“I’m unsure. All I know is that the paramedics removed Mrs. Landon in a stretcher and Mrs. Walsh rode with her to the ER. I followed them to the hospital, and I will let you know if they discharge her.”
“I’m going to the airport now.” I got the address from Jack and ordered a car to pick me up while I packed a few items into a carry-on duffel. I called Sydney, my secretary, while I waited for the car to arrive.
“Mr. Landon?” She answered cautiously. She hadn’t heard from me since I had been forced to take some vacation time, and I could only imagine the gossip she had heard in my absence.
“Sydney, I need the number for any of my clients that have private planes here in L.A. and owe me a favor. Or a direct flight from LAX to Bismarck within the hour.” My tone was harsher than I intended, and I swallowed down my panic and apologized. “Mrs. Landon is visiting her parents and is in the hospital.”
“Oh my goodness,” Sydney gasped. She’d always had a soft spot for my wife and regardless of the rumors, it made sense that I would be frantic to be by her side. “Let me see what I can find. Kristie, can you please look up flights leaving LAX to Bismarck within the hour. Check for direct flights first and then check for the ones with the soonest arrival time.” Sydney delegated the back up plan to one of the other company secretaries and then hurried into my office to check the client records.
“Thank you.” I remembered to say as I watched the end of my street for movement through the window.
“It looks like you have three clients in LA with planes. I think you’ve done the most for Hennings, I have his personal cell number here.” She said after two of the longest minutes of my life.
“Perfect,” I said, and she rattled off the numbers.
“I will call Mr. Pritchett’s secretary, just to see if they’re in town currently or overseas.”
“You are an invaluable asset to the company, Sydney.” I said warmly, overwhelmed with gratitude for her.
“I’m doing this for Mrs. Landon.” She said briskly after a brief pause and ended the call.
For the first time in weeks, the universe was on my side because Mr. Hennings was not only in town but willing to let me borrow his plane and pilot for the next 48 hours. It was clear that the company wasn’t spreading the rumors to my clients yet, and Mr. Hennings was a devout family man, and hiswife had always been fond of Melanie. Over the past two years, we had attended several of her charity galas and she always addressed them to my wife but joked that she could bring me along.
I checked my phone for updates from Jack as the car brought me to the airstrip where the Hennings kept their plane.
Nothing.
Please let her be okay.
· · - ·?· - · ·
The last time I’d flown to Bismarck, it had been on a commercial flight with a layover in Denver and had taken way longer than necessary. The Hennings had their plane ready, and clearances were handled an hour after I called. Three hours later, I was in Bismarck. The pilot assured me that he would be available and ready to fly out anytime over the next two days. A few minutes later, I was headed to the hospital and on the phone with Jack.
“Updates?” I demanded, skipping the pleasantries.
“She was transferred to a room quickly. Her parents have been with her for the majority of it but about thirty minutes ago her brother and Mr. Bose arrived.”
I sucked in an angry breath and felt it rumble in my chest.
Of course, Griffin is there too.
Melanie always thought I was being possessive when I would comment on how Griffin’s eyes lingered too long on my wife,or how he always seemed to be aware of her location in any room, or how he hung on her every word during the holidays.
“It’s not like that and you know it!” she had laughed and slapped my arm playfully. “But it’s kind of hot that you’re getting all caveman for me.” She winked.
“Room number.” I gritted out.
“328. It’s a private room.” Jack supplied.
I hung up without a word and cracked my neck. Her entire family being in the room was going to make this more complicated than it needed to be.
· · - ·?· - · ·
The nurses were happy to guide me to my wife’s room when I explained that I had just chartered a private plane from LA to be by her side. They wouldn’t reveal any details about her condition but assured me that she was stable.
I hesitated outside the room, and the peppy nurse beside me patted my arm.
“She’s okay. I was just in there a little bit ago with Dr. Teller- he’s the best.” She gave me a comforting smile and knocked on the door before I could respond.
