by Lisa Moreau
Sydney would have given anything to change places with her. She, not Emily, deserved to be in that bed. Sydney’s fingers itched to stroke Emily’s cheek or hold her hand, but she didn’t want to wake her. Instead, she sat in a chair beside the bed and didn’t take her eyes off of the woman she loved.
Fifteen minutes later, a nurse walked in. Sydney sat upright, ready for a fight if she was asked to leave. Luckily, the nurse completely ignored her and roused Emily awake.
“It’s time for your pain pill, Ms. Wellington.”
Emily’s head swayed back and forth, and her bloodshot eyes fluttered open. She groaned, popped the pill into her mouth, and washed it down with a few gulps of water. It wasn’t until the nurse left that Emily spotted her. Her eyes lit up and a slow smile crept across her lips. She reached out her hand, which Sydney immediately grabbed. Sydney couldn’t have been more overjoyed. Emily was happy to see her.
“How do you feel?” Sydney tucked a strand of hair behind Emily’s ear with her free hand.
“Like I was hit by a plane. One going a thousand miles an hour.”
Emily stared at Sydney, furrowed her brow, and cocked her head. Sydney was sure she was remembering what had happened between them. Suddenly, Emily jerked her hand back.
“What are you doing here? I told Fran not to call you.”
“I wanted to make sure you’re all right.”
“I’m fine. You can go now.”
That was absolutely the last thing Sydney wanted to do. “You need someone to help you.”
“I can take care of myself.” Emily struggled to sit upright and rubbed her forehead.
“Does your head hurt? The doctor said you have a concussion.”
Emily ignored the question, closed her eyes, and reclined into her pillow.
Sydney gazed at Emily’s beautiful face. Even after all she’d been through she still looked stunning. “Em, I’m not asking you to forgive me or get back together, but at least let me help you.”
No response.
“Do you want me to call your parents?”
Emily’s eyes popped open. “Absolutely not. They’d be no help at all. I’ll contact them after I get home.”
“You can’t drive with a broken ankle. Let me take you back to LA.”
“I don’t want your help. I’ll Uber or something after I get the story written.”
Abruptly, Emily clutched her chest. Was she having a heart attack? Or trouble breathing?
“Where’s my camera? It was around my neck when I fell.” Fear filled Emily’s eyes as she frantically scanned the room. “Do you see it anywhere?”
Sydney opened drawers and closets, and even looked in the bathroom. “It’s not here.”
“Oh, God.” Emily looked like she was about to faint.
“Relax. I’ll go ask the nurse if they have any of your possessions.”
“Hurry!”
Sydney scurried down the hall to the nurses’ station. “I’m with Emily Wellington in room twelve, and she was wondering if the emergency personnel picked up any of her belongings when they found her. Specifically, she’s looking for a camera.”
The nurse jutted out her lower lip and shook her head. “No. I don’t remember seeing anything when they brought her in, and all of her belongings would be in the room.”
“Are you sure?”
The woman responded with a raised eyebrow.
“Got it. Thanks.”
Emily was biting the nail of her pinky finger when Sydney got back to the room. “Well?”
“They don’t have it.”
“Damn.” Emily clenched her fists.
“Don’t worry. We’ll find it.”
“You don’t understand. All of my photos are in that camera. Without it, I have no proof of the Madagascar lovebirds. I have no story.”
“But didn’t you…”
“No. I didn’t download them on the computer,” Emily said, reading Sydney’s mind. “I was going to do it last night…but…well…I got a bit distracted.” Emily glared at her.
“I see. Your camera must still be by the fig tree. It probably came off your neck when you fell.”
Emily closed her eyes and shook her head. “I bet it’s shattered.”
“Maybe not. But if so, you can just take more photos.”
“I’m screwed. Owen said he knows about the lovebirds. If he gets Fran to let him on her property, he’ll get the story before me. There’s no way I can climb a ladder with a broken ankle to take pictures.”
“No, but I can.”
The muscles in Emily’s jaw visibly tensed. “I said I don’t need your help.”
Sydney raked her fingers through her hair and sighed. “Look. I’m not lame enough to think that my helping you will make you forgive me. I know you don’t want anything to do with me, and that’ll probably never change. This is about the lovebirds, not us.”
Emily narrowed her gaze and studied Sydney for several long seconds. “How do I know you’re not still spying for Owen?”
“I swear I cut off all contact with him after I found out how important this story was to you. I know you don’t believe me, but I love you, Emily. I wouldn’t purposely do anything to hurt you.” Sydney swallowed a hard lump in her throat. How she wanted to cradle Emily in her arms and show her how much she meant to her.
Emily blew out a breath. “All right. But once the article is done, so are we.”
Ouch. That remark stung even though Sydney was expecting it.
“I understand. It’s too late now, so I’ll go to Fran’s in the morning and look for the camera. Do you think you’ll be released tomorrow?”
“Probably. I’ll find out after I see the doctor.”
“Okay. I’ll swing by here after Fran’s.”
They held each other’s gaze for several seconds until Emily looked away.
“I guess I’ll be going.” Sydney didn’t want to overstay her welcome and risk Emily changing her mind. “Do you need anything else?”
