Harvest Dreams (9 page)

Chapter 9

Steven glanced at his watch after he hung up the phone. Connie had taken the news better than he had hoped. He rubbed his eyes and sat back looking at the results on his desk. Rachel wasn’t going to take it as well. Standing up he shed his lab coat and headed for the door. If he knew her she wouldn’t be sleeping yet but waiting to hear from him.

*

Cora answered the door with a smile. “Making house calls now?”
Steven grinned. “Only for pretty women.” He watched her walk carefully and sit down slowly. “How’s it doing?”
She shrugged. “It’s not throbbing now and if I’m careful and don’t twist I hardly know it’s there.” She smiled up at him. “Please look at it and call that idiot friend of yours and tell him I’m fine.”
He sat on the table in front of her. “Been checking up on you has he?”
“Checking?” Cora laughed. “Smothering is more like it.”
He leaned forward and pulled up her top enough to see. “Any bleeding?”
She shook her head.
He knelt down and pulled the tape off gently. “Let some air at it but cover it if you go back to work or out anywhere.” He knelt a little closer to check for signs of infection.
“So the doctor makes house calls too?”
Steven straightened up and turned to see Rachel grinning at him from the kitchen doorway. “Only for pretty women.” Standing up he grinned down at Cora. “I’ll call Dade when I finally get home and tell him you’re going to live.”
Cora smiled. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
He turned to Rachel and looked at her for a moment. “I actually came by to speak to you, but getting to touch Cora is an added bonus.”
Rachel’s face immediately sobered. “You have the results already?” He nodded as she came in to stand in front of him. “That was fast.”
He shrugged. “When you know the right people in the lab.”
“Charming the female technicians now?”
Steven shook his head. “No college mate, a male. He owes me many hours of favors for holding his head over the toilet many, many times.” He motioned to the couch beside Cora. “Have a seat.”
Rachel looked at him with wary eyes and sat down. “It’s not good.” She said softly.
He sat on the table again facing her leaning on his knees with his hands clasped. “I don’t know for certain yet but several things are pointing to something a lot more serious then nutrition problems.” He looked down at his hands. “It would be easier if I had more family history to go on but without it I’m going to have to follow instinct mostly.”
She touched his hand gently. “What do you think it is, Steven?”
He looked up at her.
How do I say this
, he wondered. Telling parents bad news is never easy but this was Rachel. “We’ll need to do a bone marrow biopsy to be certain.” Her eyes widened. “But it’s pointing in the direction of leukemia. I could be wrong but with his symptoms, the bruises, listlessness, bleeding and his blood chem results...” He looked at her eyes for a moment and saw something he’d never seen in her eyes before, fear. “I hope I’m wrong, but we’ll need the biopsy to know.”
Rachel Dropped her hand and sat back looking at him with obvious shock. “And if it is?” Her voice was flat.
Steven let out a slow breath. “The problem with it is it’s never caught early. It’s usually not caught until it reaches the crisis period.” He rubbed his hand along his jaw. “Treatment in children has a higher success then ninety-six percent, so wait and see what we find out before we panic okay?” He reached over and grasped her clasped hands gently. “I called Connie. She’s going to bring him in tomorrow.”
She looked up at him. “That soon?” She bit her lip. “I’ll see if I can get out of work and come in.” She continued to gently chew her lip.
Glancing at Cora, he hoped she’d have something to say. She reached over and rubbed a hand over Rachel’s arm gently.
Rachel looked back at him. “What does a biopsy entail?”
He sighed and explained it as briefly as he could. “Removing a small piece of bone with a needle basically...”
Her eyes widened. “Is he awake for this?”
He nodded and then rubbed his aching eyes. “It’s done under a local freezing most times.”
She chewed her lip again. “Will you be doing the procedure?”
“I don’t usually but I have done them before.”
Rachel nodded. “You do it. He trusts you and you’re so good with him.” She looked at Cora as her eyes teared. “I won’t be able to watch. I’ll just freak out and scare him.”
Steven gripped her hands tighter in his. “You don’t have to be there, Rachel. He’s a tough kid, he’ll be fine.” He stood up. “I’m sorry to dump this on you and run but I have been going since four this morning and I start early tomorrow.” He didn’t want to leave but if he didn’t he was going to be pulling her into his arms right there in front of Cora and then Rachel would be even more upset.
