Jake just stared at her, horrified.
“That’s all I thought at that moment, staring at his gun. I just wanted to live. I wanted to see Marco again.”
He placed his hand on her arm.
She shook back a strand of hair tickling her face. “Marco took his deal. No hesitation. No doubt. He just took it.”
“He was trying to draw him away from you. He was trying to distract him.”
She nodded and swiped a hand under her nose. “But here’s the irony.” She picked at the plastic lid on the coffee cup. “I wanted to live, but if he doesn’t…”
Jake’s fingers tightened. “Don’t say it. Don’t even think it. He’s going to make it, Peyton. I know he is.”
She nodded, but she couldn’t meet Jake’s eyes.
Suddenly Abe and Dr. Cohen came through the door of the waiting room. Marco’s mother bounded to her feet and then the entire family surrounded him. Peyton couldn’t move. She felt paralyzed with fear, dizzy with it.
“He came through surgery. He’s in recovery now,” said Dr. Cohen wearily.
“His leg?” The tremble in Mona’s voice carried to Peyton.
“We were able to save it.”
Mona began praying.
“Please don’t get your hopes up. If infection sets in…”
“We understand, Doctor. Thank you,” answered Vinnie, reaching out to shake the surgeon’s hand.
Abe detached himself from the group and moved to Peyton’s other side, taking a seat. He didn’t speak for a moment. Peyton watched Marco’s family hugging each other, sobbing and thanking the doctor.
“She made the wrong decision,” said Abe, watching them as well.
“Is it bad?” asked Jake.
Abe shook his head, then sighed. “They cobbled that leg back together again. He’s facing years of physical therapy. Years of rehabilitation and…”
Peyton looked up at him.
“Pain.”
She curled her arm around Abe’s bicep and leaned her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek against her. She’d have to deal with Marco’s recovery later, but right now she felt weak with relief.
He’d made it through the surgery.
* * *
Marco’s eyes slowly opened. Peyton smiled at him, gripping his hand tighter. He focused on her, but confusion clouded his head.
“Peyton?”
“I’m right here.”
He tried to look around, but he felt so damn weak, so disconnected. “Do you know where we are?”
She laughed, blinking back tears. “We’re in San Francisco General.”
“I don’t remember anything.” His gaze shifted back to her. There was something important he wanted to ask her, but his mind just wouldn’t piece together anything. There seemed to be a hole where his memory was. “Was there a helicopter?”
“Yes, we rode in it to the hospital.”
Something was tickling his nose and tubes ran out of his arm. Involuntarily his eyes closed again, but he forced them open. “Peyton?”
“Yes?”
“I love you,” he said.
She gave a sobbing laugh. “I love you too.”
When he woke again, Jake had replaced Peyton. His head felt less cloudy, his thoughts a bit more focused. “Where’s Peyton?”
Jake nodded to his right side. “She’s sleeping on a chair-bed thingy. Once you woke up, she pretty much passed out.”
He swiveled his head on the pillow. She lay curled in a chair, a blanket pulled around her shoulders.
“Your parents will be back in a little while. Your father made your mother go down to get something to eat.”
“What time is it?”
“It’d be better if you asked the day.”
He turned back to Jake. “Day?”
Jake scratched at his cheek where stubble shadowed his jaw. “You were shot almost two days ago. It’s Monday.”
Two days? He’d lost two days? He glanced around the unfamiliar room. “Where’s my stuff? I had the ring in my jeans pocket.”
Jake nodded. “Abe got to it before they took you into surgery.”
“Did Peyton see it?”
“No. He’s holding it for you.”
“I can’t remember much that happened, just fragments, images, sounds. What about Bartlet?”
“He’s going to make it. He’ll probably have a smoker’s voice, but he’s going to be all right.”
He focused on Jake. “Chuck Wilson?”
“He’s dead.”
“Are you sure? Are you positive? He…”
Jake laid a hand on his shoulder. “He’s dead, Adonis.”
Marco tried to force his brain to work. “How?”
“Peyton shot him. She emptied your gun into him.”
He narrowed his eyes in concentration. He remembered hearing gunfire. He remembered the smell of gunpowder. “She shot him?”
“Yeah.”
Marco nodded. He knew he shouldn’t take pride in the death of another person. He knew that it was wrong, but he couldn’t help it. “That’s my girl,” he said, looking over at her. “That’s my girl.”
* * *
Marco tried to lift himself against the pillows, but pain tore through his leg, making him collapse. He covered the heavy bandaging with both hands and gritted his teeth, willing it to subside. They had it elevated in a sling and he couldn’t even shift without sending himself into fits of agony. Once the pain eased, he reached for the ridiculously tiny cup of gelatin, trying to pull the cover off. A small section tore free, but the majority of the tinfoil cover remained. He threw it on the tray and let his head fall back against the pillows.
“Fighting with your lunch.” Peyton stepped into the room and crossed to the tray, pulling the rest of the cover away. She picked up the spoon and held it out to him.
“I don’t want it.” He tried to shift again, but his leg gave an answering throb.
Peyton set the gelatin on the tray, her expression troubled. “Are you in pain?”
