Sneaking Suspicions (The Tharon Trace Mysteries Book 1) (19 page)
Read Sneaking Suspicions (The Tharon Trace Mysteries Book 1) Online
Authors: Jan Hinds
November 12, 2056
Dr. Anderson studied his tablet at the nurse’s station. “These results can’t be accurate. Run the blood panels again. I’ve never heard of anyone recovering this quickly from septicemia.” Dr. Anderson entered his orders on the tablet. He muttered to himself. “Either this is a miracle or Walker misdiagnosed him in the first place. And I don’t believe in miracles.”
***
Sunday afternoon, Dr. Anderson spoke to Angela and Matt outside the hospital room. “I can’t explain it. I’ve had his blood work repeated three times in the past twenty-four hours and there’s no sign of infection and his wounds are healing more rapidly than I’ve ever seen. His rate of recovery is nothing short of miraculous, and believe me, I don’t use that term lightly.”
Dr. Anderson folded his arms. “I can’t justify keeping him in the hospital after tomorrow but I’d like you to bring him in to see me toward the end of the week, sooner if you detect any signs of infection or he starts running a fever. The pharmacy will have a pain prescription for you to pick up before you leave. It might make him drowsy. And regardless of the results, I still want him to complete the full course of antibiotics as well.”
Angela looked into the room where Helm and Tharon sat side by side on the bed with the head raised as high as it would go. Helm read a book out loud to her while she rested her head on his shoulder. “What about Tharon? Is she going home too?”
Dr. Anderson frowned, “I don’t see why not. But that will be up to Dr. Walker. He’s rather proprietary when it comes to her care.”
November 14, 2056
Dana and Lista took turns walking to each other’s room several times a day and quickly developed a strong friendship. This was a new experience for Dana who had been so absorbed with her job that she had no close friends in the area.
On Tuesday morning Dana walked to Lista’s room. “Care to join me for a race around the hallway?”
Lista edged her feet off the bed and into her fuzzy slippers. She sat for a moment to let a wave of dizziness subside. “You’re on, but I don’t think I’ll be giving you much competition today. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
They shuffled down the hallway, each woman pushing her IV pole by her side. Dana felt well enough to move at a brisker pace, but she sensed Lista needed to take things slower, so she let her new friend set the pace.
Dana was nervous and desperate. “Were you serious about helping me plan the wedding?”
Lista’s face lit up. “Oh, yes. Please let me help. I so need something positive to occupy my thoughts.”
The tension eased from Dana’s shoulders. “Do you think Saturday is too soon to get married?”
Lista observed her worried expression. “How long have you and Simon been dating?”
Dana shook her head. “That’s just it. We’ve never dated. We’ve worked together for four years, but we’ve never dated.” She looked sideways at Lista. “How long did you and Tom date before you got married?”
Lista chuckled. “Oh my goodness, don’t make any decisions based on our marriage.”
Dana persisted. “How long did you date?”
Lista stopped and tilted her head to the side. “You know we never have been on a date. We’d known each other two weeks when we got married.”
Dana’s mouth dropped open. “Two weeks?”
Lista patted her arm. “You can’t measure love by time. How long have you loved Simon?”
Dana thought for a moment. “That’s hard to say. I guess I started loving him soon after we met. He was so devastated by losing his wife and daughters to the pandemic—I think he’ll always grieve for them.”
Lista smiled and nodded her head. “It’s good that he’s opened his heart to love again. He’s probably been in love with you for a long time too, but felt he was betraying his first wife by having feelings for you.”
They reached the end of the hallway and made a wide u-turn with their IV poles. Dana was thoughtful. “So you don’t think we’re being reckless by getting married so soon?”
Lista thought a moment and studied Dana’s concerned expression. “If you know you love someone, you’d be reckless not to marry and spend as much of this life together as you can.”
Tension drained from Dana’s face. “Thank you. That eases my mind.” She thought a moment and said, “I just have two requests for the wedding. I was wondering if Kaid and Helm could be our ring bearers and if Tharon could be my flower girl. I know they’re a bit old for it, but I don’t have any family and the only friends I have are from work. Not to diminish what the children went through, but if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if Simon would have ever admitted his feelings for me.”
