Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
One fact didn’t negate the other, but Jane didn’t point that out. She hadn’t spoken a word with Donnie yet and until she did, she refused to rule him out.
To Christopher’s credit, they reached the hospital. Jane’s mind blanked on everything but Conrad. She threw off her seat belt and shot from the vehicle before her ex finished parking. He called her name, then shouted a goodbye, but she rushed across the lot without responding.
Wait. He wasn’t the one who’d called her name. She recognized Beau’s voice. Her friend caught up with her and planted himself at her side as she entered the lobby of the emergency area.
“Conrad Ryan was brought in by ambulance,” she bellowed at the receptionist, unable to temper her volume.
Thankfully, the woman understood and did some typing. “He arrived, and doctors are with him now. You won’t be able to visit until they finish.”
“Can you tell us his condition?” Beau asked.
She winced. “I can’t. I didn’t see him arrive and there’s nothing in his data. But if you have a seat, someone will get you when there’s an update.”
Jane’s shoulders rolled in. Beau wrapped his arm around her and led her to an area with chairs and a lone coffee table. A TV propped on the wall, playing an old episode of LOST.
“This is a good hospital. Conrad’s in capable hands,” her childhood best friend assured her.
Oh, how she needed to believe that.
The sliding double doors opened over and over, people coming and going. Fiona and former Sheriff Raymond Moore arrived and joined them. Trick, Holden and Isaac weren’t far behind.
Seeing Fiona’s beloved face propelled Jane to her feet and into the arms of her oldest friend. The other woman hugged her tight and kissed her cheek. “We’re gonna be so strong for him.”
Hugs abounded, the love and support comforting Jane in a way nothing else could have. Except, as hours passed with no word from physicians, her panic resurged.
Two deputies came gliding in, but they refused to share any information about any evidence found at the scene.
A doctor motioned for the pair soon after, and Jane nearly revolted as they headed back.
One minute passed. Two. Four. When would—
“Jane Ladling,” a man called.
“That’s me!” She jumped up, raising her arm school-kid style. “I’m Jane. Conrad’s fiancé.”
One of the deputies stood in the entrance, his features etched with exhaustion. “Please come with me.”
She rose on shaking legs and rushed to his side.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Everything’s a symbol if you try. Each minute detail should mean something. Even a ham sandwich.
Y’all Write Now–Advice for New Writers
by Tabby Paynes-Murksand
Jane peppered the deputy with questions as they strode along the sterile corridor. “How is he? How’s the deputy? What poison was used? Why aren’t you replying to me?”
He stopped and opened a door. “I’ll let him explain.”
Him? Conrad or a doctor? Stomach churning, Jane hurried into the room. Conrad! He sat alone, reclining on a gurney. He was pale with bruises under his eyes and unease etched in his features, but he was awake. Alive!
Whimpering, she rushed to his side and grabbed his hand. “You aren’t dead!”
“As if I would allow some pesky fireman to swoop in and win you over. Also, the curse did not do this. A living, breathing criminal did.”
And yet guilt assailed her. Once she’d vowed to never again permit the curse rule her world. Then he’d almost died, and everything had changed. “But—”
“No buts,” he told her, his rough voice firm. “I’ll make a full recovery without any side-effects. Please don’t ice me out. You asked me to marry you, and there are no take backs.”
Some unnamable emotion squeezed her chest, constricting her ribs. “But—”
“No buts,” he repeated.
Tears welled. As her chin trembled, the hot droplets spilled over and glided down her cheeks. Different emotions spiked and crashed. Everything she’d felt since the love of her life had first fallen into her arms. Fear. Desperation. Confusion. Anger. Uncertainty. Frustration. Agitation. Relief. They congealed, blending with things she’d battled her entire life. Issues that decided to bubble up, one after the other.
The rejection of her dad, who’d never wanted to be part of her world.
The mother who’d shipped her off to live with her grandparents.
The dread of the curse.
The years of loneliness after Beau moved out of town. Zero other peers had been willing to hang out with the weird cemetery girl who hoped to plan their funerals.
The misery of losing her beloved Pops and Grandma Lily.
The need to prove herself worthy of affection.
A giant wrecking ball formed, shattering her façade of calm.
Jane sobbed. Conrad, bless him, found the strength to settle her atop the gurney at his side. He petted her hair and cooed sweet words in her ear until she quieted.
“I love you,” he told her. “I’m here to stay. Even if you attempt to postpone the wedding, I’m not going anywhere. Deputy Poteet is good, too. We’ll both make a full recovery.”