Rachel stood up and stepped in front of him. “Thanks for coming and telling me.” She hugged him to her.
Closing his arms around her tightly he held her as long as she’d let him. “I hope I’m wrong, Angel,” he said quietly against her hair.
She pulled back nodding. “Me too.”
He glanced down at Cora. “Try to stay out of trouble until you heal.”
Cora grinned. “Dade won’t leave me alone long enough to find any trouble to get into.”
He laughed. “Take advantage of it and milk it for all it’s worth, he’ll be ordering you around again soon enough.”
She laughed. “True.”
He dropped a quick kiss on Rachel’s mouth and walked out before he changed his mind.
*
Rachel stood looking at the door.
“He’ll look after him, Rach.” Cora said quietly from the couch.
She turned. “Oh, I know. You should have seen him today. I don’t think Ricky realized he’d taken blood. Seeing him at work was quite moving in some ways.” She dropped down on to the chair. “I hope he’s wrong Cora, just this time I hope he’s wrong.”
Cora leaned back slowly. “I hope he is too. It was nice as tired as he looked that he came and told you in person.”
Rachel nodded. “I think I would be worse if he hadn’t. Just being able to look at him made me feel better.”
“The man worships the ground you walk on, Rachel. In case you’d like to know.”
Rachel grinned. “Yeah, he’s a great friend isn’t he?”
Cora laughed softly. “I didn’t mean it that way. I mean he’d Drop to his knees and kiss your feet if that kind of worship made you happy.”
Rachel sighed then looked at her. “I think you’re seeing it all wrong.”
Cora shook her head. “No, I don’t think I am. Dr. O’Reily has that same watchful, soft, lost look on his face when he looks at you as Chris has when he looks at Kasey.”
Rachel covered her face with her hands and groaned. “It’s all so complicated.”
Cora studied her. “Oh my. What did you do?”
Rachel waved her hands around and turned to look at her with her ‘you know’ expression.
Cora’s mouth Dropped open. “You slept with the charming doctor didn’t you?”
“We didn’t sleep, trust me.” She laughed.
Cora’s mouth Dropped open again. “Well, it’s no wonder he’s looking at you like he wants a taste, you gave him a sample one time and then took it away.”
Rachel covered her eyes and whispered. “Was more like a full course meal, with a maximum number of courses spread out over... oh, four days.”
“Rachel Winters you sneaky slut!” Cora hissed with a grin on her face.
“I know. I know.” She groaned. “I just couldn’t not, you know? He kissed me and I mean he really kissed me and every thought just left my head until all I could think was more.” She dropped her head back on the chair and looked at the ceiling. “What am I going to do? I’ve always liked him. He’s one of my best friends.” Rachel glared over at her. “And you know how well relationships go with me. I tried to explain it to him that I didn’t want to screw it up.” She took a deep breath. “He said it wouldn’t, and he meant it. Things have been pretty normal with us.”
“Well that’s good isn’t it?”
“Yes. But it’s me I’m worried about, every time I look at him now I just want to Drop to my knees and beg him to pick me up and...”
Cora held up a hand. “I don’t need the visuals thanks.”
Rachel flipped around and sat up staring at her. “You don’t understand. He’s not the easy mannered, happy-golucky Doc when he’s holding you. He’s masterful and demanding, and he tells you what he wants then--then takes it, just takes it...”
“Oh my.” Cora huffed out a breath and held up her hand again. “That’s enough or I’ll be knocking on his door before morning.”
Rachel flopped back and watched her friend.
Cora looked back at her. “Steven?”
Rachel nodded then groaned again. “What am I gonna do?” She whispered more to herself.
Cora exhaled slowly. “I don’t know. I guess only you can figure that out.” She laughed. “Now I’m going to try to erase a few words like masterful and demanding from my mind and try to get some rest so I can work tomorrow.” She sighed loudly. “At least there I’ll get some peace from Dade’s mothering.”
Rachel sighed. “Yeah, I better try to sleep too I’m going to be a basket case tomorrow.”
*
Steven scowled down at the books spread across the table. What was he doing? Second-guessing himself even though he knew he was on the right track. Why?
