The news reporters have caught wind of the explosion and murders up at the Wildlife Conservation Center.
By now, the whole state had heard about the tragedy and it was making its rounds both on the airwaves and across televisions alike.
Sitting back as he's watching the news, Richard Markston can't help but gloat, smirking a bit as he sits with his feet kicked up on his grand mahogany desk, watching as Derrick Jonhston took in the site before him.
He has a little tv just across the room, displaying the accident and the two men for hire that had been keeping watch over everything were sitting across from him.
The two men were sitting across from the man, timidly twiddling their thumbs, hoping they accomplished everything he'd asked for.
" I asked for a show and you delivered." Markston chuckles before muting the report.
Senator Johnston stood up." They wanted to make a fool of me, paint me out to be the bad guy. I have news for them."
" We got the redhead. She took the bait. It was so easy." Flint, the scrawny man spoke up, smiling a bit.
He was known infamously as 'StoneFace' for his mile long wrap sheet of murders and he never managed to get caught.
His partner, Big Mo, with no alias, worked silently alongside him.
" Good. That's Good." Markston puts his feet down before anchoring himself up in his expensive leather chair.
His domineering presence was very intimidating to a stone cold killer and his accomplice. They are both nervous to see what his next moves are going to be, unsure if they will need to do more work or if they are free to leave.
Big Mo peers over at Flint, who clears his throat.
" I-Is that all you'll be needing from us? I think we should get out of town, don't ya agree? I don't want those pigs to be hot on the scent if-if you know what I mean." Flint stammers a bit.
Markston sits a second before laughing. He rises from his chair and goes over to his mini bar and pours himself a brandy. The liquid goes down nice and easy. He offers one to the senator as well.
" I think we should do this right." he says as he pours a glass for the men he hired.
" A toast to murder." Flint speaks up as he raises the glass.
The four men toast and shoot back the strong caramel color liquid.
Before they knew what hit them, two shots rang out. Flint's eyes go wide as he sees blood forming on Big Mo's chest.
The glass drops to the ground with a thud before his body goes down, along with Flint.
Derrick shakes his head as he puts the gun back in his hip holster as Markston laughs at the men struggling on the ground below.
" Such a shame you two couldn't execute a clean job. Hell, if you want the job done right, you just have to do it yourself. " He speaks down to the two before he steps over their bodies and goes back to pour himself another glass.
Markston unmutes the television to drown out the silence as he finishes up his brandy before he gets to work.
He had a photo of Jennifer Hart on his desk with a big red X across it.
…
When Jonathan received the call, it stopped his world. He had been in Boston for a business trip.
He couldn't make out any other details from the call except the words, " I'm sorry to tell you this but your wife has been in an accident."
The flight was agonizing for him. He arrived at the hospital around 3:30 Friday morning.
After speaking with a few people, he found Carolyn first.
" I promise I'm fine, Jonathan. Really." Carolyn reassures her friend's husband as he pours her another glass of water.
Carolyn is bandaged up around her leg, and her wrist. Fresh stitches line her forehead, just above her brow.
She was sitting in a private room with Jonathan. The doctor had made his rounds to her room before he arrived so she was getting ready to try and get some rest before Jonathan shows up.
They were waiting for news on Jennifer and how she was fairing, making small talk as they did so.
" What was she thinking?" Jonathan swipes a hand over his unshaven face, surprised she would do this.
" She was doing what she always does. You can't take the journalist out of the girl, Johnny boy." Carolyn tried to make light of the situation even though news of her friend was unknown.
" I know I can't. I…I haven't been around much due to this business deal I'm closing, somehow I feel as though I should take the blame for this one." Jonathan felt so vulnerable at this moment.
" You will not blame yourself. Jennifer will tell you the same thing. She was trying to protect her friends and save those animals." Carolyn sternly replies.
The sound of feet quiets their conversation before a doctor peels back the curtain.
" Hello. You must be Mr. Hart and Ms. Woods I presume." he acknowledges both with a small smile. The two nod before he continues, " I'm Dr. Macdonald. I've been taking care of your wife since she arrived."
" How is she, Doctor?" Jonathan's brow is furrowed with worry, just wanting to know more information instead of this little song and dance all doctor's do.
" If you don't mind, Ms. Woods, I'd like to speak to Mr. Hart in private." the doctor says.
" Of course not." Carolyn ushers Jonathan to follow the doctor. He felt as though his feet had lead in them.
