News with curves, p.4
News With Curves, page 4
Rachel smiled. "You’re going down with the ship?" She nodded. "I like it, but he's not going to talk to you," Rachel changed the subject, again. "So you are a music history buff?"
"I dabble here and there," he said as he stopped at a red light and turned to her. "He talks to both of us together, or he talks to neither of us." He raised an eyebrow. "So, what's it going to be?"
Racheal held his glare. "You are pushy, do you know that? Make a left turn on Broad Street."
"That's the only way to get to the truth that no one wants you to know," he replied. The light turned green and he followed her directions.
"You could make a serious living off that voice," Rachel said as she sat back with a huff.
Wade glanced at her with a grin. "Flattery will not change my mind." He turned back to the road.
"No flattery, just good old honest truth. You have an amazing voice."
"Not really," Wade coyly replied. "Shower sing..........." He had begun as he glanced her way. He never finished his sentence.
The impact from the collision turned the vehicle they were in 360 degrees. It skidded across the median strip into oncoming traffic. Cars swerved with horns blaring to keep from hitting them. The vehicle did not stop until the rear end hit a light pole.
Voices inside the vehicle were silent as the music continued to play. Airbags were deployed, smoke from the engine was seeping from the tangled metal. The truck, that hit them, stopped long enough to ensure there was no movement inside the vehicle, then pulled off as motorists emerged from their vehicles to help the couple inside the now mangled Mercedes.
Chapter
5
Judge Clayton Fontaine and his wife Abigail who he affectionately called Abby, rushed up to the information desk at the Medical College of Virginia.
"Excuse me," he said to the receptionist at the desk. "My daughter Rachel Fontaine was brought here. She was in a car accident. Could you tell me where to find her?"
"Hold on, let me check that." The receptionist checked the computer. "Yes, Rachel Fontaine.” The receptionist nodded. "She is in examination room 3B. Follow the yellow line to the right. It will take you straight to the examination rooms."
"Thank you." Clayton took his wife's hand and followed the instructions given to him by the receptionist. They had to find their little girl. Upon reaching the nurses’ station, there was a flurry of activity. He stopped at the desk. "Would you tell me where room 3B is located?"
The nurse looked down at the computer to check for the room. “3B Rachel Fontaine?"
Yes.” Abby's fear could be heard in her voice. "Yes, Rachel Fontaine. How is she?"
"And you are?"
"I'm her mother. How is she?"
The nurse put the chart she held under her arm, then keyed into the computer. "Rachel Fontaine.” She hit enter. "No status as of yet. She is still being examined by the doctor,” the nurse replied, pulling the chart from under her arm and turning away, dismissing them.
Clayton hit his fist down hard on the counter, getting everyone’s attention in the small area. "Don't you dare dismiss us in that manner. We asked you a question about our daughter. What is her status and where is examination room 3B? You get back over here, key into that computer and answer our questions like a decent human being."
The people in the area all looked up at the command. The nurse gave him a look of defiance. “Sir. You need to keep your voice down and watch your tone."
Clayton's eyes narrowed at the nurse who had not moved to get the information he requested.
Another nurse walked towards them, ignoring the other nurse. "Let me see what I can find out for you, sir."
She was keying into another computer when two men approached the desk.
"Excuse me," one spoke to the uncaring nurse, as the other looked on.
"We’re looking for our brother, Wade Tyson? We were told he is in examination room 3D. Where can we find that?"
The first nurse smiled up at the Luke Pasqualino, the guy who plays D'Artagnan in the Three Musketeers UK television show, look alike. She immediately put down the chart and walked over to another computer. "Let me check on that for you.” she replied in a sweet voice laced with concern.
Dane Tyson, with his a bit too long dark brown hair that curved upwards at the nape of his neck, thick brows, and kissable lips surrounded by a full-day’s hair growth, turned to his younger brother Drake. "Did Monty speak to Wade? Was he conscious?"
"I don't know."
"Well what did he say?"
"I don't know what he said.” Drake Tyson, who still had a babyface, close cropped hair, sparkling brown eyes and the smile of a movie star, shrugged his reply to his brother.
"What do you mean you don't know what he said? You were the one who took the call." Irritation beyond belief filled Dane's voice.
"Monty took the call from the hospital. Not me," Drake explained as he smiled, flirting with the nurse.
Dane was exasperated as he spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm talking about Monty. What exactly did Monty say when he called?"
Drake looked at Dane with a smirk. "Get your ass on a plane to Virginia. Wade was in a car accident."
"That's all he said?"
Drake raised an eyebrow. "Ask me again and I will knock the hell out of you."
The nurse walked around the counter. "Your brother is awake and has completed his examination. I'll take you to his room." She smiled. "Follow me."
Clayton and Abby watched as the men were walking away. The nurse helping them hung up the phone and smiled. "She has a few scrapes and bruises. The doctor ordered a C-scan just to ensure she doesn't have any extensive damage from the concussion. It is precautionary. That's all." she assured them. "As soon as they bring her back down, I will get you in to see her." The nurse patted the back of Abby's hand. "I know it's difficult not to worry when it's your child, but from what I was told she was giving the orderly who took her down to X-Ray hell for scraping her shoes."