He dropped the book and leaned back to stretch.
Because,
he thought with a sigh, I
really didn’t want to break Rachel’s heart by telling her that a little boy she adores and loves is extremely ill and may not ever run in the park.
Getting up he glanced at the clock. He dropped his head down to his chest and then headed for his bed. The first thing they should train you for in medical school was how to live without sleep.
Not even bothering to undress he dropped onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling. If he could just close his eyes and not see her before him naked he might have a chance at a few hours rest before he had to get up again.
Doubtful, he snorted to himself.
I’d like the first ticket to peace please,
he thought with a grin. Maniacs killing women, casting spells every week trying to fish out a killer, the whirlwind of two engagements in what seemed like a few weeks time but in reality was four months, Cora getting stabbed, telling Rachel Ricky might very well die, naked dancing Rachel--Rachel under him--Rachel’s tongue...
He threw his hands up in the air then dropped them over his eyes.
Almost, stupid. You were doing well for a few brief moments.
Sighing slowly he closed his eyes.
When the phone rang he almost bolted off the bed. “No.” He whined softly reaching for it. “O’Reily.”
“Were you sleeping?”
“No such luck, Angel.”
She sighed. “I couldn’t sleep either, my brain won’t shut off.”
Her voice sounded so soft and sexy his heart was already in his throat. “I know the feeling.”
“I just needed someone to talk to.”
“I’m always here for you, you should know that.” It was true many nights they had done this, but now it was different. He’d yearned always, but this time he knew exactly what he was yearning for. “Tell me what you need to hear, Angel.” He whispered it into the phone picturing her lying across her bed.
She sighed again. “I don’t know. I’m worried about Ricky but it’s not the only reason I called.”
“Oh?”
She smiled. “I’m wishing you were here face to face...”
“I’d be there in a heartbeat if I didn’t have to be at the hospital again in--oh four hours roughly.”
“Probably just as well, huh?”
He grinned. “I wouldn’t say that.” He heard a tap against the phone. “Tell me you’re not playing with that sexy ring while you’re talking to me.” A pause.
“Maybe, I do it sometimes without realizing it.”
Her voice was such a turn on. “Well there goes my chance at sleep.”
She laughed. “I’m sorry. It was unfair of me to call.”
“No it’s not,” he sighed. “I’m just having a few images right now that seem to be keeping me hard and wanting you instead of sleeping.”
“Oh, now that was unfair.”
He laughed. “Maybe.”
“It’s more difficult than I thought it would be Steven, to look and not touch now that we’re back.”
“It doesn’t have to be, Angel. You know that.”
“Don’t, please. I explained it; I need you in my life for so many more reasons than that.”
He closed his eyes. “I’d never walk away from you Rachel. Don’t you know that by now?”
She sighed. “I guess, I’m just a little run down right now, I think. Too much stress.”
He wanted to drag his ass out of the bed and go to her but he knew she wouldn’t let him. “I know. Do you take your cell phone to work?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call you the second we’re done with Ricky tomorrow, later today, okay?”
“Thank you.”
He groaned softly. “Angel, I don’t want hang up, in truth I’d like to come see you right now but I have to try to get some sort of sleep here or I’ll be useless tomorrow.”
“Me too.”
“Dream of me if you dream.”
“You too. Bye.”
He hung up the phone and looked at the clock again. He almost wished he was a self-prescribing doctor but he wasn’t the type.
*
Sealing the envelope he pulled off the gloves.
The detective had been warned.
He’d seen him looking at those women dancing.
He was as drawn to them as the other males.
It wasn’t his fault and he’d understand.
He’d help him find her.
His head was hurting again.
Time to rest a while more.

Chapter 10

Steven grabbed the phone before it rang once completely. “O’Reily.”
“Hey. I always think I’ve gotten the wrong number when you answer like that.” Chris laughed.
Steven tossed his pen down and sat back. “Well at the office it’s frowned upon to answer the phone with a ‘yo’. So what’s up?”
“Just wanted to let you know we’ve moved the location of tonight’s meeting to Owen’s, at Dade’s orders so Cora can rest after working today.”
Steven grinned. “He’s driving her crazy but it’s good you did call because I completely forgot about the meeting.”
