Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets #2) (17 page)

“I’m Dr. Mayer, what appears to have happened to Ms. Simon?” the doctor asks as he enters the room.

“She was attacked and thrown to the ground. She’s pregnant, I think maybe around ten to twelve weeks; hell, I don’t know.” Colton grumbles in a state of panic.

“Okay, son. I’m gonna need you to lay her on the bed, so I can examine her. I know you’re concerned,
but you can sit right beside her and hold her hand.” I feel Colton’s chest tighten as he stands and lays me down on the thin, hard mattress. As soon as I leave his arms, I shiver from the cold that encompasses me. I feel his hand grasp mine, and the heat of his hand spreads like wild fire through my body.

“Ms. Simon, if you can hear me please make any noise.”

I straggle out a dry whimper and Colton’s hand squeezes mine.

“Good. Now, please lie still. I need to check your pupils.” He says as he shines a light in my eyes and I immediately want to throat punch him for the blinding throbs of pain that echo through my head.

“Ugggghh,” I moan out slowly.

“Is your head hurting?”

“Ugggh,”

“Nauseas?” I respond again with a whimper.

“Sir, did she hit her head?”  The doctor asks Colton, who’s breathing is rushed as it rattles around in his chest.

“I don’t know. It all happened so fast.”

“From the symptoms she’s showing, I’m going to clinically diagnose her with a concussion. I won’t do a CT scan because that’s harmful to the baby. I’ll do a pelvic exam to check for any bleeding then we will do the Doppler to determine that the baby’s active before we take any further measures.” He pauses briefly and I hear footsteps growing dimmer in the background of the ER racket. “I’ll be back shortly with a female nurse to examine Ms. Simon.”

I hear metal scrape the floor then Colton leans close to my face, pressing his lips to my forehead. “Please be okay, darlin’.” He whispers softly. I turn on my side pressing the stiff pillow against my face, trying to block the bright fluorescent lights from my eyes. My head throbs intensely with pain so I squeeze his hand lightly, and revel in the feeling of his hand wrapped around mine. Just his presence has calmed my scattered heart beat and I feel a familiar safety that only he can give me.

When the doctor and nurse come back into the room, they ask Colton to step out into the waiting room while they examine me. I sigh in relief. He hasn’t heard the baby’s heartbeat yet, and I think it would be too much for him still yet.

It’s the most humiliating thing for a woman; to have a strange man poking around in your lady bits just because. The vaginal exam is over as quickly as it began. I feel a cold dollop of goo hit my stomach and I bite down on the inside of my lip scared that there may be no tiny thumps to be heard. Piercing my eyes shut, the nurse scans the Doppler wand over my abdomen and the distinct sound of static feels the air. I want to cry out because of the silence, but when she scans the wand over my left side a strong thump thump fills the room, saving me from asphyxiation. “The baby’s heart beat is a steady one hundred sixty beats per minute, Dr. Mayer,” the nurse announces.

“Thank you, Rhonda. If you’ll find her boyfriend for me, I’d be much obliged.” He replies kindly. “Miss Simon, I want you to open your lips and take a sip of some juice for me. That may help with the dry sensation you’re feeling in your throat.” I follow his instructions and immediately the cotton feeling that was digging at my esophagus subsides. “There are some officers here that would like to ask you some questions. I can ask that they speak with you later, or now if you’re up to it. The choice is yours.”

“La-aater, please.” I drag out slowly. My throat feels like I’ve been eating sandpaper all damn day.

“Very well. We’ll let you rest for about an hour then check in on you again before discharging you home. I’ll have the police officers make arrangements with Mr. Weston to take your statement possibly tomorrow.” I nod slowly, not able to find the strength to speak.

Two hours later, I’m woken up by
the truck door slamming shut. Colton lifts me up into his arms, carrying me inside of the house where he lays me down on the couch. Mmmm, the delicious scent of the ocean breeze blankets me and the sleek leather is soft and cool to the touch. Inhaling a long deep breath, I’m instantly aware of my surroundings. My heart constricts tightly in my chest as I raise up quickly, flickering my eyes around the room. “Woah, settle down. Don’t need to be movin’ so fast there, darlin’.”

“Colton? Why the hell am I here?”
I mutter in a dry, raspy voice. My head throbs harshly, the pain echoing through my ears.

“Do you remember
anything about when you arrived at the mines, Carly Jo?”

I run my fingers through my tattered hair, searching my memory. Why t
he hell does my head hurt so damn bad? “I need a drink, please.” I whisper. Colton stomps off to the kitchen, returning quickly with a glass of sweet tea and Tylenol.

“Here, darlin’. The doctor said your head would hurt for a few days with the concussion.
” He sinks down on the couch beside me. “Do you remember anything, Carly Jo? Why the hell did Drew Varney have his damn hands around your throat?”

