Anything Your Heart Desires Read online

  A tall, well-built man with neatly trimmed grey hair and a well-trained mustache rushed in.

  “Hi, John,” Mallory said. “Amanda, this is Captain John Strayer. He's Jo's boss.”

  Amanda and the police captain shook hands and exchanged greetings.

  As they were chatting, the surgeon exited from the operating room. He recognized Mallory and the police chief and approached. “Has anyone contacted Jo's family yet?”

  “No, not yet,” the Chief replied. “I thought I'd wait until I had something definite to tell them.”

  “Well, you know, as her physician, I can't legally give you any information. I think you can safely tell them that she made it through surgery okay and I'm guardedly optimistic. Have them give me a call for the details. I'm transferring her to the ICU. Mallory, I assume I'll see you up there?”

  “I'll take care of that right away. Thanks, Doc,” the Chief promised.

  “Take care, Mallory, Amanda,” he said nodding in their direction.

  “Come on, Amanda,” Mallory said. We're going to the ICU. In so many words, he just gave me permission to read her chart. I'll find out what's going on.”

  The Chief pulled out his phone. “I'll catch up with you as soon as I can, Mallory. We'll need to ask you some questions about what happened.”

  Amanda waited in the ICU waiting room while Mallory entered the restricted area. Ten minutes later Mallory came out and sat down next to her lover. “She came through the surgery okay. Unfortunately, it may be a career ending injury. She lost a lot of blood and they suspect she'll have some numbness, at least initially. She had a lot of muscle and nerve damage. Some of the feeling will return but probably not all. They worry now about infection, and she'll need rehab to get functional use of her leg back.”

  “Mal, does she have any family here?”

  Mallory shook her head. “I know she's close to her parents. I think they live in Pennsylvania. Why?”

  “She saved your life. Maybe we should offer to take care of her while she recovers. I feel like we owe her something for that, don't you? Besides, she helped rescue me when I was hurt after my run-in with the deer.”

  “Well, we already have a chair.” Mallory laughed, referring to the motorized reclining chair, with the seat that helped raise a person sitting in it to a standing position. They had bought it for Amanda after she’d injured her leg in her biking accident with the deer.

  “Was she awake yet?”

  “In and out. I expect that she'll have a lot of pain. They'll keep her pretty doped up for a couple of days.”

  “Can you sit with her or do you have to go back to your office?”

  “I need to check in. I still haven't talked to the police, and I'm sure they're waiting to see me.”

  “Can you get me in there?” Amanda asked, referring to the ICU.

  Mallory smiled, before she pulled Amanda to her for a quick hug. “Time will be limited, but I can get you in there. You're a fortunate woman, you know, to have a friend in high places.”

  Amanda raised her eyebrow. “And don't I know it.”

  ***

  A couple of hours later, Jo woke up. Amanda smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

  Jo gave a wan smile. “Kinda like I've been assaulted by a bullet.”

  “Well, we're all glad that guy wasn't a better shot.”

  “How are Mallory and Meg?”

  “Mal only got nicked on the arm, thanks to you. I know Meg hadn't awakened yet, last I heard. That was a couple of hours ago. I can check on her for you, if you'd like.”

  “Yes, in a little while. Can you stay with me for a bit?”

  “Sure. Can I get you anything?”

  “How about some water?”

  “I'll ask the nurse.”

  When the nurse finished checking on Jo, she again allowed Amanda in to visit with her.

  “Has anyone called my parents?”

  “I think your captain planned to call. Would you like me to follow up and call them?”

  “Could you? I'd appreciate it. My mom will want to come, as will my dad. They just returned home from a trip to the cabin, so I know they’ll be exhausted. I'm concerned about them turning around and making the trip here. Taking care of my dad is a full time job for mom. I know she'll want to take care of me. I really don’t want her to. I think it's too much for her.” Jo clicked the trigger to release a dose of pain meds.

