Holiday Illusion (8 page)

She slumped against the wall. Great. The man had gotten away, so he could strike again. As soon as the floor opened back up and the lockdown was lifted, Lucas burst through the door, the relief on his face nearly tangible as he strode over to her to catch her in a hug. Stunned, she let him. He pushed her back, hands on her biceps, worried eyes boring into hers. “Are you okay? They wouldn't let me up here until just now. When you didn't show up in Paulo's room and then the lockdown happened, I was afraid.”

“De Chastelain had gotten to me?” At his nod, she muttered, “No, but he sure got too close.” Thoughtfully, she said, “It's always the hospital. Why here?”

“What do you mean?”

“He comes after me here in the hospital. Why?”

Lucas didn't speak for a moment. “Because he doesn't have access to you anywhere else. Other than trying to run us off the road, I mean. Think about it. You're pretty much at my father's house or here. Here is certainly easier to get access to you than at my father's house.”

“The only time he's struck away from the hospital is when we were on the way to your home. And we were on the way home from the hospital that time. Somehow he knows when I'm here.”

“And he doesn't have too many concerns about being caught.”

Anna shivered. “I don't want to talk about it anymore. I want to give Paulo his gift.”

“And I want to talk to Mark about some last-minute surgery preparations. Catch up to you in a little while.” He pulled her close, and sighed against her head, causing shivers to run up her spine. “Stay out of trouble, please.”

She gave him a light slug in the gut. “I highly doubt he'll try something else today. But thanks.” Looking up, she said, “I guess once I leave today, I don't need to be coming back here, do I?”

“Probably not. But we can worry about that later tonight. See you in a bit.”

Thirty minutes later, shattered nerves finally under control, Anna had retrieved her package from where she'd dropped it in the stairwell and made her way to Paulo's room.

When she crossed to the bed, he looked up, his eyes were wizened, old beyond his time, yet held a determined spark that wouldn't let go. He breathed deep, sucking in the life-giving oxygen that allowed his heart not to work so hard. His brown eyes smiled at her. “Hi, Miss Anna.”

“Hi there, little guy. I brought you something.”

His eyes brightened as they focused on the multicolored box still held under her arm. “What is it?”

Anna set the box on the rolling tray that held Paulo's water cup and opened the top. Reaching in, she pulled out a small, fully decorated Christmas tree.

Paulo gasped. “Oh, Miss Anna, it's beautiful.”

“And it all yours. I brought it to remind you that soon you'll get to come help decorate the big one at the orphanage.”

“Thank you, I love it.” His eyes still wide with awe, he said, “I've never had my own Christmas tree before.”

Heart clenching at the sheer joy in his voice, she cleared her throat, desperate to talk about something else so she wouldn't cry. “I hear today's the day you get your new heart.”

“Yes. It is a good day, no?”

His eyes lost some of their sparkle. Anna pushed the tree to the side and leaned in to stroke his cheek. “What is it, Paulo? What's troubling you?”

Looking back up, he rested his head against the pillow and asked, “Where did my new heart come from, Miss Anna?”

She swallowed hard. How did she explain?
Lord, help. What do I say?

“Well,” she said, sitting on the bed next to him, “in order for you get a new heart, someone else has to…give it to you.”

“Yes, I know this. But how is this possible? How can someone give me the heart without…”

She understood the question, she just didn't want to answer it. But she had to. “I know what you're asking, and yes, it's true, someone had to die in order for you to get a new heart.”

Tears filled his eyes, lower lip trembling, and he swallowed hard. “Then I don't know if I want it. I don't want someone else to have to die so I can live.”

Anna moved in to wrap his frail body in the gentlest of hugs. “I know you would never wish harm on another soul, Paulo, but the little girl that died would be happy knowing she helped someone else live. We don't want to take that away from her family, do we? I think it would be very selfish to refuse this gift she's offered.”

A frown creased his forehead as he thought about that, then a huge smile crossed his face. “It is like Jesus, no? The story you told us in Bible class. He died so we can live. He offers us His free gift. If we say no, we are very selfish to make so little of His gift, yes?”

Gulping, Anna turned to see Lucas standing in the doorway. He was simply staring at Paulo. Anna would give anything to know what was going through his mind right now. She focused back on Paulo. “Yes, I couldn't agree more.” The words came out husky, fighting to get around the tightness in her throat caused by damming up the tears.

Little Paulo frowned again, his thoughts already skipping ahead. “Her family must be very sad.”

“Yes, they are, but knowing she's helping you makes it a little better, you know?”

