The questions flew out of Callie’s mouth, her heart beating faster at the thought of Jack injured. Victor had said he would ramp up his search for Angelo’s killer. She hadn’t worried too much with Jack in Pennsylvania but maybe she should have.
Heather got up and sat next to her on the couch. Was the news that bad her friend felt the need to console her?
“Scott said Jack refused to go to the hospital. He didn’t want to take the chance if it was one of Victor’s men. Scott didn’t say what his injuries were. He told me Jack needed a safe place to stay while he recovered. They’re flying into the local airport in Scott’s plane. It’ll be a few hours before they arrive. I hope you don’t mind that I told him to come here.”
“Of course,” Callie said, breathlessly. “He’s Jonathan’s father. We need to do what we can.”
Heather threw her a skeptical look. Yes, she’d emphasized Jack’s importance to their son.He’s important to you too. Don’t deny it.Still, she needed to keep her distance, emotionally as well as physically. If he was injured, she would take care of him but she also needed to take care of herself, and her heart.
Heather rushed off to the store to buy extra food, bandages and any other medical supplies they might need. Callie put fresh sheets on the bed in the room connected to hers by the bathroom. It was the only free one left. The large bedroom upstairs near the main living area and kitchen was being used by Heather. The other three bedrooms were downstairs. She had the bigger one and Jonathan had chosen the one across the hall. Maybe she should move Jonathan and have Jack across the hall. But Jonathan had wanted the room with the bunk beds even though she wouldn’t allow him to sleep on the top bunk.
Heather returned right as Jonathan was waking from his nap. Callie helped put things away with him riding on her hip. It always took him a little while before he got rid of the just-woken-up grumpies.
The sound of a car pulling into the drive startled her. So soon? It hadn’t been that long, had it? Or maybe she wasn’t ready to have Jack here yet. He’d probably brush off any injuries from this accident like he’d done with the bullet wound he’d gotten in Central Park. Typical man, wanting to be seen as brave and strong. This was something she already knew about him. He didn’t need to prove it to her.
“I think Uncle Scott’s here. Let’s go see.”
Jonathan rallied at that and wiggled to get down. Following Heather, she ran down the stairs then deposited her son on the floor. She opened the door to see Scott escorting Jack across the driveway. He was limping slightly but the sun had set and she couldn’t see his features clearly.
“I don’t need your help walking, I’ve been doing it for a while,” Jack grouched as they drew nearer. She smiled. If he was well enough to complain, he couldn’t be that bad.
“Stop your whining and get in here,” Callie teased, moving aside to let them in. “It’s too cold to be standing here flapping your jaw.”
“Daddy,” Jonathan squealed when he saw who was walking in. His words rang out clear as day. Jumping up and down, he waved his hands in the air, his hint he wanted to be picked up.
“Hey, pal,” Jack greeted his son, his voice weaker than she’d heard it before. He didn’t immediately bend down to pick Jonathan up and she worried more.
The light from inside shone on his face showing the cuts and bruises. One arm clung to his abdomen while the other reached down to tousle his son’s hair.
“I can’t pick you up right now, pal. I hurt my hand a little and it’s sore. But you can hold my other one.”
Jonathan’s eyes widened but he understood and held up one hand. Jack took it gently.
“We should get you lying down,” Scott suggested and Jack scowled at him.
“I’m fine. I don’t know why you thought you needed to bring me all this way. I could have holed up in a motel somewhere and not bothered anyone.”
“But the company’s not as nice at a motel,” Heather said. “Nor the nursing services. We have much better accommodations here. And we have the cuteness factor.” She pointed to Jonathan who was twirling on the end of Jack’s hand in a little happy dance.
Callie loved how delighted her son was now his father was here. No matter how anxious she was regarding his proximity, he made their son happy. She wanted that more than anything.
“I’ve put sheets on the bed in here. The shared bathroom’s attached.”
“Tum, daddy, tum.” Jonathan pulled his father’s hand and Jack reluctantly followed. Callie could tell he didn’t want to be treated like an invalid.
“I’m coming,” Jack said, and moved in to sit on the side of the bed. His face creased in pain and he held tightly to his middle as he sat. Not that he’d mention how bad the injury was. She’d have to find a way to ask Scott or check it herself.
Scott placed a small bag on the floor. “I grabbed some clothes for him but I didn’t have time to pack properly. He’ll have to make do. If he really needs anything, let me know and I can try and find a way to get it here.”
“There are stores near here, Scott,” Heather sassed with a grin. “I think we can manage. Why don’t we let Callie and Jonathan take care of Jack for now and I can make you some coffee.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it. I’ve got the plane waiting at the airport so I can go back. I wish I could stay longer to help out but I have a big meeting tomorrow about a possible new contract.”
“We’ll get you coffee, then.” Heather hooked her arm through Scott’s and headed up the stairs.
Callie turned back to Jack who was attempting to heft Jonathan onto the bed beside him. Quickly she helped then reached for his coat. “Why don’t we take this off and get you settled.”
Jack winced as Callie slipped the jacket from his shoulders and Jonathan frowned.
