Page 16 of Deadly Holiday
“Guar…” The word slurring, Ortega’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body pitched forward, landing on top of the cart. The two nurses rushed to Olivia’s side while Dr. Kyan helped Celina roll Ortega’s body off the cart and into a chair, drawing a curtain shut around him.
“Olivia,” Celina breathed, dropping to her knees beside her friend. Dr. Kyan followed, gingerly touching the wound with probing fingers. Olivia groaned, her eyes fluttering. “Talk to me, Olivia. Are you all right?”
“Ouch.” She grimaced, struggling into a sitting position. “I’m going to have one hell of a headache in the morning, but yeah, I think so.”
The door burst open and Cooper and Mitch scrambled in, followed by armed men dressed in SWAT combat gear.
The cavalry had arrived.
The next few minutes were a complete blur, but somehow Celina found herself downstairs, Novia safely in her arms as she watched Ortega’s men being hustled outside. Basilio followed shortly behind, under the watchful eyes of the taskforce, and the glittering rage in his eyes as he passed made Celina turn away.
“So, what happens now?” Olivia asked. She stood with Victor in the hallway, her eyes following the flurry of activity. The normally stoic FBI Director had gone from cool as a cucumber to coming completely unglued when he’d learned Olivia had been injured. He’d practically knocked Cooper out of the way just to get to her. Other than the likely bruise she would have in the morning, Dr. Kyan said Olivia would make a full recovery. Victor had been hovering over her ever since.
“With what?” Celina asked, snuggling into Cooper’s side. Novia was wide awake and mystified by the activity going on, her little eyes bright and curious.
“Jana. What will happen with her now?”
“Child Services will be coming in to handle Jana’s care and medical treatments.” Dr. Kyan approached, looking weary but determined. “I also give you my word that shewillreceive the bone marrow transplant she so desperately needs. She’s been through a lot, but I want to make sure she gets her very best chance at life. She deserves that much.”
Victor withdrew a business card from his suit pocket, handing it to the doctor. “Can you give this card to Child Services and have them contact me? Once she is well enough to be released, I would like to help find her a stable home.”
Dr. Kyan’s eyes widened, sparkling suspiciously. “That’s very kind of you, Director.” She blinked rapidly for a moment, pausing to clear her throat. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
Ronni and Thomas came through a set of swinging doors, the last of the taskforce to give their statement for the evening.
“Phew, what a night!” Ronni fanned her face for effect. “The lead detective said we’re done for now, and he’ll call if he has any other questions. I don’t know about you guys, but I sure could use a drink.”
“That’s actually a great idea. Why don’t you all come over,” Cooper agreed, much to Celina’s surprise. Since when was Cooper the after-party type? He caught her look, and his smile faded. “Is that okay with you?”
Celina nodded, shaking off her suspicions. Of course everyone should come over for a drink, it’d been a long night. “Absolutely. Everyone is invited,” she added, nodding towards Olivia, who blushed when Victor leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
Celina buttoned a gurgling Novia into her coat while Cooper gathered their things. The baby wasn’t keen on leaving all the action behind to go outside, but a few minutes in the car and she was out like a light. Celina leaned her head against the headrest, closing her eyes. What a night. She was exhausted, and every bone in her body ached. She couldn’t wait to get home and soak in a nice, hot bath.
“Are you sure it’s all right everyone comes over? I’m sorry, sweetheart. I should have asked.”
Celina opened an eye to look at Cooper, cracking a smile. “Of course it’s fine. I was just surprised. It’s not like you to invite everyone over at the spur of the moment.”
A grimace passed his face, replaced quickly with a grin. “Who knows, maybe I’m turning over a new leaf. You’ve been telling me The Beast needs to lighten up a bit.”
“Yes, but since when does he listen to me?” Celina laughed.
“It is the holidays,” Cooper said. “Miracles can happen.”
They pulled into their driveway a few minutes later, and to Celina’s surprise, all the lights in the house were on. And after the night they’d just had, it put her on high alert. “Coop? Why are the lights on?”
“Don’t worry.” Cooper winked, climbing from the driver’s seat to unbuckle the sleeping baby in the back. Wordlessly Celina followed him up the front walk, stopping dead in her tracks when a mini-version of Cooper threw open the door, shouting, “Welcome home!”
