[Second Chances 02]California Dreams

by Morris Fenris

  Samuel heard Jane’s voice and stopped, just before he reached the guard who was trying to stem the bleeding from his side. Turning, he searched the smoky air for her, but couldn’t find her.

  “Jane?”

  “Samuel, Julian’s trying to get Hector off the floor.”

  “Jane? Where are you? Stay put! Stan, can you see her.”

  It was quiet for a moment and then Jane felt a presence next to her, “Shush, it’s Stan. I’ve got her,” he hollered back. Whispering to her, he asked, “Where did you see him?”

  Jane pointed over her shoulder, “They went down the hallway. I think he was looking for the door to the stairway, but he walked past it.”

  Stan nodded his head and then pushed her back, “Stay put. No matter what you hear, got it?”

  “Okay.” Jane was shaking from the adrenaline rush, and took several deep breaths trying to calm her breathing. Stan disappeared, reappearing moments later with Samuel by his side.

  Samuel stopped long enough to give her a harsh kiss before he disappeared down the hallway. Several seconds later, the sprinklers shut off and the air grew tense as patients and hospital staff alike held their positions.

  “Julian, there’s no way out of here. Show yourself and I’ll make sure Hector gets treated right away.” Samuel heard Hector groan in pain, his voice weak and thready.

  The sound of something being smacked against a window indicated that Julian was trying to find another way out. Motioning to Stan, the two men approached the room where the sound was coming from. As they entered the smoke-filled room, they saw Hector lying on the floor, bleeding profusely and taking his last breaths. Julian was attempting to break the window open with a chair, not having realized the glass was shatterproof.

  Samuel rose to his feet and pointed his weapon at Julian, “Put the chair down.”

  “I’m not going back to any stinking American prison. You’re going to have to shoot me!” Julian spat in Samuel’s direction.

  “While I would like nothing more than to shoot you and save the taxpayers of this fine country a ton of money, I’ve sworn to uphold the law. That means, you’re going back to prison and you’re going to trial.”

  Samuel saw Julian’s intent the second before he turned and tried to charge him. When the Taser darts entered his chest, he dropped the chair before following it to the ground, writhing as the pulses of electricity shot through his body. “That’s enough.”

  Stan turned the Taser off as Samuel pulled the leads from Julian’s chest. “Get someone up here to take the trash out.”

  Samuel left the room, making straight for the small cubbyhole where he had last seen Jane. Finding her still sitting where he’d left her, he pulled her up and into his arms, kissing her like he might never get another chance.

  As the smoke cleared, the couple was oblivious to the whistles and catcalls around them. Coming up for a breath, Samuel clasped both sides of her head and kissed her again before he could find his words, “What are you doing here?”

  Jane gasped for breath, trying to calm her racing heart. “I came to celebrate with you. You’re not going to believe what they offered me.”

  “You can give me the details later, but answer me one question. Does that mean you’re staying in Southern California permanently?”

  Jane smiled and nodded her head, “If you’ll have me?”

  Samuel swirled her around before stopping and looking down into her eyes, “So, does this mean you might consider moving in with me? Of course, we’d have to go see a preacher first, but that shouldn’t take very long.”

  “Did you just propose to me?” Jane asked, thinking back to her first proposal and liking this one more.

  “Yes, I believe I just did. Did you give me an answer yet?” Samuel leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I won’t take ‘No’ for an answer.”

  Turning her head, she whispered right back, “I wouldn’t think of saying it. Yes, I would be honored to marry you.”

  Samuel kissed her again, leaning her against the wall of the hospital and trying to forget that he still had a job to do. Sighing, he released her lips, digging in his pocket for his keys, “Here, take my rig back to Grace’s house. I’ll have Stan give me a ride when we’re finished here.”

  “Is Hector…?”

  “Dead. Julian’s attempt to help him escape killed him. He bled out on the floor back there.”

  “What about Julian?” Jane asked, not having heard any gunfire.