Lista’s face broke into a wide grin. “I know Tharon will be thrilled and I’ll talk to the other mothers. What else do you need?”
Dana’s face felt hot and she knew it was turning all shades of red. “I know I’m a cop and I could get married in my uniform, but I was wondering if you have a dress I could borrow. It wouldn’t have to be white, it’s just that, well, even though I carry a gun and Simon knows all my rough edges, I want to look and feel more feminine when we exchange our vows. Does that sound vain?” She released an exasperated sigh. “I don’t even own a dress.”
“Of course that’s not vain. What size do you wear?”
Dana shrugged her shoulders then winced at the pain the movement caused to her wound. “I think I’m a size four.”
Lista appraised Dana’s size. She was taller and slimmer than Lista. A few women close to her size came to her mind. “You leave it to me. Even if Maisy and I have to make one, you’ll have a dress to wear for your wedding.”
Dana’s gratitude was genuine. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Lista touched her arm. “What are friends for anyway?”
“This is all new to me.” Dana shook her head. “Outside of work, you’re the first real friend I’ve made here.”
Lista’s eyes glistened. “I’ll do my best to be a good one then.”
They were almost back to Lista’s room when Dana shook her head and said, “Two weeks?”
November 16, 2056
Lista went home Wednesday morning and, in spite of Maisy’s near constant hovering, both women relished diving into the wedding preparations.
Thursday morning they still had not found a suitable dress. While Lista reached out to everyone she knew to find someone who might have a dress or an old wedding gown that would fit Dana, Maisy drove into South Whitley on a mission. She circled the block past Lucy Stephen’s house to check for their private signal: the blinds over the kitchen sink were open—Lucy was alone. Maisy parked around the corner and walked down the alley to the backyard gate.
Lucy waited for her by the back door. When she ushered her friend inside she threw her arms around her and said, “I thought you’d never come. I’ve been watching for you for two days. Have you found a dress yet?”
The spark in Lucy’s eyes warmed Maisy’s heart. “No, that’s why I’m here. Our brave officer is a size four. It seems to me I recall another blushing bride who wore that size.”
Even the light in Lucy’s eyes couldn’t mask her ashen skin tones or hide the toll the treatments took on her energy. “Oh, it’s been many years since I was a size four.” She poked a withered finger skyward. “Fortunately the dress hasn’t changed with my figure. I’m afraid I’m going to have to impose on you to dig it out of the attic and have it cleaned and pressed.”
Maisy clapped her hands. “This will be such a treat for Dana.” She saw the struggle her friend was having standing. “Why don’t you go sit down in the living room and I’ll make us some tea.”
“That would be lovely.” Lucy made her way to a cushioned rocker in the living room, leaning for support on every counter, chair and door frame along the way. She eased herself into the chair with a sigh. “Having Dana wear my dress will be a treat for me and Max too. I never had a daughter to hand it down to and, well, my three daughters-in-law had their own mothers to help them with their gowns. I just hope it isn’t too old fashioned for her.”
Maisy spoke loud enough for Lucy to hear her from the kitchen. “I don’t think Dana is the kind of woman who worries about fashion trends.”
Lucy closed her eyes as she rocked. “Max was always talking about Dana and Simon and how blind they were to each other’s love. I’m so glad they got their eyes open.” She lowered her voice. “Life is just too darned short.”
Maisy carried two mugs of tea into the living room and watched her friend take a tentative sip. “How long have you been in this much pain?”
Lucy opened one eye and looked up at Maisy. “You always could read me. It got worse after the last treatment. And don’t even think about talking to Max about it. He can’t afford to take any more time off from work.”
“Do you really think you’re fooling him?” Maisy scoffed. “He is a detective, you know.”
Lucy chuckled. “Some detective, he still hasn’t figured out who you are.”
Maisy sat quietly and looked out of the window at the last crimson leaf on the maple tree in Lucy and Max’s front yard. It twisted in the wind until it wrenched free of the branch. The wind buoyed it up in the air briefly before it floated gracefully to the earth. “It’s better that he doesn’t figure it out. The girl I was is gone. I had a great life with my husband and he sacrificed everything, including me, to give me back to this place and this life with Tom and his family. They mean the world to me.”