Abby cried out in nervous laughter. "That's my Rachel."
Clayton hugged his wife, with a sigh of relief. He then smiled at the nurse. "Thank you for checking."
"That's why we are here."
"The nurse who was here earlier. What is her name?" Seeing the hesitation on the nurse’s face, he added, "I couldn't help but notice she was selective in her assistance."
The nurse lowered her gaze. "She's going through changes, a rough time in her life. She's a very good nurse."
"Yet, she was able to smile and assist the two men who came in after us," Clayton hissed.
"Don't put her on the spot, dear.” Abby patted her husband’s cheek. "We know Rachel is okay. That's what is important."
Clayton kissed the inside of his wife's palm. "All right sweetheart.” He looked at the nurse and smiled. "At least give me your name."
"Angel," she replied. "Angel Morales."
"A fitting name."
"Thank you," Angel replied. "I need to check on another patient. But will return to check on your daughter’s status."
Clayton and his wife took a seat to wait. With three daughters, this was a norm for them. Waiting for them to come home from dates when they were younger. His two oldest seemed to have faired well. His oldest Regan, was an attorney also being considered for a judgeship, single and career focused. His middle girl, Riley, was also single while she concentrated on her political aspirations. Then there was Rachel. Always digging into stories, searching for that one that would break open her career as a reporter. He worried about all of them but none as much as Rachel. She was like a bull in a china store when she got something in her system. She wouldn’t stop until everything was out in the open. He couldn't put his finger on what happened tonight, but a voice kept telling him this was not a simple hit and run. The last time Rachel came by to see him, she asked questions about judges and their rulings, sentencing guidelines and a particular case. Clayton put the particulars of the case to his clerks. One was able to locate the case. Once he knew Judge Paula Reid was involved, his worry for his daughter increased.
"She's going to be okay.” Abby rubbed her husband's hand.
Clayton cleared his mind of his thoughts, then concentrated on comforting his wife.
Chapter
6
Wade was shaken. The major impact from the vehicle had hit on the passenger's side, where Rachel had been sitting. He had asked the doctor for information on his passenger, but all they knew was that there we no casualties. Good news, but it still didn't answer his question. Since he'd lost consciousness for a while, he would have to remain in the hospital overnight, as a precaution. They did not want him moving about unsupervised so he had no way of checking on Rachel. He laid back thinking this was not the way he had planned on spending his first weekend at his new place.
"What the hell happened?"
The booming voice sounded familiar. Wade looked up to see his brothers Dane and Drake in the opening. He attempted to sit up, but the buzzing in his head preempted the movement.
“Hey." Drake rushed to his side. "You okay?"
"No, he's not okay," Dane huffed at his brother then looked at Wade. "What the hell happened?"
"Man, why you have to barge in demanding answers? Can't you see he's been through a traumatic experience?" Drake placed a hand on Wade's shoulder. "You don't have to explain anything." Drake bent to his ear. "Are there any drugs or anything in your car?"
The look Wade sent to Drake had the impact he wanted.
Drake had to grin. "Okay, okay. I had to ask. I work with industry people. It's the first thing we check."
"Get out of the way," Dane ordered as he physically pushed Drake aside. "For the third time. What happened?"
"Someone t-boned us." Wade explained as he attempted again to sit up.
"Us?" Dane raised an eyebrow as he pushed Wade back down. "Who is us?"
"Can we at least hear how he is doing before you start with the twenty questions?" Drake lashed out.
"Where is Ross?" Wade asked. Ross was the calm brother. The one who handled things without the headache of bickering between Dane and Drake. Those two were like oil and vinegar.
"Ross and Monty are at the NBA All-Star game in Houston," Dane explained. "They should be here soon."
"We were just an hour away by plane," Drake offered. "So we flew out together."
"Now that everyone is accounted for," Dane huffed, "you want to tell me what in the hell happened and who is we?"
"Rachel."
Dane and Drake glanced at each other.
"Is that code for something?" Dane asked.
“No." Wade grinned as he shook his head and regretted it. "Rachel Fontaine is one of my employees. I had just bailed her out of jail. We were on our way to see one of her informants, when we were t-boned out of nowhere."
"Did you see who hit you?" Dane asked.
"Is she pretty?" Drake asked.
Dane turned and glared at his baby brother. "Is that all you ever think about?"
"Pretty much.” Drake grinned.
Dane released a nervous chuckle, then turned back to Wade.
Wade, still a bit shaken replied, "I never saw it coming."
"Have you spoken to the police?" Dane asked. "Did they get any information on the driver?"
"I was out. I don't know what is going on with the driver or Rachel." He glanced at his brother. "Dane Can you check on that for me?"
"Hell, yeah, I can. What's her last name again?"
"Fontaine."
"I'm on it." Dane walked out of the room to get answers.
Drake walked over to the bed. "You know he is the king of conspiracy theories. He's going to come back with a plot to take you and your employee out."
Wade smiled, knowing Drake was right. "I need to make sure she is all right."
"What about you? You seem a little out of it."
"The brain is floating on the clouds, but I'm okay. Just need a minute."