  “Stan Tasered him. He’s headed back to prison as we speak.”

  Jane shivered, not liking the fact that Hector’s death made her feel safer somehow. “I should let you get back to work.”

  “Go,” Samuel said, giving her one last kiss. “I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

  Chapter 32

  Across town and oblivious to the drama taking place at the hospital, Grace was enjoying the nicest picnic she could remember. Michael was charming, sweet, and after talking with him for the last two hours, she felt like she knew him for long.

  “You know, I really need to head back to town. I have to pick up my daughter at 3 o’clock from preschool.”

  Michael sighed but knew she was right. Talking with Grace had been like a breath of fresh air. Her zest for life was contagious and just what he needed to help dispel the gloom that had invaded his own. “I really enjoyed our picnic.”

  “I did too.” Grace blushed, not knowing what else to say and feeling nervous all of a sudden.

  “Can I see you again?” Michael asked, walking her back to his car and helping her get seated.

  “When?” Grace quickly thought of her schedule for the remainder of the week.

  “How about tonight?” When Grace started to shake her head, he stopped her, “Listen before you say ‘No’. I really like you, but I’m only going to be here for sure until Sunday. I have to make some major decisions before then, and I think spending time with you could help me do that.”

  “Michael, my daughter…”

  “…is invited to join us for dinner. I assume like most children she adores cheese pizza?”

  Grace laughed, “Yes, but how did you know that?”

  “Cheese pizza is a staple food at the clinic where I currently work. I’ve only met one or two children in my lifetime that didn’t consider it their comfort food of choice. Please don’t say ‘No.’ I really would love to meet your daughter and spend some more time with you.”

  Grace wanted to spend more time with him as well. She’d never introduced a man to Daniella before and wasn’t sure how she was going to react, but she found herself nodding her head, “Okay. I’ll write my address down for you.”

  Michael drove her back to the arts center and promised to pick both her and Daniella up at 6:00 for a dinner her daughter would not soon forget.

  Seeing that is was already 2:15, Grace let Katelin know she’d see her in the morning and headed over to the preschool. She entered the back of the classroom and watched as Mr. Simpson, Michael’s older brother interact with the kids. The only problem was, the longer she watched, the more Brad looked like Michael.

  Shaking herself out of her reverie, she was startled to see Teresa Simpson sitting next to her. “Tell me you weren’t just fantasizing about my husband, because I was just starting to like you?”

  Grace gasped and then laughed, “No, I wasn’t dreaming about Brad.”

  Teresa nodded and smiled, “Good. So, how was lunch with Michael?”

  “How did you know about that?” Grace asked. She hadn’t told anyone about their lunch date.

  “News travels fast in the Simpson clan. Remember that. Anyway, Michael just happened to mention a few minutes ago that he was taking you and Daniella out to dinner. His mother commented that Brad and I were hosting a small celebration at the zoo, and one thing led to another and …. I’m here to tell you that you should wear comfortable walking shoes because you’re joining us at the zoo tonight.”

  “Why do I feel like I’m being setup
?” Grace asked Teresa with a smile.

  “Probably because you are. I should know. Deirdre set me up with Brad three years ago now. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. That woman was a born matchmaker. My advice, don’t fight it. Just sit back and enjoy because life only gets better.”

  With that said, Teresa waved to her husband and left the classroom. Grace looked after her until she felt little hands pulling at hers, “Mommy, it’s time to go.”

  “I know sweetie. How was your day?”

  “Okay. I’m tired.”

  Grace looked at her daughter and saw the beginnings of dark circles beneath her eyes. Maybe I should keep her home tonight? But, I really want to see Michael again. “Why don’t we get you home and you can take a small nap and then see how you feel. I have a special surprise for you if you’re up for it later.”

  “What is it?” Daniella asked.

  Grace smiled and shook her head, “Not until after your nap. Let’s go.”

