Prelude of Lies (22 page)

“What kind of a monster is she?” Daisy spoke quietly.

“The worst kind. We’ve arrested all her cohorts. They’re singing now. She planned to use you as a source of income when your inheritance ran out. Prostitution, drug running, anything to keep you all in supply. Not pretty, but you’re safe.”

Daisy collapsed into Sydney’s arms, her sobs deep and soul rendering. Sydney couldn’t help but cry with her. To think Daisy had come to some kind of peace with the way Nadine dumped and forgot her.

Anger surged as Sydney released Daisy, handed her a wad of tissues and faced the sheriff. “Daisy’s been through enough because of Nadine. I don’t want that woman even attempting to contact her. Ever.”

“I understand. You may want to retain legal services to counsel you through this. You’ll most likely have to appear in court when she faces the kidnapping charges.” The sheriff turned to leave, his expression revealing his compassion.

“What about the other threats? We know they didn’t all come from Nadine.” Sydney’s brain reeled with a million questions. “Is there a chance Violet put this kidnapping idea into her head, or paid her to do it?”

“I don’t know yet. Time will tell. Call me if you have any questions. I’ll be in touch.” He put his hat back on and let himself out.

Daisy stared straight ahead, her expression as blank as her eyes.

“Come on, honey. Everything is going to be okay. You’ll see.” Sydney hugged her, but Daisy didn’t respond. “Get mad. Cry. Do something. Don’t sit here and let her do this to you.”

Still, Daisy didn’t move. Sydney wasn’t sure what to do. The reaction was the last thing she’d expect from Daisy, but clearly, her sister had taken all she could handle from the woman who was supposed to love her and protect her.

The door opened and Tucker, Graham, and Marshal rushed in, each with a concerned expression that grew after seeing Daisy’s passive face.

“We’re going to see Kay. Do you want to come?” Marshal stood in front of Sydney, blocking her view of Daisy.

“I don’t know what to do to help her.” She told him what the sheriff said and didn’t realize she was crying until Marshal wiped the tears from her cheek. At that tender gesture, the floodgates opened. She sobbed, resting her head against his shirt and allowing him to comfort her.

“She’s going to be okay. She needs to process everything. Even though Nadine betrayed her from birth, this is a little much to take in.” Marshal rocked her and she tried to relax.

“I’m okay.” Daisy’s voice cut through the tension hanging in the room. “I am. Let’s go see Kay.”

She stood, swayed a little and ended up in Graham’s arms. He held her for a minute before she moved away. “I need to get dressed.”

Her voice sounded wooden and her movements were jerky. Sydney couldn’t help the sobs, her sister was hurting and there was nothing she could do for her right now. Sydney had always been the one with the answers, the cure and a way to make things better. This time she didn’t know what to do.

Or did she?

She stepped out of Marshal’s arms and grabbed her cell phone off the table. Stepping onto the porch, she dialed her parents’ number and prayed her mom was home. When she answered, it took Sydney a few seconds to compose herself enough to explain what happened. When she finished, she realized her mom and dad were both on the line.

“We’ll be there this afternoon. Don’t worry,” her dad soothed.

“But your allergies, how are you going to manage here?”

“I don’t care. I need to be there for you girls. Don’t worry about me. Just hang on to Daisy until we get there. I promise everything is going to be okay.” She believed him and hung up, hoping she’d done the right thing.

CHAPTER 21

Daisy felt nothing.

She heard the worry and pain in Sydney’s voice. The emotion or words to let her know she was okay wouldn’t come. Daisy didn’t even know if she was okay.

All hope for a relationship once Nadine got clean was gone. Nadine threatening Sydney and demanding money from Daisy had hurt enough. But to be behind a kidnapping scheme that had her enslaved and drugged? And to decide if Daisy wouldn’t give her the money she’d find a way to make her produce income, well, that was unforgivable. And to hurt Ed and Kay?

Hell, everything about Nadine was unforgivable.

What if she turned out like her?

Her actions of last night made her wonder if she really wasn’t any better than her disgusting birth mother. She’d almost slept with two guys at once, just for the hell of it, and not for the first time. What did that say about her character?

Anger surfaced through the nothingness, bubbling up and then erupting as she smashed her fist into the wall. Daisy dressed, eager to make sure Kay was okay and to apologize for bringing this mess to the sweet couple. Kay had already been more like a mother to her than Nadine ever had been. Nadine had tried to take that away, just like she’d denied Daisy her love as a child.

Damn her.

She slammed her door, realizing she’d shocked everyone in the room with the noise.

“Good. You’re mad. Now stay that way.” Graham didn’t come to her. He probably figured she’d slug him. Smart man.

“You’re damn right I’m mad. How dare she?” She picked up a coffee cup, but set it down. Daisy wanted to throw something. She wanted to scream and cry.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she tried to shake off the emotions and go back to feeling numb. She didn’t want to care about anything right now. Maybe she should grab the bottle of whiskey from the cupboard and finish it off. Maybe that would help. She went to the cupboard and stopped before reaching for the handle. That had probably been the stupidest thought she’d ever had. She was stronger than Nadine.