Taking a ragged breath, Jonathan follows the doctor into a private room and the two sit down.
" Your wife is very lucky to be alive, sir. She and her friend. That explosion could have killed them. She has a few small burns along her arms, nothing too severe. She sustained a mild concussion and a rather large cut at her hairline and a sprained ankle as well." he says, gauging Jonathan's response.
Jonathan let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. The Doctor continues.
" Your wife was a target for murder and whoever was responsible for this will not be happy to hear she's survived. Her friend was just in the way. They are very lucky nothing worse came of things."
Jonathan sighs heavily, still trying to absorb all this information. He rubs his eyes. He's tired and anxious and angry.
Carolyn told him who she assumed was behind all of this and Jonathan was ready to confront that senator and settle this business man to man.
" The police are speaking to your wife now. Once they finish up, you will be allowed to go and see her. We will be discharging her right after. My only orders are for her and to get some rest." Dr. Macdonald reassures him.
Thank you, doctor." Jonathan curtly replies.
The hospital was rather quiet this time of the morning.
They stop in front of a room and the doctor motions to the door. Jonathan follows him down the hall and they see the officers leaving her room.
" Are you gentlemen finished with everything?" Dr. Macdonald asks them.
" We are, sir." the older one replies. They stop and talk to Jonathan for a second, wanting to get information from him.
" Do you mind if I see my wife first? I was in Boston when all of this occurred and I'd like to make sure she's alright. She doesn't know I'm here." Jonathan pleads.
" Sure thing, Mr. Hart. We will get your statement later. Here's my card. I've given your wife our information as well. You two will need to come down to the station later on so we can speak." The detective is firm and direct, wanting to know anything and everything.
" Of course, now if you'll excuse me." Jonathan reaches for the door handle. The doctor taps him on the shoulder.
" There is a call button if you need anything." he says before shaking Jonathan's hand and leaving to give the nurse orders for discharge for both Jennifer and Carolyn.
Jonathan finds his hands feeling clammy as he opens up the doors, unsure of how he'll find his wife. Carolyn looked pretty banged up and he wasn't sure he could stomach seeing Jennifer in the same state.
Jennifer is resting, her eyes closed as she is dozing when the door opens. Her red hair was clumsily splayed out on the pillows and she was curled up to the side.
She doesn't move, thinking it's another nurse to bring her medication or check her vitals but as she turns over she spots her husband and her eyes light up and tears spring to her eyes.
" Darling!" she winces as she tries to sit up.
" Oh Jennifer! Thank God. Don't move darling." he hurries to her side and gingerly sits on the edge of her bed, holding her close.
Jennifer was so surprised to see her husband. She laid her head on his chest and breathed in his familiar scent.
Jonathan kissed her forehead gently and rested his chin atop her hair.
" I'm so glad you're alright. When I got the call I was just so worried. I had to get home right away." Jonathan says softly.
Jennifer pulls away from him a bit. " What about your business deal?"
Jonathan shook his head, surprised she's even remotely concerned about that. " That's not important. What's important is you and that you're alright. I was so afraid I lost you."
Jennifer could see how exhausted he looked. She knew her husband and knew he hadn't been sleeping. She didn't even know what time it was.
She scans the room and sees a clock on the wall and reads the time, her body becomes limp from exhaustion, but she felt as though she could finally rest with Jonathan by her side.
Jonathan gently cups his wife's cheek and stares in her eyes lovingly.
" What?" Jennifer asks, noticing the twinkle in his eyes.
" I can't remember the last time I told you I loved you?" Jonathan asks, smirking coyly at her.
" I think about 5 minutes ago." Jennifer stares at his eyes and then down at his lips.
Jonathan draws in her chin, tilting her head back ever so lightly before he kisses her lips tenderly.
" Well I'll tell you again. I love you." he murmurs into her lips.
" I love you, too." Jennifer whispers.
" The doctor should be in at any time to release you and Carolyn." Jonathan says, playfully as a smile grows on his lips.
" I don't think fraternizing with a strange man is a part of my healing process." Jennifer winks.
" An apple a day keeps the doctor away but those lips will do much more than that." Jonathan replies.
" Jonathan!" Jennifer playfully smacks his chest with her hand that wasn't seriously scratched or burned.
The right side of her body had gotten the worst of it and Jonathan was careful as he maneuvered himself, making sure Jennifer was comfortable.