  “Well,” Amanda said. “I have a solution. I'd like to invite your parents, and you when you're well enough, to stay with Mallory and me. Mallory and I can take care of you, and your mom and dad can visit until they feel comfortable that you're on the mend.”

  “Amanda. I couldn't possibly take advantage of you that way.”

  “When it's offered freely, how is it taking advantage? Please trust me when I say it's something we can do. Besides, Dana and Nic will help too, I'm sure.”

  “Well, I really appreciate it. Would you call my mom and tell her I'm going to be okay and tell her not to worry?”

  “I'll take care of everything. Now, you rest. I'll call Dana and Nic first to update them before I call your mom. I’ll be back later after I’ve talked to everyone. Try to get some rest.”

  “Thanks. My mom’s number is on my phone.” Jo relaxed, thankful and reassured by Amanda's promise that she would have the support of her friends for what she knew might be a difficult recovery.

  Chapter 3

  “MRS. MARTIN? THIS IS Amanda James. I am a friend of your daughter's. I just came from seeing Jo. I know her captain called you, and you’re probably concerned. Jo wanted you to know that she’s awake and worried about you and her father making the trip to see her.”

  “Hello, Amanda, and please call me Josette. Thank you for calling. We've been so worried. I just talked to her supervisor a couple of hours ago. He hadn't seen her yet. How is Joanna?”

  Amanda smiled at the formal name hardly anyone used to refer to their friend and was surprised to hear Mrs. Martin had a strong French accent. Jo had never mentioned that her mother was French.

  “Your daughter is doing okay. I have good news. They just informed us that, now that they have her stable, they plan to move her to the step-down unit soon. They’ll keep a careful watch on her there, and assuming she continues to improve, they’ll probably move her to a private room tomorrow or the day after. Jo wanted me to assure you that although she still has some discomfort from the surgery, she's getting the best of care and she doesn't want you to worry.”

  “Thank you for calling and giving me this information. I feel reassured. No doubt I'll feel better when I can see her. My husband, Ben, and I plan to drive there to be with her tomorrow. I have trouble seeing at night, so we have to wait until morning to leave.”

  “I would like to invite you and your husband to stay with my partner, Mallory, and me. We've already offered to take care of Jo, so if you will stay with us, we can all pitch in and help.”

  Mrs. Martin expressed her relief at hearing that her daughter was feeling well enough to make these arrangements. “My daughter has mentioned her friends before. I appreciate your offer, and I’m grateful. I feel better knowing that Jo has such good friends there to help watch over her. Thank you.” They agreed that she and her husband would come as soon as they could get there.

  “Please tell her that we're coming as soon as we can and that I love her. And thank you so much for your call.”

  Amanda returned to find Mallory next to Jo's bedside, talking softly with her. The nurse on duty said, “You can go in, but keep it quiet in there, please.”

  “Not a problem.” Amanda slid her arm around Mallory's shoulder, and Mallory circled Amanda's waist with her arm. Amanda related the details of her conversation with Jo's mother.

  “Now, don't worry about your parents. We'll take care of everything. You just worry about getting better.”

  Mallory squeezed Jo’s hand. “Thank you for saving me.”

  Jo smiled. “Thank you both for being
here for me.” Relieved, Jo closed her eyes and drifted.

  “We can’t stay too long. Technically, we shouldn’t be here. I’ll check in with you again before we leave.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jo's parents arrived at the hospital the next afternoon. Mallory met them when she went to visit Jo to check on her condition. Mr. and Mrs. Martin’s day had been long and tiring. They’d left home early that morning, driven to the hospital to see their daughter, and spent several hours there in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room and visiting their daughter. With Jo’s encouragement, her parents reluctantly agreed to leave before the end of visiting hours. “Really, Mom and Dad, I’m fine. Please go get something to eat and get some rest.”

  Mallory drove them home at the end of her shift. Amanda had dinner ready shortly after they arrived. Nic and Dana, their neighbors and close friends, joined them for dinner.

