Marcus: The M Series, Book Three

by Ryanne Anthony

  “Marcus, whatever it is that made Mariah leave, please keep an open mind.”

  I frowned at my sister. “What does that mean, Evelyn?”

  “Just that, you can get angry and... unyielding. If it was enough to make her leave and break ties with everyone, then it has to be a big deal; huge. I'm just asking you not to belittle it, or walk away until you've thought it through, whatever the detective tells you.”

  “Marcus,” Matthew called. “Are you going to work tomorrow?”

  “Yes, but only at the hospital.”

  “He can meet you there at one.”

  “Fine.” I turned to Joshua. “I want Mariah to be his top priority. Get me some cash; two hundred should do it. I'm going to the apartment and pack; I don't want to be there anymore. Put that place on the market, I’ll find something later. I really need some sleep. I’m going to check into a hotel and stay there until… whenever. I’ll let you know which I go to after I pack.”

  “Why don't you stay here? You still shouldn't be alone.”

  “Mother, I'm thirty-six years old –”

  Mother leaned forward from her perch on the couch. “Marcus, I am still your mother, and will be whatever age you are. I was very worried about you. I still am, darling. Stay here until this Richards guy finds Mariah; until you find something else, whichever comes first.”

  “Mother,” Matthew interrupted. “You know either situation could take months, right? Are you sure you can look at this face that long? When are you going to shave anyway, Cramp?”

  I turned my back to my parents and mouthed a 'fuck you' to Matthew.

  Matthew chuckled. “Huh? I can't hear you, Cramp!”

  I turned back to my mother. “Mother, if it'll make you feel better, Matthew and I both will stay here until Mariah is found.”

  “Great!” My mother grinned. “Oh, I'm two-fourths happy!”

  “Would you like Joshua, too? I'll send him to you for a while,” Mandy offered, smiling.

  Joshua looks at her horrified. “What?”

  “How about we all stay through the weekend,” Evelyn suggested. “Then, Marcus and Matthew can stay until Mariah is found.”

  Matthew mouthed, 'I'm gonna kill you' to Evelyn.

  Evelyn appeared to be confused. “Huh? What, Matthew? I can't hear you!”

  Mother grinned again, this time at Matthew. “She's definitely your sister!”

  “All right, you all go home and get whatever you need. Your mother and I expect you all back no later than seven tonight,” Dad murmured. “We’ll have dinner, together.”

  “Wait... we have curfews,” Joshua yelped. “Mandy's the baby here; she should be the only one to have a curfew!”

  “Hey,” Mandy shouted, chasing after Joshua, who had run out the door.

  April 2, 2012

  “Any word, Dr. Alexander,” Ms. Jones asked as we finish the paper work on a newborn that was just delivered.

  I frowned, but soon realized she was asking about Mariah and relaxed. “No, Ms. Jones. She's been... elusive.”

  “I hope you find her soon; the other nurses and I concerned about you. This weight loss is not healthy, Doctor.”

  I smiled at her. “You sound like my mother.”

  She smiled, and patted my back. “Doctor, there is something I think I should tell you, maybe I should've told you months ago.”

  I studied her. She appeared alarmed, not like Ms. Jones at all.

  “What is it, Ms. Jones,” I asked quietly.

  “Well... don't shoot the messenger but –”

  She stopped as soon as my cell vibrated on the desk.

  “Dr. Alexander,” I answered, not recognizing the number.

  “I'm looking for Dr. Marcus Cannon.”

  “Richards? I'm Alexander at work. Avoids confusion with my father. How can I help you?”

  “One of my colleagues has obtained some very pertinent information I'd like to share with you tonight. Are you available?”

  My heart stopped. I suddenly forgot how to breathe.

  “Hello,” Richards called out in my ear.

  “Did you find her,” I whispered closing my eyes, bracing myself.

  “I really can't say. It's under suspicion. I'd rather gather more details, and meet with you tonight.”

  “I'll be at Mariah's parents at six. You can meet me there; they need to hear something, even if it's suspicion.”

  Whatever the hell that meant.

