by Alexa Aston
“Chance of infection immediately after surgery is high,” Dr. Grady continued, “though we were able to remove the bullet intact. That puts us ahead of the game. No lead intoxication will occur. Still, we’ll flood his body with antibiotics and drain the knee several times. By early tomorrow, he’ll begin rehabilitation to improve function outcomes.”
“You’re saying you’ll get him up and moving in order for him to regain normal movement of the joint?” Scarlett asked.
“That’s right,” Dr. Grady said. “Mr. Corrigan will be involved in rehab that includes physiotherapy and occupational therapy. We’ll get into his post-op treatment in greater detail tomorrow. I know what happened today, coupled with what we’re telling you, is already a lot to take in. The physical therapist assigned to his case will make sure both you and the patient understands exactly what’s going on and why each exercise is done.” She smiled. “Right now, I know you’re eager to see your husband,” she told Cassie. “I would be, too. I know you have a lot of support gathered here but we need to limit the number of people that visit him in the next twelve hours because of exposure to infection.”
Dash spoke up. “What about Rhett’s head wound? You haven’t mentioned it at all. He was bleeding like crazy before the paramedics arrived.”
Dr. Pendales chuckled. “A bullet grazing a head is notoriously messy. Lots of blood. Some pain but very manageable. I put eight stitches into the side of Mr. Corrigan’s scalp. His head wound is the least of his worries, though he may experience a headache from it for a few days.”
Cassie’s fingers tightened around Scarlett’s. Instinct told her Cassie hadn’t known about the head wound. That Dash had kept it from her until the doctors could give her an accurate picture of Rhett’s condition.
A nurse came in and spoke briefly to the two doctors. When she left, Dr. Grady looked to Cassie. “Your husband is out of recovery and settled in his room, Mrs. Corrigan. Let’s take you to see him.”
“Could his sisters go with me?”
“How many?” the doctor asked.
“Two,” Cassie replied and both Scarlett and Carreen stood.
“That’s it. For now,” Dr. Grady said. “The rest of you can see him tomorrow, though I’d like you to scatter those visits throughout the day so you don’t overwhelm him or tire him out. Follow me.”
She led the three to the elevator. Dr. Pendales said his goodbyes and told them he’d check on Rhett later during his evening rounds. After riding the elevator up a few floors, Dr. Grady handed them off to a nurse, who instructed them to wash their hands thoroughly and don a paper hospital gown over their clothes. She reminded them to place their masks over their faces when they went in, just as a precaution. By tomorrow, they could see Rhett without taking such measures.
They walked down the hall and Scarlett stopped Cassie before she entered Rhett’s room.
“He’s your husband,” Scarlett said. “Take a few moments for just the two of you. Carreen and I will wait outside. We can see him in a few minutes.”
Cassie flashed her a grateful look before raising her mask and pushing open the door.
“That was smart,” Carreen told Scarlett. “We may be his sisters but a man wants his woman when he’s down. Rhett worships the ground Cassie walks on. Giving them private time was the best gift they could have now.”
She grinned. “I may be the youngest but I have learned a few things, being around siblings who love their spouses.”
“Speaking of.” Careen hesitated. “I have something to tell you. I actually told Rhett last night.”
“What?” Scarlett tamped down the panic that seized her, thinking that Carreen’s cancer had reoccurred after so many years of being cancer-free.
Her face must have reflected her thoughts because Carreen shook her head. “No, it’s not the Big C again, thank God.” She paused. “Bob has a terrific opportunity with his company, which is headquartered in Phoenix. We’re moving—this weekend.”
“Are you kidding me?” Scarlett hugged her sister. “That’s wonderful. I know you’ve been looking to leave LA for a long time. What will he be doing?”
Carreen shrugged. “Something in management. It’s got a VP title attached to it and a huge pay bump. He had to accept it quickly or they would’ve passed him by. School starts there next Wednesday and so we flew to Arizona two days ago. Did a whirlwind tour and bought a place in Scottsdale yesterday afternoon. We don’t close for another two weeks so it means living in some residence hotel until then. The point is, I’ve got packers that have been at the house all day. They’ll keep our furniture in storage for us. I know this is coming at an awful time, with what’s happened to Rhett. I could stay, I suppose.”
