Intrigued, I faced the man. He was in his late forties, clean-cut, and stood tall. I could see a determination in his eyes, a fierceness that most people didn’t have in today’s world. Just looking at the man, I could tell he commanded respect. Honor radiated from him. He was interesting. “She thought you were dead?”
“Yeah. I was in the Army. I was leading some men when we were hit by a roadside bomb. Several boys died that day. I was blown several feet away. When I came too, I didn’t remember anything. If it wasn’t for a platoon searching for an insurgent, I don’t think I’d ever get out of that hell hole.”
“Wasn’t she notified when you were rescued?”
“I asked them not to say anything. It had been a couple of years. She moved on with her life, and I had to get my head straight if you know what I mean. Well, it’s about as straight as I can get it.”
Just then, a young woman with golden blonde hair rushed into the emergency room, running straight for the older man who opened his arms, catching her as she threw herself into his arms. She was a petite little thing, and her cries of joy surrounded the area as her father held her tight to him. “Don’t cry, baby girl. I’m home now.”
Giving them space, I turned to see the young man motioning me closer to him. “Mr. Valentinetti, the director Mr. Wilson is on his way down right now.”
“Thank you,” I said, looking back at the father and daughter, who were both now crying. I said nothing as they walked out of the hospital minutes later, still hugging each other.
“Who was that man?” I asked curiously.
“That was Colonel Nathan Meadows. He is something of a celebrity here. He was found alive after being declared dead in 2019. That was his daughter Grace. She is from Chicago. The hospital flew her in to pick up her dad.”
Realization dawned as I quickly turned back to the exiting couple, as I tried to get a glimpse of the young woman. The very woman I met the day I buried my own father. “The Colonel’s bill. I want to pay it.”
“The Army has already taken care of it, sir.”
“Mr. Valentinetti,” a tall, distinguished black man in a perfectly tailored suit smiled, walking towards me, extending his hand. Taking it, I shook it. “I wish we didn’t have to meet under these circumstances. How can New York-Presbyterian Hospital help you?”
“My fiancé Layla Franks was brought here a few hours ago. I want to see her.”
“Yes, sir,” the director said, then added. “Jerry, where is Ms. Franks right now?”
“She’s waiting on X-Ray.”
“Move her to the head of the line. Mr. Valentinetti, please follow me.”
41
Layla
“I don’t care what you have to do, Salvatore. I need to know that our sister is okay. It’s been twenty-four hours, Sal. Find the bastard and make him tell you.”
Turning towards his voice as I tried to open my eyes, I moaned instead. The pain was intense. Everything hurt. Even my eyelashes hurt if that was even possible. I felt loopy like I was coming out of a thick fog that weighed me down. I was having a hard time opening my eyes. My mouth was dry. I was thirsty. I wanted a glass of water.
Moaning again, I felt Giovanni reach for my hand as he leaned over me, lightly caressing my head. “Tesoro. Don’t speak. They have your face bandaged. Are you thirsty?”
“Mmm,” was all I could manage. I wanted so much to open my eyes, to see that it was truly him. I mean, I knew it was him. I could clearly hear his voice, but I needed to make sure. I wanted to look into his dark chocolate eyes and see his face.
“Small sips,mia Amore,” he coaxed as he placed a straw at my lips. Taking a drink, I moaned as all the cotton and dust left my mouth and throat.
“You’re going to be out of it for a day or two. They gave you some strong medication. Your cheekbone wasn’t broken, thank God. It’s just badly bruised. You also have bruising on your ribs and stomach area. The doctor wants to keep you here for the next day or two.”
Opening my mouth, I barely whispered, “Home.”
“I knowTesoro. I want to go home too, but we need to wait for the doctor’s, okay.”
“Home. Roxy”
“You want to go home and have your Aunt Roxy to care for you?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,Tesoro. Give me a few hours. Let me see what I can do.”