“
Drew?”

“Listen, baby. I know you’re not feelin’ well, and I understand that the two of us ain’t on the best of terms. But I’ll be damned if I won’t be gettin’ answers as to why he attacked you.”
He barks out, his husky voice getting deeper and louder the madder he gets.

“It’s complicated
, Colton; and I really don’t feel up to havin’ this little chat with you particularly at this moment. Just take me home, please.” I whine, fighting for my strength to stand up on my own two feet. He gently wraps his calloused hand around my wrists, drawing me back down beside him. He tips my chin up with his finger, forcing me to look him in the eyes.

“You ain’t goin’ anywhere tonight, darlin’. Now, tell me what the hell’s goin’ on.”

This is it. The secrets I’ve buried deep beneath the surface, as far down as I can hide them; I’m about to expose all of the lies and illusions of Big John Simon. Dragging in a scattered deep breath, I wring my hands in my lap nervously as I begin to tell Daddy’s secrets. “I’m only telling you this because I know you are the only person that I can rely on to protect me. Drew Varney is Big John’s bastard son.” His eyes widen as big as saucers as shock covers his face. “I didn’t know until I moved back. Do you remember that big oak chest you warned me about?” He nods. “I found some documentation linking Drew to Daddy; life insurance policies that weren’t discussed during the will reading. I asked James McCoy to look further into it and he reluctantly showed me the results from the DNA test that Daddy had when Drew was born.” I close my eyes, fighting back the tears of shame from the lies he led. “He hid this dark truth from everyone, Colton, for twenty some years. Now that Daddy is gone Drew wants Simon Energy and I’m fightin’ like hell to keep him from taking it from me.”

“That’s some deep shit.” He scrubs his hand over his face, his eyes are heavy and tired, and I’m sure he’s teetering on the edge of sleep deprivation. “Does
Savannah know?” He asks.

I chew on my lip nervously, biting down hard enough to taste the metallic of my blood.
“She doesn’t.” I whisper in a mouse like voice, dropping my head in my hands. “The worst part, Colton,” I pause dragging my hitched breath from my throat, “Drew has been a part of her life for years. Her son of a bitch husband, Josh, is Drew’s right hand man at AHCC.”

Colton leans back against the couch, scrubbing his hand roughly over his face. “You gotta tell her, Carly Jo. She deserves to know.”

“I’m trying to protect her, Colton. Savannah has been so different lately. She thinks Drew hung the moon and it scares me what may happen if she finds out.” I sob, choking on the tears. Colton wraps his arm around me tightly pulling me into his lap. I press my forehead to his shoulder, and cry out all of the pain of carrying Daddy’s secrets. Letting his secrets out, I feel no relief only more shame.

“Darlin’,
you know he can’t legally take the mines from you; so stop worryin’ about that. We may not be together, but I’ll never let anything happen to you. I’ll protect you from everything that I can.”

And as comforting as his touch, I fi
nd comfort in his words. I know that no matter what happens between Colton and me, I can always count on him to be there when I need him. He may harbor resentment towards me for breaking his heart when he was trying so hard to prove his love to me; but he proved to me today that he’d never turn his back on me. He could have kept walking when he saw Drew attacking me, pretended that he didn’t see anything. But he didn’t. He can give me the cold shoulder and turn away from me, making me feel alone. But deep down, I know that Colton has never stopped loving me; nor will he ever.

I slept like a baby last night snuggled close to Colton’s side. I don’t think he slept a wink all night as he laid watching over me. I wake up to the savory scent of bacon frying. I pad off to the kitchen zombie-fied in my steps, my hair a disheveled mess all over my head. But at thirteen weeks pregnant my appetite is finally back in full force and I’m starving, so I really don’t care. Colton has seen me at my worse too many times to count, one more ain’t gonna hurt a thing.

“Mornin’ sleepy head, how ‘bout some pancakes and bacon?” He asks sliding a plate in front of me. A man after my own heart
, that Colton Weston. I lick my lips at the delectable stack of buttery pancakes before me, completely unaware that Colton’s eyeing me suspiciously. He releases a heavy grunt that catches my attention and I blush when I realize he’s been watching my mouth water over pancakes. I ignore his gaze, cutting into the pancakes and shoving a forkful in my mouth, moaning loudly around the food. Colton cocks an eyebrow up at me with an evil grin before he chuckles.

“Glad yo
u’re finally eatin’. Had me a little worried there for a while, but it ain’t my place to say anything.” Sadness cracks in his voice.

“The first trimester was hard
, but I feel more myself now.” I shrug, keeping my eyes down at my plate as I eat quickly, ready to haul ass out of here. Colton sips on his coffee as he keeps his eyes pinned on me and the harder he stares, the more self-conscious I feel. “Do I have syrup on my face?”

