The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke

Chapter Twenty-Four

"Have you heard anything?” Cyndi did her best to ignore the stares of the small crowd hovering around the couple.

"Where have you been? We've been waiting to talk to you.” She could see the fear on Dani's face and hear it in her voice.

Cyndi motioned to the big double doors. “The doctor needed to check me out.” She didn't tell them about her own injury. It was nothing compared to Shamus's.

"What happened?” Burke's low voice carried easily across the room.

"I've got to sit down,” she mumbled as she made her way to one of the orange vinyl chairs. She was rapidly getting shakier on her feet. The last thing she wanted to do was collapse in a heap.

Dani and Burke followed her. Dani sat in the seat next to her, while Burke pulled up a chair and parked it directly in front of her. She could have told them they didn't have to worry about her leaving. She wasn't going anywhere.

"Have you heard from Patrick?"

If it were possible, Burke's scowl got even deeper and blacker. “He called when we were on our way here. He told us about the fire and the shooting."

"Shamus could have been killed,” Dani whispered brokenly.

Cyndi didn't deny the allegation because it was true. Shamus had been in danger because someone wanted her out of the way.

"I'm sorry.” The words were inadequate, but they were all she had. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her purse.

"You're sorry,” Dani choked out. “That's all you can say. You're sorry."

"What do you want me to say?” She was weary of the condemnation, tired of having to defend herself, and worried sick about Shamus. Tipping back her head, she closed her eyes, as a wave of exhaustion washed over her.

"I've been trying to accept your relationship for Shamus's sake. I'm not sure you're as bad as you used to be. You may even have changed for the better.” Dani's eyes filled with tears. “But Shamus is my brother. I practically raised him, and his relationship with you is hurting him. I just can't stand by and watch—” She broke off on a sob.

"Dani.” Burke was obviously trying to calm his wife, but it wasn't working.

"You know it's true."

"Getting upset isn't going to help Shamus,” Burke murmured.

Cyndi felt the air shift in front of her and managed to open her eyes. Burke was leading Dani away, leaving her on the far side of the waiting room all by herself, as the rest of the family and concerned friends congregated on the other.

Fine. She was used to being alone. Used to being the one on the outside. It had been this way for most of her life.

Patrick came in a few minutes later and went straight to the nurses’ desk. After conferring with them briefly, he went to his family, hugging his sister and brother-in-law. Cyndi looked away as he talked to each person there in turn, feeling even more ostracized.

"You okay?” She hadn't heard him come up beside her, but Patrick stood staring down at her. Not for the first time, she noticed the strong resemblance between the brothers and it brought tears to her eyes.

She blinked them back and nodded. “I'm fine. Did they tell you anything?” She motioned toward the nurses.

"No. Just that he's still in surgery. They expect the doctor to be down soon though."

"That's...” She swallowed hard. “That's good. Isn't it?"

Patrick didn't answer her. “I'll need to get a full statement tomorrow morning."

"Fine.” She felt weary to her bones, but she'd drag herself down to the sheriff's office as soon as she left the hospital.

"Looks like most of the damage is in the kitchen area of your house. From what the Fire Marshal could tell me, it appears as if there was some kind of homemade incendiary device tossed through the window. That's what you heard exploding. They'll know more when it cools down enough for them to sift through."

Cyndi nodded. She didn't care about the house at the moment. Maybe tomorrow she would. Or the day after. But not now.

"The downstairs mainly has smoke damage and that can be cleaned."

"Fine,” she said because Patrick seemed to expect her to say something.

He started to say something, but broke off when the big double doors opened again and a tired looking doctor strode out. They were all on their feet. “O'Rourke family?” he asked as he came toward them.

"Yes. I'm his sister.” Dani stepped forward with Burke on one side and Patrick on the other. Cyndi hurried over to stand behind them. Leaning forward, she strained to hear what the doctor had to say.

"We removed the bullet and there doesn't seem to be any major damage. He'll need therapy, but he should be back to normal in about six to eight weeks. We'll keep him here for three or four days to watch for infection, but after that, he should be able to go home as long as there is someone to help him."

"He'll come home with us, of course.” Dani assured the doctor. “After all, we're his family."

What could Cyndi say to that? Nothing.

"You can see him in about a half hour or so when we get him settled into his room, but only for a few minutes and only family. He needs rest more than anything else."