She was stronger and she’d prove it.

“Let’s go see Kay.” She slammed the door behind her for good measure.

No one spoke on the way to the hospital. Sydney glanced into the backseat every once in a while, but never asked how she was doing. Probably a good thing. Daisy didn’t know that her answer would be very nice.

Tucker and Jace had already left. They planned to stop by the sheriff’s office before the hospital. Daisy wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what they had to say when they arrived. She didn’t want to know anything her mother said.

Kay smiled as they entered her room, the action not reaching her eyes. “I’m okay. Don’t fret.”

Sydney went over to hug her, but Daisy leaned against the wall. This was her fault. She’d brought this on these wonderful people. Now Kay would likely face the rest of her years alone because of Nadine’s selfishness.

“They won’t tell me anything about Ed. Do you think you could find out?” Kay pleaded with Graham, who nodded and left the room.

Daisy didn’t think any news he found out would be good. She didn’t know what they’d told Kay, so kept her mouth shut and tried to contain the tears that threatened.

“Come here, girl.” Kay pointed at her and patted the bed.

Daisy hesitated. Kay gave Marshal and Sydney a look that brooked no arguments. Without a word, they closed the door behind them, leaving Daisy alone with Kay.

“Listen. You had nothing to do with this. I can see you’re feeling responsible. Nadine is trash. She always was. Always will be. You’re the best thing she ever did. And like it or not, she loved you. The drugs and lifestyle made her forget. All she sees is her next fix and you as a means to achieve that. None of this is your fault.”

Daisy sat on the bed and burst into tears. “It
is
my fault. If I would have just given her some money, maybe she would have left and none of this would have happened.”

“You did the right thing. That would have only made her more determined to drain your bank accounts and the end result would have probably been the same. The loss in all of this is Nadine’s. She doesn’t know what a great daughter she gave birth to. I can only pray one day she dries up enough to realize what she’s done to you.” Kay hugged her with her un-bandaged arm.

Daisy couldn’t speak. She couldn’t fathom how this woman could be so understanding after all that had happened. What if Ed died? Would Kay change her mind about Daisy’s involvement in this whole mess?

Graham stuck his head in the door, his expression cautious. Daisy was certain the news was not good. She stayed at the edge of Kay’s bed, determined to comfort her even if Kay changed her mind about how she felt.

“Well?” Kay sounded impatient.

“He’s resting.” Graham stayed at the foot of the bed.

“Listen to me. They won’t tell me anything and they won’t let me see him. I know he had to be resuscitated at the scene. Now, damn it, tell me.” Kay gripped Daisy’s hand with a force Daisy didn’t think possible.

“He’s in critical condition. His prognosis isn’t good. I couldn’t get them to tell me anything. I had to charm one of the nurses into telling me that much.” Graham didn’t look at either one of them.

Daisy knew she should feel jealous, but she wasn’t.

“Thank you. Now help me get up so I can see him.” Kay sat up and moved her legs to the opposite side of the bed.

There was no way they would talk her out of seeing Ed. Not that Daisy would dream of doing so. She deserved to spend what little time he had left at his side. Grabbing a second hospital gown from the bedside table, she urged Kay to put her arms in it backward and tied the front.

“You should probably use this.” Graham pushed a wheelchair into the room.

“No way.” Kay took a step and faltered.

“Yes way. Sit.” Daisy threw the pillow from the bed on the seat and pointed.

After Kay positioned herself, Daisy covered her legs with the blanket and moved the IV bag to the pole attached to the chair.

“You two better go. I don’t want you getting in trouble for my stubbornness.” Kay moved the wheelchair forward but Daisy didn’t let go of the handles.

“Nope. Lead the way Graham.” For the first time since finding out what happened, Daisy actually felt more than anger and guilt. If Kay wanted to see her husband, Daisy would do whatever she could to make it happen.

A stern-faced nurse stopped them outside of Ed’s door. “No visitors.”

“Like hell. That man is my husband and I will see him.”

“You’re not supposed to be here. Go back to your room.” The nurse blocked the door as Kay stood, the blanket falling to the floor.

“I will see him. You can’t stop me.” Kay took a shaky step forward.

“I can and I will.”

Daisy stepped from behind the chair. “Excuse me. Can I speak with you for a moment?”

She moved to the other side of the hall and waited for the nurse, hoping Graham would take Kay inside while she had her occupied.

“I can’t let her in. You have to understand that. Please talk to her and explain.” The nurse at least had some compassion in her voice.

“Do you know they kept his condition from her? She was in the accident with him. She knew he had to be resuscitated. You’d deny her spending his last moments with him? That’s cruel.” Daisy used a polite, but firm tone.

“I have to follow the rules.” The woman straightened and Daisy figured security now stood behind her.

“Who’s her doctor?”

“I am.”

