Claws for a Cause (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 15) (17 page)

“Tonight? Oh, that is good news.”

“Colbi has issued an invitation for you to visit Harrison any time you want.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes lighting up. She folded her hands under her chin. “I’m so thankful he’s going to be okay. I’ve prayed really, really hard for Harrison. I’ve prayed that he can get off drugs, too.”

“Well, so far, it looks like our prayers are being answered. It’s all up to Harrison now.”

“When can I see him?”

“Why don’t we wait until tomorrow? Let’s let them get settled in. I’ll call Colbi in the morning and find out when would be a good time for us to visit, okay?”

“Okay. That sounds good to me. Thank you, Savannah,” she said, going to her and wrapping her arms around her neck.

“You’re welcome,” Savannah said. “I’m just so happy to see you blossoming, and,” she said more sternly, “I’m glad you’re seeing a doctor and taking care of both yourself and the baby.”

****

Later that night, Savannah was awakened when she heard someone calling her name. Still groggy, she switched on the bedside lamp and listened.
It’s Leah…
She rolled out of bed, grabbed her robe, and rushed into the hall, where she found Leah bent over and holding onto the wall. “What is it?”

“The baby,” she said. “I think it’s coming.”

“Oh my. Okay, I see that you have your robe and slippers on…”

Leah chuckled half-heartedly. “You mean
your
robe and slippers.”

Ignoring her, Savannah continued, “Let’s get you comfy on the sofa while I throw on some clothes. Where’s the bag we packed for you and the baby—still in your room?”

Leah nodded.

“I’ll go get it,” Savannah said, leading Leah to the sofa and helping her to lie down. “Did you call your doctor?”

Leah nodded. “He said they’re expecting us at the hospital.”

“Oh good.” Once the younger woman seemed to be relatively comfortable, Savannah rushed into action.

“What time’s it?” Michael asked when he became aware of his wife moving around in the bedroom. He glanced at the bedside clock. “What are you doing up?”

“It’s three fifteen and we’re about to have a baby.”

“We are?” he asked, sitting up straight. “Oh, you mean Leah. What should I do?”

“Why don’t you stay here with Lily? See if you can take her to Iris’s or my aunt’s when you go to the clinic.”

“Sure,” Michael said, yawning. “I don’t have a heavy schedule. If I can’t find a place for her, I’ll ask Bud to take over with our patients. When will you be back?”

“I have no idea. You never know how long these things will take. And I definitely want to be with her.” She spoke more softly. “I hope she’ll decide to call her parents. A girl should have her mommy with her when she gives birth.”

“Or her husband,” Michael stated.

“Well, yeah, in a perfect world.”

It didn’t take long for Savannah to get ready and retrieve the all-important overnight bag, which included a newborn outfit Lily had long-ago outgrown and one of her baby blankets. Minutes later, the two women were on their way to Straley Community Hospital.

“Are you family?” a nurse asked Savannah after they’d checked Leah in.

Leah nodded. “Yes.”

When the nurse looked askance, Savannah explained. “I’m the closest thing she has to family right now.”

“I want her to stay with me,” Leah said from a wheelchair, writhing a little with a contraction.

The nurse nodded. “Certainly.”

After several hours of light to moderate contractions, Leah closed her eyes and seemed to be resting, so Savannah took the opportunity to step out of the room and get a cup of coffee. She looked her phone—eight thirty-five.
Oh, looks like Colbi called. And I’d better check in with Michael.

“Hi hon, just checking to see how it’s going with you and Lily. Where is she today? Leah’s still in labor. The doctor says it’ll probably be a long day for her…and for me. Call me when you get a chance—or maybe texting would be better. I’m taking a break while Leah’s resting. I’ve turned my ringer off. Love you.”

She then called Colbi. “Hi girlfriend, what’s up? Everything going okay with the patient?”

“Yes,” Colbi said. “He seems to be doing pretty well. Damon helped me get him settled in the room downstairs.” She spoke more quietly, sounding excited. “Savannah, we had the best conversation last night. I’m just flying high. I got to experience the brother I remember—the brother I’ve wanted so badly. It was so much fun. Harrison really has a neat sense of humor. I just pray he can get on his feet after this.” She spoke more reverently. “You know, he says he wants to change. This beating really brought him to his knees. When he thought he would die right there on the street, he said he had an epiphany like he’s never had before. I’m so excited for him…for us.”

