Promises: Part I (Bounty Hunters Book 1) (9 page)

“This is crazy.” His dad ran his hand over his messy hair. “I can’t believe this.”

Vaughan gripped Quick’s shoulders and pulled him into him. He felt his dad shake in his arms but he held him as tightly as he had earlier. “I’m gonna save him, Dad. Please. You gotta let me save him. I’m a healthy man. There’s no reason I can’t survive it.” They stayed in the embrace for a while before Vaughan finally pulled back. His heart broke for his dad. He could understand how much it was to digest. Hearing his friend was dying, then his son opting to donate an organ, it’s the biggest challenge they’d ever faced. But Vaughan was a man. He needed to accept that.

“Swear you won’t tell him. Promise me.”

He didn’t say a word.

Vaughan frowned, his blood felt like ice water in his veins. He was trying to control himself, but if his dad messed this up, he wasn’t sure what he’d do. “If you tell him, if you mess this up. I’ll never forgive you.” Vaughan turned and walked away. It was harsh, but reality. It may have been an exaggeration. But if Duke died, he’d definitely get as far away from Atlanta as he could. So where was that? Australia, Indonesia. There was no telling when he’d forgive his father or want to see him again.

Duke tried to turn to his other side and must have cried out at the pain that move caused, because he immediately felt a gentle hand on his cheek, a soothing deep murmur next to his ear. “Easy, sweetheart.”

Vaughan
.

Duke tried to open his eyes, the lids heavy from the medication the doctor had pushed when he last checked on him. Insisting that Duke not lie there in excruciating pain. He knew it was his man… Oh goodness… he knew it was Vaughan. He couldn’t refer to him as his man; they wouldn’t have that. Never make it there. He felt moisture run down the side of his face but his eyes were still closed. “Vaughan,” he barely managed. His voice sounded horrible, like he had throat cancer along with all his other ailments.

“Yes. I’m here.” Softer purring and caresses to his face and his hair. The back of his head was very tender from the bruises and the concussion, but he’d welcome any of Vaughan’s touches. He could smell him; he was so close to him.

“What time is it?” Duke croaked.

“Very early. Like almost four.”

“Jesus,” Duke huffed. “You need to rest.”

“I need to be right here,” Vaughan argued gently. Duke could feel Vaughan’s body heat; feel his weight next to him. It felt like he was sitting on the side of his bed, leaning over him, careful not to put too much weight on him. Duke slowly lifted the arm that didn’t have a cast on it and laid his hand on Vaughan’s thigh, or so he presumed since his eyes remained shut. Gazing into those intense eyes would be his undoing. After a few seconds of silence or maybe he’d drifted off again, he felt Vaughan’s soft lips on his cheek, his eyelids, grazing over his temple. A warm gentle breath ghosted over Duke’s forehead as Vaughan moved to the other side, placing the most comforting, delicate kisses he’d ever felt in his life. Would ever feel. Duke felt his chest tighten painfully and he fought to control his emotions. His body shook and he knew Vaughan felt it because he responded quickly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Calm down, Duke. I’m right here with you. I’ll always be here.”