Daisy turned to see the same doctor who’d cared for her after the kidnapping. He didn’t appear very pleasant right now, even if he did seem surprised to see her.

“She has every right to see her husband.” Daisy ignored the nurse as she turned to face him fully.

“I don’t care that she listed you and your sister as her next of kin and decision makers, Kay is a heart attack waiting to happen. I’m afraid the shock of seeing him will be too much.” At least he sounded like he cared.

“So letting her sit alone in her room, worrying and being denied information about the man she loves is any better for her? Give me a break.”

“It’s my choice to make. Ed’s in rough shape. Seeing him like that might kill her.”

Daisy looked over his shoulder. Kay sat on the bed beside Ed, his hand in hers. “It hasn’t yet.”

He turned, started to move toward the room, and stopped with a sigh. “Not a good idea.”

“Are you married?” Daisy asked, hoping he didn’t take her question as a come on.

“No. Why?”

“Because when you love someone as much as those two do, you have to realize that they heal better when together. They’re connected by more than just years and a wedding band. Ed might not improve and he might not live, but at least they’ll both have some peace and comfort. She’ll let him know if it’s time for him to go and he won’t leave her unless she tells him to.” Daisy swallowed to keep the tears away.

“Okay,” he said with a sigh. “She can stay. I’ll have her transferred here until she’s released. If my boss has anything to say about this, I’m sending her to you so you can give her the same speech you just gave me.” He motioned to the nurse.

Daisy opened the door, the smell of impending death heavy.

Kay smiled. “Thank you.”

The sadness on her face broke Daisy’s heart. It seemed she’d been right in Ed needing Kay to give him permission to go and Daisy hated that.

Tubes of varying sizes were attached to him everywhere. Monitors, IVs, and breathing equipment filled the room and the enormity of the damage her mother caused hit her hard. She breathed deep, not wanting to lose her composure here when Kay needed every ounce of strength for Ed.

“He’s okay.” Kay wiped the tears from her eyes. “He’s going to be fine.”

Daisy watched as Ed squeezed his wife’s hand. A sense of peace filled her. Maybe he would live.

The door opened and the same argumentative nurse stepped in. “I apologize for my rudeness. His doctor gave permission for you to stay. I’ll get your bed set up in a minute.”

“Thank you. He’s going to be okay. I think.” Kay moved back to let the woman check the papers shooting from the machines.

The nurse shook her head and held up a strip of paper. “I think you might be right. His blood pressure has stabilized.”

“You two do need to go. I’ve broken enough rules for one day.”

Kay beamed and moved to hug her before she left. “Thank you. If it wasn’t for you and whatever you said to the doctor, Ed would be gone by now.”

Daisy didn’t know if she’d go so far as to believe that, but Kay certainly seemed to. She kissed Kay’s cheek and went into the hall with Graham. Sydney and Marshal waited just outside the door.

“What did you do?” Sydney grinned.

Daisy shook her head. “She had to be with Ed. I just helped. She’d have done it with or without me.”

“You did a good thing. If we were at any other hospital they would have arrested you.” Sydney laughed. Stopping when she must have realized what she said. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know you didn’t. It’s okay. I’d gladly go to jail if it meant making sure Kay and Ed were okay. As long as they don’t put me in a cell with Nadine, that is. Otherwise, I’d probably spend the rest of my days in prison.” She didn’t elaborate. Sydney knew what she meant.

“Let’s go home.” Sydney hooked her arm with Daisy’s.

Back at the campground, the amount of work they’d neglected seemed like a lead weight around her neck. Every time they decided to try to open early, tragedy happened. Maybe someone was trying to tell them something. What, Daisy couldn’t say.

She needed to work on the advertising and website. And then she realized they didn’t have phone service yet. She had no contact number to put down on any of the ads. A phone company truck pulled in.

“Who called them?” Daisy looked out the office window.

Sydney shrugged. “I haven’t had time.”

“I did,” a familiar voice said, and she spun around to find her dad. And her mom.

Daisy burst into tears.

The next thing she knew, they had her wrapped into a three-way hug. “Sydney called us. We just wanted you to know that no matter what, we’re always here for you. You’re our daughter by choice and you always will be.”

Daisy cried even harder. They had chosen her when they could have easily insisted Nadine take her back. They’d protected her when Nadine tried to reclaim her.

“Thank you,” she somehow managed through the sobs.

Sydney nudged her way into the family circle. “I called them. I didn’t know what else to do. You wouldn’t respond.”

“I’m glad you did.” Daisy hugged each of them.

When she got to her dad, she stopped. “You’re going to die here. What about your allergies?”

He smiled and shook his head. “Nah. I saw the doctor before we left. He gave me a shot and a prescription. And one of those allergy pen things in case I get stung or something.”

“I can’t believe you’re here. And you called the phone company.”

“Sydney told us the highlights. When we got here and realized how close you were to opening, we wanted to help. You girls have done an incredible job. It looks better than the last year Gramps was open.” Her mom let out a sad sigh.

“Your contractor left this.” Her dad held an envelope.