  Daniella was asleep within minutes of sitting down in her booster seat and didn’t even wake up when Grace carried her into the house. Jane was already home, and Samuel’s vehicle was in the driveway.

  Walking through the house, she found Jane sitting on the deck, grinning to herself, but no Samuel. Opening the French doors, she said, “Please tell me that smile isn’t because you killed Samuel and have just finished burying him in the garden.”

  Jane turned her head, the smile never leaving her face, “How was your day?”

  “Fabulous! So was yours it would seem. Tell me what happened at your meeting.”

  “Ask me what happened at the hospital?” was Jane’s quick reply.

  “Hospital? Why were you at the hospital?” Grace asked.

  “I went to the hospital to tell Samuel my good news, but Julian Quintana was trying to help his brother escape. I saw them trying to sneak out and told Samuel. Hector died in the attempt, and Julian is back in prison.”

  Grace sat down; stunned that so much had happened since this morning. Looking at Jane, she realized she was missing something, “Okay, I give. What’s up with the smile? You just got done telling me someone died, and the smile never left your face.”

  Jane blushed and her smile faltered, but only for a second, then it was right back in place. “I’m going to design the new menu for the S&P restaurant chain and Samuel and I are getting married.”

  “What?! When?! Did you tell Trent yet? Oh this is wonderful news!”

  Jane held her hand up for silence, “Slow down. You’re the only one I’ve told. We haven’t decided on a date yet, so I didn’t want to call Trent until we have one. Now, tell me about your day.” Jane looked at her critically for a moment and then grinned, “You’re glowing. Who is he?”

  “How did you know?”

  “You have that look about you. So give, details please.”

  Grace told Jane how she had met Michael the night before and then described their picnic. The two women were still sitting on the back porch when Samuel arrived. “Jane?”

  “We’re out here,” she called back in through the house.

  Samuel looked a little worse for wear, but happy nonetheless. “Hey, beautiful. Did you tell Grace our good news?”

  Jane nodded, sniffing and pulling away from him slightly, “No offense, but you smell like smoke and hospital.”

  Samuel laughed, “None taken, but I would like a shower and a fresh change of clothes. Are you ready to go?”

  Jane stood up, “Sure. Grace, I want to hear all about tonight before you leave in the morning.”

  “Tonight? What’s happening tonight?” Samuel asked, clearly missing something important.

  “Nothing you need to worry about. Let me grab my purse and we can head out. Grace, have fun.”

  Samuel looked at Grace who was blushing furiously and said, “I don’t know what you two are going on about, but here’s my two cents – Be careful!”

  “Yes, dad! I will.” Grace waved her fingers at Samuel as he headed back inside. It looked like things were looking up for everyone. Samuel and Jane were going to get married. Jane was getting her dream job and staying in Southern California. Grace was going on the second date in five years with a man she felt she’d known for a long time, even though they’d just met. I only hope Daniella and he like each other.

  Chapter 33

  Grace sat at her desk the next morning wondering why she had ever worried about Michael and Daniella liking each other. They had hit it off to where she had felt like a third wheel at times. Michael had a way with kids and Daniella had soaked up his attention.

  Grace had briefly thought about not going when Daniella had woken up from her nap cranky and still tired, but once Michael had arrived, she had bounced back full of energy.

  Michael had asked Grace for a lunch date again, but she had declined, having a doctor’s appointment already scheduled for Daniella. There was a new bruise over her spine this morning, and Grace was growing more concerned with each passing day.

  She picked Daniella up from school at lunchtime and they drove to Dr. Patterson’s office. “Mommy, is Dr. Patterson going to pinch me again?”

  Grace looked at her daughter in the rearview mirror, “Yes, sweetie. He is. But it didn’t hurt last time, did it?”

  Daniella shook her head, her curls bouncing around, “No. Do I still gets to pinch him if it does hurt?”

  “Yes, sweetie. You can still pinch him if it hurts.”

