Two days later
Word came from the PA next door that Troy had awakened. Elizabeth ran from Martin’s room to Troy’s, quickly washed her hands, and put on a fresh gown. "Troy, I’m Beth Reed. Do you remember me?” Troy gave her a thumb up. “Are you in pain?” His thumb pointed down. "The mountain is smaller." He blinked and triggered the vent. She borrowed Jon’s stethoscope and listened to his chest.
Kieran wheeled Martin inside. This was the first time he'd seen Troy since the day Troy went undercover. With assistance, Martin stood and leaned over his friend. He kissed Troy's forehead and whispered, "I'm so sorry."
Troy managed to lift his hand against Martin's battered cheek. His fingers moved slowly and steadily:YOU GET HIM.
"No." Martin's voice cracked. "YOU got him."
The next morning, Martin looked at Patrick for support in being discharged. "Don't ask me. I can't discharge you until your surgeon concurs."
Elizabeth looked at the Chases. "I'll recommend Patrick discharge him if he follows the rules. Ian and Kieran, he needs to rest at least two weeks. Short walks, showers only, no exercise, no driving, no more shooting, and no vigorous sexual activity." Elizabeth ran down the usual list by rote.
Ian cocked his head. "Sweetheart, I can order him to follow five out of six of those rules. The last one is up to you."
She realized what she said and blushed. "I want to visit Troy one more time today, then we can go home. I'll be back."
"I'll stay with Troy. Kip and Bruce are on his door. Behave, please." Martin's laugh followed Kieran out the door.
Chapter Thirty-Four
When Ian and Julian helped Martin out of the Navigator parked in front of the farmhouse, he breathed his first easy breath in days. His parents ran down the steps to hug him and Elizabeth. Julian assisted Martin up the steps while Austin stood waiting in the entryway. The two brothers embraced, words unnecessary.
"Come, both of you, sit," Pete directed.
Jamie joined the group with Lola dressed in a pink onesie, booties and a matching hat. He placed her in Martin's arms. "Daddy, someone wants to see you."
Lola's head turned. He would swear she gazed at him and smiled. "Did you smile at me or is that gas?" He brought her closer to his face. Lola cooed and smiled again. The knot in his gut eased. Martin's eyes, glossy with tears, focused on Elizabeth.
Martin and Elizabeth turned in early. Elizabeth urged Pete to take the night off, keeping Lola in the bassinet next to her side of the bed.
"Hey, gorgeous." Martin stared at Elizabeth leaning over the white lace-covered bed watching Lola sleep. Elizabeth wore a silk dressing gown that matched her eyes. He opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of pajama bottoms. "My mom thought of everything, huh? Come to bed." Martin cuddled her lithe body against his, and soon her breaths grew slow and even.
He lifted his laptop from the floor and put on headphones. All of Talbot's memory cards were converted to a download. Martin had some unanswered questions. He started with the file dated January eighth, the day of Alma Reed's funeral. The grainy video played.
Talbot poured a drink and sat in the same place he died. Elizabeth, dressed in sweats, walked into the room carrying the metal box that held their letters. She dropped it onto the coffee table. "How could you?"
"Elizabeth, baby girl, how could I what?"
Bastard, you had the callousness to ask, Martin thought.
"Why? Why was it so awful for me to love Marty? You hate me so much?" Elizabeth was shaking.
"Now, Elizabeth, you were too young to understand the way the world works. That boy couldn't give you the life you were destined for."
"Destined for? You gave me a life with a man who hurt me every day we were together. A life devoid of love. Filled with obligation to two men who mocked me. How dare you? You, a man who flouted your marriage vows every chance you got. I won't be part of that destiny anymore." She grabbed the box and left the view. Moments later there was a loud bang from a slamming door.
Martin fast-forwarded.
Clay Jenner joined Talbot. "I'm sorry about Alma. She was a decent woman. I didn't expect you to call today; I figured you’d be spending time with Elizabeth."
"Alma got even in the end: she saved everything. That woman and her morals. She left a gift for Elizabeth."
Clay poured a huge tumbler of scotch. "What gift?"
"The letters from her and Bailey."
"You scared me. That's not as bad as I thought. She could know how Pietra helped Alma in her painful last hours, or she could know what happened after she suffered that terrible fall."
