Loving Heart (The Broken Heart Series Book 3) (12 page)

“Michael, no, please don’t go.” I whispered. I grabbed his hand and he pulled it away. I could hear Joe moaning in agony. Michael crawled near the entrance of the living room and stuck his head out cautiously.

“Jenesis, hurry, call an ambulance!” he shouted. I crawled quickly near Michael then I stood up and screamed running to Joe and holding his hand.

“Joe! Joe! Can you hear me?” I held his hand tightly kissing his knuckles as the tears flooded my eyes. “Don’t leave me! please, don’t leave me!” I shouted.

“Jenesis, their coming; Joe hold on! Hold on!” Michael pressed his hand hard against the hole near Joe’s shoulder that was oozing blood rapidly. Joe was breathing fast and I knew he was losing his will to fight. The hole near his shoulder continued to gush out blood as I heard someone running up the stairs.

“Hey, my name is Jackson. I live on the first floor. I heard the gunshots. I’m an EMS worker. Can I check him out?” A tall, attractive man in a black suit said as he leaned over Joe.

“Sure.” I gazed at him up and down.

“I was at funeral. I just came back.” He glanced over at Michael.

“Remove his shirt please.” He helped me remove his shirt and applied pressure on the wound with gauze, placing one hand over the other. He looked at Joe. His eyes widening as he saw Joe's eyes roll into his sockets. He looked over at Michael.

“Dammit, where the fuck is that ambulance?” Michael barked.

We heard the ambulance sirens. I glanced towards the door and looked over at Joe.

“They’re here Joe, they’re here.” I whispered. “Hold on.” I was choking on the ball in my throat. I couldn’t contain myself. “You’re going to be a grandfather. Don’t let go. Don’t let go.” Joe opened his eyes and smiled. “Yes, you can do it. Please don’t leave me, don’t leave me.” The EMS workers quickly got an IV into Joe’s arm. They thanked Jackson who rode with EMS to the hospital. They placed him on the stretcher and started to wheel him out.  He reached out for me and I grabbed his hand. “I love you, Joe.” I whispered.

“Jenesis, I love you, too.” he muttered. He tried his best to push the words through his lips. I knew what he said and I knew that he loved me. I held his hand into the ambulance and sat beside him on the stretcher as Michael followed behind us in his car. The police also followed. They needed to ask us questions about what happened at the apartment.

We arrived at the hospital in no time. Thank God it was Mount Sinai. Everyone knew him there and starting making phone calls in the emergency room.

“Joe?” A short, chubby ER doctor ran over and started to work on him right away.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m his daughter.” I said proudly.

“What?” the doctor said puzzled.

“His daughter.” I whispered feeling embarrassed by the awkward stare the young doctor gave me. He almost laughed when I said daughter and I gave him a look that I’m sure he would never forget.

“I’m sorry. I thought you said you were his daughter.” he shook his head.

“That’s what I said.” He turned to look at me, and then he looked at Joe. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around. It was a police officer. He smiled then motioned for me to follow him.

“Can I help you officer?” I asked nervously looking back at Joe and wishing I was with him.

“Someone shot that gentlemen you were with at your home. Is that correct?” he asked looking over at Joe.

“Yes, but we didn’t see him or her. They shot him as soon as he opened the door and my husband and I were seated in the living room, and then we threw ourselves on the floor when we heard the gunshots.” I rambled on nervously. I started trembling remembering hearing the shots that took Joe down.

“I see. Is your husband available? Are you able to come down to the station?” he asked as he looked around the ER.

“No. I don’t know where he is at the moment. I want to stay with my father.” I was able to say it without a problem.
Father
. He was my father and I wanted to make sure he stayed that way…
alive
.

“Ok ma’am, don’t fret. We’ll contact you tomorrow. Here’s my card. Call me when you have a chance. Oh and just to let you know. Your apartment is a crime scene right now, so you can’t go home tonight. Do you have a place to stay?” I swallowed hard at the notion of yellow tape and a body outlined in chalk that was in my apartment.