  “Text me the address, and I'll be there after six, not sure exactly how long after; I don't know how long it'll take to gather the rest of the info.”

  “Fine. I'll see you there.”

  I immediately sent him the address and turned to Ms. Jones, but she was gone.

  I called Matthew and told him to have everyone at Rachel's at six.

  He scoffed. “Why? Did Richards finally find her?”

  “He said something is under suspicion.”

  “Interesting. All right, I'll see you tonight.”

  April 3, 2012

  I couldn’t believe how cold it was in Chicago in April. California had me spoiled.

  I was so relieved to hear Dad called ahead, and made sure I'd be able to get in when I arrived. Security escorted me right to Mariah's floor. I stepped off the elevator not knowing which room she was in, and started to the reception desk.

  “That is not Marcus Cannon! What are you doing here?”

  I frowned, thinking, who the hell knows me here? I turned in the direction of the accented voice.

  “Holy shit! Pedro Garza!” I shook my old college friend's hand and slapped his back. “You're here? I thought you went back to Arizona.”

  “I finished my residency there, then came here for an attending position. I know you stayed in California. What are you doing here? And at four a.m.?”

  “Is Mariah Hollander your patient?”

  “Yes, she is. Do you know her?”

  I smiled at him.

  “That's your wife?”

  “My fiancée. We had a misunderstanding and she's here. How is she and my boys?”

  “They're fine. So is she. She's needs more rest, but she should be okay. I have her under observation.”

  “I want to take her back to California, Pete.”

  “You know she can't fly. I cannot approve that, Marcus.”

  “Listen, let me see her and we'll talk after. How long are you here?”

  “I'm attending tonight and I have my regular hours, so I pretty much live here until eight, tonight.”

  “Good. I'm going to go sit with her a while.”

  “She's in there,” he says, pointing to a door behind me. “Don't upset her.”

  “I won't.” I slapped his back again then go to Mariah's door.

  Her bed was on the far wall. She was lying on her right side, sleeping peacefully. I quietly walked over and sat in the chair near her face. Her fingers and face were swollen from the pregnancy but she looked even more beautiful than I remembered.

  She stirred and inhaled deeply. I froze when she mumbled something. It sounded like my name. She relaxed again then sharply inhaled.

  “Stop. Go to sleep, please,” she mumbled, rubbing her belly. The rubbing stopped but her hand moved up and down. My breath caught; I was fascinated by the movement. After a few moments it stopped and her breathing evened again.

  I gently moved her hand, lifted the covers and pressed my hand to her enormous belly, and felt a soft kick. It brought tears to my eyes. I was such an idiot! How could I have made her run?

  Mariah moaned again as the kicking increased and I kissed her belly.

  “Behave and let your Mommy sleep, son,” I whispered. I kissed her, then whispered again. “I missed you so much, baby. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Marcus,” Mariah whispered back.

  I grinned. Big. Even though it's in sleep, I felt elation. Still, I hoped she’d repeat it when she was fully awake.

  I lifted her left hand and put her ring back where it belonge
d. I kept her hand in mine and kissed her lips. She swatted at me. I pulled back, smiled and put my head down on the bed and just stared at her face as I stroked her hair.

  Next thing I knew, I was being wakened by pats on my shoulder.

  “Come talk to me, Marcus,” Pete whispered.

  I stretched and reluctantly followed him out of the room.

  “Let me make a quick call, Pete. Her mother’s worried about her.”

  He nodded. “Okay. I'll go check on another patient.”

  I called Lisa's phone, just in case Rachel was sleeping.

  “Marcus! Did you see her? Is she okay?”

  “She doesn't know I'm here yet, but I've seen her. She's sleeping and she looks beautiful.”

  “Oh, good. He's seen her! Everyone is still here. I'm going to put you on speaker.”

  “What's your plan now, Cramp,” Matthew asked.

  “I'm waiting to talk to her doctor. It's Pete from Stanford, Toad. He's going to talk to me when I finish on the phone.”

  “You mean Pete Garza,” Evelyn squeaked.