“Sorry, just got lost in thought. I gotta get over to Momma’s to
get Heidi Jo ready for school.” He walks out of the kitchen quickly and I feel a pang of guilt for even being here, making him uncomfortable.

Before he can even open the front door to escape, I blurt out, “Are we ever gonna be us again, Colton?”

I turn to gauge his reaction, and my heart falters when his head drops to his chest. Keeping his back to me he tosses over his shoulder, “I ain’t makin’ any promises I can’t keep, darlin’,” then continues out the front door. I know in this instance that the comfort he consoled me with last night, he is only regretting this morning. I don’t know what to do to bring him back to me. My heart aches knowing the pain I’ve caused him.

M
y stomach knots in protest from my twisted nerves so I scrape my food in the trash can and rinse off the dishes before loading the dishwasher. Anxiety fills my chest as the fight or flight instinct deep inside of me kicks in. I can’t fight for him anymore. I’ve laid my heart on the line and begged for forgiveness but he ain’t ready to let his walls down inviting me back in. Had he not saved me from Drew’s attack yesterday, it’s hard to tell what state I’d be in today. Falling asleep in his arms never felt so right, but his demeanor today is right back to what it’s been for weeks, distant and guarded. I don’t have the strength to fight anymore.

I slide on my shoes and make my way over to Emma’s house.
Without knocking, I let myself inside just as Emma scolded me to do over the weekend.

“Son, when are you gonna straighten the hell up and love that woman right?” I hear Bill shout in the kitchen. “Damn it, you need to frickin’ remember yo
u were the one who threw it away all them years ago. I get that she royally screwed you over, but she deserves that same second chance she gave you.”

I
press my body against the door holding my breath quietly. I feel like I’m eaves-dropping, but I’m tickled to hear that Bill is on my side.

“Pops, it’s too damn early to hear this shit again. Please, just let it go and
let me figure it out on my own.”

“Agh, you damn hard-headed son of a bitch. Flush it down the damn drain, again.” Bill screeches as he stomps out of the kitchen. And I’ve been made. “Well, hey there little lady, come on in here.” He hollers across the living room
as he makes his way to me, pulling me into a bear hug.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt y’all’s breakfast, I just wanted to ask
Colton if he could take me to the mines when he drives Heidi Jo to school.” I mutter nervously. Emma rushes into the room checking me over from head to toe with tears filling her eyes.

“I’v
e been so worried about you, sweetie.” She wails, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

“I’m fine, Emma. Just sore and tired.”
Colton steps into view bracing his arms over the door jamb as he watches his parents fawn over me. He hollers down the hallway to Heidi Jo, hurrying her along for school. I talk with his parents while waiting for Heidi Jo to make her appearance. Dang it, for a seven year old, you’d think she was getting ready for prom! Can ya hurry up there, chick? Emma and Bill question me briefly about my attack, but when I look to Colton he shakes his head, urging me to give away as little details as possible.

Finally, a
thud shakes the house as Heidi Jo comes bouncing through the hallway singing and dancing to herself. She has such a jovial nature about herself. The kind of spirit I want to blanket myself in so I can bask in the happiness that illuminates her. “I’m ready to roll, Daddy.” She says sliding her hand into Colton’s with a toothy grin on her face. My head falls to the side in awe seeing that small endearment between Heidi Jo and Colton; it’s the sweetest, simplest gesture and it tugs at my heart. But my heart spirals wondering if I’ll ever get to see that moment for my own baby.

Colton rushe
s Heidi Jo out the door quickly telling her she’s gonna be late for school, but I’m certain he’s just eager to get me out of sight. The drive to Heidi Jo’s school is filled with loud music that causes my headache to reappear, but I’m thankful it isn’t an awkward silence. After we let her out at the school Colton turns to me, confusion etched on his face as his brows are furrowed deep between his eyes.

“I wasn’t tryin’ to be rude this mornin’. I’m sorry for that.” He sighs roughly. “I’m just tryin’ to deal with all of these mix
ed emotions and tryin’ to put everything behind me. But it’s so damn hard.” He punches the steering wheel as his rage surfaces.

“Colton, I don’t expect you to forgive me over night. You proved to me y
esterday that you’ll protect me and you’ll be there for me when I need you. No matter how hard you fight against it you’ll never be able to convince me otherwise.”

“I gave the Police the number to Simon Energy. I’m sure they’ll contact you today or tomorrow to get a report about the assault. They’ll expect you to press charges. If they need anything from me, just let me know.”
Colton replies, quickly changing the subject.

“I’m not speaking with the police.”

“Like hell.” Colton barks.

