closer to confirming her worst fear.
He could only imagine what was happening from a distance. Being unable to console her left him feeling completely useless. Like when they had lost their parents, Susannah balled up in a cocoon of heartache, feeding off whatever was left inside her, giving up. If anyone reached out to help her, he knew she’d probably ignore them. It was her way of handling grief. This time, Payton wasn’t sure she could survive the ordeal.
And worrying about his sister had shoved his own feelings deeper.
“She’s not the only one who could use a friend.” Joe had a way of reading his mind that was downright spooky. “Keep in touch, son. Call me anytime. I mean it.”
“I will.” He nodded. “Promise.”
With Joe in Alaska, Payton knew he’d be losing a lifeline, but it was for the best. When his friend had asked to be sent home, Payton knew Joe had struggled with his decision. He’d explained that he didn’t want to be a burden in Chicago, with his bum leg, and taking care of Susannah seemed a worthier endeavor than holding a pity party for one. Payton couldn’t help but grin at his justification for leaving the lower forty-eight. Joe feeling sorry for himself was as likely to happen as pro athletes giving up the big bucks and major endorsement deals, to play only for the love of the game.
He stepped back from the door as Julio wheeled Joe into the hallway. “My car’s in visitor parking near the patient pickup area,” he told the male nurse.
“Not so fast. We’ve got a stop to make,” Joe interrupted. “When does the plane leave?”
“We’ve got a little over two hours before the charter takes off. Why?”
“Plenty of time.” The old man grinned and avoided Payton’s eyes. Instead, he stared ahead and directed the nurse with a wave of his hand. “Straight ahead, Julio, my friend.”
To Payton, he added, “I promised Jessie that she could see me off and that you’d take her home after. She’s being released today.”
“Well, isn’t that convenient?” Payton narrowed his eyes at his friend.
“Yeah, I thought so.”
Jess had signed the last of her hospital release forms and finished packing her overnight bag when a nurse entered the room. Her name tag read LORENA, but she had heard others call her “Smitty.” The woman had a voice full of gristle and rolled a wheelchair into the room to haul her to the curb. Unruly short blond hair and sharp eyes tempered with humor gave character to the face of a woman dressed in a crisp white uniform with sensible shoes.
“No thanks. I can walk.”
Jess barely looked up, but stopped when she heard, “Sorry, honey. Hospital policy.” Lorena smirked, undaunted by Jess’s best grimace.
“You don’t understand. I’ve got friends coming to pick me up. I’ll be okay.” Jess forced a smile. “Save the wheels for someone who really needs ’em.”
“Glad to hear you’ve got friends, honey. We should all be so lucky. But I’ve never lost this argument and I don’t intend to start a losing streak today.” The nurse had a glint of amusement in her eyes, clearly enjoying Jess’s challenge.
“I wouldn’t argue with her, Jessie. Around here, Smitty’s got a reputation. They call her Nurse Ratched and she scares the hell out of me.”
In the doorway, Payton stood with arms crossed, behind his friend Joe, who sat in a wheelchair and was accompanied by a Hispanic male nurse. If Payton and his friend couldn’t buck the system, how did she stand a chance?
At the sound of Payton’s voice, the crusty nurse rolled her eyes and fought back a smile.
“Flattery will get you nowhere, young man.” She waggled a finger. “If you didn’t have such a cute tush, I might take offense and say
Jess had heard the Gaelic phrase before and knew it meant “Kiss my arse.” She shook her head and grinned for real this time.
“Do you mind if I roll her out of here? I swear…” Payton made a quick cross over his heart. “…she won’t budge from the chair until she’s free of the building. Deal?”
“Only ’cause it’s you, Payton Archer.” The nurse heaved a sigh, pretending to be perturbed. “And I’m holding you to your word.”
The nurse clutched his hand in both of hers, and in a serious tone added, “We’re gonna miss you guys. Have a safe trip back to Alaska, Joe. And Payton? You and your family will be in my prayers.”
“Thanks, Smit. That means a lot.” He kissed her cheek and the woman blushed, giving Jess a glimpse of the young woman she used to be.
“Now go on. This place is for sick people.” The nurse shooed them out.
Complying with Smitty’s orders, Payton helped her into the wheelchair and pushed her down the corridor. When they got far enough away, Jess made her move.
“Is she looking?” Gaping over her shoulder, Jess shifted in her seat, trying to catch a glimpse of her nurse. “I’m blessed with two good legs that work. As soon as I get in the elevator, we’re ditching the wheels.”
“We’re doing no such thing, Ms. Beckett. I made a promise to Smitty, and I’m a man of my word…most days.” As he pushed her wheelchair, Payton held her down with a strong hand on her shoulder, not letting her up. “Don’t make me duct-tape you into this thing.”
“When he gets like this, it’s best to humor him.” Joe winked as he rolled alongside, pushed by his nurse. “Besides, he’s wicked with duct tape.”
“Who says he needs duct tape for that?” she muttered, and slumped into her seat.
When they got to Payton’s SUV rental, Joe had insisted Jess take the front passenger seat since he needed the backseat to put his leg up and stash his crutches. Jess had a sneaking suspicion Joe was playing matchmaker, but she didn’t know the man well enough to make that assumption.
At the airport, she got out and stretched her legs, unsure whether she should give Payton some time alone with his friend. But both men made her feel welcome to join them. When it came time for Payton to put Joe on the chartered plane, she was first to say good-bye, making sure Payton had plenty of one-on-one time with his friend. She sat in a chair across the small waiting room of the charter service, gazing out the window and flipping through dated magazines, pretending to ignore the two men within earshot.
“I noticed you left your gun case in the trunk,” Payton said to Joe. “I don’t think I’ll be needing them. Not anymore.”
Joe shrugged and fished a key to the case from his pocket. “So return them when you get home. No big deal.”
Payton took a deep breath and lowered his head. “Susannah…tell her how much I love her. And that I’ll call…”
The words coming out of his mouth sounded forced, as if he was avoiding a deeper underlying fear, that saying it aloud might make it real.
“I hate leaving you here, especially now,” Joe said. “But I’m no good to you like this. And Susannah will probably need someone there when—” He stopped himself.
“When we hear, I may need you to help me make arrangements…to bring Nikki home.” After a long moment, Payton hugged the man who stood with the help of crutches.
“I love you, old man.”
“I love you too, son.” Joe closed his eyes.
The two men held each other, sharing what couldn’t be captured in words. When Joe pulled from his arms, he wiped a tear from Payton’s face, an endearing gesture that seemed natural between them—something a father would do for a son.
Payton walked Joe out to the plane and helped him on board. He came back to the waiting room and stood next to her in silence, watching as the charter pulled away and later took off. For a moment Jess didn’t know if he remembered she was there at all. And although she tried not to read too much into the man, it was hard not to respect his open display of emotion for someone he loved like family. That much was very clear. And Payton made no excuses for his sentiment, nor did he make light of it like most men might.
When he was ready, Payton fixed his blue eyes on her and with his deep honeyed voice, smooth as Kentucky Bourbon, he said, “Now why don’t you tell me where you live?”