“That’s wonderful news, Colbi. I’m really happy for you.”

“I knew you would be—couldn’t wait to share that with you.”

“But Colbi…”

“I know, we have a long ways to go, and it’s only been a few days. I get all that. But I’m just relishing the moments that are so wonderful and I hope he is, too. I hope he can see how good life can be without drugs.” She paused, then said, “So what are you and Miss Lily up to today?”

“Well, actually, I’m where you’ve been all week.”

“What?”

“At the hospital in Straley.”

“What’s wrong? What happened?” Colbi asked in a panic.

“It’s all good. Leah’s having her baby.”

“Oh, wow—early isn’t it?”

“Maybe a few weeks. She’s not sure. But it looks like he or she is on its way—today. In fact, I’d better get back to her. She doesn’t have much time between contractions and she likes me to be there when she has one.”

“Where’s Lily? Can I help with her?”

“I actually don’t know where my daughter is this morning.” When Colbi remained quiet, Savannah explained, “Michael was in charge of finding her a caretaker. I haven’t talked to him, so I don’t know where he ended up taking her.”

“Well, let me know if I can help. I’ll be here all day.”

“Thanks kiddo. I’ll talk to you later,” she said, ending the call.

“I missed you,” Leah said when Savannah stepped quietly into the hospital room.

“Feeling okay?” Savannah asked, rubbing Leah’s arm.

“Yeah, had a pretty good one a minute ago. I think he wants out of there.”

“I hope so; you don’t want to go around with that baby bump the rest of your life.”

“Don’t make me laugh,” Leah said, trying to stifle a chuckle. “Here comes one. They’re getting closer—well, some of them are,” she said in a strained voice.

Just then a nurse stepped in. “How’re we doing?” she asked as she moved forward to examine Leah.

“Having a good one,” she said, still straining.

The nurse checked the monitor. “Oh that
is
a good one. Just hang in there. You’ll have your baby in your arms before too long.

When the nurse began examining Leah, Savannah looked at her phone and noticed a text from Colbi.
Harrison insists that I bring him there to be with Leah. I hope it’s a good idea. We’re on our way.

She then read a text from Michael,
Baby girl’s at your aunt’s. All is good. Let me know if I’m an aunt or an uncle
. She smiled at her husband’s attempt at humor.

“Two centimeters,” the nurse announced.

“Still?” Leah said, obviously disappointed.

“’Fraid so, hon. You’re doing a good job. Just keep it up.”

Once the nurse had left, Savannah stood at Leah’s bedside and took her hand. “Ready to call your mom?” she asked.

Leah glared at her. “No, why?”

“Just thought you’d want her here for the blessed event.”

She rolled her head back and forth against the pillow, tears squeezing out from under her eyelids. “I told you my parents will disown me.”

“How can you be so sure?” Savannah challenged.

“I just know it. That’s the way they are,” she said, beginning to struggle with another contraction. “When are they going to give me something?” she asked.

Savannah held onto Leah’s hand. “Do you feel like you need something for pain?”

She nodded. “Please.”

Savannah turned to leave. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“No, don’t leave,” Leah said, squeezing her hand tightly.

Savannah waited until Leah had relaxed. She watched as she closed her eyes, then she left the room in search of the nurse, who agreed to administer something to help make her patient more comfortable. Leah had just awakened from a fifteen-minute nap when the hospital room door opened and Harrison peered in. “Mind if I join you?” he asked.

“Harrison,” Leah said, breathlessly, “how did you get in here?”

“I know people in this place,” he quipped. “I was a resident for darn near a week, you know.”

“Ohhh, Harrison,” Leah said, “you look…” Before she could finish her sentence, she began to cry. “I’m so sorry. It’s because of me this happened to you.” She turned to face the wall. “I feel just awful.”

Harrison hobbled to Leah’s bedside on crutches and caressed her face. “It wasn’t your fault. It just happened. Please don’t blame yourself.”

She grasped his hand in both of hers. “I’m so happy to see you, Harrison. Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he said, leaning over and kissing her forehead. He glanced around the room, asking, “So what did I miss?”

“Sit down, Harrison, before you fall down,” Savannah insisted, scooting a chair closer for him.

“Good a place as any to hurt yourself,” he said, winking.

As he sat, he leaned toward the bed and continued to hold Leah’s hand. She gently touched his face with her other one. “Your beautiful face,” she said running her hand over a large bruise and a bandaged area on one side of his head.