Lucy’s rocker stopped. “I’m so grateful we found each other again. There’s something important I want you to do for me.” She leaned forward. “I can’t bear the thought of Max being alone when I’m gone.” She looked at Maisy and nodded her head. “I want you to marry him.”
Maisy choked on a mouthful of tea and spewed the hot brew all over her shirt. “You what?”
“You heard me. After I’m gone and a respectable time for mourning has passed, I want you and Max to marry. Neither of you should be alone.”
Maisy fingered the locket hanging from the gold chain about her neck. “You’re forgetting I have a husband.”
“So you say, yet when was the last time you heard from him.”
Maisy didn’t hesitate. “Twelve years, three months and twenty-one days ago.”
Lucy’s voice grew weaker. “Sounds to me like you have grounds for abandonment. Whatever his or your reasons are, you shouldn’t be alone. You have so much to offer a man. You deserve to be happy.” She yawned and closed her eyes.
Maisy’s voice softened. “My friend, let me help you to your bed so you can take a nap. Just tell me where the wedding dress is and let’s celebrate the happy couple instead of trying to figure out our own futures.”
Lucy sighed as Maisy helped her to her feet. “I don’t want you to feel you have to marry Max. I just want you to know, if you two should fall in love, you have my blessing.”
Maisy supported Lucy as she leaned heavily against her. “And I want you to know, I’m not in the market for your sloppy seconds. Besides, I’m not ready to let go of you and I expect you to hang on for a long, long time.”
She eased Lucy onto the bed and covered her with a crocheted blanket. “Now, tell me where the wedding gown is so I can get out of here before Max comes home.”
The most accurate description of Indiana’s weather was unpredictable. Temperatures rose again and rain made a comeback.
Dana watched the water cascading down the window of her room. Her mood matched the gloom outside. She’d heard enough of Tharon and Kaid’s conversation with Simon to know he had more urgent things to worry about than to babysit her. He’d made at least two trips to Indianapolis already and hinted he was gearing up for something big, but didn’t want to discuss it where they might be overheard.
Before Lista went home, her companionship had kept Dana from brooding on her insecurities, but with Lista gone, that old demon Doubt kept whispering in her ear that it was all too good to be true. Simon was bound to realize she didn’t hold a candle to Nora, and he’d break off the marriage plans.
The next day was Friday and she was due to be released from the hospital in the morning, the day before they planned to marry. Simon had been MIA all day. He’d left before she woke up and it was nearly midnight; there still was no sign of him. He hadn’t even called to check on her. Every time she closed her eyes to try to sleep she imagined him breaking off the wedding.
She was in the midst of picturing a particularly painful scene when she felt him hovering over her. Her eyes whipped open and she said, “Where the heck have you been?”
That was harsh. What am I doing chasing him away?
Simon’s face traveled between shock, pain, realization, and amusement. His lips curved into a grin. “I’ve been preparing a surprise for you.” He kissed her pouting lips until they surrendered to his affection. He drew back to look at her. “What did you think I was doing?”
She traced his rough strong jaw with her thumb, “I imagined you came to your senses and were trying to figure out a way to dump me.”
He shook his head. “Nonsense. You should know me better than that. You know I’d never lie to you. Haven’t I already told you that I love you?”
She thought a moment and shook her head. “Not in so many words.”
He fingered the button to raise the head of the bed. “How many words would it take to convince you?”
She was nearly upright. “Three ought to do the trick.”
“How about seven?” He pulled a ring from his pocket and dropped to one knee. “I love you. Will you marry me?”
Tears welled in Dana’s eyes and spilled down her face. She touched her lips with her fingertips. Her heart filled to bursting with love for him and that perfect moment stretched out, making time seem to stand still—she was completely overcome with emotion.
Simon shifted uncomfortably. With uncertainty he asked, “Dana, will you?”
She blinked when she realized she hadn’t answered him. “Oh yes. I love you. Yes.”
He sighed in relief and placed the diamond on her finger. His kiss lingered on her lips. Then he trailed kisses along her cheek to the nape of her neck. His hands caressed her curves through her hospital gown. His touch ignited a hunger deep within her as his mouth found hers again and he kissed her with an intensity that made it clear, he shared her hunger.