“They’re trying to back off on the pain medication. I can’t even shift in this damn bed, the food sucks, and I want to go home.” He patted the bed beside him. “Come sit with me and take my mind off it.”
She carefully climbed on the bed beside him. “I know it’s frustrating, but they said you might be able to go home in a week.”
“To my parents’ house. Did you hear that one? They’re having their stairs removed and putting in a ramp for me and my wheelchair.”
She smiled, smoothing a hand down his chest. “I already talked with your mom. I got the name of their contractor and I’m having a ramp put on my house as well. You’re coming home with me.”
“Did she want to fight you?”
“No, right now she likes me.”
He touched her chin. “Thank God.” He dropped his hand. “Abe was here earlier.”
“He was?”
Marco drew a breath and released it. “I made him tell me about my leg.”
Peyton slid her hand down to his and curled her fingers around his palm. She wouldn’t look at him.
“He told me they should have amputated it, but my mother wouldn’t let them.”
Peyton didn’t speak.
“Peyton, is that true?”
“Marco…”
“Remember, I know your tell.”
She made eye contact. “Dr. Cohen recommended it as the best option for your recovery.”
“But my mother refused?”
“Marco…”
“Abe said that it may never be able to hold my weight again, that I had years of physical therapy ahead of me, and that the pain…” He tried to get his raging emotions under control. “The pain may never go away.”
“He shouldn’t have said that…”
“I asked him for the truth.” He tightened his grip on her. “I’m asking you for the truth now. Was amputation the best choice?”
“I don’t know. I’m not a doctor, Mar
co, but they said that with prosthetics as advanced as they are now, you’d have a full life.”
He slumped back on the pillows.
“Did you want them to take your leg?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t know what I’m going to do now. I can’t be a cop. I can’t go back to my job. It’s all I’ve known and I don’t know what I can do.”
“We’ll figure it out. We’ve got time to make some decisions.” She forced him to look at her. “We’re both here. Right now, that’s all that matters. We’re here and we’re alive and we’re together. Everything else will right itself with time.”
He stared at her, trying to find the calm she projected, the assurance, the acceptance. “If the decision had been left up to you, what would you have picked?”
“Marco, don’t ask me that.”
“Peyton, I need to know. What would you have picked?”
“I would have picked you. That’s all I could think about at the moment. They said the surgery was dangerous and I wasn’t thinking about anything else. I just wanted you.”
He nodded.
“But she’s your mother, Marco, she’s your mother and you can’t blame her for her choice.”
“Why not?”
“Because, she couldn’t imagine a world where her son wasn’t whole.”
He released his held breath. “Come here.”
She leaned closer to him. “Are we going to smooch?”
“Yeah. They finally let me have some toothpaste.”
She laughed. “See, that’s progress right there.”
“That’s what we’re going for now? Toothpaste is a freakin’ red letter event?”
“You know the saying about when life gives you lemons…” She curled her hand in the throat of his hospital gown, bringing her lips close to his. “You squeeze the shit out of them bitches.”
He laughed.
“Now kiss me.”
And he did.
CHAPTER 21
Marco braced the crutches against the sink and turned on the water, washing his hands. Muttering curses, he fought his growing frustration. He could only wash one hand at a time because he had to brace himself on the sink as he balanced on one leg. And the entire time he stood upright, his leg throbbed and ached like a bitch.
He heard someone come into the hospital room as he reached for the paper towel. Grabbing the crutches, he positioned them under his arms and grabbed the door handle. “If you’re coming for more blood, you vampires, you should know I’m going down swinging.”
Pushing the door open, he made his awkward way out into the room and pulled up short. Captain Defino and the Chief of Police, Thomas Moore, stood just within the doorway. Marco felt his face heat with embarrassment. Bracing himself on one crutch, he tried to straighten the damn hospital gown they made him wear.
“Captain…”
Defino smiled at him and came forward, placing her arm around his waist and pointing to a chair close to the bathroom door. “Sit down, D’Angelo. Are you supposed to be out of bed?”
He hobbled over to the chair and sank into it, unable to suppress the groan of pain any movement caused. Defino retrieved a blanket from the bed and settled it over his legs. He battled the pain under control and glanced up at the Police Chief. He’d met him once when he was first sworn onto the force.
Defino followed his line of sight. “You know Chief Moore, right, D’Angelo?”
“Yes. Hello, sir.”
“Pleasure to meet you, son.” Moore came forward and offered his hand.
Marco took it, wishing to hell he was formally dressed. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m not the most presentable.”
Moore laughed. “You’re in a hospital, son. We didn’t expect you in your dress blues.”
“Are you all right, D’Angelo? You look a little pale,” said Defino in concern. “Should I call for someone?”
“No, it just takes a moment for the pain to ease. I refused to use their bedpans anymore, so this is the punishment I get for my rebellion.”
They both laughed.
Marco eased back in the chair, using his hands to position his leg so he could recline the chair and elevate it. That usually helped elevate the pain.
Defino retrieved the chair from beside the bed, offering it to the chief, then she perched on the arm of the long chair where Peyton had been sleeping for the last week. “How are you doing?”