“Enough about me,” he said. “How are you doing?”

“Wonderful…just wonderful,” she said, a definite sarcastic edge to her voice as she struggled through another contraction.

“Is Colbi out there?” Savannah asked once the contraction was over.

Harrison nodded.

“Leah, I’d like to get some breakfast. Will you be okay?”

“More than okay,” she said, smiling at Harrison.

“Can I bring you anything?” she asked.

“Juice, cold fruit, maybe, if they’ll let me eat it.”

“I’ll check,” Savannah said before leaving the room.

Once in the lobby, she spotted Colbi poring over a magazine. “Hi, did you eat?” Savannah asked.

Colbi nodded. “Yeah, but I’ll watch you eat if you want to get breakfast.” She then asked, “Is there a baby yet?”

Savannah shook her head, saying, “Not yet,” as she led the way to the cafeteria. When they reached the swinging doors, she turned and said, “Boy, Harrison’s right in there offering the right kind of support.”

“He seems quite fond of the girl. Talked about her a lot last night.” She stopped. “Just a minute—there’s my phone.” Colbi stepped out of the cafeteria and into the hallway. When she returned, she said, “Craig’s looking for Harrison. They have a possible suspect and want him to see if he can ID him.” She grinned. “Craig was pretty surprised to hear where we are. No one expected Harrison to be getting around so well so soon. He’s tough…and determined.”

“All good qualities,” Savannah said while spreading butter on her English muffin.

“Yes, if he can just channel them in a more positive way from now on.” Colbi peered across the table at Savannah. “He’s coming over here. He wants to talk to Leah, too.”

“Who?” Savannah asked.

“Craig.”

“While she’s in labor, for heaven’s sake?” Savannah asked, almost spilling her juice.

****

“It’s a boy!” Harrison announced when he entered the lobby in a wheelchair a couple of hours later. “Thanks, honey,” he said to the nurse who was pushing him. “I can take it from here.”

“How is she?” Savannah asked anxiously, “…and the baby?”

“I guess everyone’s fine. Leah was smiling when I left. They were weighing the baby and all that stuff. I told her I’d be the bearer of the good news, but she wants me to come right back.”

“That
is
good news,” Savannah said.

“His name’s Charlie,” Harrison said, smiling widely. “…after me.”

When Savannah looked confused, he said, “Harrison Charles, remember?”

“Oh,” she said. “Well congratulations, I guess.”

“Are you ready to get back to resting?” Colbi asked her brother.

“Yeah, I should do that, I guess. I want to tell Leah and Charlie goodbye, first. I told her I’d get her a turkey sandwich.”

“Turkey sandwich?”

“Yeah, that’s what she wants.”

“I’ll get it,” Savannah offered. “I’ll be right back to push you, if you like.”

“Yeah, that would be good—I’m exhausted.”

Fifteen minutes had passed when Savannah and Harrison returned to Leah’s hospital room. A nurse answered their light knock and stood aside to make room for the wheelchair. “You look wonderful,” Savannah said, approaching Leah, who held the baby in her arms.

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Leah said, smiling broadly.

“He sure is,” Savannah agreed. “He looks like his mama.”

“Awww, he isn’t beautiful,” Harrison said, standing with the aid of crutches to get a better look. “He’s handsome.” He joined Savannah at Leah’s side. “When will they let you guys out?” he asked. “Where will you go?” He lowered his head. “If only I wasn’t all banged up, I could get us an apartment and we could be together.”

Leah reached her hand out to him. “In time, Harrison. It’ll happen in time. I promise.”

“She and the baby can stay with us for as long as she needs a place,” Savannah said.

“Oh, Savannah, you’ve done so much already,” Leah complained.

“Where would you go?” she asked.

“Uh…I guess I really don’t know,” Leah said, lowering her eyes.

“Home to your parents?” she suggested.

Leah’s dark eyes pierced Savannah’s. “You know how I feel about that.” She glanced at Harrison and back at Savannah. “I think I can leave the hospital tomorrow.”

“Good, I’ll come back and get you tomorrow,” Savannah offered. “Is there anything you need in the meantime?”

Leah shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

Harrison leaned over and kissed Leah, then ran one finger gently over the baby’s head and down one cheek. “I’ll see you soon. Let me know when you’re home and I’ll come over.” He slumped a little. “I really have to go rest now.”