Duke sighed tiredly. He needed more rest. Every time he thought of how fucking unfair everything was, he’d feel this tremendous weight on him, like a boulder pressing him into the uncomfortable bed he was confined to. Duke was exhausted again but he thought he might have been dreaming when he heard Vaughan’s beautiful voice assuring him that he was going to be okay. Vaughan swore he’d make everything okay. Oh, how he wished he could. It had to be a dream. Right? There was nothing anyone could do for him. He was going to die right here.

~~~~

When Duke woke again it was a lot brighter in his room, he could see the light through his lids. He smelled food and antiseptics. When he finally managed to open both eyes, he saw there was a lunch tray sitting on his table along with a couple bottles of water and what looked like a can of ginger ale. He knew he had to be hungry, he hadn’t eaten in quite a while, but the thought of food made him nauseous. Duke managed to push the button on his bed railing and raise his head. He must have had a visitor or two because there was a “Get Well” balloon tied to a slender vase of carnations and sitting on the windowsill was a plant with small white lilies emerging through the green leaves. There was white bow around the bottom of the pot. He could see there was a card but didn’t know who it was from.

His body was tight; muscles ached in every part of him. His arm throbbed and the constant thud in the back of his head had magnified exponentially. It must be time for more medication or something. He glanced up at the clock in his room and gasped. It was after noon. Had he been asleep that long? When did Vaughan leave? His memory was cloudy, had to be all the pain meds. Hey, maybe that was a pretty good idea. Stay doped up until it was time for him to check out. Sleep through his final days, because honestly, who wanted to watch them? He was just about to push his morphine drip when he heard a light tap on the door and it was simultaneously pushed open.

Duke turned and looked into dark red-rimmed eyes. He knew he’d be here eventually but he wasn’t prepared for his visit yet. Not him.

“Quick called me yesterday.” The deep voice radiated around the room as Judge’s large presence filled the space. He came to the side of the bed and placed his large palm on Duke’s shoulder. He watched Judge’s bottom lip quiver slightly before he opened his mouth to speak again. “Goddamn you, Duke.”

Duke blew out a weary sigh. He turned his palm upwards, silently asking for Judge’s hand. It took a second but Judge finally put his hand in Duke’s and gave it a firm squeeze before dropping his forehead to their joined hands. They didn’t speak at all. What could be said? They’d been lovers at one time. Friends for even longer. Although their relationship never extended past work and an occasional hook up whenever Judge was in town, Duke had missed him terribly. He was glad that his friend had found love; regardless that it wasn’t with him. Judge was happy, would be long after he was gone. He wanted that for his friend. They stayed that way until the nurse came in and took Duke’s vitals for the umpteenth time.

“Good afternoon Mr. Morgan. It appeared you slept better last night. I came in a few times and you never woke while I checked your vitals.”

Duke nodded his head. If she calls that sleeping good, then okay. Judge was standing over by the window, trying to stay out of the way while the nurse did what she had to do. Duke remembered her from yesterday. She must work the morning shift.
Kathy,
he thought.
Yes, her name is Kathy
. Her scrubs were bright pink and blue and her honey-blonde hair was pulled back neatly and pinned up with a shiny butterfly clip. She was pretty and sweet, as were most of the nurses he’d encountered the last couple days.

She finished with her notes and pulled Duke’s tray closer to him. “It’ll make you feel better if you eat a little, Mr. Morgan. This is chicken soup and in this container is Jell-O.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You need to keep your strength up, Mr. Morgan.” She smiled sadly.

Duke was wondering what the point was. Keep up his strength. Why? He wasn’t doing dialysis for years on end. He was accepting his fate. He refused to live miserably for the next four or five years, not working the job he’d done since he was a teen, and being a burden to his few friends, while he waited on a too-long list for a kidney that might never come. No way.

“Just a few sips of soup, please,” Nurse Kathy said softly.

“No thank you,” Duke grumbled, turning away from her, barely controlling the cry of pain that escaped without permission. 

“He’ll eat it,” Judge growled. “Leave it.”

Nurse Kathy’s eyes widened slightly when Judge walked back over to Duke. Judge was a large and intimidating man, especially when he wore black from head to toe. Kathy was probably afraid for Duke but she released the tray and quickly left the room.