Drake pulled up a chair next to the bed and took a seat, propping his feet on the edge of the bed. "Do you need me to take over for you on Monday?"
“No, I should be good by then.” Wade attempted to sit up again, this time a little slower. That felt somewhat better.
"I'll stay here with you tonight. Dane can stay at your place. At least that way you can get some sleep. If he stays here, he will be asking you questions all night long."
"You don't have to stay, but I appreciate the thought."
From the hallway they could hear the rise of Dane's voice.
"What do you mean you can't give me any information? She was in the car with my brother. Somebody is going to tell me something or I will tear this place apart."
Wade and Drake glanced at each other.
Drake slowly took his feet off of the foot of the bed. "I will see what bug got up his ass. You stay put."
Drake walked out just as an elderly couple was approaching Dane and the nurse he was having a disagreement with.
"Excuse me," the elderly man began. "Are you asking about Rachel Fontaine?"
"I am." Dane gave the couple a look over. "And you are?"
"I'm Judge Fontaine, Rachel's father and this is my wife, Abby. Do you know something about Rachel's condition?"
Dane extended his hand. “No, sir,” he said as he shook the judge's hand. "I'm trying to find out what happened. She was in the car with my brother." He gave the nurse an agitated look. "I'm afraid that people here aren't very helpful."
"Join the club," Clayton replied.
"It's not that we don't want to help. There is no new information from the last time I was asked,” the nurse commented.
"Since there are several inquiries into Rachel Fontaine's condition it would be prudent of you to see what you can find out,” Dane suggested.
The nurse gave him a long stare then slowly walked behind the desk.
"You indicated that my daughter was in the car with your brother." Clayton asked, "Who is your brother?"
"Wade Tyson.” Drake stepped forward to supply the answer. "We recently purchased Cahill Broadcasting. Wade is heading up the news division, at WRGN, Channel 7."
“Oh, yes.” Abby nodded. "Rachel mentioned the company has been sold. I can't imagine why they would be in a car together."
"According to my brother," Dane offered. "He had just bailed her out of jail."
"Rachel?" Clayton exclaimed. "He had just bailed Rachel out of jail?" Clayton and Abby glanced at each other confused. "I would have known about that." Clayton pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. "I'm going to get some answers." He stepped away from the group.
Abby turned to the men standing in front of her. "He's a little upset. Rachel is our baby and we tend to be a bit overprotective of her." She tried to smile. "How is your brother doing?"
Dane and Drake glanced at each other. "You're not going to ask us how we can be brothers?" Dane asked.
"It's usually the first question we are asked when we tell people we're brothers," Drake explained.
"Because of your different races? No.” Abby shook her head. "I assume you are adopted. We deal with blended families all the time. So, how is your brother doing? I pray he wasn't seriously injured."
“No, just a slight concussion,” Dane answered.
"They are keeping him for 24-hour observation as a precaution," Drake added. "He is asking about your daughter. He wants to make certain she is all right."
"I wish we could offer more. Unfortunately, they are not giving us much to go on."
Dane touched Abby's shoulder. "We will find out what we can." He stomped over to the nurses’ station as Clayton rejoined them.
"Chief Williams will find out what he can and join us here.” Clayton squeezed his wife's shoulder, then kissed her forehead.
Drake stared at the man. "So you're a judge, hmm?"
"Yes, I am," Clayton replied.
"Let me ask you something. If a vehicle is pulled over and the authorities search your car and find drugs in the backseat. Can you be hit with a drug charge?"
"Yes," Clayton replied. "Are you talking about the actor who was pulled over and claimed the drugs belonged to someone who was in the backseat?"
"Maybe......." Drake replied.
"Yeah, he’s going to be found guilty."
"But why?" Drake insisted. "They weren't his drugs."
"Son," Clayton spoke patiently. "If you are a Black man driving, you know there is a ninety percent possibility of you being pulled over. It is your responsibility to check your car every time you get in or someone gets out. So, when you are pulled over, the officers have no reason to arrest or shoot your ass."
"That just doesn’t seem right to me."
"It is incredibly unjust, however, it's the world we are living in today." Clayton frowned. "What's your connection to the case?"
"None," Drake assured him quickly. "I just have to make a decision on how his stupidity is going to impact my show."
"She's being scanned," Dane said as he walked up. "It shouldn't be too much longer before you have some information. I spoke directly to the tech doing the scanning."
"How did you manage to do that?" Abby asked.
"I threatened to sue the hospital if they did not give me the information.” Dane shrugged. "You’d be surprised how fast people move when you have the means and fortitude to sue them."
"Unh....huh..." Clayton nodded as he stared curiously at the two men.
Chapter
7
Rachel lay on a cold hard table, if that's what you could call it. The nurse felt sorry for her and had given her a blanket. The thin sheet she had wasn't covering her or keeping her warm. They had completed the scans and were studying them but were insistent that she not move. Moving was the last thing on her mind, since every bone in her body seemed to ache.
Letting her mind go back to the moments before the crash, Rachel was trying to figure out what happened. One minute they were singing and the next she saw a pickup truck bearing down on them.
