Chapter Four

Josie

That had to be the longest six hours of my life.

I wish I could have spent it all by Drew’s side, but Maisie needed to be fed and changed, and when she started to grizzle, Drew’s brother turned to me, a worried expression on his face.

“W—What shall we do?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take her up to maternity.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. You stay with your brother.”

I wanted to stay myself, but Maisie needed me, and I knew Drew would have wanted me to care for his daughter, so I took her upstairs, where the staff on the maternity department were happy to help, finding me a small side room, where one of the midwives brought me some pre-made formula, a sterilized bottle, and some diapers. She left me to it, assuming I’d know what to do, and I’ll admit, I was at a bit of a loss, never having attempted anything like it before. It all came naturally in the end, though, and I sat with Maisie in a chair by the window, while she took her bottle. I stared into space, thinking about what had happened, trying not to cry for Lexi, and for Maisie… and not to worry about Drew. It was all too overwhelming… too much to contemplate.

After Maisie had finished her milk, I changed her. She seemed tired, but I didn’t wait for her to go to sleep and instead took her back to the ER, where Drew was still unconscious.

“Is everything okay?” Hunter said as I entered the room again.

“Everything’s fine. I think she’ll fall asleep soon.”

He nodded his head, looking down at her as he sighed. I glanced at his wife, who he’d introduced as Livia not long after their arrival. She was looking worried and tired, even though she smiled at me.

“We’re very grateful to you for helping with Maisie.”

I half expected her to come and take her niece from me, but she didn’t. She looked at Hunter with tears in her eyes, and he went to her, holding her in his arms, while I focused on Maisie, whose eyes were fluttering closed.

I didn’t mind helping. On the contrary, I was grateful for the excuse to stick around.

Drew’s eyes remained closed the entire time, his perfect face a picture of peace and calm. I wondered what I’d do when he woke up… how I’d explain my presence. He’d be bound to wonder, and I knew I’d have to come clean, to confess the connection between us to his family. And, of course, they’d be bound to ask why I’d stayed quiet about it in the meantime.

Naturally, what no-one anticipated was that when Drew finally opened his eyes, he’d have no memory of any of us… or of who he is. That came as a tremendous shock to all of us. I could see the fear in his eyes and wanted to go to him, to tell him it would be all right. I couldn’t, though. Doctor Walters ushered us all out of the room before I got the chance. At least he asked my opinion first, about whether he should call in someone from the Neurotrauma department. And I had to agree that he should, because Drew’s reaction isn’t normal. Not by anyone’s standards.

“What’s happening?” Hunter sounds worried and I look up at him, the four of us standing outside the door of Drew’s room.

“Your brother seems to be suffering from amnesia.” Doctor Walters’s reply is a little condescending and I roll my eyes, although no-one notices.

Hunter glares down at him. “I’d worked that much out for myself. What I want to know is, is it permanent?”

“It’s highly unlikely. In cases like this, it’s more common for patients to suffer with short-term memory loss, not total memory loss. Even so, I’d expect it to pass, although it’s impossible to say how long it will take.” He turns to me. “Is Doctor Sweeney here, do you know?”

“He was earlier, but I guess he might have gone home by now.”

“I’ll see if I can find out.”

He hurries away and Hunter turns to me. I half expect him to fire more questions at me, but he doesn’t. Instead, he looks down at Maisie and holds out his hands, taking her from me.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done. I’m sure you’ve got other duties you need to get back to.”

I shake my head. “No. I don’t even work in the ER. I work in the Neurotrauma department.”

He nestles Maisie in his arms. She’s still sleeping and doesn’t seem worried by the move. “Neurotrauma? Isn’t that what the doctor just said?”

“Yes.”

“So you deal with cases like Drew’s?”

“I do. I’ve only been in the department for about a year, but we have patients with memory problems coming in quite often.”

“And they recover?”

I wonder how to reply, knowing recovery can take many forms. “Some of them.” He frowns and I know I have to reassure him… tell him more. “Give it time, Mr. Bennett. I know it’s hard, and you want results, or at the very least, you want answers. But at this stage, there are none.”

He stares at me for a moment and then nods his head. “So, if you don’t work here, how did you come to be looking after Maisie?”

I feel myself blush, wondering whether to tell the truth, but deciding against it. He’ll only wonder why I’ve waited until now to say something. “I—I was passing on my way home, and offered to help.”

“But that must have been hours ago.”

