“You spent months in suspended animation. Time to turn on the controls.Yourcontrols.” Kip pushed up from the sandy beach and offered Troy a hand. “My ass is damp and cold. Let’s go inside and find a movie to watch.”
As they headed up the beach, the entire downstairs of Julian’s home lit up. “Here we go,”Troy laughed.
“You think that’s what it is?” Kip asked.
“What else would it be? I don’t hear shots. You make sure all the calls are made. I’ll intercept Jule. He’s likely in a full-blown panic.” Troy’s eyes shone in the front door lights.
Kip and Troy walked inside to find Holly Dupart sitting on one of the dining room chairs breathing heavily. “Oh, thank God!”
Terry Keene, the overnight PA, was calmly sitting beside her. “Jude Montana is pulling the rapid response vehicle up front. The health center has been notified, and two operators are picking up Holly’s obstetrician and transporting her there. Paula is on her way for when Sadie wakes up. Contractions are four minutes apart. Doctor and Mr. Bailey are trying to assist Mr. Dupart.” Terry chewed his lower lip.
Kip headed toward the stairs. “I’m on it. You do have Xanax?” He laughed.
“C’mon, sweetheart, let’s get you settled. If Jule is not beside you after your contractions go to three minutes or less, we are leaving. Kip and Martin can hogtie him and get him there.” Troy wrapped an arm around Holly and helped walk her toward the front door where 3-Sierra’s night shift stood ready to assist.
Terry climbed into the back of the vehicle while Troy helped Holly step up. She braced herself and panted through a contraction. “Montana, hit the lights. If that doesn’t get his head out of his ass, I don’t know what will. Okay, Momma, can you turn and sit?” Troy asked.
“I…I can’t…” Holly gritted her teeth.
In an easy maneuver, Terry lifted her and rested her on the stretcher. The look on Terry’s face said now or never.
“Sweetheart,you take care of that baby.” Troy blew her a kiss and stepped back just as Martin and Kip shoved Julian into the ambulance. “Enjoy every minute.” He closed and patted the rear doors.
The three executives burst out laughing. “What was he doing?” Troy asked.
“He changed the linens on the bed, brushed his teeth, changed his clothes, called his parents and siblings, and called Holly’s manager and bandmates. He ran through Sadie’s needs with Beth. When Kip made it upstairs, we finally had enough joint strength to force him down the stairs.” Martin shook his head.
“How close is she?” Kip asked.
“Montana hits a big bump, and Terry will be delivering.” Troy smiled.
Chapter 21
Friday, June 1st
As the day’s first rays of sun poured through the window, Troy's eyes flitted open, surprised he slept through the night. Then he remembered why. His hand reached out in search of Gwen. The sheets were cool beside him.Did I dream it?
The door opened, and in walked Martin, fully dressed. “Wakey, wakey. I’ll put him on, Julian—and again, congratulations.”
It was a dream.Troy took the phone. “Hey?Sitrep,” he said with mock sternness. “Wahoo! Is Holly alright? Hahaha, I’m sure they told you it’s normal for a woman delivering to hate their husbands. She adores you. I’ll see you soon. Kiss Holly and baby Julian for me.” Troy ended the call.“Good morning.”
“He called you first, but I turned off your phone. I didn’t want you interrupted by the mystery caller. Gwen is stable and had a great night. Caleb pulled another message off her office phone and one off yours at 0300.I’ll get you the transcripts. Your sister Evie called; your mom changed her flight. Something about your Aunt Zani’s gallbladder. She’s coming in tomorrow, which works out well because you need to get moving. Tim called before Julian, said they’re changing around some things. The colorectal doctor wants to see you too, and they want you to have that CT scan. No breakfast. I promise, when you can eat, I’ll bring you whatever you want.” Martin went through things in a calm and orderly manner.
“Okay. I’ll call my mom from the car. Trask needs to rerun the medical floor security. Where’s Kip?” Troy flipped into boss mode.
Martin blew out an exasperated breath. “Kip drove Sadie and Paula in to see Holly and the baby. Minor is running point on the med floor. Trask is downstairs with the day shift of 3-Romeo. You, sir, were told to take the day off because you’re a patient,” Martin said with an edge of force.
* * *
Together Troyand Trask arrived at the health center, the former as a reluctant patient. His security team, as per Troy’s order, stayed back. Entering from the lobby, they headed through the normal check-in process—almost normal: Troy insisted on checking security protocols.
“Good morning, may I help you?” the operator asked politely.
Troy removed his ID from his pocket. While the operator was consumed with doing the intake for Troy, Trask proceeded forward to the elevator. A second later, Troy hit the silent alarm, and two other operators drew their weapons.
Trask raised his hands, and Troy yelled, “Stand down.”
Trask returned to the sign-in. He provided identification and proceeded to discuss the operations check with the reception staff.
