Love's Journey Read online

  "I don't think I'm going anywhere. I can't pull my leg out from under the dash. When I try to move, it hurts too badly."

  "Okay, love. It's going to be all right. Just tell me where else you hurt." Lex leaned toward Amanda, ignoring the pain the movement caused.

  "Umm, well. My leg, of c--course." Her teeth continued to clatter together. "And my arm. B--b--but that could just be 'cause it's trapped, too." Amanda watched as Lex slowly stretched out across the seats, using her good arm to pull herself closer. "Maybe if I can get unbuckled, I could help you." She brushed her fingers through the damp dark hair, dislodging several shards of glass. "We're a mess, aren't we?"

  "Yeah. Some New Year's Eve." Lex stopped when her head ended up against Amanda's shoulder. "You want to help me find the glove compartment? Maybe between the two of us, we can get it open." The pain in her back and shoulder was returning full force, and Lex didn't know how much longer she'd be able to stay conscious. She felt Amanda's hand run over her face and down her right arm, until their hands locked together.

  "Between the two of us, we can accomplish anything," Amanda insisted. "Let's see about getting ourselves out of this mess, huh?" She pulled their hands to her face and kissed Lex's knuckles. "I love you."

  THE DISPATCHER ANSWERED the phone as she always did, quickly and professionally. "Sheriff's office, this is Tina. How may I help you?" The static on the other end of the line almost caused her to hang up, but she waited for a moment to make certain. "I'm sorry, is someone there?"

  "This is Lexington Walters. My truck was--off the road, and--trapped inside. We need some help."

  Tina sat up immediately. She knew the sheriff treated the Walters woman like his own daughter, and she didn't want to make any mistakes. "Okay, Lexington. Can you tell me where you are?"

  "We're a couple miles--from the turnoff to our ranch--off the road--trees." The phone continued to break up, and the voice sounded weaker.

  "Are there any injuries? Can you--" Another voice took over the phone, interrupting her questioning.

  "I'm sorry, this is Amanda Cauble. We're both--and we need--Please! We've been--hours." Her voice was strong, but near panic. "Hurry."

  Tina tried to keep the woman on the phone, but the connection was lost. She immediately notified the deputy on duty, as well as several others. She also contacted the fire department and the ambulance service. The next call was the one she wasn't looking forward to.

  THE RINGING PHONE woke Charlie from a sound sleep. He rolled over to face the telephone on the nightstand and grabbed it, glancing at the alarm clock as he did so. Four o'clock in the morning? God save me from holidays. "This is Sheriff Bristol."

  "I'm sorry to bother you, Sheriff," the woman's voice on the other end of the phone apologized. "This is Tina, the night dispatcher."

  "Go ahead, Tina. What's going on?" Charlie ran a hand through his hair. A slight touch on his back told him Martha was awake, too.

  Tina cleared her throat. "I just got a call from Lexington Walters. She and Amanda Cauble have been in an accident." She tried to put him at ease. "I've got several units on the way, along with a tow truck and an ambulance."

  Charlie felt the blood rush from his face. "Where is she? Do we have any details, yet?"

  "No, sir. I just finished dispatching everyone out on it, and I wanted to let you know. She umm, didn't sound very well, Sheriff."

  "You've done a fine job, Tina. What is the location of the accident?" Charlie was already up and almost finished dressing. He listened to the directions, and quickly hung up the phone.

  Martha felt an uneasiness in her stomach. "What happened?"

  He rushed back over to the bed and sat next to her. "Honey, Lex and Amanda have had an accident, and they called in asking for some help." He took Martha's hand in his. "I'm on my way out there now, to see what's going on."

  "I'm going with you," she said, struggling to get off the bed.

  "No, sweetheart." Charlie's heart broke at the look on his fiancée's face. "I need you to call the Cauble's for me, and I'll have a man pick you up here and bring you to the hospital."

  Martha shook her head. "I have to be with my girl. She needs me." Tears of frustration began to fall from her eyes. "Don't make me beg you, Charlie. I just have to be there."