“No. Go,” urged Scarlett. “Your family needs you. A move to a new state is a big deal. The kids will start a new school. They’ll need your ear. Same for Bob in a brand-new job. Everything will be different. Family is important. Rhett’s got Cassie and the kids. And he’s got me. I’m due some time off from Lymon anyway. I can take it and help out with the kids or getting Rhett to rehab or even pick up the slack at RCDS. You can fly back for a day or two once you get everyone settled and see for yourself how he’s doing.”
She hugged Carreen. “It’ll be fine, Sis. We know Rhett’s going to be all right. Cassie’s a strong woman and will see him through this. Plus, you’ve got a great opportunity to start anew.”
“Thank you for understanding. You’re the best,” Carreen said.
The door opened and Cassie poked her head out. “Big brother’s calling for you.”
Scarlett lifted the mask that hung around her neck and placed it over her nose and mouth as Carreen did the same. Cassie stood back and the two women moved past her.
Rhett lay in the lone bed in the room, looking wiped out. The left side of his head past his temple and above his ear had been shaved and she could see the raw, rough scalp held together by Dr. Pendales’ stitches. His description hadn’t prepared her for the chunks of skin and thick, dark hair missing from Rhett’s scalp. His leg was elevated and swathed in layers of gauze.
“Who knew I’d be visiting the Mummy?” she teased. Taking his hand in both of hers, Scarlett asked, “How bad does it hurt on a scale of one to ten?”
His lips twitched. “My head is probably a four right now. It’s a dull burning feeling. When it happened, it was like being scraped with hot metal. It’s better now, thanks to the meds.” He paused, glancing down at his leg. “The knee? It hurt like hell until the painkillers kicked in a few minutes ago.”
Rhett shifted in the bed, grimacing. “The doctors have already warned me that rehab’ll be a bitch.”
Carreen said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You’ll get through rehab because you’ll want to make it back to being you, one hundred percent.”
A knock sounded and a man in his late forties opened the door. Scarlett thought he looked straight out of central casting, with his world-weary look and rumpled suit. Following him inside was a Latina woman with inquiring brown eyes and a cautious air.
“Mr. Corrigan? I’m Detective Pete Sanderson and this is Detective Anita Garcia. We met with Mrs. Corrigan earlier and also spoke with Mr. DeLauria. May we come in?”
“I’ll go,” Carreen volunteered. “It’s crowded enough in here.” She bent and kissed Rhett’s cheek through her mask and left the room.
Scarlett had no intention of going. She wanted answers.
“I’m Scarlett Corrigan, detectives. Rhett’s sister and his attorney. Before you ask my brother any questions, I’d like to know the status of the shooter and what you’ve discovered about her. And since you’re not garbed properly, please stand at the door. The doctors said infection can easily occur and we’re taking precautions so that doesn’t happen.”
Garcia eyed her with interest, keeping her distance. “Pauletta Malone. Thirty-two. Out of work. Two divorces behind her. Came to Hollywood to be an actress and couldn’t even make it as a server. We’ve interviewed two former bosses and
a few friends. Malone was obsessed with stardom and Mr. Corrigan, in particular. We found a diary of sorts at her apartment. Skimming through it, she was obsessed with and fantasized about Mr. Corrigan. How she could be a star if only she married him.”
“What will she be charged with?” Scarlett asked.
“Nothing. She’s dead,” Detective Sanderson revealed. “She died on the operating table from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Neither Scarlett nor Cassie said anything but the glance they exchanged said both women were glad. The stalker’s death meant no trial that might drag on for weeks as the media circus tightened about them. Also left unsaid was the woman got exactly what she deserved.
“Because of that, we only have a few questions, Mr. Corrigan, before we file our report. Could you walk us through what happened, if you’re up to it?”
Rhett agreed and gave his version, which Scarlett knew coincided with what she’d learned from Dash. The detectives thanked Rhett for his time and wished him a speedy recovery.
