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Her phone chirps and seconds later, Lennox’s goes off. “We need to find out who did this,” she says, her gaze meeting Lennox’s. “We’re at five casualties and dozens injured, several critically.”
The bad news keeps coming. “Is there a list of who was killed?” I ask.
She shakes her head, “Officially no, but rumors are getting out thanks to the paparazzi.” Her face twists with anger. “Someone from the film was killed.”
“Who?” The weak sound of Vanessa’s voice has me rushing to the bed. Her eyes flutter open and she blinks several times before focusing on me. “Keenan?”
Picking up her hand, I kiss her knuckles. “I’m here, sweetheart.”
She licks her lips, her voice cracking as she asks, “Who died?”
“You don’t need to think about that right now,” I try to infuse her with calm and warmth, but she pushes past my attempts, focusing on Charlie, who answers.
“His name is Jason Thompson. He was a stunt assistant.”
Vanessa lets out a cry, and I grip her hand tighter. “Sweetheart, you have to stay calm. Your heart can’t take any stress.” Panic threatens to consume me and I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. “These two are here to investigate. They’ll take care of it.”
Pinky strides through the door, her arms laden with three meal trays. Her eyes widen when she catches sight of Lennox and Charlie. “I didn’t bring enough for everyone.”
Charlie lifts a tray off the top. “It’s fine, we’ll share.”
Pinky looks startled, then impressed as she watches Charlie park her ass against the window sill, the tray on the ledge beside her. She sorts through the meal, tossing a pudding cup and half a sandwich at Lennox.
He catches them deftly, as though the two of them have performed the action a dozen times before.
Pinky’s gaze swings to Vanessa and she gasps, dropping the trays. They land with a thud on the cart. “You’re awake!”
“Pinky.” Vanessa reaches out, the IV line attached to her arm stretching.
Pinky launches herself onto the bed, stretching out next to Vanessa and carefully wrapping her arms around her. “I thought I lost you.”
Vanessa squeezes her. “I’m tough as a dragon.” Her gaze finds mine and she reaches for me with her free hand. I take it, sitting on her other side. “Tell me what’s wrong,” she whispers.
“You had a heart attack,” I say and then hearing her thoughts, add, “The doctor says its uncommon for someone as young as you but it’s possible.”
“The curse,” she says, her voice hoarse.
I nod.
Charlie’s eyes slide to Lennox and she raises her eyebrows. “What curse?”
Lennox, clears his throat, refusing to meet her gaze. “It’s nothing.”
Vanessa doesn’t notice the exchange. “But I’m okay now, right?” She looks around at everyone in the room. “The curse didn’t kill me.”
I hate having to be the one to say the words, but it should be me. “There’s too much damage to your heart, love.”
It takes her drug addled brain a moment to work out what I’ve said. “It’s going to stop again?”
“Yes.” The single word takes a monumental effort to say.
“Transplant?” she asks.
I nod, but tears sting my eyes and I take a breath before I answer. “The doctor has put you on the transplant list, but…”
“But…” Again, it takes her a moment to catch up. “There isn’t enough time, is there?”
I don’t answer, but my silence is enough.
