Jason rubbed his forehead. "Damn." Why had he pushed so hard? They'd gotten along so well. They talked and laughed the way they had when they were teenagers. Last night, their loving had been much more than he'd hoped for. He'd begun to think they could have a life together.
Beth had looked devastated when she ran out, and she'd been crying. The roads were slippery and soaked with rain. Not a good combination for someone who was distraught to have to cope with. He paid the check and rushed after her. He might be frustrated, but he wanted her safe.
Jason tapped his foot while he waited for the valet to get his car. He pulled out of the driveway, and his tires slid across the pavement. The road was slick and treacherous from the oil mixing with the rain. The curves were dangerous for anyone driving too fast. His hands gripped the steering wheel.
He didn't know this road well and kept the car moving at a steady pace, although lower than the speed posted. His jaw clenched as he pressed on the gas and drove too fast through a sharp turn. The car skidded. He eased his foot off the gas pedal to get the car under control.
As he pulled out of the turn, his headlights reflected off something. He slowed the car and squinted as he tried to see what was in the ditch. Could it be—? His chest tightened until it hurt to breathe. "No!"
Beth's car lay, twisted and mangled, at the bottom of the gully.
He pulled his car to the side of the road but was careful to park it on the pavement. If he drove onto the shoulder, he'd get stuck in the mud. With his car's headlights pointed into the ditch, he looked for Beth but saw no movement.
Jason pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the emergency number. The dispatcher answered, and he told her what he could. She asked him to stay on the line. "I can't. I have to get to her." He shoved the phone into his pocket.
He grabbed the flashlight from the glove compartment and stepped out into the cold rain. When he reached the edge of the steep incline, he flashed the light over the ditch. It was muddy and filling with water. It didn't matter, he needed to get to Beth.
He slid more than he walked down the side of the ravine and trudged through slimy pools of rain. With each step, Jason whispered the prayers he learned from his mother before she left and hoped they worked better now than they had when he was a young boy. Nothing had stopped his biological father from pounding his anger out on his face until the day he'd gotten big enough to defend himself.
He slid the last few feet to the bottom of the ditch. His wet clothes stuck to his skin, and his mud-covered shoes were cold on his feet. The flashlight dimmed. He shook it and the light brightened. He slogged through the thick, cold mire as he made his way to Beth's car.
The driver's side was wedged into a Norway pine. It would be impossible to reach her from that side. He ran to the passenger door. The car was off the ground. If he tried to get in, his weight might make it shift or drop to the ground. Beth could be injured.
Jason rubbed the back of his neck. Desperate to get her out, he prayed, Please let her be alive. He opened the door. "Beth? Can you hear me?" No reply. No sound.
He had to get to her, so he sat on the seat. The car wobbled but didn't fall. One slow inch at a time he slid across to her. "Beth? Talk to me."
She didn't move. Then he heard a soft whimper and waves of relief rushed through him. Her breathing, raspy and erratic, was the sweetest sound he could hear. He finally found her pulse—weak. Where is the ambulance?
He focused his flashlight on Beth. Maybe he could drag her across the seat? A stream of blood dripped from her forehead, and her lip bled. He flashed the light on the inside of the car. A cracked door panel cut into her left side. He didn't know how deep the metal dug into her body. If he tried to pull her from the vehicle, the panel could go deeper. He couldn't risk hurting her more.
Damn. He closed his eyes for a moment. He'd never considered himself a selfish man, but his stubborn pride caused this tragedy. While he waited for help to arrive, he held Beth's limp hand and begged, "Angel, squeeze my hand. Please."
No response.
"I've called for help. They'll be here soon." He rubbed his forehead. "Don't leave me."
Jason didn't know how long he'd talked, but from a distance came the wail of sirens, and relief flowed through him. Headlights reflected across the ditch and a rescue truck pulled to the side of the road. An ambulance parked behind it.
"The emergency team is here. Soon they'll get you out of the car and to the hospital."
The sheriff and paramedics gathered at the top of the gully. They talked, walked around, and pointed. Jason heaved a sigh of relief when the group split up and got busy. The sheriff talked into a radio while another officer ran back to his vehicle. The paramedics sloshed through rain and mud, then slid into the ditch.
"Angel, can you hear me?" He caressed her cheek. "I never wanted—"
"Who's the driver?"
Jason turned his head. "Wh—what?"