  Charlie wiped the tears from her face. "Martha, listen to me. It's an accident. We don't know how serious it is. Why don't I call the Cauble's while you get dressed? I'll drop you off at their house on the way and you can help keep them calm." He knew if Martha were in charge of taking care of someone else, she'd forget her own pain.

  "You're right. They're going to need me." I'm going to need them, too. Dear Lord, please watch over my girls. She quickly climbed out of bed and hurriedly dressed.

  THE SHERIFF'S CRUISER skidded to a stop on the wet pavement, and he was out of the car before the engine died. Firemen were milling about, trekking back and forth from the road down the steep embankment. Several of them were carrying equipment with them, while others set emergency floodlights so they could see in the misty darkness. Charlie grabbed one of the men as he made his way toward the accident. "Has the ambulance already left?"

  The man turned around and shook his head. "No, it hasn't gotten here yet, Sheriff. Seems Troy did a bit too much celebrating, so one of your men is driving it out here."

  "Where's Troy's brother? I thought they both owned the damned thing." He continued to walk toward the center of activity, trying to ignore the fear that arose at seeing the familiar green truck wedged in among the surrounding trees.

  "He's out of town. Don't worry. We're trying to get the victims from the vehicle, so we don't need it yet. They're wedged in those trees so tightly, I'm not sure how we're going to get them out of there. I've got a couple of men with them now." He saw another fireman wave, and he waved back. "If you'll excuse me, I've got to get down there."

  Charlie was about to say something, when another man stepped in front of him. "Jeremy, what the hell's going on around here? Have we made contact with Lex and Amanda? Are they all right?"

  "Hold on, Sheriff." Jeremy held up a hand to forestall any more questions. "Richard's there now, keeping them company. They have some injuries, but we can't tell just how severe they are at the moment. Amanda's in quite a bit of pain, and I'm afraid Lex is unconscious." He led him further down the slope. "I've got them attaching a winch cable to the back of the truck, and we're going to try to pull them out of the trees."

  "What's taking so damned long? We should have had them out of there and halfway to town by now." Charlie slid, and would have fallen, if the younger man hadn't had an arm around him.

  Jeremy slipped a bit as well. "We're having a lot of trouble because of the mud, and the location of the truck. Amanda was able to give us some details about what happened. It wasn't an accident. A large truck forced them off the road. I've already got men looking for it." He stopped them several yards from the wrecked vehicle. "Are you sure you want to go down there?"

  "I have to, Jeremy. Let me know when you're ready with the winch." He clapped the man on the shoulder and slipped toward the driver's side of the truck. Stepping around a couple of firemen, Charlie was able to see into the cab of the vehicle. A deputy waved at him from the other side and left to give the sheriff a little privacy. He peeked in the window and saw Lex's form lying across the seat, her head in Amanda's lap. Rescue workers were using chain saws to remove several of the mangled trees, so he had to speak up to be heard. "Amanda?"

  "Charlie?" Amanda's head lifted and she smiled in relief. "I'm sure glad to see you." A fireman's coat partially covered Amanda, and her free hand continued to stroke the dark head on her lap.

  "We should have you out of here any time now, sweetheart. How are you doing?" He couldn't see much of Lex, as the woman's body was covered in an emergency blanket, and part of her head was swathed in a bloody gauze pad.

  A fireman interrupted apologetically. "I'm sorry, Sheriff. We're about to try to pull them out of the trees
. You'll have to stand back."

  "Okay, thanks." Charlie gave Amanda a confident look. "See? I told you. Just sit tight. I'll see you in a couple of minutes."

  She nodded tiredly. Amanda leaned as far as she could and whispered, "We're almost out of here, love. Just a few more minutes." Her tears tracked down her face and landed in the dark hair. "Stay with me, Lex."

  MICHAEL PACED BACK and forth in the waiting room, ignoring the pleas of the others around him. His well-cut hair was in disarray, and his shirt was buttoned inside out. "What the hell is taking them so damned long? They were brought in over an hour ago." A firm hand on his arm caused the frantic man to stop and turn around. The hazel eyes gazing at him were filled with understanding and worry.