Emily yawned and rubbed her eyes. “No.”
“Get some rest. And I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt.” Sydney reached out to squeeze Emily’s hand but then pulled back. “Right. Well, good night.”
Sydney exited the room and walked down the hall, feeling lighter than she had all day. They weren’t dating again, but at least Emily was talking to her and they’d get a few more days together. Suddenly, Sydney stopped. What was she thinking? She had to start a new job tomorrow morning. Well, that wouldn’t happen. Surely Sue would understand.
Sydney pulled out her phone and called PowerBar. Sue answered on the second ring.
“Hi. This is Sydney Cooper.”
“Oh. I’m glad you called. I forgot to tell you to park in the garage across the street and we’ll validate your parking.”
“Great. But…umm…something came up. A friend of mine is in the hospital in Ojai, and I need to help her out for a few days. Could I possibly start work next week?”
It was so quiet Sydney could have heard a bird feather hit the floor. Her stomach twisted in a knot with the intuitive knowing that this was not going to go over well.
“You’re saying you can’t come in tomorrow?” Sue spoke slowly and with a razor-sharp edge.
“It’s a medical emergency.”
“Is your friend in intensive care?”
“Well. No.”
“Is it a life-and-death situation?”
“Not exactly. She has a broken ankle and concussion. But she needs help with a lovebird article and someone to drive her back to LA.” Sydney mentally bonked herself over the head. She should have kept her big mouth shut after “concussion.”
“Are you saying that’s more important than this job?” Sue’s voice rose several octaves.
“No. Of course not. It’s a long, complicated story. She really needs my help. I’m just asking to start a few days later.”
“Unbelievable.” Sydney could picture Sue shaking her head and rolling her eyes. “I have thr
ee classes tomorrow with no instructor because you’re too busy playing lovebirds with your friend.”
“It’s not like that.”
“I gave you a chance to make something of yourself, and this is how you repay me? All the other instructors have packed schedules, which means I’ll personally be teaching your classes.”
“I’m really sorry, Sue. If there was any other way, I’d be there.”
“This isn’t going to work out. Your priorities are skewed.”
Sydney couldn’t really argue that point. Emily was her priority.
“If you’re not here tomorrow, don’t bother ever coming in.” Sue slammed the phone down.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
What was Sydney supposed to do now? She didn’t want to quit before she even started. She’d been trying to get this job forever. And she was unemployed. The sensible thing to do would be to hightail it back to LA tonight. It wasn’t like Emily wanted her there anyway. But she couldn’t. It was her fault Emily was up against a deadline and that Owen was lurking around. Sydney couldn’t leave her in the lurch. She was more important than a job. Sydney chuckled to herself. She never thought she’d feel that way about anyone.
Now that she’d made her decision, not that there’d been much of a debate, she needed to tell Monica. Text was easier, or rather more evasive, than calling.
Something came up and I’m staying in Ojai for a few days. Sorry about dinner. I’ll explain later.
Monica must have had the phone in her hand because she responded immediately. Why?! What about the job?
Doesn’t look like it’s going to work out.
They fired you already?
I quit. I’ll explain later.
Two seconds later, Sydney’s phone rang. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to Monica, so she let it go to voice mail. She’d deal with her later.
Chapter Twenty-three
Payback Time
“Guess three hundred, you fool!” Emily yelled from her hospital bed.
She’d wanted something to pass the time until Sydney arrived so she’d clicked on the TV. Big mistake. The Price Is Right was about to drive her insane. The contestants were guessing ridiculously low prices for a fancy, complicated coffee machine like the one in the cabin. She almost shut the thing off when the next person said, “Fifty dollars.” It was enjoyable, though, to watch their hopeful little pathetic faces instantly drop when the host revealed the price to be three hundred and fifty.
“Idiots.” Emily pressed the power button and threw the remote into a nearby chair.
She didn’t usually get this agitated, but she’d been lying in bed for almost twenty-four hours with absolutely nothing to do. She was beyond ready to leave and anxious to find out if Sydney had retrieved her Bird Cam.
Emily sat upright when Sydney walked in. “Well?”
Sydney grimaced. “I looked everywhere. Even within a mile radius, thinking maybe a coyote got ahold of it.”
“That’s just great,” Emily said sarcastically and crossed her arms.
“If anyone finds it, at least it has your name and address inside. Maybe you’ll get it back.”
“Maybe,” Emily grumbled.
“Do you have another camera? I can go out there this afternoon and take pictures.”
“It’s not an Audubon Bird Cam, but yes, I have another one. I’m going with you, though.”
“No offense, but you’d slow me down. Why not stay at the cabin to write the article, and I’ll take photos. If you don’t like what I get, I’ll go back.”
Emily hated to agree, but Sydney was right. She needed to stay put and get the story done and off to the printers. Disappointment gripped Emily’s insides. Did this mean she’d never get to see the Madagascar lovebirds again? Damn broken ankle.
Sydney stood beside the bed, so close Emily was tempted to reach out and touch her. Luckily, she came to her senses before she did anything stupid. They weren’t together anymore, a fact that she’d have to keep reminding herself of.