A rain-soaked deputy, with 'Davis' sewn on his jacket, leaned into the car. "What's the driver's name?"
"Elizabeth Kingsley."
"Beth?" The man's eyebrows lifted, and his eyes widened. "What happened?"
"I think she lost control of the car. I saw skid marks on the road."
Davis nodded and walked around the car. When he returned, he talked with the other members of the team. The rain, falling harder now, drowned out their discussion, but Jason caught, "Impossible to get to her…." Were they giving up? He wanted to yell, but it wouldn't do Beth any good.
A woman with a blue Star of Life patch on her jacket leaned into the car. "Sir, you need to get out."
"I can't leave, she needs me."
"We need to check her injuries and vital signs."
He nodded then whispered to Beth, "I have to go, but I'll be close. Please, I couldn't bear to lose you again." He kissed her cheek and crawled out.
Jason slid from the car and stood with Davis while the EMS technician moved across the seat to get close enough to check on Beth. The rain fell in a heavy torrent and streams of water ran over Jason's face and down the back of his neck. His body trembled. He didn't know if it was due to the cold or fear.
More beams of light flashed over Beth's car. A tow truck parked at the edge of the ditch. The driver pulled a heavy chain and hook from the back.
Jason turned to the deputy. "What's he doing? He can't tow the car, she's still in there."
"The driver's door and front panel dug into the tree when the car slammed into it. Beth's legs are trapped. We can't get her out until the crushed metal is removed." The deputy sighed. "Once the tow truck pulls the car away from the tree, they'll use the hydraulic cutters to free her."
"The metal from the door is cutting into her side. If the car moves, it could do more damage."
"It's dangerous, but there is no better alternative."
It took precious time to hook the chain to the car. Jason paced. The metal creaked and groaned while the tow truck pulled the car. With each screech of metal, his nails cut deeper into his palms. From inside the car, he heard Beth's whimpers and moans. He tried to get to her, but the deputy grabbed his arm.
Jason struggled to get free. "I have to help her."
"No. You've got to let them do their work." The deputy pulled him back and held his arm. "They have to free her and take her to the hospital."
Jason rubbed his face and prayed.
The tow truck pulled the car far enough away from the tree to use the hydraulic cutters. As they cut and tore away the pieces of the car, Beth cried out.
Afraid of losing his dinner, Jason swallowed several times. Once Beth was in the ambulance, he climbed in with them. Then he took several deep breaths to slow his pounding pulse and listened as Beth struggle to breathe.
The ambulance pulled into the driveway of the Emergency entrance at the hospital. A doctor and nurse ran over while the technicians lifted Beth from the ambulance. They pushed the gurney into the Emergency Room while the EMTs reported her vital statistics and what they knew of her injuries.
Jason followed until a nurse grabbed his arm. She pointed to the lounge. He opened his mouth to argue, but she stopped him. In a calm voice, she said, "The doctors and nurses will take care of her." When the nurse led him to the lounge, he saw the clipboard she carried. "Tell me about the victim? What's her name and date of birth?"
After the nurse left, he sat with his head in his hands. Because of his selfish need for revenge, she was fighting for her life.
Jason checked the time. It had been twenty minutes since Beth went into the Emergency Room. He stalked to the door. Why hadn't anyone come to give him an update?
With a frustrated huff, he returned to his chair. Waiting wasn't something he did well.
There was one thing he could do. He could inform Beth's friends and family about the accident. He checked his watch. The shop was closed, but her parents should be home. He called, but a maid answered. They were out for the evening. He hated to leave a message, but they needed to know so they could come to the hospital.
Then Jason returned to his chair. He slapped a fist into the palm of his hand when he remembered the haunted look on her face as she ran from him. The Emergency Room doors opened, and he jumped to his feet. The doctor rushed into the room.
"Mr. Richards?"
"Yes."
"I'm Edward Walters, Beth's doctor." He held his hand out.
Jason shook it. "How is she?"
"She's still unconscious." Dr. Walters rubbed a hand over his face. "At the moment, our concern is internal bleeding. If we don't operate soon, we may lose her. Is her family on their way? We need permission to do the surgery."
"I haven't been able to reach her parents, and she has no other relatives. Is there anyone else we can contact?"
"In situations like this, we can give treatment with the consent of a friend. Would that be you?"
"Yes. Do the surgery." Jason clasped his hands behind his back. "Will she live?"
