Unexpected Love

by J. O Mantel

  Hunter finished his Coke and stood, then began moving through the crowd, looking for Andy. When he couldn’t find Andy anywhere, he was heading for the door when he felt a hand on his arm.

  “Hunter.” He turned and saw Stephanie standing behind him.

  “I’m sorry. Please, come and take a seat at the bar and let me apologize.”

  Hunter looked at Stephanie and considered her offer. He had no idea where Andy was or if Andy was even okay. It had been Andy’s idea to come out tonight, but Hunter couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He needed to make sure Andy was okay.

  “Let me just check on my friend, and I’ll be there in a moment,” he told her. Nodding, Stephanie walked back over to the bar.

  Hunter reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialed Andy’s number and waited for an answer.

  “Hunter?”

  “Where are you?”

  “Just outside, one of my friends is going home, and I promised I’d wait for the Uber with her.”

  “Okay. I’ll be at the bar.” He ended the call and slowly made his way back through the crowd to the bar, where Stephanie had a fresh glass of Coke waiting for him.

  “Thank you.” Hunter smiled, raising the glass to his lips. “I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean—”

  “No apology necessary. Totally my fault. Let’s just forget it ever happened,” Stephanie told Hunter.

  With an acknowledging smile, Hunter took another sip of his drink, just as the lights in the club dimmed. A bright spotlight lit up the stage, and Hunter turned as Stephanie poured herself a drink. She walked out from behind the counter and took a seat on one of the barstools next to him.

  “Sit back and enjoy the show,” she told him. “Cheers.”

  They clinked their glasses, and soon the entire crowd was turning their heads toward the stage.

  The loud dance music was soon replaced with a more familiar tune.

  Cher’s opening number “If I could turn back time” echoed through the club as Hunter, Stephanie, and the rest of the crowd watched the performance.

  It was almost 2:00 a.m. before the final customers walked out the door of Delta’s. It had been hours since Hunter had last seen or spoken to Andy, who hadn’t answered any of the texts or phone calls. While Hunter knew Andy would call him in the unlikely event that something happened, he couldn’t help but worry. It wasn’t like Andy to ignore his calls, and in all honesty, it started to piss Hunter off a little.

  Stephanie, who’d been in the kitchen cleaning for the past hour, re-entered the club and walked over to the table where Hunter was seated. Noticing the worried expression on his face, she placed her cold hand over Hunter’s. “I’m sure your friend is fine,” she tried to reassure him. “How long have you two known each other?”

  “Huh?” Hunter replied, hauling himself into the moment and trying not to think about Andy.

  “You and your friend … how long have you known each other?”

  “We’ve worked together for some time now,” Hunter told her.

  “We never really got to have that talk. How about I put on some fresh coffee.”

  Her smile was infectious, and although Hunter was really worried about Andy, he knew that the best place for him to be was right here in case Andy returned.

  He acknowledged her invitation with a nod, and Stephanie disappeared into the kitchen again. If this was Andy’s idea of a joke, it wasn’t funny, and Hunter would make sure Andy knew exactly how pissed off he was when they saw each other next.

  Stephanie returned, carrying two coffee mugs. She placed one on the table in front of Hunter and wrapped her fingers around the other. As Hunter lifted his mug to his lips, there was a knock on the door.

  “We’re closed,” Stephanie called out.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  The knocking was a little louder this time.

  “Read the sign … we’re closed. Come back tomorrow,” Stephanie yelled again.

  “Don’t you get scared being here all by yourself?” Hunter asked.

  “I’m not usually here this late, I normally close up at one, and have another employee with me so we can walk to our cars together. Tonight was crazy with Cher, so I decided to let them leave and close up on my own. Besides, I’m not completely alone, you’re here.”

  That, Hunter thought, is true.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  “Just ignore it, maybe they’ll go away,” Hunter said.

  “Or maybe they’ll just break my door down. I know exactly how to handle this.”