Judge didn’t say a word as he lifted the lid off the bowl and unwrapped the spoon from the napkin. He used the buttons on the remote control and inclined Duke until he winced. He couldn’t sit up too far without his ribs angrily protesting. Judge dropped the guardrail and somehow gingerly sat his large frame beside him. Judge picked up the bowl—his massive hands making it appear small—dipped the spoon into the broth and slowly put it to Duke’s lips. He knew it wasn’t an option not to open his mouth. He parted his dry lips and Judge gently eased the spoon in and let the lukewarm broth settle on his tongue before sliding soothingly down his parched throat. It tasted like comfort. It was bland and cooling quickly but the way it was being delivered made it perfect. Judge dipped the spoon again, repeating the same gesture. When Duke opened again, Judge smiled slightly, giving him an appreciative wink. Thank god for his friends. He wasn’t going to die alone. Before he knew it, he’d eaten all the soup and the Jell-O, fed to him by his friend. Judge took the cloth napkin and wet it with warm tap water to clean Duke’s mouth and chin of the few drops that got away.

Judge pushed the tray away and put the bed’s rail back in place. “Don’t starve yourself Duke. This is hard enough without… without….” Judge turned away from him. Duke could see the tension and strain in Judge’s back.

“I’m sorry,” Duke whispered.

Judge turned back around, his onyx-colored eyes were glossy as they locked in on Duke’s own. He picked up Duke’s hand and kissed his palm before placing it back down. Judge’s voice was rough and husky. “I gotta go, Duke.”

“I know,” Duke said, just as quietly.

“I’ll be back real soon.”

“Judge.” Duke mustered the strength to say what had to be said. “Nothing changed regarding the business.”

“Duke.” Judge sighed. Shaking his head miserably. “Not now.”

“After we called it quits. I never changed anything with my lawyer. You and Quick will own my businesses. You are joint owners, fifty-fifty.”

Judge leaned in and kissed Duke’s forehead, his lips lingering against the damp skin there. Duke hadn’t realized his was sweating because he had chill bumps all over. He shivered in Judge’s presence, remembering what it felt like to be touched and handled by him. Judge placed his thick palm on Duke’s bruised cheek, careful not to hurt him. “Rest. I’ll be back soon.” Judge left, not commenting on Duke’s confession. Judge and Quick were the first ones there when Duke started his business. They loved and bleed for his company, leaving it to them was the best and most logical thing for him to do. 

“Thank you so much Mr. Roland. I really appreciate it. I will be in the hospital for a couple days and then post-op recovery time is estimated to be three to four weeks… Yes, sir… I can still provide some assistance with cases… No, sir… I can research case law and submit information via email… Thank you, sir. Yes, this was unexpected, but I’m just thankful that my job will still be here after all this is done. Yes, sir. Thank you again. I’ll be in touch.” Vaughan hung up the phone. He felt another gust of relief. He hadn’t even officially started the job yet and already he was taking medical leave. He told his boss a version of the truth. That he was donating a kidney, but to a family member on his mother’s side. There was no reason for him to disclose exactly what his situation was. He’d save his man’s life and get to work as soon as he could.

He was sitting at his father’s desk, using his computer to handle his business before he had to be at the hospital to meet the shrink. He’d gotten in today at two on a cancellation. Dr. Chauncey called and informed him that the board had met at eleven that morning and accepted Duke as a candidate. As soon as Vaughan finished the last leg of his testing, he’d get a date to check in to the hospital. He was starting to breathe easier. It was looking like this was going to happen. He wished he could tell Duke that everything was going to be okay, but he wouldn’t risk telling him and Duke declining the surgery because of it. As long as he didn’t know, Duke would thank god for answering his prayer and have the surgery.

He was still wondering what excuse he’d give Duke for why he wouldn’t be there by his side before he went in for the transplant. He was still debating that. Vaughan wasn’t used to lying or even omitting the truth. He believed a man should be about his word. A real man didn’t have to lie. Now, he saw the shades of gray regarding his long-held rule. Duke wasn’t a fool, but they would have to pull this off or else he’d lose the love of his life and his father would lose his best friend.

He’d had a long talk with his father that morning. They’d woken early since Vaughan had affairs to get in order and Quick was running Duke’s business. After showing his father more research, he believed he’d put him at ease. Checking his watch, he saw he had forty minutes before his appointment; being late wouldn’t look good. He wore a black and gray stripped business suit, wanting to appear professional. Duke would think he was working when he stopped by after his appointment. Grabbing the folder which he was referring to as his “donor documents,” and his wallet, he headed out the front door.