  “Good.” That topic settled in her young mind, she reverted to talking about all of the animals she had seen the night before. Seeing the zoo at night time was a totally different experience and one she was glad her daughter had gotten to see.

  “Come on, pumpkin. Let’s go see Dr. Patterson and then we’ll go find some hotdogs.”

  “Yeah! I like hotdogs. With lots of ketchup!”

  Grace grabbed her daughter’s hand as they entered the office. Jeanine greeted them and took them straight back to see Dr. Patterson.

  He examined her new bruises, a frown upon his face and then drew some more blood samples. Asking Jeanine to take Daniella out to find some stickers, Grace’s heart dropped.

  “Grace, depending on how these results look, I’m going to recommend some other tests.”

  “What other tests? Doctor, what’s wrong with her?”

  “Now, don’t get yourself all worked up yet. Right now, my suspicion is she’s slightly anemic, but until we get some more test results, I won’t know for sure.”

  “What else could it be?”

  “Grace, don’t go there. Let’s deal in facts, not fiction, alright. I’ll put a rush on the results and should have them back before the end of the day.”

  Grace nodded, “Thank you, doctor. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

  Grace prayed all the way home while Daniella chattered away in the back seat about nothing and everything. God, please let my little girl be alright. I don’t know what’s wrong with her, but please don’t let it be anything serious.

  Grace put Daniella down for a nap and then tried to get some more work done herself. She couldn’t concentrate.

  She went outside and pulled weeds and then pruned the dead blossoms off the flowering plants and still didn’t have control of her emotions. When Michael called at 3:00 pm, it was all she could do to not break down and tell him everything.

  Michael could hear the change in her voice, but she wouldn’t talk to him. After hanging up with her and trying to reconcile her refusal to have dinner with him, he decided to go see what was going on for himself.

  Michael rang the doorbell and waited. When no one answered, he walked around to the side gate and let himself into the backyard. As he rounded the side of the house, he saw Grace kneeling in front of the flower beds, her face buried in her hands and her shoulders shaking as silent sobs consumed her being.

  “Grace? Grace, honey, what’s wrong?” Michael rushed to her side, afraid she had injured herself.

  “Michael? What are you
doing here?” Grace tried to gain control of her emotions. I can’t burden him with my problems. We just met!

  “Grace, come on.” He pulled her to her feet and guided her over to the deck chairs. “Tell me what’s got you so upset.”

  Before she could answer him, her cell phone rang and she pushed it onto the table as if it might bite her. Michael couldn’t understand her strange reaction, and when she didn’t answer it, he did. “Hello?”

  “Uhm…this is Dr. Patterson. Is Grace around?”

  “Yes, she’s right here.” Michael held the phone out to here but she just stared at it with a desolate look in her eyes that tore him apart. What is going on here?!

  “Doctor, this is Michael Simpson and…”

  “Dr. Michael Simpson?” the voice asked.

  “Yes, but…”

  “The pediatric oncologist from Craycroft Cancer Center?”

  “Yes, but I don’t see what that has to do with why you’re calling Grace. She’s very upset and I’m guessing it has something to do with your phone call because she’s acting like the phone is a viper about to attack.”

  “Yes, I can see how she would feel that way. Grace, can you hear me?”

  “Good. Listen, I got her test results back and I’m afraid they’re not as good as I hoped. I’m going to schedule her for the bone marrow procedure tomorrow morning. Can you have her at the hospital by 7:30?”

  Michael watched as all the color drained from Grace’s face. Taking the call off speakerphone, he walked a few feet away and spoke to Dr. Patterson, “This is Michael. Please tell me what’s going on? I assume we’re talking about Daniella here?”

  “Son, you know I’m not at liberty to discuss a patient’s medical history with you, but in this instance, I can’t help but think that God had a hand in you being there today. For the last several weeks Grace has been noticing unexplained bruising over much of Daniella’s body. She’s tired, even after having just awakened from a long nap, she’s had a cough, but no fever.