After they left, Cassie told Scarlett, “I’m staying with Rhett tonight. Give everyone the report and remind them Rhett is cleared for visitors tomorrow, a few at a time.” She took her husband’s hand and lifted it to her lips, placing a tender kiss on his knuckles. “Right now, he needs rest.”
“I’ll bring the kids home and stay with them,” Scarlett offered. “I think, though, it would help if Rhett FaceTimed with them once we get home. They must’ve been scared out of their minds seeing him like that.”
“That’s a good idea,” Cassie said, glancing at Rhett. His eyes were already closed. “I’ll wake him up when you call so he can tell them goodnight.” She climbed into the bed and curled up next to her husband, her head resting on his shoulder.
Scarlett decided she would wait until she’d talked to HR at Lymon McGraw and secured time off before she told Cassie that she’d be on deck to help. She bent and kissed Rhett’s forehead and then left the room, pulling off the mask and discarding the paper gown that covered her clothes.
Heading back to the waiting room, it hit her that tomorrow morning she was supposed to accompany Wynn to Rylon Pictures to sign the new contracts.
CHAPTER 15
Wynn watched Scarlett go, wishing there was more he could do to comfort her. At least Rhett was out of surgery and his prognosis seemed good.
Keely came and sat next to him. “I know you’re only a few days into your relationship with Scarlett but her asking you to stay is a huge deal,” she revealed. “Nadine use to say that Scarlett’s first sentence was ‘Do it self.’ She’s used to being on her own and handling everything. She’ll throw herself into helping Rhett and Cassie in any way she can. I wanted to warn you that might mean pushing you away. Don’t let her.”
He appreciated hearing Keely’s advice. “Good to know.”
“We’ve been friends a long time. She’s a lovely woman and would give you the shirt off her back. All I’m saying is hang in there, Wynn. Be persistent if you care about her.”
His gaze met Keely’s. “I plan to marry her,” he said, his voice laced with determination.
Keely’s jaw dropped and then a brilliant smile appeared. She hugged him.
“I suppose Scarlett doesn’t know about this.”
He grinned. “Nope. I don’t want to scare her off. She’s going to have to figure out on her own that I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to her.” He paused. “That came out pretty arrogant.”
“No. Not at all. You’re a man who knows what he wants.”
“I do,” he agreed. “I don’t care how long Operation Wynn Her Over takes. Scarlett’s worth the wait.”
Breck O’Dell rushed into the waiting room. “What’s going on?” he demanded, as a woman appeared behind him.
Wynn immediately recognized Jo O’Dell. He’d watched all of her comedy cable specials and laughed until his sides ached. The comedian was quick-witted and found nothing off-limits as she gave everyone from the president to soccer moms a swift tongue-lashing laced with humor.
“Rhett’s out of surgery,” Sydney said. “The doctors say it went well, though it sounds as if rehab is going to be extremely tough. Cassie, Scarlett, and Carreen are with him now.”
Breck looked at Dash. “Tell me everything.”
Wynn listened as Dash walked Breck through the incident. As he spoke, Jo dropped a good number of F-bombs.
When Dash finished, Jo asked, “Where is this stalker chick?”
“They brought her here,” Sydney said, anger obvious in her voice. “We don’t know what’s happened to her.”
“I hope she’s dead and burning in hell,” Jo said, falling into the seat next to Wynn. She glanced over. “Wynn Gallagher? What are you doing here?”
“He’s here for Scarlett,” Keely said. “She asked him to stay.”
Jo studied him a moment. “Then she must really think a lot of you, Wynn. Our Scarlett is notorious for reeling men in and then cutting bait before things get too serious or she can get hurt. If Scarlett asked you to be here during this monumental crisis, I’d say you better start picking out rings because she’s in it for the long haul.”
A stunned silence was quickly followed by hearty laughter. Jo O’Dell was known for saying whatever she thought without sugarcoating it. He glanced at Keely, who nodded encouragingly at him.
“What Scarlett and I have is pretty new but I’ve waited a lifetime for her. I didn’t know I was waiting, much less have an inkling she’d be the one, but you’re right, Jo. When the time is right, I’ll be placing that ring on her finger and hope I’ll have her family and friends’ support.”