“Yes, it’s fine. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“And ma’am, if he dies, it’ll be a homicide. Of course, I hope for the best.” I wanted to punch him right in the face.
How could he say something like that?

“He’s not going to die. Good night.” I walked away shaking my head in disbelief.
What a dick! How heartless was that officer
, I thought to myself? I rushed over to Joe’s bedside.

“He’s going into surgery now. Do you know any family members that can donate blood?” The nurse asked.

“Yes, me.” I said.

“Oh, and you are?”

“His daughter.”

“Joe? Dr. Joe? He doesn’t have any children, except the baby that’s on the way.” My heart hurt me and I turned my face away from the nurse.

“We just found out today. Now do you want the blood or not?” I said sternly. The nurse stared at me for a moment.

“I see the resemblance. Your eyes. You have
his
eyes. Congratulations. Joe’s a great man.” She smiled softly and led me to the receptionist. “Maggie, she’s donating blood for Dr. Joe. See if she’s a match. She’s his long lost daughter.” The receptionist lifted her head in astonishment. She couldn’t believe I was his daughter. I think no one could believe it.

“Right this way Miss…Miss…” The young nurse motioned for me to follow her.

“Mrs. Hunter, Jenesis Hunter.” I said.

“Okay Jenesis, follow me.” I followed her down the hallway into a small room. I sat down on the chair and watched her as she placed three tubes on a blue sheet and a packet containing a needle. She swabbed my arm with alcohol as she tightened the rubber band around my wrist.

“Pump your fist please.” she said politely. She found the spot she wanted to prick and placed the needle in my arm. I jumped a little in my seat. The initial stick hurt and she glanced up at me and smiled. Meanwhile, I had
pain
on my face. She slowly drew blood from my arm with the thin butterfly needle that emptied into the three tubes.

“There that didn’t hurt, did it?” she smiled and I shook my head, though I was lying through my teeth. It did hurt and she sucked at drawing blood. “I’ll be with you shortly. Why don’t to go to the cafeteria and drink some water, just in case you’re a match, you can give blood.” I nodded my head and thanked her then headed out to the ER where Joe was. 

“Is Joe okay? Where is he?” I asked.

“They took him in. I think your husband is waiting for you outside. We’ll see you in a few.” I nodded.

The time in the waiting room felt like an eternity. I waited and waited while Michael sat in the corner sofa, snoring with his lips parted, flapping against his breath. I stared at Michael, he seemed so peaceful. I cracked a smile and the baby gave me a little kick.

“Jenesis Hunter?” the nurse shouted.             

“Yes?”

“Come with me please.” I left Michael sleeping and followed the nurse down the corridor. I peeked into the rooms as I walked by. I hated hospitals, especially since they reminded of how many times I miscarried.

“Where are we going?” I whispered.

“To see your father. He doesn’t need any blood. But, you’re more than welcome to donate for others or for him, just in case.” she smiled sending my heart into overdrive.
My father. My real father. Someone who would treat me like a daughter. Who would love me for me. I can’t believe he’s my father…it was surreal.

We walked into the room. Joe laid in the bed, the oxygen mask over his face as he tilted his head to the side. He extended his hand out to me and I ran to his side and grabbed his hands. They were warm and soft. I was expecting them to be cold. My eyes teemed with tears and my heart pounded with happiness.

“Joe, thank God you’re okay.” the tears in my eyes fell on his warm hands.

“Jenesis,” I kissed his knuckles, my lips trembling with fear. I was foolish thinking about how hard it was going to be for me to try to accept him. Now, I only thought how much I feared that he would leave me. It was easy to love him. He has been my doctor since I was born.

“Joe, don’t speak.” I whispered.

“Jenesis, I’m okay. The doctor said I’m going to be fine.” he pressed the button on the bed to lift his head and back.

“I’m so happy.” I cried into his hands holding onto him tightly.

Michael walked in and walked towards us.

“Hey, how are you, Joe?” he sat by him on the opposite side of the bed.

“I’m good.” he nodded his head.

“I think it’s a good idea if you stay with us until you get better. What do you think, Jenesis?” I looked up at Michael and then at Joe.