Cyndi's heart dropped at the “only family". She knew then that they wouldn't let her see him. She had no rights as far as they or the hospital were concerned. The fact that she loved him more than anything and would gladly change places with him, didn't matter in the slightest.

She groped her way back to her chair and sank down onto it. Once again, the family and friends retreated to the far side of the room. Shamus would be fine. That was all that mattered. She told herself that over and over again until she finally started to believe it. Knowing there was no point in her staying, she pushed herself back to her feet and went to the nurses’ desk.

Barbara Johnson watched her approach and she could see the pity in the other woman's eyes. Everyone in the waiting room had heard what Dani had said. “If I call, will you tell me how he is? Can you tell me?” She didn't want to get the nurse in trouble, not when she'd been so kind.

"Just ask for me when you call. I'm covering part of another shift, so I get off at noon. I'm on days off then, but I'll leave a note at the desk asking the other nurses to let you know his condition. It's the best I can do."

"Thank you.” Clutching her purse to her chest, she turned and made her way outside. Nobody called after her or tried to stop her. She was mildly surprised to see that the sun was rising up over the horizon. A uniformed officer was just pulling out of the parking lot and she flagged him down.

"Ma'am?” He rolled down his window and eyed her dirty clothes, but didn't comment. By now, Cyndi figured at least half the town knew what had happened last night.

"The sheriff said for me to go to the station and give my statement.” She didn't have any way to drive herself as her car was still parked in the driveway at home.

"Yes, ma'am.” Leaning over, he opened the passenger door. Cyndi slowly made her way around and climbed in. They were both silent on the ride to the station. Once inside, the kind deputy got her a cup of coffee and proceeded to take her statement. When it was signed, she was free to go.

Beyond exhausted, she put one foot in front of the other as she made her way to the door. She had to go home. She needed a shower and clean clothing. Then she had to call the hospital and see if anyone would tell her Shamus's condition. After that, she supposed, she'd worry about the house. She wasn't even sure the authorities would let her back in the house yet. Even if they wouldn't, she could at least get her car. Thankfully, her keys were in her purse.

She stood outside, soaking up the early morning sunshine. It was late October, but the air was unseasonably warm. Cyndi was grateful for the heat. She felt so cold.

The town was just coming alive for the day. Traffic was beginning to move up and down Main Street and folks were starting their day. Cyndi felt utterly removed from all of them. Was she kidding herself to think she'd ever be accepted as a part of Jamesville, that people would ever forgive her past and her family's nasty legacy? She didn't know and, at this moment, she was too tired to worry about it. All the fight was gone, replaced by a deep well of emptiness.

A car pulled up next to the curb as she went down the steps to the sidewalk. “Are you all right?” Cyndi was surprised to see Alicia hurrying toward her. “I just heard over at the diner that your house was burned and that Shamus was shot."

"News travels fast.” She'd expected it, but even she was surprised by just how fast it had happened.

"Jessie saw you heading into the sheriff's office when she went into work this morning. Several of the volunteer firefighters have already been in this morning. They were all too willing to share."

Cyndi nodded. “Shamus had surgery, but the doctor said he's going to be fine."

"That's great.” Alicia took her by the arm and led her to the passenger side of her car. “Do you want to stop by the hospital before I take you home?"

Cyndi shook her head as she climbed in the car. Alicia closed the door and hurried around to the driver's side and sliding in. “Cyndi?"

"They won't let me see him.” It hurt to actually say the words out loud.

"Who won't?” Alicia frowned as she started her car and pulled away from the curb.

"The doctor said family only. I think it's fair to say Shamus's family doesn't include me in that group."

"That's not right,” Alicia protested.

Cyndi was too tired to fight. “It's their right, and I really can't blame them. I've caused that family enough grief. The fact is I'm sleeping with Shamus, but his family would rather I wasn't."

Alicia snorted. “You're in love with the man."

"That obvious?” Cyndi gave a tired laugh that was half sob.

"Only to those with of us with eyes.” Alicia glanced over at her before returning her eyes to the road. “He loves you too."

"I know he does, but that doesn't erase all the trouble I've brought him or his family."

The house came into view and Cyndi was glad to see it. There were still several official looking vehicles around the house. An officer strode up to the car when Alicia parked. “I'm sorry, but this house is off limits."

"My client is the owner of this property.” Alicia spoke up before Cyndi could summon up enough energy to do so.