Jo threw her arms around Wynn and squeezed so tight he worried a moment about breathing. Then she kissed him hard on the mouth. “Oh, I like you, Wynn Gallagher. Almost as much as I do that one over there.” She blew Breck a kiss. “I’ve already read the pages he’s completed for the Mark Brockwell screenplay. You’re going to make a perfect Mark and Breck and Cassie will make you even more famous than you are now.”
“Fame is nice, Jo, but all I want is to do roles I believe in. I’m excited about what Breck and Cassie will write for me, both as Brockwell and finishing up Carbon Man.”
He wondered with Rhett’s injuries how long it would take for the Carbon Man script to be written. With the thorough treatment he’d already read, Wynn hoped once Rhett was on the road to recovery that Cassie would find time to go back to it.
Bob stood. “Carreen just texted me. She’s in the chapel. I’m going to join her.”
After he left, Mac asked, “How did you manage to get here, Jo? I know you’ve been doing two shows a night in Vegas.”
Jo sniffed. “They weren’t happy about me not performing. Three hotel execs and their stuffy lawyer thought they could play the stare down game with me and I’d crumble. The lawyer said my contract only had a clause for not going on if I were sick.” She paused. “I told them it would make me sick to go on stage when the man I love as a brother and helped me get going in this crazy business might be dying in a hospital bed. And if I did go on, I would skewer their hotel and management until it was burned to a crisp.”
“They folded?” Dash asked, a grin spreading across his face.
“They did,” Jo said. “I promised another day at the end of my run as a makeup show and included a second night where they could claim all of the profits. Expensive, I know, but being here for Rhett is worth every penny. Plus, I told them I would seriously consider them for my residency, over three other hotels.”
“You didn’t tell me there were others in the running,” Sydney said.
Jo batted her lashes playfully. “Maybe there are and maybe there aren’t.”
Sydney laughed. “When you get tired of show business, you should get your law degree and set up shop with Scarlett. The two of you would be unstoppable together.”
Scarlett entered the waiting room. Wynn’s heart did that beat-skipping thing that he now associated with her.
; “I’ve got the update,” she said, moving to Breck and wrapping her arms around his waist. “Thank you for coming.” She moved over to Jo and hugged her. “Rhett will be so pleased you’re here. In fact, you two will be his first two visitors tomorrow since I’m sure you’ll need to get back to Vegas.”
“No fair,” Dash said good-naturedly. “I’ve been in line all day, Brother. Take a number.”
Breck shrugged. “I’ve been besties with Rhett longer than you, DeLauria. Get over it.”
“Enough!” Scarlett cried. “Let me give you the lowdown.”
Wynn listened as she described Rhett’s appearance and how the doctors wanted a rotating schedule of visitors so that he wouldn’t be worn out. Everyone agreed the O’Dells should be able to see Rhett first thing in the morning so Jo could get back to Vegas. As Keely helped Scarlett coordinate the times to visit, he watched Sydney pull out her iPad and FaceTime with her children and the Corrigans’ two.
“Your dad is doing great,” Sydney shared.
Scarlett joined Sydney. “I’m coming to pick you guys up. Your mom is going to stay with your dad tonight but we’ll call him before I put you to bed. Be there soon. Love you.”
“Same here. We’re leaving the hospital now,” Sydney promised, ending the connection. “Are you sure you want to get Kyle and Cadence, Scarlett? They’re welcomed to come home with us.”
“I want to be with them,” Scarlett said. “I think they’ll do better if they sleep in their own beds.”
“If you need anything, call us,” Dash said.
Wynn went to stand by Scarlett. He put an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll be there, too.”
Her eyes met his. “Thank you.”
◆◆◆
Scarlett left the hospital waiting room with Wynn’s hand in the middle of her back, guiding her down the hallway and to the elevators. She’d never been a touchy-feely person, not really enjoying holding hands with someone or having an arm around her. The same could be said for her in bed. Once sex was done, she preferred her partner to go. If he stayed, she didn’t like him draped all over her. She wanted her space and to be left alone.
