See what you can do to help him remember.”

  That wasn’t her job. She’d been through enough. He could handle it on his own. All he had to do was concentrate.

  Suddenly, like a shockwave, it gripped him. He remembered, but wished he hadn’t.

  “I know what happened.”

  They turned to look at him.

  Haltingly he told the story about how he’d glided along on green lights until he’d turned onto Madison. Ahead was a red. He pressed the brake, but it didn’t catch. He pressed harder, but the car kept moving.

  The streets were jammed. He saw nowhere to turn, yet the car sped on.

  His heart stopped as a Cavalier loomed ahead at the intersection. He glimpsed the driver’s scared face right before the glass flew. He was yanked forward. His chest crashed into the steering wheel. His head hit the windshield. Pain -- then darkness.

  Sounds from the doorway interrupted Dade’s account.

  “Chicago Police. We’re her
e to see Dade Donovan,” a stern voice said.

  “You’ll have to come back later,” Julie ordered.

  “Sorry, Miss, but we need to question him about the auto accident.”

  “I’m his attorney. He’s in no condition to speak.”

  Dade smiled weakly. With Julie in mother lion mode, the cops didn’t stand a chance.

  “Listen, the other driver was a fatality. We must speak to Mr. Donovan.”

  His smile froze. A chill raced up and down his spine. My God, he’d killed someone. His forehead felt clammy. The room spun.

  “Dade, come back,” Julie screamed.

  Everything faded.

  * * *

  Dade awakened to horrific memories and crushing pain. Because of him, a man had died. The bed’s prison-like bars testified to his guilt.

  Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the hospital blinds. He had to have been out for an hour or so, yet it seemed longer. His mouth felt like gauze. Everything was blurred. Only one thought stood out, marring any good he’d ever accomplished. He’d killed someone.

  He, who prided himself on doing the right thing, had done the absolute worst that anyone could imagine. He’d wiped a human being from the face of the earth. That person would never again see a sun rise or feel its rays against his skin.

  He should have prevented it. A rush of guilt filled him, making him groan.

  Julie rushed to the side of the bed. He didn’t deserve her support or anyone else’s.

  “I’ll get the nurse,” she whispered, reaching for the call button.

  “No, don’t. Not yet. I have to talk to you.”

  “Later. We can’t take a chance now.”

  She pressed the button. The nurse appeared, followed shortly by the doctor.

  * * *

  Julie stood outside in the hall waiting. As soon as the doctor came out of the room, she cornered him. “How is he?”

  “He’s on the mend. His vitals have improved.”

  “What about when he lost consciousness?”

  “Not unusual with a concussion. His central nervous system is adjusting to the motion disruption of the impact. The important thing is he’s back. Also, the diuretics are doing a good job controlling the lung bruise. His breathing has stabilized. He appears to be out of the woods.”

  “Thank you so much, doctor.”

  Now she’d have some good news to tell Avery and Marcia. At this point they had to be about an hour away. She punched in Avery’s number.

  “Hello,” Avery’s clipped voice answered.

  “Dade just woke up. The doctor says he’s going to make it.”

  The resulting cheer hurt Julie’s eardrums, but brought a smile to her lips. “I’ve got to go now. There’s a patient who needs me. I’ll hold down the fort until you make it in.”

  Julie stepped back inside to find Dade frowning.

  She pasted a bright smile on her face and approached the bed. “The doctor says you’ll be all right. Isn’t that great?”

  He smiled wanly, but any response from him was heaven after the last horrific hours.

  “Julie, what about the police? What did you tell them?”

  “What you told me. They’ll be back tomorrow. In the meantime, the investigation unit has impounded your car.”

  Dade bit his lip, ingesting the information. She knew what he was thinking.

  “I should have done something to prevent it.”

  “There was nothing you could do. If anyone’s to blame, it’s your mechanic. You just saw him a few weeks ago, didn’t you? Why didn’t he check the brakes?”

  “Nothing escapes Joe. He would have noticed the problem. Besides, the Saab’s not even a year old and didn’t have many miles on it. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “It’s probably got a factory defect. You’ll see.”

  He started to shrug his shoulders and winced from the pain. “My fault or not, a man died at my hands. Do you know anything about him?”

  Her heart turned at the anguish in Dade’s voice. On the outside he acted tough, but underneath he was totally giving. It was his nature to nurture, not destroy.

  This accident hurt him more than just physically. She needed to guide him back to his inner strength. If only she didn’t feel so strange, as if she might black out at any minute. Again, she’d skipped meals and lost sleep. She had to ignore her weakness and help Dade.

  “According to the officer, the man in the Cavalier was Jack Johnson. He was twenty-five, a teller at the DuMont Bank, with a wife and no children.”

