Raisin the Dead (14 page)

I wrapped my arms around his waist and kissed him between his shoulder blades. “That's okay. I'll get some cereal at my place. Thank you.”

He turned around and hugged me. The dogs both yapped and ran around in circles.

I laughed as I took the cup of tea from him. “Attention hogs. Do you want me to take them out?”

“Done,” he replied.

I kissed him lightly on the lips, very lightly since I hadn't brushed my teeth. “My hero.”

“Are you going in to Bread and Batter this morning?”

I glanced at the clock above his sink. Seven-thirty. “I told Olivia and Kendra I'd be in early, so I better go upstairs and get ready. What are you up to today?”

“I've got a check fraud case to work on, and an embezzlement case to work on. I want to spend time on Dusty, too. I'll take him around the lake and around town.”

“Enjoy. Wish I could go. I can't wait to go riding in the Poconos with you. I'll catch up with you later. Can I take my tea?”

“Sure. It's yours. If I want the cup back, I know where you live. Love you.”

“Me, too. Come on, Noelle, time to go home.” I laughed at her woebegone expression as she looked up at me. I don't care what non-dog loving people say, dogs do understand us humans perfectly well. “Don't worry, you'll see Beau later at Dottie's.”

I walked into the bakery an hour later. I'd decided to bring Noelle with me. She settled into the corner on the little bed I'd put there for her along with some chewy toys. I flipped our sign from
CLOSED
to
OPEN
.

“Hi,” called Olivia as she came out front wheeling fresh bagels on a tall cart. “Are you still upset about the séance?”

“Hi. No, I'm over it. It was a waste of time. I'm sorry I made you and Emily come along.”

Olivia and I began filling the bagel bins. “Don't be sorry. It was an experience, that's for sure. I don't think I'll try it again, however.”

“Me neither,” I agreed. “Kendra's off today, isn't she?”

“She is. We should be okay, though. I don't think it will be too crazy. I'm glad our open house was a success. Oh, you brought Noelle. Good. I think she likes it here.”

“Me, too. Dottie loves having her, so I feel kind of guilty denying her, but I don't want her to forget who her mommy is.”

“She couldn't possibly forget. Want a bagel?”

I nodded, taking a warm spinach bagel from her. “I slept over at Sean's. I didn't have time to eat.”

She made googly eyes at me.

I laughed. “Actually, I slept on his couch all night.”

“Seriously? How could you let all that hotness go to waste?”

“I was really sleepy,” I defended myself. “He took the dogs out, I fell asleep. He didn't want to wake me, so he covered me up. I woke up this morning.”

“Does he have any brothers who are interested in moving up here?”

I laughed. “He's got one brother, but he loves the city and won't leave it.”

Olivia grinned. “If he's anything like Sean, I'll move.”

“Don't you dare,” I warned her. After we finished the bagels I went into the office. Once the computer booted up I updated our Facebook page and saw we had a few more fans. I checked my emails and took a look at the Destiny Dishes page. The debate between my mother killing Baldelli and Serafina killing him was still going strong. Serafina was in the lead. I read a few comments, then logged off.

The rest of the day was unremarkable, which was a good thing. Between Philip's murder, Felicia's visit, and trying to contact dead people, I'd had enough excitement for a while.

***

Sean's truck wasn't there when I parked my Prius in front of Dottie's house at four, which wasn't a big deal. He was probably still out on Dusty. I envied him. Yes, he had a tough job, not to mention a dangerous one, but I'd love to be on horseback in this gorgeous weather. I couldn't wait to visit his parents in Pennsylvania.

Dottie's screen door flew open the second I got out of my car, which reminded me I had to ask her for more lemonade. We were selling it at Bread and Batter and it was a huge hit, even during the colder months.

“Hi, dear. I'm so glad you're home,” Dottie called to me as I stepped out of the car. I could see from where I was that her usually sunny face was lined with worry. Had something happened to her or Beau?

I hurried up the steps up to her porch. “What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?”

She held the door open for me. “I'm fine. It's not me I'm worried about. Come in for a minute.”

I stepped into her home and as usual, the smell of cookies made my mouth water. We went into her living room.

“You look pale,” I told her.

“Oh honey, it's not me. Did the hospital call you?” She took Noelle's leash from my hand.

My heart lurched and went into overdrive. “No. What's wrong?”

Dottie wrung her hands and tears filled her eyes. “It's Sean. He's in the hospital.”