  Stephanie stood from her seat and walked over to the door, as the knocking continued.

  “Hey, dipshit, I said we’re closed,” Stephanie yelled, as she pulled the door open.

  The person standing at the door fell forward into Stephanie’s arms. She lifted their head, and her eyes immediately widened.

  “Oh my god, Hunter!”

  Hunter jumped out of his seat and ran over to where Stephanie was standing, and as he looked at the person in her arms, he exclaimed, “Oh shit!”

  Andy’s arms and face were covered in bruises and blood.

  “What the hell happened to you?”

  Andy didn’t say anything, instead toppling over and falling to the floor. Hunter and Stephanie gently lifted his friend’s limp body and walked over to the couch.

  “Tell me what happened?”

  Andy didn’t say a word but looked at Hunter, who was completely horrified.

  “I’ll go and grab a towel and some water,” Stephanie told them and headed for the kitchen.

  “Andy? Please, talk to me,” Hunter pleaded. Andy’s eyes rolled, and Hunter shook his friend’s shoulders, desperately trying to stop Andy from passing out.

  “For goodness’ sake. You need to tell me something. Who did this to you?”

  It was as if Andy had forgotten how to speak and remained silent.

  Stephanie returned a few moments later, a couple of cloths in one hand, and a bowl of warm water in the other. She dipped one of the cloths into the water and handed it to Hunter, who gently cleaned the blood off Andy’s face.

  “Andy?”

  But Andy continued to sit there, unable to speak. Carefully, Hunter lifted Andy’s shirt. His friend’s stomach and ribs were covered in bruises, lacerations, and more blood.

  “This looks bad, we really need to get you to a hospital.” Stephanie pulled out her cell and dialed 9-1-1.

  Less than ten minutes later, an ambulance arrived at the club. Whatever had happened must have been horrific, because Andy remained completely silent as the paramedics did a quick examination of the injuries.

  Andy was still in shock, and as the siren and flashing lights of the ambulance illuminated the club, Hunter held Andy’s hand and squeezed it tight. Once safely on a stretcher, Stephanie held the door open for the paramedics as Andy was placed in the back of the ambulance. “I’ll meet you at the hospital,” Hunter said, his eyes meeting Andy’s.

  “You’ve been drinking. I’ll drive you,” Stephanie told him, grabbing her keys.

  “I’m fine, you don’t have to do that,” Hunter told her.

  “Please, I want to. Even if it’s just to make sure you get there safely and have company while you wait.”

  They wasted no time arguing, and after making sure Andy was securely inside the ambulance, Stephanie locked up, and they followed the ambulance to the hospital.

  It felt like hours had passed since the doctor had examined Andy. They managed to patch up some of the lacerations and bruising on Andy’s ribs and stomach, as well as bring the swelling down. Andy still wasn’t saying anything, which was freaking everyone out, especially Hunter. He hadn’t been in a state like this since … Oh god, Lili, he suddenly thought, remembering that he needed to call his mother and let her know what was going on.

  He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed his mom’s number.

  �
�Hunter? It’s four in the morning, what’s wrong? Where are you? Why haven’t you come home?”

  “Mom, I’m ...” Hunter was finding it difficult to piece the words together. “I’m at the hospital.”

  “Hospital! Oh, my goodness, Hunter, what’s happened? Are you—?”

  “I’m fine. It’s Andy,” Hunter quickly cut in.

  “Andy? Is … what happened?”

  “I can’t explain right now. How’s Lili?” Hunter asked, his voice shaky.

  “She’s fine. Sound asleep.”

  “Good. I’ll call you when I have more information.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. Please give Andy my love and prayers,” Judith’s voice echoed through the phone.

  “I will.” Hunter ended the call.

  One of the nurses who had been looking after Andy walked out of the room.

  “Nurse! Andy, how—”

  “You’re a relative?” the nurse asked.

  “A friend, colleague … we work together,” Hunter told her.