The charge nurse knocks after a while, holding up some papers in her hands.
Jonathan at this point has pulled away and blushing like a school boy that's just been caught doing something naughty.
" I have some great news for you, Mrs. Hart. You are free to go. Per the doctor's orders, you'll need to clean those burns twice a day and put the fresh bandages around them. You'll need to follow up with your regular provider next week. We sent, I believe it's Dr. Kendall, all of your blood work and notes from your visit with us." she says.
Jennifer nods before asking the nurse a question. " Will I be alright to attend an event tomorrow evening?"
" Darling? Are you sure?" Jonathan questions.
Jennifer glares in his direction. " Of course I'm sure. That event is important to me."
" I don't see why not. If you feel up to it, you can resume your normal activities." she says.
Jennifer nods. " I'll be fine."
The nurse unhooks her from the machines and with Jonathan's help, comes to a standing position.
Jennifer winces as she puts weight on her ankle. It's a bit sore but she doesn't want her husband worrying over her.
As she tries to put her shirt on, a wave of dizziness hits her.
Jonathan sees her start to swoon so he grabs her, holding her gently against him.
" Here darling, sit down." Jonathan gently guides her to the edge of the hospital bed where Jennifer sits.
She has her eyes shut tight waiting for the nausea that has now accompanied the dizziness to stop.
She swallows back the rising bile in her throat, hoping Jonathan doesn't notice but her husband is observant to a fault.
" Darling, would you like me to get the nurse?" Jonathan worries as she squeezes his hand.
" No, don't. I'll be fine. It's just my head is hurting. I'll recover better at home." Jennifer opens her eyes and sees Jonathan's penetrating gaze on her. He doesn't look the least bit convinced.
" Are you sure?" Jonathan isn't going to let up. Not when it comes to her health.
The feeling passes and Jennifer nods. " Yes. I'm fine."
With his help, he manages to help her put her clothes on. They are tattered and covered in blood.
Jennifer turns a bit so he can help clip on the back of her bra. Jennifer tries to pull her shirt down before her husband can make another observation.
Never in a million years did she want to keep anything from her husband, but right now was not the time to tell him, and lucky for her, he hadn't noticed anything yet.
Jonathan surveys the look of her clothing and it nearly breaks him. He couldn't even imagine what she had been through hours earlier. It only makes him angry as he feels his blood pressure rising.
" Darling, if you don't quit staring at me, we can forget leaving before the sun comes up." Jennifer clears her throat, drawing him out of his trance.
" I'm not staring." he smirks up at her.
Suddenly the nurse comes in with a wheelchair. " Oh no. I am not using that." Jennifer looks up at her husband.
" Thank you." Jonathan nods the nurses direction wearing nothing but a grin on his face.
" Doctor's orders," he replies, his lip curling into a smile.
" I can tell you're enjoying this." Jennifer sarcastically replies.
" You bet I am." Jonathan murmurs in a sexy whispered tone in her ear.
" How is Carolyn? Is she really alright?" Jennifer asks as Jonathan wheels her towards the end of the hall.
" She's going to be fine. You two were very lucky. I believe her eldest son and daughter in law were on the way to pick her up. We can stop by her room." Jonathan tells his wife.
Jennifer remains quiet as she leans back in the wheelchair. Jonathan smoothly pushes her down the hallway. Her purse is clasped tightly to her middle.
They make it to Carolyn's room and Jennifer studies her friend. She is sitting up as the nurse takes her vitals one last time before she leaves the hospital.
" Carolyn!" Jennifer worriedly exclaims as she spots the bandages on her arm and leg and the cut just above her brow, held together by several stitches.
" Jennifer!" She sighs in relief, happy to see her friend alive and well.
" Thank goodness you're alright. I'm sorry for everything that's happened." Jennifer can't help but apologize.
" Don't worry about it. There is nothing to apologize for." Carolyn grabs her hand and squeezes it.
" Of course it's my fault. If I had discouraged you from going with me, you wouldn't be involved in any of this." Jennifer feels terrible about everything that's happened to her friend.
" Jen. It was my decision to go with you. If anyone is to blame, it's Senator Johnston. I have a feeling he's behind this whole thing. We can't prove it but maybe the police can." Carolyn knows the situation is now much bigger and out of their control.
" Ready to go, mom?" her eldest son comes back in the room after taking a phone call, greeting Jonathan and Jennifer on his way in.
" Yes." She nods.