He nodded. “What about Andy? When is he going to get his heart?”

“We just don't know. It's all about timing, Paulo.”

A light came on behind his eyes. “I could give him my heart. From the little girl. That way Andy would be able to go home for Christmas. He talks about wanting to play on his Xbox thing. If I gave him that heart, he could do that, yes?” He folded his little arms across his chest and gave a short nod. “Yes, that is what we must do. You must give the heart to Andy. That way the gift will not be wasted and I will wait for the next one.”

Anna didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This beautiful, unselfish child who had nothing was willing to give up…everything…for his friend. She couldn't speak, just stared helplessly at Lucas, who finally found his own voice to explain. “Sorry, bud. It doesn't quite work that way. You're very generous to want to help Andy, but the blood type has to match. This heart from the little girl is just about as perfect a match as we can get for you. If we put it in Andy's body, his body wouldn't like it and that would just make Andy even more sick. No, this one is special just for you.”

Paulo's lips puckered in thought again, his little brows pulling downward. “Oh. Then I must accept this gift. We must not waste it. It is the right thing to do.”

Lucas gripped Paulo's bony shoulder. “I'm glad you see it that way.”

The boy slid down further in the bed and closed his eyes. “I'm very tired now. I think I will sleep some before I get the new heart.”

Anna and Lucas left him, stepping into the hallway. As soon as the door shut behind her, she burst into tears. Lucas didn't say a word, just pulled her into his arms and let her get it out. Finally, she looked up and gave self-conscious half laugh through the tears. “I'm sorry.

I'm a mess. I just can't believe that child in there. He's so unspoiled, so innocent and unselfish. I think we could all learn a few things from him.”

Lucas pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling her back into a hug. “I couldn't agree more.” He whispered the words so softly, she almost didn't catch them, but she did and realized God was doing something in this man's heart. Joy bubbled inside her at the idea of Lucas becoming a Christian.
Please, Lord, keep working on him. Keep showing him Your unconditional love.

 

Lucas felt blown away by Paulo's willingness to sacrifice himself so that another boy could live. He wondered if Paulo was even aware that this was his one shot at life. That he was very close to death and if this operation didn't take place or work for some reason, he probably wouldn't live to see very many more tomorrows.

And then he decided, yes, the boy knew.

What was inside him that made him so unselfish, so willing to make that kind of sacrifice? The kid was only nine years old. Where had he seen that kind of giving?

His eyes slid to the woman seated by his side. Anna.

She'd taught Paulo about God. About a God that offered himself up as a sacrifice so that others could live. And she'd taught him that, as a follower of Christ, he was to strive to be like Jesus. Paulo wanted to be like the Jesus he loved, which was what made him willingly to give away the one thing that would allow him to live here on this earth.

Lucas shook his head. It was beginning to throb with all this thinking about God. And yet, it seemed he couldn't
stop
thinking about Him. Maybe it was time to give God a chance. What could it hurt? He pressed the button on the elevator, still deep in thought.

He headed for his meeting with Mark relieved to switch his thoughts from spiritual things. Paulo was being prepped now. Anna would stay with him until the surgery. Lucas had explained everything to Paulo in as much detail as possible about what to expect pre-op and post-op.

Paulo didn't much like the idea of waking up with a tube down his throat, nor the fact that he would be unable to speak. But Lucas promised him in a few weeks he would be feeling so much better it would all be worth it in the end.

After the routine meeting, Lucas headed to find Paulo. He'd promised to be in the surgery with him. The boy had specifically asked him to be there and Lucas had agreed. He would hold his hand until the anesthesia kicked in. Then he would watch…and maybe pray. Just to see.

He met them coming down the hall toward the operating room. Paulo sighed in relief when he saw Lucas. “I knew you would come. You said you would.”

Lucas grabbed Paulo's hand. “Hey, you're my bud. No way would I let you down.”

They walked hand in hand, Anna trotting on the other side of the gurney to the surgery center. Stopping outside the door, Anna leaned over to press a kiss to Paulo's cheek. “I'll be waiting on you when you come out, okay? Remember that Jesus is there with you, holding you tight.”

“Yes. I am not worried.”

The gurney started forward and Anna stepped back. “Wait,” Paulo said. The gurney stopped. He looked at Lucas and Anna and said, “I want to pray. Is it okay?”

Uncomfortable, Lucas shuffled his feet a little. Anna jumped right in. “Of course it's okay. Do you want to or do you want me to?”