"Yes, ma'am.” The officer stepped back. “The sheriff and Fire Marshal said it was okay for Ms. Marks to go inside as long as she stayed away from the back part of the house. The upstairs is fine. They figured Ms. Marks might want to get some of her clothing and belongings, but she can't stay here until after the investigation is complete."

"How long will that take?” Cyndi followed the officer up the path to the house.

"Hopefully, only a day or two. But it's gonna take a while to repair the damage to the kitchen.” He opened the door and ushered her inside, calling over his shoulder. “You have to wait outside, ma'am."

Cyndi realized that Alicia was behind them. “You don't have to wait. I'm going to pack a few things and go check into the Jamesville Motel.” It wasn't as if there was much choice on where to stay in Jamesville.

"You're sure? I can wait and drive you."

Cyndi summoned a smile for the other woman. “I'm sure. I'll need my car and you've already done enough. Thank you."

Alicia appeared concerned, but resigned. “It's no problem. Promise me you'll call if you need anything."

"Promise."

Alicia nodded and started back to her car as Cyndi walked inside her house. The acrid smell of smoke filled her lungs, reminding her of the terror of last night. Ignoring it as best she could, she made her way up the stairs and into her bedroom. The bedcovers were in a heap from their mad scramble of the night before.

The deputy shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. “I'll just wait here and carry down your luggage."

"Thank you.” Cyndi appreciated his offer. She wasn't sure she had strength enough to do it herself at the moment. Her head was pounding, and her arm was starting to ache as the pain medication they'd given her at the hospital began to wear off. She looked away from the bed and went to the closet, pulling out her suitcase. It didn't take her long to fill it. Thankfully, her bedroom was on the opposite end of the house from the kitchen and her clothing didn't seem to smell of smoke.

She went into the bathroom and gathered her toiletries, her eyes filling as she spied Shamus's razor and toothbrush on the counter. Swiping the tears from her eyes, she hurried back to the bedroom and tossed her belongings inside. She only needed enough for a couple of days. She'd buy anything she missed. Zipping the case closed, she motioned to the deputy.

"That all?"

She nodded, but at the last second, detoured by the bed and grabbed Shamus's pillow, tucking it under her arm. The deputy carried her suitcase down the stairs and out of the house. She followed close behind him. He loaded her luggage into her trunk, slamming it shut.

"You're headed for the Jamesville Motel?” he asked as he ambled up to stand beside her.

"Yes.” She carefully lowered herself into the driver's seat.

"I'll tell the sheriff.” He kept one hand on the door.

"You do that.” She started the car, ignoring the fact that the car door was still wide open. “Thank you again for your help."

Taking the hint, the deputy shut the door and watched her drive away. Cyndi kept all her concentration on the road as she made the short trip to the Jamesville Motel.

She dragged her luggage into the motel behind her, ignoring the various aches and pains in her body. It didn't take her long to check in and within minutes, she was ensconced inside a room. It wasn't the most inspiring place in the world. The decor hadn't changed since the seventies, but it was clean and functional.

Shutting the door, she slung her purse onto the bed and eased her tired body down beside it. She dug out her cell phone and called the hospital. It took awhile, but someone finally told her that the patient was stable and that visiting was still strictly for family only. Hanging up, she struggled to keep her anger and despair at bay.

Knowing there was another call she had to make, she dialed the familiar number. It was answered on the third ring. “Hello?"

"Morning, Aunt Verna."

"Cyndi. I was just thinking about you."

The love and caring in the older woman's voice was too much for her. Cyndi burst into tears. Between sobs, she poured out the entire story from start to finish. Verna listened and when Cyndi was done, she took action. “I'll be there by this evening."

Cyndi sniffed, swiping at her face with her hands. Her eyes were swollen and she had a splitting headache. “There's really nothing you can do."

"I can be with you."

"Thank you.” She gave a tearful laugh. “I can always depend on you."

And don't you forget it.” Her voice softened. “Once Shamus regains consciousness, he'll ask for you. Don't worry."

"I'm not,” she lied because, truthfully, she was worried. Maybe this would be too much for him to handle and she truly wouldn't blame him if it was. But deep inside, she prayed her aunt was right.

"See you soon,” her aunt promised.

When the call ended, Cyndi tossed her phone aside. She needed a bath desperately, but she was so tired. Promising herself she'd just close her eyes for a second, she stretched out on the mattress, grabbed Shamus's pillow and cuddled into it.

His heady, masculine scent was still there and she snuggled tighter as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. The last thing she remembered was telling herself she needed to get up.