“Yes, but it’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Maisie opens her eyes, looking straight up at him, and immediately starts crying. “Oh, hell.”

“Shall I take her?” I offer.

“I’d love to say ‘yes’ to that, but I think it’ll be more sensible if we get her home. It’s not practical for you to stay here and look after her indefinitely. God knows when Drew’s going to remember who he is, or that he’s got a daughter, and Maisie needs to be somewhere she can be cared for properly.” He looks over at Livia. “Can you take her?”

She sucks in a breath and nods her head. “Of course I can.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I hate asking you to do this by yourself, but I need to stay here with Drew.”

She reaches out, her hand on his bicep, looking up into his eyes. “It’s okay. I understand.”

She takes Maisie from him, cradling her in her arms. “I know it’s a longer drive, but take her back to Newport,” he says. “The apartment is impractical, and you’ll have help down there. I’ll call Pat and get her and Mick to move Maisie’s things from the cottage into the main house.”

“Mac will help, won’t he?”

“I’m sure he will, and I’ll ask Pat to get in some supplies… some formula and bottles, and diapers. I’m sure Drew has clothes for Maisie, but if not, we’ll get some.” He rests his hand on his niece’s head. “Heaven knows how long we’re gonna be looking after this little one.”

Livia looks like she’s about to burst into tears, her eyes glistening and almost brimming over, although she suddenly bites on her bottom lip, looking up at her husband.

“I don’t have a car seat for her.”

I step forward. “There was one at the nurse’s station. I’m guessing that’s hers.”

Hunter nods his head, and we all wander back in that direction. I notice a man sitting in the seats opposite, his dark head bent, although I can make out his handsome, tanned features well enough. He looks dejected, his shoulders sagging, his hands resting on his knees, but I don’t stop. Instead, I go behind the desk, picking up the car seat. Orla’s typing on the computer and she looks up at me.

“This belongs to the Bennett baby, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

I nod my head and take it back to Hunter, handing it over to him. “Thanks,” he says with a smile. He turns to his wife. “I’ll come out with you and fit this, and once you’ve gone, I’ll call Ella and let her know what’s going on with Drew. She’ll kill me if I don’t keep her updated… and then I’ll speak to Pat.”

“Okay.” She smiles up at him. “I’m glad we drove here in my car. I wouldn’t have relished the prospect of driving back to Newport in yours.” He caresses her cheek with his fingertips, and then turns to me.

“I’ll be back in a minute. Will you still be here?”

“I can hang on, if you want.”

“Would you mind? It’s just, as Neurotrauma is your thing, it would be good to have someone around who can help me understand what’s going on.”

“That’s fine.”

He nods his head, smiling his thanks, and accompanies Livia to the main doors, his hand in the small of her back, their heads bent together. I turn to find Orla looking up at me.

“Can I assume Mr. Bennett’s family don’t know who you are, either?”

“You can.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

Not one I’m going to explain . “It’s a long story.” I lean over the desk, so I can whisper, “Is the guy behind me Manuel Ortega?”

“Yes, he is. How did you know?”

Because he looks Spanish and like he’d be very at home in front of a camera. “Call it a lucky guess.”

She nods. “He’s only been here for about ten minutes. God knows how long he’ll be waiting for Doctor Walters, though. We’ve just been notified of another serious RTA. We’re expecting five major casualties and several minors.”

“I can talk to him, if you like.”

“Would you? It seems unfair to just leave the poor guy sitting there.”

I couldn’t agree more, and I turn away, wandering over to the seats. The man is looking up now and I wonder if he witnessed Hunter and Livia’s departure, maybe recognized Maisie, or heard her name.

“Mr. Ortega?” He focuses on me and nods his head, getting to his feet. He’s tall… around the same height as Drew and has an athletic build. His tanned features are worn with worry, and his dark brown eyes are filled with sadness.

“Yes. I’m waiting for the doctor.” There’s only a trace of a Spanish accent in his deep voice, and I can understand straight away what Lexi would have seen in him. He’s lovely.

“I know. Unfortunately, there have been some complications… and another emergency.” I step away, pointing to the relatives’ room. “Would you like to come with me? We can talk in here. It’s quieter.” And I have things to say I don’t want anyone else to overhear.

He nods his head, and I lead the way, opening the door and stepping inside. He follows and I close the door behind me, offering him a seat, which he takes. I sit beside him and he turns to face me, tilting his head. I’d already decided to come clean with him, but even if I hadn’t, the look in his eyes is enough to make me want to. He needs to know the truth.