~~~

The appointment took well over two hours. It was more like an interrogation than a conversation. The doctor asked him a lot of questions that were very similar to each other. Do you believe in god? Do you believe in heaven? Do you have a god complex? Do you believe man makes his own fate or do you believe in a higher power? Vaughan knew the right answers, the wrong answers, and the answers they wanted to hear, so the latter was what he gave them.

“Well, I believe this concludes our session. Do you have any questions for me Mr. Webb?”

“Did I pass? Am I well-balanced enough to donate a kidney?”

The doctor looked up from his notes, a slight crinkle appearing next to his left eye when he smirked. “There’s no pass or fail.”

Vaughan stood and re-buttoned his Donna Karan suit jacket. The psychologist’s office was set up just like any other shrink’s, regardless that it was in the hospital. The lighting was dim and the couch and chaise lounge were positioned so the doctor could face him from his burgundy wingback chair. Gazing out the window, his stomach begin to whirl with anticipation. “You know what I mean. You know exactly what I’m asking.”

“You’re more than capable. It’s truly commendable what you’re doing.” The doctor flipped a couple pages in a manila folder and looked back up at him. “I understand you’re doing an anonymous donation.”

“Yes, I am. I don’t want the recipient to feel he owes me anything afterward. I want us to have the exact same relationship
after
the surgery that we had before it.”

“Of course.” The doctor stood and smoothed down his black and gray sweater vest. “Do you know what happens now, Mr. Webb? Did Dr. Chauncey explain the steps following our appointment?”

“Yes, sir. If you give me a sane bill of health, I should be contacted with a surgery date.”

“Exactly.”

Vaughan smiled. Truly smiled for the first time since the whole ordeal began. He graciously shook the doctor’s hand and headed to the bank of elevators that would take him to see Duke. While he watched the lighted numbers descend, his stomach growled angrily. Shit. When was the last time he’d eaten? Was it completely fucked that he couldn’t remember? Checking his watch, he saw it was only a half past three. A quick stop in the cafeteria wouldn’t hurt. While he waited in line to pay for his southwest chicken salad he called his father to inform him that he believed the psych eval went very well and he believed all was going to be okay. Quick was at the jail for a bond so he couldn’t talk long but he actually whooped out loud and that just amped Vaughan’s mood up to the nth degree. He made quick work of his salad, missing Duke and needing to see him.

He walked past the nurse’s station on Duke’s floor and got more than a few appreciative glances, but came to an abrupt halt when he heard his name called. He spun around and saw Dr. Chauncey waving him back the way he’d come. The doctor turned before he reached him and led Vaughan into a private family waiting room.

“Dr. Chauncey. Good afternoon. I just finished with Dr. Skool; I think it went well. How soon should—”

Dr. Chauncey raised his thin hand, cutting off Vaughan’s anxious babbling. “I know. The transplant coordinator already sent me the email. The psychologist has signed off, so I wanted to tell you that if you had your affairs in—”

“Oh, yes. Yes! I do! Everything is lined up with the billing office and my job, and my father will be doing all my post-op care. We’re ready to go!” Vaughan cut in, his head and heart pounding with anticipation.

“Calm down.” Dr. Chauncey smiled. “If you have a coronary, I won’t be able to operate on you.”

This was a good sign. Had to be. The doctor was joking with him.

“I have an opening on Friday at six a.m. Can you be here?”

Vaughan wanted to drop to his knees.
Oh thank you, god. Thank you, thank you.
Tears welled up in his eyes and he just barely contained himself from wailing. It was fate. He and Duke were supposed to be together. He knew it right at that moment. Duke could’ve been severely injured in a way that couldn’t be repaired. But the good lord was giving them a chance. Vaughan nodded his head and finally spoke in a hushed murmur, “Yes. Friday is fine.”

Dr. Chauncey looked on him with so much compassion. He simply patted his shoulder and informed him that the surgery date was set.

“Doctor. You’re still going to keep my name out of this, right?”

  Dr. Chauncey looked at Vaughan like he had snot oozing out his nose. He appeared disgusted.
Oh no.

“Vaughan you are my patient now. I would never violate your rights. You have asked to remain anonymous and I have to respect and honor that. Besides, it’s my experience that patients dying of kidney failure rarely insist on the details of where the kidney is coming from.”

“Yeah. But even if Duke’s on the kidney donation list, his name wouldn’t come up now if there was a kidney available.”

“Just let me handle everything, okay?”

Vaughan took a breath. That sounded freakin’ perfect to him. Yes. He’d let the good doctor handle it all.