“How are you feeling?” Tenderness filled Sydney’s eyes. If Emily didn’t know any better, she’d think Sydney really was in love with her. Maybe she had started out spying but then did fall in love with her. God. How she wanted to believe that was true.
“Sore,” Emily said. “I can leave after I fill out some paperwork from the front desk.”
“Great. Want me to go grab it?”
“Sure.” Emily watched Sydney walk toward the door. “Hey,” she said, which prompted Sydney to stop and turn around. “Thanks. You know. For helping me.”
Sydney’s face lit up. “You’re welcome.”
“Sorry you didn’t get the PowerBar job. They wanted the person to start today, right?”
Sydney’s eyes dropped to the floor. “It’s not important.”
“I know how much you wanted it.”
“I’m exactly where I want to be.” Sydney looked directly at Emily and flashed a beautiful, heart-stopping smile.
* * *
The gnawing feeling that something wasn’t right first hit Sydney when she was looking for the camera. She hadn’t wanted to express this point to Emily, but its disappearance disturbed her. The EMTs hadn’t found it, and the coyote theory sounded plausible, except for the fact that Fran had said she’d never seen one on her property.
Sydney opened the cabin door to allow Emily to enter. She stumbled in, hobbled to the sofa, and plopped down.
“I hate these things.” Emily tossed the crutches aside and propped her foot on the coffee table.
“You’ll get used to them. Are you hungry?” Sydney stood over Emily.
“I’ll make something later.”
“How about a sandwich? Turkey? Tuna?”
Emily smirked sheepishly. “Pop-Tarts?”
“You got it. Toasted or out of the package?”
Emily’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God. Is that a serious question? I can’t believe I actually slept with you.” Emily’s face immediately turned bright red, probably at the mention of their intimate behavior.
Sydney chuckled. “How could I forget? Toasted until burnt on the corners. Anything else?”
“Just my laptop so I can start on the article. I think it’s on the bar in the kitchen.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.” Sydney took a few steps, stopped, and turned. “Hey, are you the one who called 911 after you fell?”
“No. I was out cold until I woke up at the hospital. Fran must have. Why do you ask?”
“No reason. Just curious.”
Sydney made her way into the kitchen and popped the pastry into the toaster. She leaned against the counter and checked her voice messages. Geez. Ten of them were from Monica, all ranting and raving as to why Sydney hadn’t taken the PowerBar job. She’d phone her later. Right now, Sydney had a more important call to make.
After getting Emily set up with something to eat and her laptop, Sydney headed upstairs, went into the bedroom, and closed the door to make sure Emily wouldn’t overhear. She sat on the bed and called the devil himself.
“Owen? This is Sydney.”
“What do you want?”
“I’ve been thinking about it, and I didn’t treat you fairly. After all, we did make a deal.” Sydney wrinkled her nose at the sour taste in her mouth. Lying always had that effect.
Owen laughed, one of those evil, spine-tingling laughs. “It’s too late. I don’t need you anymore. I know all about the Madagascar lovebirds.”
Damn.
“I see. So I guess you’re friends with Fran now?” Sydney held her breath, hoping that wasn’t true.
Silence.
“Just what I thought,” Sydney said. “How are you going to get access to the birds without Fran’s permission?”
“I have my ways.”
“If you mean trespassing, I wouldn’t advise it. Fran is serious about prosecuting. Lucky for you I have a key to her farm. I could easily get you in.”
“And why would you do that?”
&nbs
p; “Like I said, I feel bad about going back on our deal. I owe you.”
More silence.
“Why don’t you meet me up there in half an hour? What have you got to lose?”
Several long seconds passed until Owen finally said, “All right.”
Sydney disconnected and dialed the Ojai police department.
“Hi. This is Sydney Cooper, and I’d like to report a robbery.”
* * *
Sydney sat in her car outside of Fran’s and prayed the police would show up before Owen did. This was probably a horrible plan, but she wasn’t sure what else to do since she had no idea where Owen was staying. She’d be in big trouble if this gamble didn’t pay off, but she had to follow her instincts.
Sydney grimaced when Owen pulled up next to her. She’d hoped to take care of things without having to go onto Fran’s property. Reluctantly, Sydney motioned for him to follow her through the open gate. They drove down the dirt road, parked next to Fran’s house, and got out. Luckily, it didn’t appear as though she was home. Sydney glanced at her watch. Where were the freaking police? They were going to blow everything.
Sydney nodded to Owen. “Hey. So how’d you find out about the Madagascar lovebirds?”
“That’s none of your beeswax,” Owen said. He grabbed a bag out of his truck and started down the trail. Obviously, he knew where he was going. He stopped and looked back at Sydney. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Actually, I should stay here in case Fran gets back. You know, so she knows you’re with me.”
Owen paused for two beats and then took off. Sydney shook her head and looked at her watch again. She sat on the steps of Fran’s porch and waited a full forty-five minutes before a police car came moseying down the path. Apparently, they took their sweet time unless someone was dying or bleeding. Sydney glared at the two officers as they approached.