  Dade swallowed hard. “The poor woman. She’s got to be devastated. Julie, I’ll pay for the funeral, flowers, everything. Can you do me a favor and take care of it?”

  Julie nodded, blinking back sudden tears. She’d make sure everything was perfect. It could have been Dade’s funeral she was planning. “The important thing is for you to get better. Remember, it won’t be easy for me to tackle that double case load. You’ve got to get well and get out of here. I’m not staying at the firm forever,” she said, flashing him a stern look.

  “Yes, boss. Is it okay if I don’t salute you?”

  “Just follow my orders,” she said, with a melting smile.

  Poor Dade. He was doing his best.

  “Oh, by the way, reinforcements should arrive within the hour. Your mother and Avery will make sure you behave yourself.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  As she fumbled in her purse for the front door key, Julie heard the phone ring. No hurry. She’d answered enough calls in the last week. With Dade in the hospital, she was “it.” Everything fell on her shoulders.

  A horrid thought hit her. Maybe it was the hospital and he’d taken a turn for the worse. Her trembling fingers closed on the keys. Once inside, she raced to the end table and grabbed the receiver.

  “Hello,” she gasped, above her pounding heart.

  “Ms. McGuire? This is Tyler Jensen.”

  Relief flooded her, followed by something else. Her pulse did a quick dance as she pictured the mystery writer as she’d last seen him: knowing hazel eyes, shoulder length wavy hair pushed behind his ears, that mocking smile daring her to abandon her well ordered life and follow her dreams.

  The workshops were over. Why was he calling?

  “We got off on the wrong foot. I’d like to make it up to you,” he said.

  She must be hallucinating. She hadn’t felt right lately. Lack of sleep, worry about Dade, poor eating habits, they’d caught up with her. The famous Tyler Jensen couldn’t be saying what she thought he was.

  “Are you still there? Answer me,” he said.

  “Yes, Mr. Jensen. I’m just a little surprised, that’s all.” To put it mildly.

  “Call me, Tyler, please, and if I may take the liberty of calling you Julie...”

  “Of course.”

  “Now that’s settled. You did say you’ve read my novels, so you must love surprises.”

  “That’s true. You do keep me guessing until the last gruesome detail.”

  “I promise this won’t be gruesome. You might even enjoy yourself. Julie, come to dinner with me Thursday.”

  She hesitated, debating the wisdom of getting involved with the writing world’s icon. There couldn’t be any future in it. A man like Tyler had his pick of women. Judging from the sensual nature of his books, he enjoyed his picks.

  Her schedule was overflowing. Dade was counting on her to keep up with the workload and lend him moral support. Though Marcia, Avery and Todd stopped by to visit him, she knew her visits meant a lot to Dade. She couldn’t let him down.

  “I’m afraid I’m tied up. After work, I’m visiting a patient at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”

  Seeing the light in Dade’s eyes as she walked through the hospital room’s doorway made her feel warm all over. She wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything, even a night with the sexy Tyler.

  “Most visiting hours are over at eight. I could pick you up then and we can go out to eat.”


  “No, that won’t work. My car will already be there. I could follow you to the restaurant, though.”

  She had to be insane. The man spelled danger in capital letters.

  Arrangements made, it was well past nine before Julie had a chance to reheat the chicken breast from the night before.

  She nibbled, not tasting the food. Tyler couldn’t have asked her out. It was way too strange.

  Also, what made it more amazing, like a hero in a romance novel, he’d bypassed one hurdle already. He’d scored high points by circumventing the hospital detour and not asking whom she’d be visiting.

  Everything seemed to be lining up a little too well. They’d probably fall into a squabble like they had at the conference.

  She shrugged. Maybe that was why he’d asked her out. Maybe he appreciated a woman who held her ground.

  Julie stared ahead, uncaring that her chicken sat undisturbed. How could she think of food at a time like this? She was far too intrigued. If anything, their date would prove informative.

  Scraping the dried up remains of her half-eaten dinner into the trash, she smiled. At least she’d get a good meal. She hadn’t eaten many of those lately, not with everything else going on. Her clothes were getting so loose she’d gone down a size. If only she had time to buy something special to wear for her date.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As Tyler precisely slid the electric razor across his face, his eyes brightened. For a change, it felt good to be alive.

  The chase had begun. He’d convinced Julie McGuire to go out with him. Nothing must go wrong. He’d be extra careful. No mishaps, not when he was so close to his goal.

  Though he’d chafed at the delay, he’d made himself wait the two extra weeks after the workshops ended before he contacted her. It wouldn’t do to appear eager and give her the edge. In the mating game, every advantage counted.

  The extra time had been well spent feeding his fervor. In his mind, a thousand times he’d gazed into Julie’s glittering emerald eyes and touched her golden hair.