“You prayed in the room. Now I will say the prayer on my heart. My old heart.”

He still held on to Lucas's hand and reached again for Anna's. She took it, bowing her head. Lucas cleared his throat but didn't argue.

“Dear Jesus, this is Paulo. I thank You for the gift of this new heart. I know the girl's family is sad and missing her. Please tell them that she is okay and that she is with You, so she is very happy right now. Thank You for sending Miss Anna to watch over me since my own mama is also with You. Miss Anna is a very good mama so that I don't miss mine so much now. Thank You for Ella, too. I am a lucky boy because it's like I almost have two mamas.” He paused to draw in a shuddering breath.

Lucas didn't know how much longer Anna was going to be able to hold it together, but she was giving it her best effort. He almost motioned for the tech to start the journey into the surgery room, but Paulo wasn't finished yet.

“And I pray for my doctor Lucas. He is very sad sometimes, but he is a very good doctor. I don't think he has Your gift, though, so could You please give him a new heart, too? But one that has You in it. I think he would be much happier then. And please send my friend Andy a new heart, too. That's all, God. Please give the doctors a good day. Amen.”

Lucas coughed, felt tears push behind his eyes. They had to get that boy in surgery or he and Anna both would be one big sobbing, slobbering mess. He almost thanked God himself when the gurney finally disappeared behind the double doors. When he turned to Anna, silent tears tracked their way down her cheeks and he gave in to the urge to pull her to him. She rested her forehead on his chest, and her arms encircled his waist to link her hands at the small of his back. He whispered, “He'll be fine.”

“Sure, I know that.”

“He prayed for me.”

She nodded against his chest. “I noticed that, too.”

“He didn't say a word about himself.”

“No, he wouldn't.”

Lucas swallowed hard. “I'm going to go be with him.”

“Yeah, you do that. I'm going to go pray.”

“Yeah…me, too.”
Okay, God, I think You've got me. I also think I'm at the point where I might need to start praying and let You take control. We'll talk about this later, okay?

I
t was morning, her tenth day back in the United States and she basked in what had quickly become her favorite time of the day. The boathouse stood quiet as the sun first peeked over the horizon, then came on up to get a full look at the new day. Fortunately, there'd been no more evidence of the man who attacked her in the stairwell at the hospital. That relieved—and bothered—her.

As she waited for Lucas, Anna pushed the disturbing memories away, prayed, thanked God for the blessings He'd bestowed lately. Paulo was out of surgery and everything had gone smoothly.

Anna had been there when Paulo had first awakened from the surgery. Unfortunately, the little guy had been in a good deal of pain, crying until the nurse upped his pain meds. Once the drugs kicked in, he'd relaxed and fallen back into a deep sleep. He'd be in the intensive-care unit for about a week, then would have another three to four weeks in the hospital. Then he could go home. Of course he would be on the autoimmune system drugs for the rest of his life, but at least he would have a “rest of his life.”

Ella would stay with Paulo around the clock since it would be impossible for Anna to care for him like he needed. Unfortunately, she had no idea if she would have to disappear with no notice or not. And she certainly didn't want to put Paulo in any danger if de Chastelain and his crew decided to come after her again. Which she fully expected to happen, and because she expected it, her nerves stayed stretched tight—waiting.

Things had been awfully quiet. However, with no news from Justin, and Shawn de Chastelain's incessant gloating, via his spokesperson, on national TV about being released from prison soon, Anna felt goaded into action. Somehow, she had to find a way into that house.

With the weird tingling in the pit of her stomach and an aching longing in her heart, Anna watched Lucas make his way toward her wearing a navy-blue fisherman's sweater with a matching knit cap pulled over his ears. Frost greeted each breath he took, mimicking the steam from the twin cups of steaming coffee he held, one in each hand. Blue jeans rode snug on his lean frame and the hiking boots assured him of a steady step.

Anna had on a new heavy coat, zipped to her chin. Later, the morning would warm up and she would most likely discard it to the bottom of the boat.

“Ready?”

“For coffee, sure.” She took the proffered cup and sipped, letting the warmth of the steam wash over her frozen nose.

“Very funny. Ready to ride?”

“Yep. I think it's getting colder each morning, though.”

“Definitely. Christmas will be here before we know it.”

“Do you think we could make time for some shopping? I need to get a few things.”

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving, Anna? It's only a couple of weeks away.”

“No plans as of today, why?”

“What about your family? Friends? You must have somebody somewhere.”