  The nurse looked at Hunter and Stephanie, who both looked like shit. Hunter knew the whole doctor-patient confidentiality procedure, so he knew the nurse was going to be limited with her information regarding Andy. Right then, though, Hunter didn’t care. All he wanted to know was if Andy was going to be okay.

  “There’s not a lot I can tell you, I’m sorry. But I can tell you that we’ve managed to reduce the swelling around the ribs and given Andy something for the pain and bruising. Other than that, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for Andy’s family for further information. We’ll keep Andy overnight for observation, and after the police have finished their questions, you can head on in.”

  I’ll go grab us some coffee,” Stephanie said, gently brushing her thumb over the back of Hunter’s hand.

  “That would be great, thank you,” he whispered.

  Stephanie vanished down the corridor, and Hunter reached for his phone and dialed the number. The call went straight to voicemail and Hunter left a brief message, not revealing too much. He sat down, running his fingers through his hair as he waited. He felt like shit. He was exhausted and stressed, not to mention, extremely anxious.

  He heard voices coming from Andy’s room, and Hunter was quick to his feet, making his way over to the officer he’d been speaking with at the club.

  “Are you done? Can I go in and see Andy?” Hunter’s voice was shaky as he spoke with the police officer.

  “Didn’t say much, and I’m afraid we don’t have all the answers we need. You can go in, but I’d like you and the woman who was with you to come to the station and make a statement at some point. Not right now, but don’t leave it too long, okay?” the officer asked.

  “Of course,” Hunter replied.

  As the two police officers left the hospital, Hunter noticed Stephanie walking toward him, a takeaway cup in each hand.

  “What did they say?” Stephanie asked, handing one of the cups to Hunter.

  “Thanks,” he said, taking a sip. “They couldn’t tell me much. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions, apparently. They want us both to go to the station and make a statement when we’re ready,” Hunter told her.

  “Sure. Just tell me when and I’ll be there.”

  His hands were shaky, and all Hunter wanted to do right then was lean forward and throw his arms around Stephanie, despite the fact that less than ten hours ago she was a complete stranger. She must have read his mind, because all of a sudden, she wrapped her arms around Hunter, embracing him in a tight squeeze.

  “Andy’s going to be okay,” she whispered in his ear.

  “Yes. Thank you for … well, for everything. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there.”

  They pulled away, and Stephanie looked into his eyes.

  “I’m sure you would have done what any other friend would have done.” She steadied her gaze toward Hunter before continuing. “Go … Andy needs you. I’ll be right out here,” she said.

  “You don’t have to stay. Don’t you have a family of your own to go home to?” Hunter asked.

  “I have nobody waiting for me if that’s what you’re asking. Besides, I feel somewhat responsible for this.”

  “Why do you feel responsible?” Hunter questioned.

  “It happened outside my club, and I was the one who…” She couldn’t finish her sentence, and Hunter noticed her eyes well up with tears.

  “Hey, this is not your fault. Whatever happened to Andy tonight had nothing to do with you.”

  Hunter pulled her in for another hug, and before the moment could get any more awkward, they pulled apart.

  “Go … I’ll be here waiting.” She forced a smile and sat down on one of the chairs outside Andy’s room.

  Quietly, Hunter made his way inside. There was a bed in the center, and the curtains were drawn. Hunter took another step forward and pulled the curtain open. Andy was lying on the bed, with eyes wide open and still clearly in shock. Andy’s eyes flickered briefly in Hunter’s direction. Andy appeared to be aware of Hunter’s presence but still didn’t say a word. Hunter pressed his body against the bed and leaned in closer to his friend.

  “Hey, you doing okay?”

  The lack of response was making Hunter frustrated, but Andy’s eyes were open, and the vacant stare worried him more than anything, but Hunter couldn’t lose his cool. He pulled the chair closer toward him and sat down, watching Andy, before reaching out to take Andy’s hand. Andy quickly pulled it away, tucking it under the sheet.

  “What happened to you? Where did you go? Why didn’t you call me?”