My world stopped. I heard what she said, but it didn't register right away. “Hospital? What happened? Was he shot? Was he in a car accident? What?”

“He was horseback riding early this morning. The horse spooked and threw him. That's all I got. He's been taken to Destiny Memorial.”

An ugly cold feeling whooshed through my body. “How did you find out? I've got to go see him.”

“Let's sit for a few minutes. I don't think you're in any shape to drive right now.” She led me into the living room. Good thing she did. I'm not sure I could have found it on my own with my thoughts swirling around like they were.

“My police scanner. I got it right after Calista's murderer was caught, but that's not important, now. Oh, dear.” Dottie wrung her hands together again. “I'm so sorry to break the news to you. I thought maybe that the hospital would've called you. Did Sean leave your name as an emergency contact?”

My phone! I frantically dug through my purse, trembling all over. I'd been so good lately, taking it everywhere with me, but now it was nowhere in sight. “It's okay, Dottie. I'm glad you did. I . . . I don't know if Sean made me an emergency contact.” I tried getting up, but my legs wobbled like gelatin.

“A woman was here around noon. I saw her get out of her car and figured she was some kind of salesperson. Like insurance or something. I came out to see what she wanted and tell her no soliciting. When she told me she was Sean's sister-in-law, and asked to be let in Sean's apartment, you could have knocked me over with a feather.

“I told her about his accident before I realized how careless that was of me. She had no idea that he'd been in an accident. The poor woman almost broke down in my arms. I thought I'd have to go get my smelling salts. Of course, I wasn't about to let her in Sean's apartment. She must have gone straight to the hospital. Poor thing.”

I couldn't worry about the implications of Felicia showing up again. All I cared about was seeing Sean. “Thank you, Dottie. Would you mind watching Noelle?”

“Not at all. I'll go get Beau as well. I'm sure Sean will forgive me for going into his apartment unannounced.”

“I'm sure. Thanks for telling me.”

“Of course, dear. I'm sorry it's such bad news. I don't know what his injuries are, but he's strong and healthy. He'll make it. He has to.” Tears filled her eyes. “Are sure you can drive? If anything happened to you . . .”

“I'm fine. Please don't worry.” I prayed she was right. I hurried upstairs and frantically searched for my phone, before remembering it was on my bedside table, and grabbed it. I tore out of my apartment, barely taking time to lock my door. My only thought was getting to the hospital.

“You be careful driving, dear,” Dottie called from behind her screen door. “I'll get Beau now. If you can, give Sean my love and tell him I expect him home soon.” She sniffled into a tissue.

“Thank you, Dottie. I'll give you an update as soon as I can.”

Destiny Memorial is a three-story brick building that's at least a hundred years old. Maybe more. The updates over the years have made it ultra-modern inside. I left my car in the parking garage and hurried to the front desk to ask about Sean.

Mrs. Bielstrom, volunteer at the Destiny Memorial information desk, and my former first grade teacher, was once again delighted to see me, as she had been when I'd visited Dottie here after her assault. I hoped this wasn't going to become a common occurrence for me.

She checked her computer screen. “He's in the ICU, Molly. Second floor. I don't think you'll be able to see him, but good luck.”

I thanked her and headed for the emergency room. Only because I hoped Gudrun was working. Maybe she could give me information on him that I wouldn't normally be privy to.

“You poor thing.” Gudrun enveloped me in a hug when I told her what was going on. “I've been here since seven this morning. I was here when they brought Sean in. I'll take a break and go to the ICU with you.”

I waited while she informed the other nurses that she was taking a break. We were both quiet as we headed for the elevator bank.

“I know we're small, but we're good,” she said as we entered the elevator. “We're also a designated trauma center, which is huge. It means Sean didn't have to be flown anywhere else. He'll be well taken care of.”

I nodded reflexively. “Thank you, Gudrun.”

She smiled and squeezed my hand. “No thanks needed.”

I followed her to the main desk and waited as she introduced me to one of the nurses then asked about Sean. The nurse, whose nametag read Lila, looked at me. She was trying to decide how much to divulge while not breaching patient confidentiality, which I understood.

“He's in critical condition,” she finally said. “The accident broke his ribs, partially tore his aorta, punctured both lungs, along with his liver and spleen, and he has a concussion. He just came out of surgery. I've probably told you more than I should, but something tells me you aren't leaving until you know everything.”