“Long day at the office, Doctor?”
“A very long few days councilor. Listen I might be late, I’m waiting on the results for Rachel’s little buddy.”
Chris sighed. “Yeah Kasey filled me in on that. Might be good we’re together tonight. You just show up when you can. Maybe by then we’ll have Dade’s ass in a chair and not hovering over Cora.”
He smiled. “Good luck with that.”
*
Sitting in his car outside Owen’s house he closed his eyes. Fuck! Did he always have to be right? Taking a deep breath he regained his doctor’s composure and got out of the car.
Chris opened the door for him before he reached it. Eyebrows rising in question at Steven. To which he received a grim shaking of his head.
Chris stepped aside for him. “Cora had Dade make you something to eat.”
Steven slapped a hand on his chest. “Really? Is it edible?”
Chris laughed. “She sat and gave him step by step instructions.”
“Excellent! I’m not sure when the last time was I actually did eat.”
Chris patted him on the back. “You need to slow down before you burn out, what are you going to do when you’re my age?”
“You mean the age you’re going to be in a few weeks? What is it thirty-five then?”
Chris snarled at him. “Yes, but as long as Kasey doesn’t complain I don’t care.”
Steven grinned. “Well I’ve got about six years of run left in me then before I need to worry.”
He stepped into the kitchen and looked at Dade. “Honey I’m home, what’s for dinner?”
“Shut up.” Dade growled. “It’s in the microwave waiting for you. I’m taking this beer and going to see where the women vanished. Told her to sit down,” he muttered.
“She’s a big girl there, Jones. She’ll stop when she’s had enough.”
Dade sighed. “I know, I just--I should have been faster.”
“Whatever you say rocket boy.” Steven grinned and opened the microwave. “Awesome, food!” He opened a drawer and grabbed a fork. Turning he sat down and started to eat chewing slowly and savoring real food. “I love Cora’s stew.” He moaned.
Dade scowled. “Well tonight it’s Dade’s stew.”
Steven nodded as he chewed. “When you can make it all by yourself without her looking over your shoulder it can be yours.”
Dade took a drink. “Fine. So did you get the results?”
Steven hesitated between bites. “Yes, which is why I’m eating now because I will lose my appetite shortly...”
Dade nodded and took another drink. “I’ll buy you a few minutes then and go annoy the ladies.”
Steven picked up the beer Dade set in front of him. “Appreciate it.”
*
Steven just finished the last bite when Rachel stuck her head around the door.
“Hi.”
He rinsed the bowl and turned. “Hi.” He searched over her face. “You look as tired as I feel, lady.”
She grinned. “Long day after a long, long night.”
He walked over and pulled her into his arms and just held her for a moment silently. He’d needed to do this a hundred times in the last few days. He just needed to feel her in his arms.
She turned without letting go of him and looked up at him. “You have the results.”
It wasn’t a question and didn’t need an answer. He could see on her face that she knew the answer before he told her. He continued to hold her neither speaking for a few minutes.
“Does Connie know?”
“I called her before I came over. I told her I’d tell you. I’ll explain as best I’m able to Ricky tomorrow as well.”
“So what happens tomorrow?” She pulled back from him but continued to stand close enough to rest her hands on him, as if she needed to draw his strength.
“I’ve already called two associates of mine. One works out of our hospital, the other is a few hours away but comes in from time to time when needed.” He looked down at her. “This isn’t my specialty, Rachel, so I called those that do it best.”
“So what are they?”
“One is a pediatric oncologist and the other a hematologist. They’ll assess further and then see if they can bring about remission.” She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his chest. He pulled her into his arms and if he could have sheltered her from everything he would have. He lifted his head and saw Leena looking in for a moment before closing the door quietly again.
“He’ll be at the hospital here right?”
He nodded and kissed the top of her head. “Yes, where I can keep an eye on him when you’re not there to badger the doctors and nurses.” She offered a weak smile.
*
“This is good then. Okay.” Rachel took a deep breath. “Okay.” She said softly to herself rubbing her hands against his chest. You can do this she told herself. She looked up at him for a moment again searching his eyes. She couldn’t thank him again or she’d fall apart completely.