  These were just some of the questions Hunter wanted answers to. He needed to know why Andy had run off like that, without a word.

  “Look, I don’t know what happened, and you don’t have to talk about it right now. I’m just glad that you’re okay,” Hunter whispered the words and leaned forward to grab Andy’s hand.

  “Don’t touch me. Please just go away,” Andy suddenly whispered, wriggling beneath the sheet.

  It was the first time Andy had said anything since Stephanie had opened the door to the club.

  “Andy? Why won’t you let me touch you?” Hunter asked.

  For a moment Andy remained completely silent, eyes glued to the ceiling above them.

  Hunter didn’t want to push. He wanted to know what it was that had made Andy so… scared. That was when he heard the words come out of Andy’s mouth. Words that ripped his heart to shreds and tore his entire world apart.

  “I ... I was raped.”

  HOW, IN THE name of the Holy Mother of God, had this happened?

  What had started out as an innocent night of dancing, drinking, and talking, had turned into a night of sheer horror and anguish.

  Andy’s parents had arrived an hour ago, and they’d been sitting in the hospital room ever since. Andy still wasn’t talking, and although Hunter had explained to them what he knew, it was grippingly emotional watching them try to deal with the situation.

  “You look exhausted. Why don’t you go home?” Stephanie asked.

  “No! I can’t just leave Andy. Not like this.”

  “Andy’s parents are here; they can make sure Andy’s okay. You need to go home and get some rest. You’re no good to anyone in this state.”

  He was exhausted, but the thought of leaving Andy made him sick, even though Andy’s parents were right inside.

  Tonight had been a total, fucking nightmare. A night he was sure, none of them would ever forget. Hunter sat up and looked at the clock on the wall in the corridor. His head hurt and he groaned at the time: 8:00 a.m.

  He hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours. He was tired, dirty, and emotional, not to mention … anxious. He was anxious to get home and see his little girl, and although he hated to admit it, his mother too. Despite it all, Judith knew how to make Hunter feel better.

  “Hunter?”

  Marion, Andy’s moth
er, tapped Hunter on the shoulder. He lifted his head and peered into her eyes.

  “Honey, you’re exhausted. Go home and get some sleep.”

  “No, I’m not—”

  “Do I need to call your mother and have her come pick you up?” Marion cut in.

  Hunter knew that Marion would indeed call his mother, and right now, he really didn’t need more worry.

  “Fine, but can I see Andy before I leave?”

  “Andy’s asleep, but I’ll say that you send your regards.” Marion must have seen the hesitation in Hunter’s eyes. “I promise I’ll let you know the moment things change.”

  Hunter leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Marion’s cheek. She’d been a part of his life for as long as Andy and the rest of his crew had. She and her husband, Jack, were family, just like Michelle and Carter.

  “Thank you,” he whispered.

  Marion went back into the room, leaving Hunter in the corridor with Stephanie.

  “She seems nice,” Stephanie said.

  “Yeah, she is. She’s been a part of my family for a long time.”

  Stephanie smiled, then asked, “Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

  Hunter scratched his head. His fatigue was not only playing with his emotions, but it was also clogging his brain. He needed to get out of there, he needed to head home and see his daughter, but most of all, he needed to sleep.

  “No, thank you. I have a few things to do before I head back to the station, so I’ll catch a cab.”

  He made his way toward the elevator with Stephanie and pressed the button for the ground floor. It must have been close because the elevator doors opened almost immediately.

  Hunter walked Stephanie to her car, thanking her again for all that she’d done. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what all this felt like for her. Saving lives and putting out fires was one thing, it was part of Hunter’s job, but when it came to an ordeal as traumatic as what Andy had been through, witnessing the aftermath in her very own club, would be hard to deal with.

  He watched Stephanie drive out of the parking lot, then as he waited for the taxi, he felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket. He reached for it and pulled it out, bringing the screen close to his face to reveal— Carter. Fuck!