It sounded like he'd been run over by a train, not fallen off a horse. I concentrated on breathing, and not bursting into tears, which wouldn't help a thing. I wanted to be strong for him. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Is there any way I can see him?”

She smiled sympathetically. “I'm afraid not. Chief Carly came by with a couple of the guys on the force. I explained he wouldn't be in any shape to see visitors for at least a couple of days. The chief said he had contacted Sean's parents.”

“Good, I'm glad he'll be doing that. Did a woman named Felicia try to see him? She's a tall woman, about thirty, platinum blonde. She's Detective Corsino's sister-in-law.”

She thought for a moment. “Yes. I do remember someone like that. She demanded to see the surgeon as well as see what room he'd be in afterward. I almost had to call security. She finally got the message and left.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't want her around.

“Molly, are you okay?” Gudrun asked. “Can we get you a ginger ale or something?”

“I'll get her one,” Lila offered. “Be right back.”

Gudrun took the ginger ale from her when she returned, opened it, and handed it to me.

I smiled at her. “Thanks. I wish I could see him.” Tears filled my eyes. “I don't want to lose him.”

Gudrun put an arm around me. “Sweetie, you aren't going to lose him. He's in good hands, I promise he is. I'd better get back. You need me, you call, okay?”

I nodded. “I will. Thanks, again.”

“Anytime.”

“The waiting room is down at the end of the hall, if you'd like to sit for a few minutes,” Lila offered.

I paused. “If I wait, will you be able to show me where he is?”

“I'm sorry, no. He'll be monitored in ICU recovery for a while before he's assigned a room in the ICU.”

I agreed, reluctantly. I had no choice. “Can I leave you my number? I'd like to be called if there are any changes.”

“We can do that. No problem.”

I gave her my number and headed to my car, tears flowing down my cheeks. I can't remember a time when I'd felt more helpless. I couldn't conceive of my world without Sean now.

I drove in a fog.
Please God, let him be okay,
I prayed.
I don't want to lose him
. I thought of his parents. I'd been looking forward to meeting them, but not under these conditions.

I stopped at the police station. I hoped Chief Carly would be in and able to tell me exactly what happened.

“Hi, Molly,” the receptionist at the front desk greeted me. She'd been a year or two behind me in high school. I remembered her being in the French club with me, but that's about it, other than seeing her when she'd come into Bread and Batter several times. “Can I help you?”

“I'd like to see Chief Carly for a few minutes. Is he in?”

“Yes.” She reached for a phone. “Let me see if he's busy.”

I wandered to the wall of pictures and plaques depicting the heroics of officers past and present. It really was a small patch on the wall; this town had never been a cesspool of crime, the last two murders notwithstanding. The plaques dated back to the late eighteen hundreds.

“Ms. Tyler, you wanted to see me?”

I turned to see Chief Carly there. I guessed he was in his early sixties. He looked good for his age, tall and fit, with steel gray hair in one of those military brush cuts. It looked good on him. “Hello, Chief. I'm hoping you have a few minutes for me.”

“I do, I was catching up on some paperwork, but it can wait. Let's go in my office.”

I went through the door he was holding open.

“Please, have a seat,” he said after we'd entered his office.

I sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. “I'm here about Sean, Detective Corsino.”

“Are you close friends with Detective Corsino?”

I began blushing under his blue-eyed scrutiny. I hoped he wasn't going to interrogate me about our personal relationship. “We've been seeing each other for a few months. Dating,” I clarified. I wasn't sure exactly how old the chief was, but he might think that “seeing each other” meant just that. “And we're neighbors in the same building. Our landlady, Dottie, heard about his accident on her police scanner. I was at the hospital earlier. I can't see him yet, though. What happened?”

“Detective Corsino probably told you about the horses our department received for our new mounted patrol unit.”

“Yes, he did. He was excited to be a part of it. He grew up riding horses.”

“Yes, that's what he told me. He's an excellent rider. He took Dusty out and was riding on the Greenbrier Trail, around the lake. Dusty spooked and bolted. A jogger on the trail saw the whole thing and called 911. He told Officer Garza, the responding officer, that he thought a slamming car door may have spooked Dusty.”

“How exactly did Sean get injured?” I bit my bottom lip to stop it from trembling.

“He hit the ground pretty hard, apparently, then tumbled down a rocky ravine. Good thing that jogger saw it happen.”