  "Please, Michael. Try to calm down. All you're doing is upsetting your parents." Morris had never gotten along with his brother-in-law, but he hoped they could mend their differences and at least be civil to one another. Upon hearing of the accident, he and his partner Kevin had immediately cancelled their flight out, and both rode to the hospital with the Caubles.

  As much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to like this guy. He's certainly been good to my folks. "You're right, Morris. Thanks." Michael let Morris lead him to a nearby chair. He looked around the small waiting room. His parents sat next to the door, with Martha on the other side of Anna Leigh. The women talked quietly between themselves, and the sheriff stood vigil at the doorway, staring down the open hallway. Kevin and a recently arrived Travis were sitting near the windows. The chiropractor had a supportive hand on the older man's back, trying to comfort him.

  Jacob gave his son a tired smile. He squeezed his wife's shoulder and stood to stretch. "Why don't we go get everyone some coffee, son? It's probably going to be a while before we hear anything."

  "I don't know, Dad. I'd rather--" Michael's refusal died on his lips, when he realized his father wanted to talk. "Sure. I could use a bit of a walk, anyway." Michael followed his father from the room, wondering what was on his mind.

  They walked all the way to the vending machines at the end of the long hall in complete silence. Unable to be patient any longer, Michael stopped Jacob. "What? I don't think it's just about coffee."

  "You're right. It wasn't. But I wanted to get you out of the room before you drove everyone crazy." Jacob put his hand on Michael's shoulder. "We're all concerned, son, but pacing around and throwing a fit isn't going to help the girls." He dug into his pocket and pulled out a handful of change. "Let's get the coffee, and we'll go back and wait. Calmly."

  "Yes, sir." Michael fed the machine money.

  Charlie walked behind them, carrying a cardboard box. "Thought you fellas might need a hand with carrying that back. Travis wanted to go and make a few phone calls, so I thought I'd join you."

  "Good idea, Charlie. I didn't think about how we were going to bring it all back." Jacob took a cup from his son and placed it in the box.

  The three men quickly gathered enough drinks for everyone and started back to the waiting area.

  The room was deathly still when they walked in. At first, Jacob feared the doctor had come in during their absence with bad news. Everyone's attention was riveted to the center of the room, where Morris was arguing quietly with a small-statured woman.

  "You shouldn't be here," he finished angrily.

  "I have as much right to be here as you do. Probably more, you little freak," Elizabeth snapped. Hearing a commotion at the door, she turned around and gave an insincere smile. "Isn't this lovely? Room service."

  Jacob stepped around his son, who had stopped dead in his tracks. "Hello, Elizabeth. I'm surprised to see you here."

  She raised one hand to study her fingernails. "You shouldn't be. It was my daughter who was brought in earlier." She finally acknowledged her husband's presence. "Well, Michael, I see you took time out from your tinkering with your little cameras to drop by. Or did your mommy bring you?"

  "You bitch!" Michael shouted, as he charged forward, reaching for Elizabeth's throat. "I should have killed you when I caught you in bed with the pool boy!" He was about to throw her to the floor when Kevin grabbed him from behind.

  "Hold off, Mike. She's not worth it." The big man wrapped one arm around Michael's chest and the other around his waist. When Michael let go of his wife, Kevin stepped back slowly, never releasing his grip.

  Elizabeth watched her husband relax in the arms of her brother's lover. She rubbed at her throat. "Isn't that special? The next thing you'll be telling me is you're one of 'them', too," she taunted.

  Michael stepped out of Kevin's grasp and straightened his clothes. "It would certainly be better than living with the likes of you," he spat. "But no, I'm not. Not that it would matter any." He combed his hand through his hair, visibly calming. "You have some nerve, showing yourself here."

  "What's that supposed to mean? Amanda is my daughter, too."

  Charlie stepped forward. "Where were you a little after midnight, Mrs. Cauble?"

  "Are you trying to insinuate something, Sheriff? You don't actually think I had anything to do with my daughter's accident?"

  Before he could answer, a nurse walked into the room. "Are there any family members here for Walters?"

  Martha jumped up. "I'm her mother," she answered worriedly.

  She felt Charlie's comforting presence behind her immediately. "How is my Lexie?"

