Page 95 of Risky Move

For a moment of panic, Cassie did not know where she’d awakened. She felt the bed and the piles of scattered clothes and then remembered that she’d taken everything over to Lauren and Dave’s home. Her dreams had revolved around the twins. Images of Daniel and Jenna tumbling into the pool ran on a constant loop. Cassie desperately tried to save both, taking turns blowing air into their tiny lungs. Neither showed signs of responding, so Cassie switched to two breaths each turn. She felt her heart thud against her chest, the physical sensation causing her to wake with a start, but the dream’s images hung in front of her eyes like photos on a wall.

So, yesterday really happened—not a nightmare…I hope Danny’s out of danger. It’s way too late to ask Lauren if she’s heard anything new. Hang on, my little tough guy. Can’t bear to think about the panic you felt when you fell into the water. I should have been there, Danny. I’m so, so sorry.

Cassie flipped on the bedside lamp and saw the bottle of water that Lauren must have brought in after she’d fallen asleep…passed out?Either way, she drank it gratefully.

After refolding and organizing the clothes on the bed, Cassie stored them in the empty dresser Lauren had indicated. Swallowing a yawn, Cassie picked up her travel bag and emptied it.My phone. Thought I’d left it at the Chadwick’s.Dead. My charger? Who knows?

She remembered that Dave and Lauren kept an extra charger in the kitchen, so she tiptoed across the house with her phone. She plugged it in and made sure she muted the sound.Don’t need my mother’s ringtone blasting everyone awake. How long can I dodge her?

Cassie picked up another water bottle, then her stomach rumbled when she spied the covered bread from the Italian dinner. She tore a large piece, wrapped it in a paper towel, and returned to her room. She needed time to think.

* * *

Late the next morning, Cassie forced herself to get out of bed. The hot shower did not wash away the guilt, remorse, or fear for Daniel’s safety. Quickly dressing in a T-shirt and jeans, Cassie wandered down the hallway toward the kitchen. She knew Dave had probably gone to morning skate and wondered who spoke with Lauren. A few steps further and Cassie stopped, recognizing Tom’s voice.What’s he doing here? Does this mean Daniel’s home from the hospital? Can I face him?

She turned to retreat to her room but stopped when she heard her name mentioned. She eavesdropped for a few moments.

“Yeah, an ambulance chaser tried to give his card to Andrew. When he declined, the guy didn’t give up. He told Andrew he should think about the potential medical bills and suggested a meeting to go over options.”

“What options?” Lauren asked quietly.

“Lawsuit for damages, pressing charges…”

“Cassie didn’t break a law, did she? It was an accident. Do we need to get a lawyer?”

“When the lawyer pushed Andrew, he told him to leave—he has no intention of suing, and as far as he’s concerned, the idea of pressing charges is absurd.”

“I can understand the lawsuit idea. But, did the police talk to either Caryn or Andrew?”

“No, and don’t worry about either scenario. Caryn overheard the conversation and said she would call security if the lawyer didn’t leave.”

“That’s the last thing they need. I never considered that the police might get involved.” Lauren’s voice sounded shaky to Cassie.

“Not unless the physician suspects abuse or neglect of any kind. Here, we all know that’s a non-starter.”

* * *

Cassie walked back to her room and took a few minutes to compose herself.Even though it was an accident, I acted irresponsibly. “Negligence?” Is that the term lawyers use? “Child endangerment?” Wouldn’t blame either Andrew or Caryn if they reported me.Cassie’s mind wandered to Amelie, wondering what she’d said when she found Caryn at the spa.Maybe I’ll call her later,or she’ll get in touch with me.

But Tom? She now faced her worst nightmare. Once Caryn and Andrew “gave their blessings” to their relationship, she felt confident she’d do nothing to jeopardize her job or come between Tom and his family.But I managed to screw things up. Big time. Why did I ever trust Amie to watch both Jenna and Daniel? Caryn and I have trouble keeping up with them. Amelie couldn’t be expected to handle both. Incredibly stupid, Johnson. I also didn’t check the door to the pool after Amelie came inside. Andrew’s right—I was distracted, obviously.

Tom most likely regrets getting into a relationship with me. No doubt he’s infuriated with me, just like Andrew. Danny’s his nephew. He’ll question my judgment—rightfully. Too young, too immature…a wake-up call he didn’t expect.Cassie didn’t want him to feel obligated to stand by her, jeopardize his relationship with Andrew’s family.Tom needs to support Andrew, not me.

Cassie looked around the bedroom at Lauren’s office. Will Lauren’s relationship with Caryn suffer? What about their company?Everything’s upside-down because of my stupidity and carelessness.Maybe the best thing I can do is move away—not be a constant reminder of Daniel’s near-death?

Cassie glanced at the suitcases, still packed with clothes. Tempting to pack her car and drive away…somewhere? Vancouver? Definitely not an option. She could accept the offer at the university in Toronto—maybe visit Europe in the interim? How could she stay in Tampa—a constant reminder of how close they came to losing Danny?

52

Cassie stared at the hummingbird feeder near the bedroom window, taking deep, measured breaths.I wish I’d taken that meditation class in Vancouver. Maybe then I could clear my mind? Escape this nightmare for even five minutes.

Lauren knocked and opened the door a crack. “May I...?”

“Of course, come in. How’s Danny? Anything new?”

“Daniel’s showing no signs of any after-effects. I’m so proud you remembered your first aid training and took that lifeguard certification course.”

“Maybe I can get a job as a lifeguard.” Cassie’s attempt at humor felt flat.

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