She shrugged. “Nope. After my grandmother died, I spent two years of my life in foster homes and was on my own from the age of eighteen. I told you that.”

A frown creased his forehead. “I know. I guess it's just hard for me to fathom that you have no one.”

“Sounds pretty pitiful when you put it that way.” She headed down to the boat. “After my parents were killed in a car accident when I was twelve, my grandmother took me in. And all I can say is the woman was incredible.” The wind off the water whipped her dark curls around her face. She brushed them back thinking she'd soon need a haircut. “Anyway, she got me through the beginning of the horrid teen years. A year before she died, I accepted Christ. He's been my rock ever since. As for friends, we've lost touch. At first because of my job, then later I was in Brazil, of course.” She shrugged. “Making friends here could get them killed. It didn't seem worth it.”

Lucas trailed a finger down her cheek, the longing in his eyes causing an oxygen shortage in her lungs. She pulled back and he gave a resigned smile, but didn't address her skittishness. He climbed on board the luxury craft. The first time she'd seen it, she'd dubbed it the floating house. He turned and held up a hand to help her aboard. She placed her hand in his, relishing the feel of his rough calluses against the smoothness of her palm.

He said, “Well, I know one friend you've got.”

Anna shivered at the gentle sweetness and resisted the urge to lean in closer to him. She'd just backed away a minute ago, no sense in sending conflicting signals.

Safely on board, he gave her hand a last squeeze then headed to start the boat, leaving her wishing for more.

The engine rumbled quietly, a mere vibration under her feet, as Lucas steered the craft out into the cove away from the pier. Anna stood on deck shivering with delight as the cool morning air rushed over her. Goose bumps pimpled her flesh, but she didn't mind. Sharing this time with Lucas had become a special treat.

Waves slapped the sides of the craft as she watched Lucas drive. He grinned at her, his face alive, two deep dimples peeking out from his clean-shaven cheeks to send shivers spinning through her stomach. Oh my, she was so attracted to him. And yet, his eyes never seemed to have peace. They remained haunted even when he gave the appearance of being happy.
God, he's so special. I didn't realize just how much I really wanted to be with him until recently. But I know he doesn't belong to You yet, so keep working on him. I think he's really close, especially after Paulo's prayer.

The
thump, thump, thump
of a helicopter caught her attention and she gazed up at it, thinking it seemed to be flying awfully low. The wind stirred, becoming harsher, rocking the boat, whipping her dark curls in a disorganized dance. Glancing at Lucas's face through the window, she could see he was perturbed. He motioned for her to join him inside behind the protection of the glass. As she stood, she saw the glint of something in the doorway of the chopper. Then what looked like a barrel of a…

Gun!

With that thought, bullets splattered the helm of the craft. Anna screamed for Lucas as she ran for the door that would take her belowdecks and hopefully offer some kind of buffer from the spray of bullets.

Thwap, thwap.

Before she could reach the door, Lucas appeared in front of her, something in his hand. With his free hand, he grabbed her, pulling her into the protection of the boat. With his other, he pointed at the helicopter. It was only then she realized he had a flare gun. Ducking against another spray of bullets, she pulled him down with her, her FBI training kicking in. Forcing aside the terror flowing through her at the thought of being shot again, she focused on surviving…and keeping Lucas alive.

“Stay down, you're going to get killed! Give me the gun! I have a better shot from this angle.” Something in her tone must have registered and he pushed it into her outstretched hand. Peering around the glass, she watched the helicopter drop lower. She aimed, waited, just a little lower, then pulled the trigger. Her aim was off by a margin but still, the flare hit the tail of the chopper, knocking it sideways. It spun in the air, the pilot grappling for control. He managed to pull it up slightly, then physics won and the helicopter spun toward the ocean…and the boat. She saw two bodies bail out at the last moment. Who were they? From the corner of her eye, she noticed a speedboat racing across the waves.

Lucas grabbed her hand and yelled, “Jump!”

And over the side they went.

Water closed in over her, the frigid cold stealing what little breath she'd managed to gasp just before she went under. Lucas still had her hand in a death grip. She struggled, needed to swim up, needed another breath of air, but he kicked, pulled her behind him. Understanding his silent signal, instead of fighting him, she kicked, helping, doing her best to get away from the attackers; ignoring her desperate need for oxygen.

She let out a few air bubbles to see which way was up.

Jerking on his hand, she got his attention and pointed to the surface. He frowned, shook his head.

She had to have air or she would pass out, which would do neither of them any good at all.