  I laughed. “Yes, Evelyn. He's already said he won't allow her to fly, so I'm thinking I'll rent a bus or something so she can be at ease.”

  “That sounds like fun, Marcus,” Lisa exclaimed. “I'd like to fly out and ride back with you guys. Do you mind?”

  I heard several of them say they wanted to, as well.

  “How about all of you fly out and I'll find a tour bus or something that will accommodate everyone?”

  “Don't worry about it, Cramp,” Joshua said. “Toad and I will find something. Who all wants to go?”

  I hear a lot of 'I dos,' but Evelyn declined.

  “Evelyn–”

  “No, Marcus. I'll just wait for you guys to come back and talk to her, then. Really, it’s fine.”

  “All right. I'll call you after I speak to Pete and find out when she's being released. Make the arrangements and bring me some clothes.”

  “All right, Marcus,” Matthew said. “I’ll take care of the flight.”

  “Good. And Joshua?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Pay Richards before you leave. Three hundred, plus expenses.”

  “Got it.”

  “Pete's back, I need to talk to him.”

  “Have her call Rachel soon, Marcus,” Tom called.

  “Soon as possible. We'll see you when you get here.”

  I heard squeals and cheers as I hit the end key.

  “Pete. What's the word?”

  “She's good, Marcus. I'd like to keep her that way.”

  “Nothing is more important to me, Pete. How soon will you release her?”

  Pete turned and looked at a nurse. “Ms. Mills? Can you look in on Ms. Hollander, check her vitals?”

  “On my way, Doctor,” a small nurse said back with a nod.

  “She's dehydrated and exhausted. On top of that, she's anemic. She has to rest and no stress. Can you guarantee that?”

  “I can. I've already talked to her siblings and mine. Her sister and her fiancée are flying in to ride back with us; I'm renting a bus and we’ll all take care of her. I just need to get her back home, Pete.”

  He gives me a long look.

  “Did I mention she's a nurse and he's a doctor, specializing in trauma? So is her brother and I'm sure he'll be here, as well.”

  “She'll need frequent stops and plenty of rest. And she needs to eat. I don't think she's getting enough sustenance. I'd have to see what she eats today and look at her tests in the morning. I'm thinking forty-eight hours, Marcus.”

  “Good. Sooner the better.”

  “Excuse me, Dr. Garza,” Mariah’s nurse says, frowning. “Ms. Hollander's vitals are normal, but she seems a little out of sorts.”

  “How,” I asked.

  “She doesn't know why she's here and she doesn't remember she's engaged.”

  “I'll check on her. Give me a couple minutes with her, Marcus, before you come in.”

  “Two minutes, Pete.”

  “Fine.”

  * * *

  I paced the hall attempting to calm myself. She speaks fucking Spanish! How did I not know that? Finding out that all the time we were together, she was the go between with Rosa and me, made me chuckle.

  “What was that, Marcus?”

  “She left before she told me she was pregnant. She's pissed at me.”

  “I can see that,” Pete said then frowned. “Why would she do that? Not tell you, I mean.”

  “She thinks I don't want children.”

  “Why does she think that? Please tell me you're not still saying you don't want kids, Marcus.”

  I stayed silent.

  “You told her that. She became pregnant and instead of saddling you with a responsibility you told her you didn't want, she ran off and exhausted herself carrying your twins and working when she should have been resting and taking it easy.”

  “I feel like an idiot already, Pete. I don't need you making it worse.”

  “You should feel that way. I can’t believe you still spout that nonsense. What kind of person becomes a pediatrician and doesn’t want children? A cold-hearted idiot, that’s who and you aren’t either of those things,” Pete said glaring at me. He shook his head when I didn’t answer. “I have to check on my other patients. I'll be back around noon. Don't go back in there without me. She needs to rest and relax. Ms. Mills? Please let me know how much of her breakfast Ms. Hollander eats and if she keeps it down.”

  “Yes, doctor.”

  “And make sure Dr. Cannon here does not go in her room until further notice.”

  “Come on, Pete!”

  “You heard her, Marcus. Just let her be for now.”

  I scowled and sat outside her room, feeling lost and better able to sympathize with relatives of my patients.