“Better. I’m going home tomorrow.”
“Good. Good,” said Moore. “When do you start physical therapy?”
“Um, I’m not sure. They want me to try this water therapy, but they have to wait for everything to heal first. I’ve got so much metal in my leg, I’ll never get through airport security again.”
Moore smiled. “I’m sure something can be worked out, especially since it’s our guys running the show over at SFO.”
Marco felt uncomfortable. He was so painfully bad at small talk. God, he hoped this visit wasn’t going to be very long.
“Actually, Captain Defino and I are here for more than a social visit. The first reason we came was to commend you on the apprehension and the neutralization of the serial killer known as the Janitor.”
“I didn’t do much apprehending or neutralizing, sir. That credit belongs to my partner, Inspector Brooks.”
“Yes, we’re very proud of the way she handled herself, and in light of her professionalism, we are immediately promoting her to Lieutenant.” He glanced at Defino.
“In addition, Mr. Ryder will receive a merit pay increase,” said Defino.
“And Captain Defino has agreed to come work in my office as Deputy Chief.”
“Congratulations, Captain!”
Defino smiled. “Maria will be coming with me. For a higher pay grade as well.”
“She deserves it.” He shifted uncomfortably. “What about Bartlet, Captain?”
“Officer Bartlet will be reassigned to a different precinct,” said Defino. “He should be lucky he’s being allowed to keep his job.”
Marco wasn’t sure that was fair. He’d gone off the reservation himself for a woman not so long ago and he didn’t get reassigned.
“That leaves you, Lieutenant,” said Moore.
Marco gave a bitter laugh. “I don’t think I’ll be coming back, sir. Not now.”
“Because of your leg or because of personal choice?”
“Because I can’t do the job I once did. I can’t go out in the field and chase down perps. I can’t sit for hours in a squad car on stakeout. I’m not even sure how well I’ll ever walk again.”
Moore steepled his hands. “We know you have a long recovery ahead of you, son. We know that you’ve been placed on leave for the next six month while you go through rehabilitation, but we need men like you on the force.”
“I’m not sure I follow, sir?”
“With Captain Defino moving to my office, your precinct has a deficit of leadership. In short, it needs a captain. We’re offering you that position, Lieutenant.”
Marco’s head lifted. “What?”
“Captain Defino has agreed to remain at her previous post until you’re cleared for duty.” Moore gave him a sly smile. “We were also thinking that you might work on finishing your degree with your partner. We understand she plans to take courses at San Francisco State.”
Marco nodded.
“Well?”
He rubbed a hand along the bandages. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How ‘bout yes? Apparently that’s a problem for you where your career is concerned.”
Marco gave a breathless laugh. “Yes. Yes, sir, I’d be honored to serve as Captain.”
“Good.” Moore held out his hand and Marco took it. “I can’t thank you enough, Lieutenant D’Angelo, for your service, your dedication, and your loyalty to the City of San Francisco. If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Marco stared at his leg. “There is one thing, sir. Would you consider leaving Bartlet with me?�
�
Moore didn’t immediately answer.
“He’s young, sir, but I think he’ll make a good cop.”
“He nearly got himself and two other officers killed, Lieutenant.”
“I know. I know that, but the last thing I remember in that warehouse was something Chuck Wilson said.”
“What did he say?”
“There are no second chances.” Marco met Moore’s gaze. “I’d like to prove that he’s wrong.”
Moore smiled. “Done. Bartlet stays with you.” He pushed himself to his feet and Defino rose with him, placing a hand on Marco’s shoulder.
Marco reached for his crutches, but Moore stopped him. “Stay seated, son. We can let ourselves out.”
Suddenly Peyton appeared in the doorway, taking in the scene.
“Speaking of San Francisco heroes,” said Moore, holding out his hand for her. “How are you, Inspector Brooks?”
She took his hand, giving him and Defino a bewildered look. “I’m doing well, Chief Moore,” she said.
He patted the back of her hand with his free one. “Keeping out of trouble?”
“Oh, well…” said Peyton, wincing. “You know me. Trouble just seems to dog my every step.”
Moore laughed. “I look forward to seeing you at the Honor Ceremony next week.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Good. Well…” He glanced back at Marco. “I’m sure the two of you have a lot to discuss. We’ll talk again soon, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, sir.”
Defino squeezed his shoulder, then moved to Peyton and hugged her. “We’ll talk in a few days, Brooks.”
“Yes, Captain.”
After they left, Peyton gave Marco a confused look. “What was that about?”
“You’re getting a promotion.”
“I already knew that.” She moved to the long chair and sat on the arm as Defino had done.
“Well, he told me he’d offered Defino a position as his Deputy Chief, and then he…”
“He what?”
“He…” Marco shook his head, still unable to process what he’d heard.
“Marco, he what?”
“He offered me the job as her replacement.”
“Captain?”
He nodded.
Peyton’s face burst into a radiant smile. “That’s wonderful.”
Murder on Treasure Island (Peyton Brooks' Series Book 7) Page 34