“Colton, you need to understand something. Speaking to the police is only gonna open up a shit ton
of questions from everybody. Especially Savannah. I’m trying to protect her from Drew. I’m trying to protect her from Daddy’s secrets. Let me handle this my own way, please.” I beg. He huffs as he grips the steering wheel tighter, gritting his teeth.

“
Have it your way, Carly Jo.” I stare out the window at the bleak, grey sky and that awkward silence fills the air.

Ten minut
es later Colton pulls into the gravel lot at Simon Energy. He puts the truck in park, but doesn’t bother with shutting the engine off. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue.” I bite hard on my lip nervous to ask him my next question. “Colton, the Paternity test is Friday. Are you coming?” I wring my hands together, sweat filling the creases of my fingers although I’m rather cold.

He hangs his head low and
drags in a rough breath before saying, “Darlin’, like I said…I won’t make a promise that I can’t keep.”

I pop the latch on the
door and climb out of the truck without looking back.

I hurry into the office
making my way into the conference room for the Supervisors meeting. The men all come to attention as I clap my hands together loudly. “Mornin’ y’all!! I ain’t got a lot of time. I have a few other meetings to attend today, so let’s get down to business quickly. If you have an issue that needs my dire attention, let’s hear it. If it can wait, leave a note with Shelly and I’ll make a visit to your mines later this week.” Scanning the room quickly with my eyes, I take count of my Mine Forman and Superintendents. Everyone seems to be accounted for, except Colton. I haven’t seen or heard from him since I climbed out of his truck on Tuesday. Stupidly, I held onto hope that he would be here for me today; but I know he just ain’t ready to forgive me.

The men quickly blurt out any orders of busines
s that need my prompt attention before the alarm on my phone buzzes reminding me of my next appointment. “Fellas, I hate to rush like this, but I have an appointment to make that I can’t be late for.” I sling my purse over my shoulder rushing out of the room. I send a quick text to Luke letting him know that I’m on my way to the hospital when I bump into cold, hard steel. My body seizes as I envelop his warm ocean scent. I step back and look up into his rich chocolate eyes with my mouth hanging agape. I stutter around my tongue before finding the words to excuse myself around Colton.

“Sorry I was
late to the Supervisors meetin’. Went home to get cleaned up and take Heidi Jo to school.” Oh hell. He’s dressed in loose fitting boot cut Levi’s, a black button down shirt and black boots. His hair is messy, like he’s been raking his fingers through the dark brown locks. His ocean scent wafts through my senses and a tingle snakes up my spine.

“It’
s no problem, meeting’s already over.” I stammer over my words, trying to step around him.

“Where you off too in such a rush, darlin’?” he asks in a low
grumbled voice.

“
I have an appointment that I can’t be late for. Excuse me.” I say ignorantly, trying not to remind him of the importance of the Paternity Test. He steps into me and my breath hitches in my throat as my heart thuds loudly in my ears. I look up at him behind glazed hazel eyes and a flood of emotions rush through me like a whirl wind. I want to wrap my arms around his neck, blanketing myself in his warmth as his scent cascades around me; but I also want to twist his balls firmly in my fist as he cries out for help.

“I kn
ow darlin’, we’ll take my truck if that’s alright.” I look up at him with my eyes as wide as saucers as his words sink in. He remembered the paternity test and he actually showed up. What. The. Hell? He grips my hand in his searching my eyes for approval. Nodding ‘yes’ at him, he pulls me out to his truck.

We drive in
uncomfortable silence as tension envelops the cab of the truck. Colton’s grip on the steering wheel has his knuckles white with tension and his left leg bounces up and down uncontrollably.

“Colton, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable when we get to the hospital.” I whisper.
He glances sideways at me with a cocked eyebrow.

“Uncomfortable?”

“Well, I didn’t expect you would get tested for Paternity. Luke is waiting at the hospital.”

“I see.” He mumbles. I cont
inue to twist my hands together as I chew on my inner lip watching the world pass me by in a blur out the truck window.

Colton parks the
truck, turning the ignition off. He sits quietly staring out the window. “You don’t have to do this, Colton. I’ll understand if you ain’t ready.” I lie. I won’t understand, but I don’t want him to be pained any more than necessary. He removes the keys from the ignition before climbing out the truck. I open the door to climb out on my own, but he takes my hand in his, helping me down gently. When my feet touch the ground I expect him to pull his hand away, but he laces our fingers together and walks with me inside the hospital. We take the elevator up to the fourth floor. Luke is already seated in the lab waiting room piddlin’ on his phone. He smiles at me as I walk passed him, but when he sees Colton on my heels he sits up a little straighter and his smile fades. I sign us in at the receptionist desk then take a seat next to Luke. He gives me a one armed hug, glancing up at Colton who is leaning against the wall.