  “Ben, Josette, we’d like to offer you to stay next door with us in our second floor guest quarters. We’ve all talked and agree that it will be best to put Jo in the first floor guest bedroom at Mallory and Amanda's. The second floor in Nic’s and my place will provide you with a private area of your own to stay in, and we think you’ll be more comfortable there. We know you don’t know any of us, but we are friends of Jo’s and hope you’ll feel comfortable staying with Nic and me.”

  Josette smiled at Dana and nodded. “Well, we know we’ve never met you all before. Jo talks about you all enough that we feel like we know you.”

  “Thank you for your kindness,” Ben said. “If you don’t mind, we’d like to get settled now and make it an early night. We’ve had a long day.”

  “Of course,” Dana said. “I’ll show you to our house.”

  Nic extended her hand palm up. “If you’ll give me your car keys, I’ll get your bags.”

  ***

  A week later, Mallory picked Jo up from the hospital for her trip home. She was still on antibiotics and being monitored carefully for infection. She had progressed sufficiently that the doctor felt she was well enough to be released to the care of her family and friends. He was reassured knowing that Mallory would be directly involved in Jo’s care. The physical therapy Jo received during her hospitalization helped her become comfortable with the crutches she required to support and stabilize her when she walked. Getting in and out of the wheelchair was still something she required assistance to do. The trip home was uncomfortable despite Mallory’s attempt to avoid any bumps. Jo sighed as she sat in the living room chair surrounded by family and friends. “I’m glad that’s over.”

  Mallory brought Jo a drink of water, a few crackers, and her pain pill, a kindness for which she received a huge smile in thanks.

  “I’ve made arrangements with the PT department to send someone out. Your insurance will cover the visits until you’re comfortable enough to make the trip into rehab for your therapy.”

  “That’s a relief. I know you tried to be careful. Still, the ride home was no walk in the park.”

  “I know, Sweetie. It should be less problematic now that we have you settled.”

  The day after her return to Amanda and Mallory’s place, Jo and her mother had an opportunity to speak privately. They lapsed into French, Jo’s mother’s native language. “I’m glad that you have such good friends, Honey. I feel happier with you living here alone knowing that you have all of your friends to help you and support you.”

  “So, you like my friends?”

  “Your Dad and I like your friends very much. You are lucky to have so many caring people around you.”

  “How is Dad holding up being around so many lesbians?” Jo winked at her mother.

  “You know, I think it’s been good for him. He was very quiet at first. Now it seems he’s really hit it off with Nic and Dana, and he’s impressed with Mallory and Amanda taking such good care of you. I know he’s feeling comfortable. He’s been telling jokes.”

  After staying in Nic and Dana's house for nearly a week, with some encouragement Jo's mother and father felt comfortable leaving their daughter in the care of her friends. They agreed to return home once promised that Jo would call them with a daily progress report.

  “We don’t know how we can ever thank you,” Ben said to the group of women.

  “It’s truly been our pleasure.” Nic took the bags from Jo’s father.

  They all hugged each other goodbye. Nic, Dana, Amanda, and Mallory left Jo and her parents alone for their goodbyes and waited outside. They all waved as Jo’s parents left for home. The group quickly settled into a new routine with two fewer guests and one semi-invalid to care for.

  Jo did everything she could to be useful. She peeled vegetables and helped to the best of her ability in preparing meals. Her physical therapist came every other day until Jo could comfortably make the trip to the rehab center. Mallory had never seen anyone work as hard or as diligently to improve and to regain her strength as Jo did. Mallory did all she could by giving Jo daily massages to help stimulate the nerves and to relieve some of the stiffness and pain Jo felt in her injured leg.

  As Jo recovered, Amanda, Mallory, Dana, and Nic were deeply involved in plans for their new translation business. Even though she wasn’t actually involved in any of the planning for the business, Jo listened to their discussions as they each reported their progress.