“My name is Josie, Mr. Ortega. I’m Lexi’s sister.”

His mouth drops open, his eyes widening. “Y—You’re Josie?”

“Yes.”

He glances at my uniform, and then at the door. “You were here when she was brought in?”

“No. I don’t work in this department.” I cough, gathering myself together. “Have you been told what happened?”

He nods his head. “Yes. The woman who called me said Lexi had been killed in a car accident.” He brushes his fingers back through his dark hair, messing it up. “I—I can’t believe this is happening.”

“I know. It’s a lot to take in.”

“It is for you, too.” I can’t deny that. “D—Did she tell you about us?”

“Yes, she did.”

“I know we hadn’t been together for every long, but Lexi was… she was everything…” He stops talking, his voice catching, and he takes a moment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s fine, honestly.”

“I—I saw her baby, just now.”

“Yes.”

“She’s okay, isn’t she?”

“Yes. Not a scratch on her.”

“The man and woman who took Maisie away… are they related to her father?”

“Yes. They’re going to look after her for the time being.”

“Is he…? Drew Bennett, I mean… is he…?”

“He survived the crash, but as I said just now, there are complications.”

“He’s gonna be okay, though?” I can hear the worry in his voice and it makes me want to cry.

“He’ll be fine.” He has to be.

He sighs out his relief. “I wish I’d done things differently, you know?”

“In what way?”

“I wish I hadn’t been so jealous. I knew she didn’t love him. She told me so herself, but…” He shakes his head. “He did so much for her. Did you know he paid off the mortgage on her apartment?”

“No, I didn’t.” I’m surprised, although it sounds like the kind of thing Drew would do.

“He paid her an allowance, too. Anything she wanted, he did it for her, and I’m ashamed to say, I didn’t react well to that. I saw it as interference, and I hated them seeing so much of each other. But I should’ve… I should’ve listened to her. She said…” A tear hits his cheek, and he wipes it away. “She said she loved me.”

“I’m sure she did. Lexi and I weren’t that close, but she wouldn’t have lied about something like that.”

He nods his head. “Thank you for saying that.” He clears his throat. “She… she told me she wanted to build some bridges with you.”

“I know. She told me so herself.”

“She explained to me once about her father, and your mother, and that you barely spoke. I—I know she regretted it.”

“I do too.” Especially now.

He frowns, his face darkening. “Has her father been told?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“I suppose I’d better find his number and call him.”

“I—I can arrange for someone here to do it, if you’d prefer.” It won’t be me, but I’m sure Orla, or someone else, could make the call.

He looks up, his eyes connecting with mine, an even deeper sadness reflecting back at me. “Would you mind? I’m not sure I could talk to him and stay civil.”

I know I couldn’t and I nod my head. “I’ll speak to someone.”

“Thank you. I—I don’t know if Lexi told you this, but her father rejected her when she found out she was pregnant.”

“She mentioned it, yes, although neither of us understood why.”

“I never said anything about this to Lexi, but I sometimes wondered if I wasn’t the only one who suffered from jealousy.”

“You think her father was jealous? What of?”

“The baby. He’d had Lexi to himself for years. Having a baby was going to take her away from him… or at least give her someone else to focus on, and if the story she told me about your mother was true, I don’t think he was very good at sharing.”

“No… no he wasn’t.”

His idea makes sense, and I wonder why I never thought of it myself.

He lets out a long sigh. “Can I see her?”

“You want to?”

“I need to say goodbye. Her father will probably arrange the funeral. I doubt he’ll even let me attend… or you, for that matter.”

I suddenly feel quite sick. I hadn’t thought about that, but what he’s saying is true. Lexi’s father is bound to take charge the moment he knows, and he won’t want me anywhere near her funeral. Even so, there’s no way I can see Lexi myself. I’ve witnessed the aftermath of too many accidents to want to see the results of this one. Besides, I’d rather remember my sister how she was.

“I—I suppose not,” I say. “I can arrange for someone to take you to see her, if you want.”

“Thank you.”

He goes back to staring at his hands, and I can’t think of anything else to say. Certainly there’s nothing that’ll make him feel better, so I get up and leave the room.

Outside, Orla is still sitting at the desk and I go over to her. She looks up, giving me a friendly smile. “How did it go?”

“Okay. I told him who I am, and we talked. I—I think it helped.”

“You, or him?”