  "If you'll come with me, please, the doctor would like to speak to you," the nurse requested. She quickly led them both out of the room without another word.

  Elizabeth watched as they left the room. "How dare they talk to them first!" She started to storm from the room, when Michael grabbed her arm.

  "Where do you think you're going?"

  "I'm going to find the doctor and give him a piece of my mind." She jerked her arm out of his grasp and glared at her husband.

  Anna Leigh jumped in between the arguing couple "You will sit this instant, or I'll personally toss you out of this hospital. We're all concerned about Mandy, but I've had enough of your superior attitude and ridiculous remarks, so just sit down and shut up!"

  Jacob put his hands on his wife's shoulders and directed her to a chair. "Come here, my love. Don't let her get to you." He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "Remind me never to make you angry."

  Anna Leigh leaned into his embrace. "And don't you forget it, mister."

  THEY HURRIED DOWN several hallways to a closed door where a man in surgical scrubs stood. He gave the couple a tired smile and held out his hand. "I'm Dr. Phillips," he said in a deep voice. The doctor appeared to be about the same age as they were, and he wasn't much taller than Martha. "Are you the parents?"

  "We certainly are," Charlie acknowledged, returning the man's handshake. "How is our girl?"

  "She's unconscious, but her condition is stable. We've set her broken nose and re-aligned her dislocated shoulder. She has quite a few stitches in her forehead, but the wound was clean, so there should be very little scarring." Dr. Phillips rubbed his hand over his face. "The force of the trauma to her head has me a bit worried, but once she regains consciousness we should know more."

  Martha felt tears burn her eyes, but refused to let them fall. "Can we see her?"

  "Certainly. Although she won't know you're there. Why don't you come back later this afternoon?"

  "I can't go anywhere without seeing my Lexie, first," Martha forced out. She turned to Charlie. "Why don't I sit with her while you track down Travis? I'm sure he'd like to know how she is."

  "I sure will, sweetheart." Charlie kissed her on the top of her head and nodded to the doctor. "Thank you, Dr. Phillips." The sheriff left quickly and started back down the hallway in search of Lex's grandfather.

  Dr. Phillips held the door open for Martha and allowed her to pass before him. She stood just inside the doorway. The sight in the room was almost her undoing. Lex lay in the bed, her head wrapped in gauze. Her nose was splinted and taped, and her eyes were swollen with dark bruises
beneath them. A heart monitor beeped quietly, and she had an intravenous drip taped to the top of her right hand. Her left arm was pillowed against her chest and it had been strapped down to prevent any unnecessary movement.

  "Oh, my poor baby." Martha walked to the bed and lightly stroked Lex's right arm. She directed her next comment to the doctor, who was standing in the doorway. "She will be all right, won't she?"

  "I'm sure she'll be just fine, ma'am." Dr. Phillips left the room quietly.

  Martha sat in the chair next to the bed, her eyes not straying from the form on the bed. "I'm right here, honey," she whispered, "and I'm not going anywhere." She kept a firm grasp on Lex's forearm and swallowed back her tears. "Why don't I tell you about some of my thoughts about the wedding? The women from the Ladies Auxiliary had some wonderful ideas."

  "NO! I'M NOT going anywhere until I see her." She tried to cross her arms over her chest, but a splint hampered the movement of her right arm. Instead, she did the best she could, glaring at the kindly woman trying to give her a shot.

  The nurse gave an exasperated sigh. "We've got to get you ready for surgery, young lady. Your leg won't heal properly without it." She started forward with the needle again. "Now just behave yourself, and I'll go try to find out how your friend is."

  Amanda shook her head. "You're not sticking me until I see for myself that Lex is all right." She turned hopefully to the door as it opened, and a man dressed in hospital scrubs stepped into the room. "Finally! Now maybe I can get some answers." The initial pain medication they had given Amanda for her leg was wearing off, and the pain was beginning to resurge in full force. She was relieved when the attending physician had explained that her arm was only bruised and the splint could be removed in a few days. Her leg, however, was another problem. The compound fracture of her lower leg was so severe they wanted to rush her into surgery, so they could pin the tibia back together.