He must have seen something frantic in her expression as he relented and kicked, propelling them upward. Finally, they broke the surface, and Anna gasped in much needed air.

She looked back at the boat.

And watched the helicopter slam into it.

The two crafts burst into flames, the explosion rocking the ocean and sending waves over their heads. Still they swam, frantic to get away from the burning ball of fire and the pull of the water as the metal screeched and groaned, slowly sinking below the surface.

Pulling it loose, she shrugged out of her heavy coat, watching as the next wave carried it away. She kicked out of her shoes and that's when the cold hit her. Shivering, teeth chattering, she shuddered, barely able to force her arms to work. “I'm f-f-freezing. We have t-t-to get to shore.”

“Swim,” he ordered. Anna noticed his lips turning blue. She also noticed he'd managed to unlace and kick off his heavy hiking boots. Swimming was the last thing she wanted to do, but she forced herself to head to the dock that looked absolutely minuscule in the distance. Thank God they hadn't gone that far out. At least they could still see land.

 

Lucas heard her suck in a deep breath and whisper his name. Terror and cold siphoned the energy from her and she went under. He followed, grasped her arm and pulled her, gasping, back up. “Come on, Miss FBI agent, pull yourself together.”

He goaded her, hiding his own fear. It was cold and they had a long way to swim.

Anna's grip on his right hand had already cut the circulation off. He pulled her closer, kicking his feet to stay afloat; he was wasting his energy staying in one spot. “Come on, head for shore.”

“Right,” she chattered, panting, blowing breaths to keep her calm. “Right, I'm already exhausted and I'm supposed to swim. Sure. Okay. Let's go.”

He shook his head at this amazing woman. Scared spitless, she still managed to surprise him. Visibly, she gathered her wits.

Slowly, they made their way toward the beach, keeping a watchful eye on the water surrounding them. The cold made for sluggish swimming. Lucas mustered his strength, but real fear caught him in the middle as he realized how tired he was growing and they still had about half a mile to go before reaching shore.

He stopped, let his face dip below the water as he held his breath. His heavy clothing pulled him down. Anna's was doing the same to her. When he came back up, her terror grabbed him. “Lucas, we're not going to make it.” Her breaths came in short puffs, and the wind whipped around them. Cold had turned his hands into useless slabs of flesh. His legs felt leaden.

This time Anna went under then fought her way back up. Lucas tried to help by pulling her but wasn't sure if he managed to help or hinder.

A noise caught his attention. At first he thought it was another helicopter coming back to make another pass and unleash another volley of bullets, but then he saw the speck on the water growing closer.

Anna floated on her back, eyes closed, lips moving. He knew she was praying.

He joined her as he watched the motorboat. Worry ate at him. Was it whoever had been in the helicopter? Coming back to finish the job? Lucas knew if it was, there was no way they'd survive; no way to outswim the boat.

Please, get us out of this, God. At least get Anna out. She doesn't deserve this.

Anna continued to float, arms splayed, lips still moving. Lucas moved in closer, a strange peace invading his entire chilled being. How much longer could they stay in the water until hypothermia set in?

The boat made its way closer and Lucas breathed a sigh of pure relief—and thankfulness. He recognized it as one of his father's crafts. “Ted.”

Anna stirred, sluggishly opening her eyes; she saw the boat and tears leaked down her cheeks. Now that they were so very close to safe, she could break down. He felt like joining her.

“Ted, get her in the boat. We're freezing!”

Ted's eyes, wide with the shock of what he'd just witnessed, hurried to fling the ladder over the side. Lucas ignored his own uncontrollable shuddering and pulled Anna toward the ladder.

 

Anna gripped the ladder's rail and placed feet with no feeling on the first rung. Numbness pervaded her, but the instinct to survive pushed her; the hands gripping her forearms pulled. And she was in the boat.

Ted grabbed Lucas. Anna added her own feeble strength and, somehow, they managed to haul him over the side. He lay on the floor of the craft, shaking so hard he appeared to be convulsing. Anna threw herself down beside him, grabbed him around the shoulders and cried. His arm came up around her shoulder for a reassuring pat.

Ted gunned the motor and head for the pier.

Anna hollered over the roar, “Did you bring a cell phone?”

Ted nodded, “I already called 911. They should be waiting on us when we get there.”

Upon their arrival at the pier, the next few hours passed in a fuzzy blur for Anna. She was loaded into an ambulance, checked out, poked and prodded, transferred to a medical helicopter, airlifted to the hospital where she was unloaded and the whole poking and prodding process started all over again.