“Both of us. He says he wants to see her.”

“Your sister?”

“Yes. But I—I can’t. I can’t do it, Orla.”

She rests her hand, just briefly, on my arm. “Hey… it’s okay. I’ll handle it.”

“Thanks… and there’s something else.”

“What’s that?”

“Lexi’s father. He should probably be told what’s happened.”

“I didn’t realize there was a father.”

I nod my head. “Hmm… they haven’t spoken for a while, but it seems only fair.”

“You don’t wanna tell him yourself?”

“No.” My answer is quick, my voice louder than I’d expected, and she raises her eyebrows. “No… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Her phone is still with her belongings. I’ll find his details and call him.”

I turn around, closing my eyes and tipping my head back, letting out a long breath. I’m exhausted. My back and legs are aching, and my feet are killing me, but I can’t go home… not yet.

I open my eyes, tilting my head forward again, just as Hunter Bennett comes in through the doors. His shoulders are hunched, and he’s staring down at the floor as he walks toward me.

“Are you okay?” I ask and he looks up, his eyes dark with worry.

“Ask me later, when my brother can remember who I am.”

I want to tell him that may be some time away yet, but I don’t get the chance. Doctor Sweeney steps out of the elevator and strides over, frowning. He’s in his mid-fifties, with an attractive face and dark brown hair. As usual, he’s wearing a white coat over the top of his pants and shirt, along with that cloak of superiority that shrouds him wherever he goes. He’s good at what he does, which makes him popular within the hospital, but his arrogance is less of a hit, and I have to admit, I’ve never really enjoyed working with him.

“What are you doing here, Nurse Emerson? I should be at home myself by now, but I thought your shift finished hours ago.”

“It did.”

“She’s been helping,” Hunter says, stepping forward, and Doctor Sweeney looks up at him quizzically. “In fact, she’s been invaluable.”

“Who are you?”

Hunter’s brow furrows. “I’m Hunter Bennett. Drew Bennett’s brother.”

“I see. Do you want to come in?” Hunter doesn’t move, but turns to me and I look up at the doctor, suddenly realizing that he’s addressing me. “There’s a very good chance this patient will be transferred to our department, which means he’ll probably be under your care as of tomorrow, so it might be useful if you were involved from the start. It’ll save time.”

I have to agree, and I nod my head. Even if I am exhausted, I don’t care… not if I can spend some more time with Drew. Not if I can look after him.

We turn toward his room, Hunter following, but Doctor Sweeney looks up at him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Bennett, but my understanding is that your brother has no memory of you.”

“That’s correct.”

“In which case, your presence is only going to confuse him at this stage. It’ll possibly upset him, too.”

Hunter takes a half step back, his face betraying his concern. “What should I do? Wait out here?”

Doctor Sweeney shakes his head. “To be honest, you’ll be better off at home. Your brother’s in safe hands.”

Hunter stares at him, lost, uncertain what to do. I step a little closer, getting his attention.

“Why don’t you follow your wife down to Newport?”

He shakes his head. “I can’t do that. No matter how much I hate being away from her, I need to be here, with Drew.” The doctor opens his mouth, but Hunter holds up his hand, silencing him. He’s very commanding and we both look up at him. “You don’t need to worry. I’m not suggesting I’m gonna stay here, pacing the hall. I’ll make sure all of Drew’s equipment has been delivered to his studio.”

“What equipment would this be?” Doctor Sweeney asks.

“My brother’s a photographer. He’d just come back from an assignment in Rome. I don’t know exactly what he’d have taken with him, but there would have been a few bags and cases. He’s very particular about his cameras. He’d want me to make sure they’re all okay.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” I say, nodding my head. “It sounds like a good idea.” It’ll give him something to do.

“I’ll go back to my apartment afterwards.” He looks me in the eye, holding my attention. “Promise you’ll call me if anything happens?”

“I promise. I’ll call you personally.”

“Thank you… for everything.”

I nod my head, and with a glance at the doctor, he leaves.

“Come on, Nurse.” Doctor Sweeney sounds impatient and I turn, following him to Drew’s room. He’s about to open the door when he stops, turning to me, his face serious. “Don’t forget, you can’t prompt him. We don’t know how severe his memory loss is at this stage, but we won’t be helping him regain it if we tell him all about himself. He has to rediscover his past in his own time.”

I want to scream at him that I know all of this already. I’m not an idiot. But I say nothing and follow him inside the room.

***