MASK: Legacy Saga 2: Death Becomes Her

Chapter 5

Author's Notes: Yes, loyal fans, we are still here, and back with another thrilling chapter in the Legacy Saga, so please call off any hunts or APB's you may have outstanding for our return. I'm glad to see that you all enjoyed last chapter's cliffhanger so much…I don't think I've been called evil that many times in my entire life. Just keep in mind that I do have a co-author who helps dream up these evil ideas as well…just because I follow through with them means nothing. Heheheh…

At any rate, I'll let the story continue…but be warned, there's quite a bit more involved
before we see the conclusion…

Annie stared vacantly at the doors to the hospital's intensive care unit, willing them to open, watching and waiting for someone, anyone, to give her news on Scott's condition. Yet when she saw one of the hospital orderlies heading straight in her direction, she felt her blood turn to ice at the news he might possibly bring.

"Miss Turner?" he asked politely.

Annie acknowledged him with a nod of her head, not trusting her voice to remain steady. The orderly seemed just as nervous as she was, because he stammered out his message somewhat hastily.

"We found something in Mr. Trakker's suit coat pocket. Normally, we would just put it with his other personal belongings, but this… well, it seems special. And since you were with him tonight… I think that it was meant for you…"

He trailed off, paused a moment, pressed a small item into her visibly shaking hands, then took off at a fast walk, almost as though he might be afraid of her reaction. Steeling herself for what she might find, Annie turned her trembling hands over and nearly dropped the small, velvet box nestled in them.

"Oh no, oh Lord…not this…not now…" Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she unconsciously flipped the lid of the box open to reveal a perfectly cut diamond engagement ring.

Matt Trakker's head jerked up as he heard Annie's gasp of terrified surprise. He had been one of the first people at the hospital and was speaking with some of the police officers that had been first at the accident scene. When he saw her holding something in her hands, he rushed over, followed by two policemen.

The minute she saw him, she started speaking rapidly through broken sobs. "He…he had a ring, Matt. The…the night was so perfect…he was going…going to…to…" She choked on her final sentence.

The police scattered quietly when they saw there was no cause for concern. Matt took Annie's shaking hands in his own and said softly. "He had been practicing all week to give you that ring tonight. I expect he'll want to hear a resounding 'YES' and see a smile on your face when he wakes back up."

He had meant the words to comfort her, but she was too deep in guilt and shock for them to have much effect. She snapped the ring box closed and forced it into Matt's open palms, forcing her voice to remain steady as she stated firmly. "I…I can't… Not after this… I don't…" her voice cracked again and more tears fell, "…I don't deserve that."

"Annie, you know that's not true."

She turned her back and resumed staring at the doors to the ICU, clearly not listening to him. Matt gave her a small hug around the shoulders and reluctantly left her alone, knowing there wouldn't be anything he could do for her. He turned around in time to see Brad rushing through the entrance doors at breakneck speed, heading straight in his direction.

Matt took a few long strides and sidelined Brad before Annie even noticed he was there.

Brad looked ready to explode as he asked sharply, "Is she all right?"

"She's physically fine. I think she's in delayed shock, but that's not the worst of it."

"What then?"

"Scott was going to propose to her tonight. He still had the ring on him, and someone gave it directly to Annie." Matt saw the realization dawn on Brad's features. "There's a few more things I need to talk to you about, but your daughter needs you more right now. She's devastated."

Brad nodded solemnly and slowly walked over to where Annie stood. He had been ready to give her a pretty large piece of his mind right there on her cell phone, but his attitude changed the minute he heard what happened. He still felt a surge of rage that his own daughter wouldn't tell him her life was in danger, but he pushed that toward the back of his mind the minute that he saw her standing there. She looked so vulnerable standing in an evening gown with a blanket draped around her shoulders that Brad didn't waste any time with words. He simply walked over and pulled her into the tightest hug he ever remembered giving her.

Annie shivered in her father's arms, finally giving in to the wave of emotions she held back so fiercely. Her tears fell like rain, and she felt the sudden and overwhelming urge to confess everything to him, so that the words might help ease the overpowering guilt she felt. She drew on some of his strength and took a deep breath before she looked up at him and spoke.

"Dad…there's something I should have told you…"

She didn't think it was possible he could hold her tighter, but he did as he said quietly. "I already know. But now isn't the time to talk about it."

"I'm sorry, Dad," she mumbled as she cried into his chest, "I'm sorry…"

"Come on, Red, let's sit down," Brad coaxed as he pulled her over to one of the empty couches in the waiting room. "Standing isn't going to make the waiting any easier."

He sat down first and Annie snuggled up next to him, rearranging the blanket to cover her whole body as she curled her legs up and rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and tried to take some strength and comfort in her father's presence. It was the only thing that made the waiting bearable.

Matt left the waiting room once he realized Annie was in good hands. He started pacing the hallway unable to think clearly. I have to remain calm, that's what everyone expects, and that's all I really know how to do. He halted in front of a window and rested his head against it with his eyes closed. I'm trying to stay strong for you Scott, because I know you wouldn't want Annie to feel like this was her fault. A tear slowly drifted down his cheek at the realization that he just might lose his son forever.

A nurse put a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Sir you alright? Would you like me to take you to our waiting area."

Matt shook his head as he wiped the tear from his face, "No I'm fine just praying for a miracle." After the nurse left, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed his daughter's number.

She picked up her cell phone in an unusually peachy tone, "Hello this is Roxanne, who's this?"

"This is your father calling," he cleared his throat, "Roxanne there's been an accident tonight."

Her voice sound concerned, "What? What sort of accident? What happen?"

"Scott got hit by a car tonight." The other line went dead silent, in fact the only sound he heard was the phone dropping to the ground, "Roxanne you there?"

She picked up the phone, "Uh…. yeah…I'm…you said Scott got hit by a car. Is he ok?"

"Still in surgery. I want you to come back home. I'll send Bruce up to take your place."

"No dad don't bother," She replied still stun, "I've already finished my work here. I'll hop on the first plane back home. Keep me posted."

"I will. I'll see you tomorrow." Matt turned his phone off and decided to head outside for some fresh air.