*
Steven lifted her chin and studied her eyes he wanted to comfort her but knew she didn’t want that. Not Rachel, not now. Pulling her tighter into his body he lowered his mouth and kissed her deeply, not a comforting kiss but a kiss that told her he’d missed her, needed her. When he lifted his head again she smiled up at him.
“I needed that,” she whispered.
“Me too.” He kissed the tip of her nose and then grinned. “Now if we don’t go out there, they’re going to come looking.” He dared her with his eyes.
She smirked and flicked her tongue ring out as she pulled out of his arms. “Can’t have that.”
“Nasty witch.” He joked as he put his arm around her and walked back out into the living room with her. When everyone turned he sent out a warning look that told them all to carry on.
Leena smiled. “Everything okay, Rach?”
Rachel nodded and sat down on the floor by an empty chair. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Steven Dropped into the chair she was in front of. “If I nod off just pretend I’m listening intently please.” She leaned back between his legs and he felt better knowing she needed to be near him as much as he needed it from her right now. He smiled over at Cora. “Do I need to get up and see if you’ve re-injured that right now?”
“I was so well behaved today everyone thought I was missing.” Cora smiled sweetly at him.
Leena laughed. “It’s true. We usually see her flying through the plant to yell at deliveries drivers every few hours. I checked twice to see if she’d had gone home.”
Steven grinned. “Good. I’ll look at it when I’m on my feet again.” He moved his legs so they were barely touching either side of Rachel and lowered his head back and closed his eyes. “Has Patrick found anything?” He asked softly knowing from there he’d just have to listen.
*
Chris grinned over at the tired doctor for a moment then looked around the room. “He’s almost as frustrated as the rest of us, probably more so with how well he and Rhonda aren’t getting along.” Kasey glared at him.
Dade chuckled. “Boy, do I feel his pain.”
*
Cora glanced at Dade. “He probably brings it on himself, also.” She smiled to herself when she saw Rachel lean her head over to rest on Steven’s leg almost absently; he’d moved his hand from his knee to play with her hair.
Rachel caught the grin and smirked back at her. “So what next?”
Chris lifted his hands. “Suggestions?”
“Nap?” Steven muttered with a grin on his face.
Dade laughed. “I thought you’d passed out already. How do you do that? Look completely lifeless yet still be listening.”
“Go to university in a few accelerated programs while keeping up your social calendar and you’ll learn all sorts of interesting things.” He opened one eye and gave Dade a look.
Dade laughed. “Am I too old to go now?”
Steven shook his head serious again. “Never too old, are you, Chris?”
Chris held up a hand. “How did we get from discussing a very serious matter to my age?”
Steven chuckled. “Did I mention your age? I did not. You’re paranoid, my friend.”
Kasey started laughing and climbed into Chris’s lap. “I’ll protect you.”
Owen cleared his throat. “I don’t even know what we were talking about anymore.” Leena was sitting back against him between his legs him hugging her tenderly.
She laughed. “I’m supposed to be the one with no brain functions right now.”
Rachel’s head popped up. “Why would you say that?”
Leena grinned at her and then looked around the room. “We were going to wait a bit but someone has been dying to run all over yelling it.” She grinned at Rachel again. “I’m pregnant.”
Rachel let out a squeal and jumped up across the room quickly.
*
Steven bolted upright grabbing his heart. “I need a doctor.” He gasped and shook his head, grinning at Rachel kneeling at Leena’s feet placing her hands the other woman’s very flat stomach.
“Ohh. That’s so wonderful you guys.” She hugged Leena and kissed Owen and then jumped up again. “I’m gonna be Aunt Rach!” She hopped back over and almost jumped in Steven’s lap. “They’re having a baby,” she smiled at him.
“And I’m close to having a heart attack.” He laughed. “I was almost nodding off before you scared the hell out of me.” He pulled her into his lap grinning at everyone standing and congratulating the other couple.
He would have too, but holding Rachel for the few moments while he could was more important. He grinned at Leena. “I just happen to know this absolutely brilliant doctor of pediatrics.”
Leena smiled at him. “I was going to wait to talk to you later on. Are you looking for new patients?”
He grinned. “I’m only accepting pregnant witches right now, so I think I can help you.” Rachel sat up and grinned at him. “That is so cool you get to deliver my niece.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Niece? You’ve decided already?”