  “I mean it, Marcus. Stay away from her for now. We'll see how she feels about you later.”

  “Fine,” I muttered. “Hey, Pete... Where can I get a razor?”

  * * *

  After my shave, and I've had a bite to eat, I see Pete come out of Mariah's room, laughing. He looked at me and shook his head.

  “How did you manage to attract such a beautiful, charming and funny woman?”

  I scowled. “What am I, an ogre? What did she say?”

  “She devoured my Snickers and is craving a cheeseburger with lots of tomatoes. She's not eating the hospital food, so I think you should get her one, with cheese fries and lots of ketchup. And watermelon. And get her a salad, Marcus. She's eating horribly.”

  “It's the pregnancy. She's usually much more health conscious.”

  “Well... all right. Ms. Holt? Please call for a cheeseburger for Ms. Hollander, courtesy of Dr. Cannon.”

  “Sure, Dr. Garza. I'll order M Burger. They're delicious and they’ll deliver fast.”

  “True,” Pete nodded. “Let's take a walk, Marcus. I'll show you where a good store is and we’ll catch up while we walk. Give her some cash, in case we don't come back in time. They're pretty quick. Call my cell if I'm needed, Ms. Holt.”

  “Yes, Doctor.”

  * * *

  I stood when these idiots finally exit Mariah's room. Only a few minutes, I told them. They were in there for over an hour.

  “Marcus Alexander Cannon! You are the stupidest man on the fucking planet!”

  “Watch your tone, Matthew! You are in a hospital.”

  He scowled then looked over to Mariah's new nurse and smiled.

  “Charlee? Where can we go to kick our brother's ass and not disturb the patients?”

  She nodded her head. “The room behind you is free.”

  “Thank you, Charlee. I'll be right back,” he winked at her and grabbed my arm.

  As soon as the door closed, they bombarded me with questions, all at once.

  “What the hell?” I shouted over them, “One at a time!”

  “Did you tell Cookie you were getting your lawyers,” Ethan hissed.

  “Da
mn right, I did. She doesn't want me, fine. The lawyers can work out when I can see the boys.”

  They all shook their heads and one by one I got a smack or a punch somewhere on my body. Now I knew how it felt to be Matthew. I grabbed my arm and rubbed.

  “What the hell is wrong with you people? Shit... that last one really hurt.”

  Alissa walked up to me, pointing. “Good! I'd do it again you...you... burro!”

  “What?” I looked outside the room and beckoned to Pete. “What the hell is a burro,” I asked, closing the door behind him.

  He chuckled. “A jackass.”

  I scowled at Alissa while the rest of them patted her back.

  “She's a keeper, Ethan!” Joshua laughed. “I really like her!”

  I scowled at him then looked at Alissa. “Why am I a jackass?”

  Pete and Alissa spoke in Spanish and she gestured whenever she spoke while glaring at me.

  “You did tell her you were getting lawyers, Marcus,” Pete finally says in English.

  “Yeah, so I can see my boys. And?”

  Monica pointed a finger in my chest while giving me an 'I want to kick your ass and don't think I can't do it' expression.

  “Well, burro,” Monica snarled. “She thinks you're going to take her babies from her.”

  I know I paled. “What? She doesn't... She can't. I'd never...”

  “Yes, she does, Cramp. She called Thomas and Rachel after you snapped this morning. Then Rachel called Mother,” Matthew chuckles. “Boy, are you in trouble!”

  “That's not what I meant,” I said, quietly.

  “Okay, listen.” Nathan blew out an exasperated breath. “We're gonna tell you, like we told her. Talk to each other! Shit... the two of you... it's like hair-pulling madness!”

  “Your kids are going to be cement,” Mandy mocked. “Good luck with that!”

  They all thought that was funny.

  “You made her cry, Marcus,” Tom informed when they calmed. “At least twice.”

  “And once with me,” Pete said from behind me.

  “Look, I really didn't mean it that way. I just want to be able to see my sons since she doesn't want to be with me anymore.”

  “Who said she didn't want you, Marcus,” Lisa asked.