" I'll call you tomorrow." she says to Jennifer.
The two hug and Jonathan wheels out his wife, ready to get her home and in bed.
Today had been a long day for them and he knew whatever would come tomorrow would have to wait.
He helps his wife into the car and the two whisk through the night back to their home.
" Comfy darling?" Jonathan asks as he turns to look at his wife.
She's got her eyes closed tightly.
"Mhmm." she murmurs in her sleepy haze.
They make it back to their home and Jonathan helps Jennifer inside.
Freeway Junior is whining at their heels, happy to have his family home.
" Easy boy." Jonathan doesn't want him jumping on his wife.
" Aww he's happy to see us. You can sleep in bed tonight, baby." Jennifer talks gently to him.
" Not in my spot." Jonathan teases.
The dog lets out almost a grunt in protest towards the comment.
The two share a laugh.
Jonathan finally gets Jennifer to their room and chooses a soft silky nightgown for her to wear.
" How's this darling?" he asks, holding up the thin, black gown.
" Perfect." Jennifer says stifling a yawn as she tries to remove her shirt.
" Here. Let me help with that part. It's my favorite thing to do." Jonathan says with a twinkle in his eye.
" Undressing me is your favorite part?" Jennifer pouts playfully.
" Absolutely not. The woman under the clothes is my favorite part." he replies, smirking.
She was so enticing to him. Even in the dimly lit glow of their room, Jennifer was just etherial to him. After all of this time, he could make out every inch of her body in the dark.
Jennifer's arms ached as she raised them just enough for her husband to gently pull her shirt off.
From there she put on her gown and shimmies out of her pants. Her body melts into the bed as she lays back.
Jonathan props her ankle up with a pillow, making sure she's comfortable before he heads to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Jonathan joins her a few minutes later. He has to laugh as he sees Freeway Junior curled up to his wife's side.
" Freeway, scoot." Jonathan whistles and points to his dog bed.
The dog hops off the bed and Jonathan smiles as he snuggles in beside his wife.
He's taking off his watch and placing it on the nightstand before he turns over to her only to find her turned the opposite way. He figures she is already asleep. It had been a very long day and he felt himself succumbing to the sandman as well.
She was turned away with her back to him, curled into a pillow. She hopes he doesn't wrap his arms around her. Silently, tears are falling down her cheeks.
" Goodnight, darling." Jonathan kisses her head softly.
Jennifer stares out the window as the moon casts a soft glow. Her heart is racing and she's surprised it hasn't woken Jonathan up. She hates hiding things from her husband and normally not one to do it and face things head on, Jennifer was afraid.
She wasn't sure how he'd take the news and she herself was still in shock over the events of the day and she wasn't even sure she had processed the news.
She knew if she didn't do it now, she couldn't muster up the courage to say it again.
" Darling?" Jennifer whispers after a while. Her question is met by soft snores.
" Darling?" she questions a little louder.
" Hmm?" Jonathan asks, slowly waking up.
" Darling…I'm pregnant." Jennfier says softly, shocked she's even acknowledged it out loud.
She was met by silence and it crushed her.
He turns the lamp on and sits up. " Say that again?" Jonathan asks.
Jennifer turns over and sees Jonathan staring at her with a grin on his face. She's surprised.
" I'm- I mean we are going to have a baby." Jennifer says again, her voice still shaky as more tears threaten to spill out of her eyes.
She has never seen her husband look at her the way he has just then. It was comparable to the way he looked at her on their wedding day.
With tears in his eyes, Jonathan bends down and places a deep and loving kiss on her lips.
" You're kidding." Jonathan pulls away after a second, still not believing the words that she just said.
Jennifer shakes her head, now letting the tears fall as Jonathan takes her in his arms.
" That's amazing. You're amazing. When did you find out?" he asks.
Jennifer manages to smile through her tears as he cups her face gently in his hands.
" Tonight. Oh Jonathan I-I just I can't even believe it." Jennifer says.
" I can. I love you so much, Jennifer." Jonathan is beaming with pride.
Freeway hops up on the bed, snuggling between his owners. " Did you hear that, boy? You're going to be a big brother." Jonathan scratches his little head, pulling his wife closer, not wanting to let her go.
She smiles and relaxes against his firm chest. She lays her head there, feeling his heart beating, and he holds her so gently.
The two stay like that for the rest of the night, finding that sleep could come more peacefully in each other's arms.
TBC…