She nodded. “Yep and Kasey gets to give me a nephew.”
Chris mouth opened and he looked at Kasey. “You’re...”
Kasey laughed. “No and I plan on waiting a few months before I toy with the idea, at least.”
Chris hugged. “Exactly, I’m not ready to share just yet. Someday, but not yet.” Kasey smiled at him and cuddled into his lap.
Leena laughed and shook her head at Rachel. “Well I’ll try really hard for a girl, but there are no promises with that.”
Dade winked at Owen. “Congratulations, Pops.”
Owen grinned. “Never thought I’d like the idea of that, but I do.”
Dade just nodded.
Steven sighed as Rachel slid off his lap and back to the floor. “Now that I’ve been scared into wide awake, where were we in our discussion?” He looked over at Cora who had been very quiet. “Cora?”
Her eyes popped wider. “Sorry just lost in thought. I’m fine.” She looked at Leena and Owen and smiled again. “So, I’ve been thinking, I’d like to try another search again soon.”
Chris shook his head. “Absolutely not.”
Dade leaned forward. “I second that.”
Owen held his hands over Leena’s tummy. “Passed. Next idea.”
“Hold on.” Rachel leaned forward. “It doesn’t work that way guys, nice try though.”
Steven looked at the men. “I’m inclined to side with the guys. Things haven’t been going really well with the searching.”
Rachel sat up and turned around kneeling in front of him. “How can you say that? We’ve got a partial name, calendars, a ring, a knife...”
Steven leaned forward. “I can say that because once we got a nice little fantasy, the four of you almost collapsing and then we almost lost Kasey, quite literally lost that is.” He watched her pause and actually considered what he said. She bit her lip and looked at him and then her eyes widened almost in a dare sort of way and she flicked that damn stud out of her mouth twice before speaking.
“There has to be a way, to do something for safety.”
Her eyes pleaded with him. Her voice softened and he couldn’t stop looking at her mouth. Steven sat back and threw his hands up. “Suggestions?” He said to the others while his eyes continued to watch her face and run over her mouth. Her little move with that damn sexy ring was not going to go without retribution. He looked over at Dade.
Dade smirked at him before he turned to look around at everyone. “I could use the drums or shaker and see if I could do something while you guys go seeking, bring in some spirits for protection...”
Steven looked away from Rachel and over to Dade. “Will that prevent anyone from injury or pain?”
Dade thought for a moment. “Couldn’t hurt.”
Chris shook his head. “We’re missing something here in all this. It’s right there and I haven’t been able to grasp it.”
Owen looked up from nuzzling into Leena’s neck. “Has anyone checked the list of attendants and really checked the people you’ve been seeing for years?” He shrugged. “It’s the only people we haven’t looked at.”
Chris opened his mouth to object then closed it. “Interesting idea. Not one any of us want to think about, but still...”
Rachel lifted her head from Steven’s leg again. “Do you know how creeped out that makes me feel? To think it could be someone I’ve hugged for the last ten years?”
Leena sat up and nodded. “Yes it’s not a good feeling, but it is an avenue we haven’t explored.”
Chris looked at Rachel. “Do you have the lists?”
Rachel sighed. “I don’t know where half my stuff is, some here, some at my place, which reminds me when can I live at my place again?” She grinned at Cora. “No offence.”
Cora smiled. “None taken and I ask the same, when can we go home?”
Steven rubbed his hands over his face and then looked over at Dade, who appeared to have the same thought. “When the killer has been found,” he said quietly and waited for Rachel to spin and look at him.
“What? But that could take months or never,” she sighed. “It sucks the rest of you either have a fiancé or whatever to be with or can just do whatever you want and Cora and I are stuck here with half our...
everything
in our own homes that we’re not allowed to go to alone.”
Kasey nodded in sympathy. “She’s right it’s really unfair and it sucks.”
Steven hissed out a breath, he was exhausted and should be sleeping not arguing about basic logic. “What would you like us to do? Let you wander around so this guy can come after you? Isn’t it enough he almost got Cora? That he found out where Chris and Kasey are?” He threw his hands up in frustration as he stood up and paced over to the window before turning. “What do you want, Rach? You want to go home so you can be paranoid he’s coming for you in the middle of night?”