“What about Kate? She’ll miss me too much.” he smiled.

“Not as much as Jenesis has missed her father. It will give you guys a chance to bond. She’s not working right now and won’t be for the next 6 months until the baby is born. We’d…I mean…she’d love to have you. I won’t be there.” Joe’s face was filled with emotions. His eyes welled up and he stared into my eyes asking me permission to take care of him.

“I…I’d like that. But I have to check with Kate first. She’s pregnant and I don’t want to leave her alone. Thanks, Michael.”

Michael nodded and I continued to hold onto Joe’s hand.

“Hey, Dr. Joe!” A young doctor walked in grabbing Joe’s chart and reviewing it as he flipped the pages.

“Dave!” Joe said. My heart sank into my stomach. I looked around to see if Dave was in the room, but then I realized the young doctor’s name was Dave. I exhaled as my nerves got the best of me. Michael’s eyes followed my every move and he knew the name Dave shook my insides.

“Well, everything looks great. You can be discharged probably by Friday. How does that sound?” he smiled as he bit the tip of the pen with his teeth.

“I’m ready. Has Kate been around?”

“I didn’t see her today. Though she did mention she was going to be in surgery earlier this morning.” Dave answered.

“I’ll call her.” I said.

“Thanks.” Joe seemed nervous. I knew he couldn’t stay with me. Kate was pregnant and didn’t want to be alone. I didn’t blame her. I felt the same way. I grabbed my cell phone and walked out of the room. I searched my phone for her number but then decided to send her a text instead.

Joe is doing well. He’d like to see you and wants to know where you are. Call him.

Jenesis

I stood outside in the hallway waiting for a response. My phone vibrated in my hand.

I’m on my way. I’d like to speak with you when I get there. Is that okay?

Kate

I took a deep breath. Here comes the drama; Especially since we just found out he
is
my father. I sent her a text back.

Sure. I’ll be in the waiting area having coffee.

Jenesis

I sat in the waiting area and drank a black cup of coffee. It reminded me of Dave and I almost gagged.  I tossed it in the nearest trash can. I sat at the table thinking about the time we were at the hospital with Mrs. Thomas’ kids. How he hated them both, and how he hated her sister who walked through the hospital entrance without a clue that her life would end right there in that parking lot. I didn’t doubt for a moment he could’ve killed her. He spoke of it. Confident. With complete calmness. And then it happened and he was the first one called on the scene. I closed my eyes and shook my head in disbelief. I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Jenesis?” I heard his voice. It was Nick. I opened my eyes quickly. Nick stood in front of me with all of his beauty. He wore a gray suit and tie that fell on him as if they had sewn it on him. He looked more handsome than ever. His beautiful blonde hair slicked back to perfection. I blushed when I looked into his eyes as he stared at me up and down, observing me, from head to toe.

“Nick, what are you doing here?” I looked to the side to see if Michael was anywhere near us. Then I grabbed his hand and escorted him near the vending machine. “What.Are.You.Doing.Here?” I said sternly.

“I came to see you. The call over the radio said there was a shooting at your address and someone was hurt. I wanted to make sure you were okay? Are you?” His blue eyes burned a hole through me. My heart was pounding. He made me feel so uncomfortable yet, there was something pleasing, erotic about his presence and that worried me. It turned me on, the fact that he was concerned and came running to find me.

“I’m fine. Really, but you should go. Michael is here.” I pleaded. I was nervous and I wanted him to leave, and yet, I wanted him to stay.

“Did…he, get…shot?” He grabbed both of my hands gently and lifted them up to his lips. “I would’ve died if something had happened to you.” My lips parted. “Jenesis, I don’t want to be without you. Michael is dangerous. He can’t be trusted. You have to believe me. He’s just like Dave. He was the one who backed Dave up. He knew everything that went on. You have to trust me. You have to get away from him.” My heart sank. I didn’t know if he was telling the truth or not. It was so hard to hear him say those words. I became angry even though I knew he was probably telling the truth. I glanced away from him and saw Kate walking in through the hospital doors.