“Thank you for understanding. You’re the best,” Carreen said.
The door opened and Cassie poked her head out. “Big brother’s calling for you.”
Scarlett lifted the mask that hung around her neck and placed it over her nose and mouth as Carreen did the same. Cassie stood back and the two women moved past her.
Rhett lay in the lone bed in the room, looking wiped out. The left side of his head past his temple and above his ear had been shaved and she could see the raw, rough scalp held together by Dr. Pendales’ stitches. His description hadn’t prepared her for the chunks of skin and thick, dark hair missing from Rhett’s scalp. His leg was elevated and swathed in layers of gauze.
“Who knew I’d be visiting the Mummy?” she teased. Taking his hand in both of hers, Scarlett asked, “How bad does it hurt on a scale of one to ten?”
His lips twitched. “My head is probably a four right now. It’s a dull burning feeling. When it happened, it was like being scraped with hot metal. It’s better now, thanks to the meds.” He paused, glancing down at his leg. “The knee? It hurt like hell until the painkillers kicked in a few minutes ago.”
Rhett shifted in the bed, grimacing. “The doctors have already warned me that rehab’ll be a bitch.”
Carreen said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You’ll get through rehab because you’ll want to make it back to being you, one hundred percent.”
A knock sounded and a man in his late forties opened the door. Scarlett thought he looked straight out of central casting, with his world-weary look and rumpled suit. Following him inside was a Latina woman with inquiring brown eyes and a cautious air.
“Mr. Corrigan? I’m Detective Pete Sanderson and this is Detective Anita Garcia. We met with Mrs. Corrigan earlier and also spoke with Mr. DeLauria. May we come in?”
“I’ll go,” Carreen volunteered. “It’s crowded enough in here.” She bent and kissed Rhett’s cheek through her mask and left the room.
Scarlett had no intention of going. She wanted answers.
“I’m Scarlett Corrigan, detectives. Rhett’s sister and his attorney. Before you ask my brother any questions, I’d like to know the status of the shooter and what you’ve discovered about her. And since you’re not garbed properly, please stand at the door. The doctors said infection can easily occur and we’re taking precautions so that doesn’t happen.”
Garcia eyed her with interest, keeping her distance. “Pauletta Malone. Thirty-two. Out of work. Two divorces behind her. Came to Hollywood to be an actress and couldn’t even make it as a server. We’ve interviewed two former bosses and a few friends. Malone was obsessed with stardom and Mr. Corrigan, in particular. We found a diary of sorts at her apartment. Skimming through it, she was obsessed with and fantasized about Mr. Corrigan. How she could be a star if only she married him.”
“What will she be charged with?” Scarlett asked.
“Nothing. She’s dead,” Detective Sanderson revealed. “She died on the operating table from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Neither Scarlett nor Cassie said anything but the glance they exchanged said both women were glad. The stalker’s death meant no trial that might drag on for weeks as the media circus tightened about them. Also left unsaid was the woman got exactly what she deserved.
“Because of that, we only have a few questions, Mr. Corrigan, before we file our report. Could you walk us through what happened, if you’re up to it?”
Rhett agreed and gave his version, which Scarlett knew coincided with what she’d learned from Dash. The detectives thanked Rhett for his time and wished him a speedy recovery.
After they left, Cassie told Scarlett, “I’m staying with Rhett tonight. Give everyone the report and remind them Rhett is cleared for visitors tomorrow, a few at a time.” She took her husband’s hand and lifted it to her lips, placing a tender kiss on his knuckles. “Right now, he needs rest.”
“I’ll bring the kids home and stay with them,” Scarlett offered. “I think, though, it would help if Rhett FaceTimed with them once we get home. They must’ve been scared out of their minds seeing him like that.”
“That’s a good idea,” Cassie said, glancing at Rhett. His eyes were already closed. “I’ll wake him up when you call so he can tell them goodnight.” She climbed into the bed and curled up next to her husband, her head resting on his shoulder.
Scarlett decided she would wait until she’d talked to HR at Lymon McGraw and secured time off before she told Cassie that she’d be on deck to help. She bent and kissed Rhett’s forehead and then left the room, pulling off the mask and discarding the paper gown that covered her clothes.
Heading back to the waiting room, it hit her that tomorrow morning she was supposed to accompany Wynn to Rylon Pictures to sign the new contracts.
CHAPTER 15
Wynn watched Scarlett go, wishing there was more he could do to comfort her. At least Rhett was out of surgery and his prognosis seemed good.
Keely came and sat next to him. “I know you’re only a few days into your relationship with Scarlett but her asking you to stay is a huge deal,” she revealed. “Nadine use to say that Scarlett’s first sentence was ‘Do it self.’ She’s used to being on her own and handling everything. She’ll throw herself into helping Rhett and Cassie in any way she can. I wanted to warn you that might mean pushing you away. Don’t let her.”
He appreciated hearing Keely’s advice. “Good to know.”
“We’ve been friends a long time. She’s a lovely woman and would give you the shirt off her back. All I’m saying is hang in there, Wynn. Be persistent if you care about her.”
His gaze met Keely’s. “I plan to marry her,”