  “I’ve rented us a small space for our offices and classroom about a half hour from our homes, closer to the city,” Amanda reported. “Mallory and I are splitting the responsibility of overseeing the painting and furnishing of our new office space. I’ve already put up a website and made all the necessary arrangements for advertising which is scheduled to begin in eight weeks' time.”

  Nic reached for Dana’s hand. “We’re lining up other translators who can moonlight for us once we get established.”

  With everyone involved in jobs, and Jo involved in her rehab, time passed rapidly. Before they knew it, Jo had been on leave from work nearly two months. Mallory went with her for her check up with the surgeon. He didn’t sugarcoat his prognosis for her recovery. “Jo, I know you’ve worked extremely hard to make the amazing progress you’ve achieved in such a short time. I’m sorry Jo. No matter how hard you work, you’ll never regain sufficient strength in your leg to return to your job on the police force. Don't get me wrong, you'll continue to improve, although I believe you may always have a slight limp and your leg will definitely help you predict the weather.” He smiled kindly as he delivered the bad news. “I'll sign the necessary paperwork to allow you to retire on disability from the force.”

  “Thanks, Doctor, it's not the outcome I'd hoped for, although it’s what I expected you’d say. I appreciate that you saved my life and my leg.”

  Jo and Mallory left the doctor's office with Mallory pushing Jo’s wheelchair. Normally, she used crutches. However, they’d found that it was much less tiring if they used the chair when she had to cover larger distances or when the terrain made using her crutches too difficult. A short way down the hallway, Mallory quickly pushed Jo into a vacant office and closed the door, pulling up a chair next to her friend. “Are you okay?”

  Jo sniffed once and wiped her eyes with her sleeves. “Yes. I've been expecting this news. I've worked as hard as I could to regain full use of my leg. Unfortunately, I just can't seem to beat the odds on this one. The physical therapist told me that my limp would diminish over time as I strengthen the leg. She’d already cautioned me to not hold out hope that I’d ever regain totally normal function. She said I’d always favor my bad leg. So I’ve been anticipating the bad news.”

  Returning home to Mallory and Amanda’s, they found that Meg was there for a visit. She had recovered her health, although she’d lost her memory of events for most of the week before the accident. Jo thought it was a blessing in a way. Their friendship seemed to be back to where they were before the fateful night of the shooting. They passed the time chatting together until dinnertime when the four of them talked about lighter
subjects.

  Two weeks later, Jo's captain came to visit her at Mallory and Amanda's house and brought the necessary paperwork for her to apply for a disability retirement. She was due to turn forty-three on her next birthday.

  “If you were closer to full retirement, I could keep you on. I don't think I can manage it for another two and a half years. I'm really sorry.”

  “I know, Chief. I appreciate your keeping me on this long.”

  The captain left, and Amanda came into the living room to sit with Jo. “Have you given any thought about what you want to do with the rest of your life?”

  Jo shook her head. “I have no clue. I could probably be a part time dispatcher, I guess. I can't do that full time because they have the same pension plan I have. It may be possible that I could work up to twenty hours a week at that job without having to join the pension fund. Between that and my pension, I think I can earn enough money to keep me afloat with virtually no risk to my life and limb like I used to have. And my experience on the force should provide good background for dispatch work.”

  “Is that something you'd enjoy?”

  “I guess it would be okay. At least I'd still be involved in helping people in a bad situation. At least I'd feel useful.” Jo ran her fingers through her hair. “Well, I’ve taken up space here long enough. I need to start thinking about moving back home. First thing I need to do is trade my car. With my left leg injured, I can't use a stick shift any more. I'll need an automatic.”

  “I think Mallory would be better suited to help with that. Let's see if she'd like to go new car shopping. This is exciting.”

  Jo, Mallory, and Amanda took Jo's car and went shopping for a new vehicle that afternoon. Jo had obviously given some thought to her needs regarding a new vehicle. “I think I want a small pickup truck. I’d like to be able to throw my bike in the back and not have to bother with a bike rack. My intention is to ride as much as I can as soon as the weather breaks. I think it'll help me strengthen my leg.”