He reined back the fires of desire and said in a husky voice. “That should seal it for you. Would I risk a harassment suit if I wasn’t sure?” His hands lingered at her hips and he rested his palm on her flat abdomen. He groaned. “I can hardly wait for Saturday.”
She didn’t realize she’d grabbed a handful of his shirt fabric until a button popped off. They laughed and she said, “I guess I can’t wait either.”
He fingered the controls until she fully reclined again, and gave a look of dread to the recliner he’d called a bed every night that week. “At least this is the last night I have to sleep on that torture device.”
Dana caught his hand and pulled him to the bed as she scooted over to make room for him. “Sleep with me.”
He kissed her hand. “Are you sure?” He kicked off his shoes and lay on his side facing her.
She grinned. “You don’t take much persuading, do you? Just mind those hands or you’ll be starting something I won’t be able to stop.”
He draped his left arm around her waist and pulled her close. “How’s that? Too much?”
She kissed his lips lightly and cuddled into his embrace, “Perfect. Good night.”
Simon answered with the soft snore she’d already grown to love.
***
Dr. Anderson checked her wound during his Friday morning rounds. “You’re healing nicely. Not as remarkably as your young friend, but you’re healing just fine.”
Dana looked from the surgeon to Simon. “What young friend?”
Dr. Anderson lifted her arm to the side. “Hmm? Oh, the Harris boy. I never saw such a rapid recovery. I doubted the initial diagnosis until I verified it with the nurse. One for the record books,” he said absently.
Dr. Anderson tested the grip of both her hands with a dynamometer. He frowned. “You’re right hand dominant?”
She nodded and half held her breath. She didn’t need a device to tell her she’d lost some strength in her right hand. “How bad is it?”
He typed into his tablet. “In your line of work, it could be an issue. I’m putting an order in for a physical therapy evaluation. Can you shoot with your left hand?”
She grimaced remembering how wide from the mark her shot at Brandt had been. “I can but I’m not as accurate.”
Simon shook his head. “Don’t let her fool you. She’s ninety-eight percent accurate with her right and eighty-five percent with her left. That’s nothing to sneeze at.”
Dana shook her head. “It was bad enough that it enabled Brandt to get his hands on Tharon. If it wasn’t for her and Kaid’s courage and quick thinking, we could be looking at a terribly different outcome.”
Simon sat down next to her and placed his palm on the small of her back. He asked, “Can she go home today?”
The doctor looked up from his tablet. “Yes. But I’m not clearing her to return to work quite yet.” He turned to Dana. “No driving until you’re off the pain meds and no shooting with the right hand until you’re completely healed. In the meantime you might try increasing the strength of your right hand. The nurse will have a series of exercises for you along with a list of restrictions. No heavy lifting. Also, as long as you’re still on the pain medication, we advise that you refrain from making major life decisions. This isn’t a good time for you to go out and buy a new car.”
Simon’s expression clouded. When the doctor left them alone, he said, “Perhaps we’re rushing the wedding. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
Dana pulled him to her. “No. This simply means that I’m going off the meds until after the wedding. That way you can be certain the only reason I’m marrying you is because I love you. You’ll also be able to decide if you still want me once you see what a wimp I am when I’m in pain.”
***
While Simon picked up her prescriptions, she opened the bag holding the clothing Simon brought from her home. She smiled and flushed with embarrassment. Her soon to be husband not only had discovered her weakness for fancy lingerie, he’d picked out her favorite black lace panties and matching holster bra.
She fumbled to put on the bra and double checked the safety on her Glock from the bedside table before slipping it into the holster. Thankfully Simon had picked out a knit jogging outfit in a pale pink and gray which was easier to don than the under garments.
They left the hospital and by the time they got the marriage license, picked up a few groceries, and drove to her house—Dana was beyond exhaustion and her shoulder felt like it was on fire.
Simon unlocked the front door to her house and the aroma of fresh bread and something Italian wafted from the kitchen. “You fixed dinner? When did you have time to do that?”
He blushed and with great self-deprecation said, “All in a day’s work.”
Penni rounded the corner from the kitchen. “Ha! And whose work would that be? Don’t you let him start putting on airs. If it wasn’t for frozen pizza he’d never eat.”
Simon gave Penni a playful sneer. “You were supposed to be gone when we got here.”
Dana grinned then looked around her home. “Something’s different. What did you do, Penni? It feels—oh...” She continued to scan the room. A newer, less worn, burgundy version replaced her lumpy sofa and brought with it a companion chair and a leather recliner. Flowers brightened end tables and accent lamps made the room glow with warmth. A big screen TV adorned the wall opposite the sofa. Below it a shelving unit hosted an impressive array of electronics.
Dana continued to the stone fireplace in the corner of the great room. Half the mantle was now home to pictures of her family: her parents, grandparents, younger brother and sister, and younger images of herself. On the other half resided images of Simon with his first wife and his daughters.
Penni nervously waited for her reaction. “We can take it all out if you don’t like it, I hope you’re not upset that we came in and gave the place a makeover.”
Dana delicately touched a picture of her younger brother. “How did you find these? I never unpacked them?”
Simon brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I remember you telling me, when you first started working with me, that you couldn’t bring yourself to even unpack your family’s pictures.”
Her eyes misted. “You remembered that?”
He nodded. “So last night, after we finished moving in the furniture, I took the liberty to find them. They’re a part of you, just like my family is a part of me. Is it okay?”
She looked at the mantle as tears threatened the edges of her eyes. “No.”
Penni gasped and covered her mouth with her fingers.
Simon’s countenance fell.
Dana rearranged the pictures on the mantle creating a space in the center. “There should be a wedding picture of you and Nora here with our wedding picture next to it.”
Simon sighed in relief and gathered her in his arms, being mindful of her wounded shoulder.
Penni shrugged on her coat and, with tears in her eyes, said, “I’ll leave you two alone and see you tomorrow at the wedding.”
Dana broke from Simon’s embrace and turned to Penni. “Thank you for everything.” She looked around the room and made a sweeping gesture. “I’m sure you had a lot to do with this and I love it, all of it.” She swallowed and hoped she hadn’t misread the bond she felt with the bossy office manager. “Also, I was wondering if you’d be willing to stand by my side at the wedding. Can you tolerate the title matron of honor?”
Penni blinked at the tears seeping in the corners of her eyes. Her voice was strangled with emotion. “I’d be so honored you can’t imagine.” The tears won and streamed from her eyes as she forgot Dana’s wound and hugged her tight.
Just when the pain was getting the better of Dana, Penni let go of her. “Oh dear! Your shoulder. Did I hurt you?”
Dana choked back tears. “No. I’m okay. When you hugged me it felt just like when my mom used to hug me—thank you.”
Penni wiped the tears from Dana’s cheeks. “I’m going to leave before I use up all my tears today and have none left for tomorrow.”
***
Simon dished up a serving of sloppy lasagna, large enough to feed two men. He placed the plate in front of Dana. She watched him as he helped himself to less than half the amount he gave her.
His eyes darted from the plate, to the kitchen, to the view from the patio door of the backyard in sore need of attention, before finally resting on her. He failed to mask the sadness in his eyes.
She switched plates with him and took his hand. “Tell me.”
He returned her grip. “I was just thinking how perfect this is—how right it feels. I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize my feelings for you sooner. I hate how much time we’ve wasted that we could have been together.”
She studied his face. “The past is done. We’re together now, that’s what counts. But I get the feeling that’s not everything that’s bothering you. Tell me.”
He looked into her eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “The governor asked me to organize a militia from Whitley County to deal with the invasion threat. All the counties are organizing. It started by word of mouth but has grown much quicker than I anticipated. I’m afraid we might not get too many nights like this, especially if it comes to an armed conflict.” He fell silent and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “We won’t get much of a honeymoon either. I’ll have to meet with the county leaders on Monday afternoon.”
She tried to sound light and not betray the ominous dread creeping into her heart. “Then we should enjoy this meal, especially since I don’t cook any better than you do, so we’re not likely to have too many meals this good.” She let go of his hand and picked up her fork. “Eat up while it’s hot and tell me what’s going on. I’ve been off the meds long enough that I might even remember what you say.”
He relaxed, grateful for her companionship. He’d been looking forward to discussing his concerns with her. “The hard part is we don’t dare do background checks, that would flag everyone joining and, heaven forbid if we lose, everyone joining could become targets for retribution. That means we might be fighting alongside someone who will turn their guns on us instead.”