"I won't lie to you, her condition is serious." The doctor folded his arms over his chest. "Until we do the surgery, we won't know the full extent of her injuries."
"What can you tell me?"
"She has a fractured left arm and two broken ribs. We think one punctured her lung. She has a deep cut on her left side. It might be the source of the bleeding. After the surgery, we'll have more answers, and we'll give you an update. I have to get back in there."
Jason stood, alone, in the middle of the empty waiting room with nothing to do but wait and wrestle with his guilt. He returned to his chair, but five minutes later he was back on his feet. It took ten steps to cross the room; he counted them—one, two, three—as he paced from one wall to the other.
He stopped to look out the window, but all he saw were Beth's tears as she ran from the restaurant. Later the click of shoes on the tile floor caught his attention. He turned. Beth's mother, Deidre, hurried to the room. She stopped at the entrance, and they stared at each other. Then she wiped a handkerchief over her wet cheeks and rushed to him.
She grabbed him and dug her fingers into his arm. "How is Beth?"
"Let's sit, and I'll tell you what I know." After Jason helped Deidre to a chair then explained what he knew of Beth's injuries and the surgery.
Deidre's skin lost its color and tears ran in rivulets over her cheeks. Her sobs came from a place of such sorrow it hurt to listen to her.
Jason got her a cup of water, but there was nothing he could do or say to ease her pain. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and held her while she cried. If only tears could wash away his guilt.
When she was calmer, he said, "The nurse asked for Beth's medical history. I am sure they would appreciate any information you can give them."
"I'll go talk to her." She got to her feet then looked down at him. "Thank you for being here for Beth."
When she left, he wondered if Deidre would thank him if she knew he'd caused the accident. He returned to the window and stared into the darkness. Beth's words played over and over in his mind, Remembering only makes the pain and anger worse.
"We should sit."
He looked over his shoulder, surprised he hadn't heard Deidre return.
"It will be a long night."
"Yeah." He rubbed his hand over his chin. "Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Maybe later."
He nodded and sat across from her.
Deidre's eyebrows dipped. "The nurses said Beth's car crashed into a ditch. She's a good driver. Even with the rain, she should have been able to control her car. What happened?"
Jason's shoulders slumped. "We had dinner at the University Club. Brighton Beach Road has sharp curves. It's a challenge on a sunny day, but the rain made it treacherous."
He told Deidre what he knew of the accident, Beth being trapped, and how the rescue workers used the hydraulic cutters to free her.
"I suspect there's more to the story you haven't told me," Deidre looked into his eyes.
Jason turned away; his lips pressed together.
"It doesn't matter. My concern is for Beth and her recovery."
An hour later, they still had no updates. He couldn't sit any longer, so he paced again. Two hours later his patience snapped. "I need coffee. Do you want a cup?"
"Yes, with cream, please."
"You stay here in case the doctor comes." Jason cringed. He hadn't intended to issue an order. "I'm sorry—"
"No need to apologize." Deidre gave him a weary smile. "We're both tired."
Jason dealt with crises daily and never let emotion rule him. Then he'd seen Beth's car in the ditch, and his control cracked. But he was J.D. Richards, and he didn't break.
He went to the nurses' station. "Do you have any updates on Elizabeth Kingsley?"
"We know she's still in surgery."
He clenched his teeth.
The nurse gave him a sad smile. "Beth is strong. She'll make it through this."
"You know her?"
She nodded. "We work together at the women's shelter. She's a special lady."
"Yes, she is. Thank you." Jason stopped at the coffee station and poured two cups, one with cream. He returned to the lounge and held a cup out to Deidre, "I talked with a nurse. Beth is still in surgery."
Deidre took the coffee. "It's taking too long."
Based on what Beth had told him of her parents, he imagined self-centered, indifferent people who didn't bend for anyone, not even their daughter. The woman next to him, with worry and fear etched on her face, was a parent who cared deeply for her daughter.
He frowned. "Where's Archer?"
Deidre's shoulders sagged. She stared at the floor when she mumbled, "He couldn't be here."
"Is he out of town?"
She shook her head.
Jason pounded his hand on the arm of the chair. "He's home, isn't he?"
"I'm not sure."
"Unbelievable." He jumped to his feet and swore when coffee splashed on his hand. "His daughter is fighting for her life, and he can't be bothered to be here? Does he care about her at all?"
Deidre clutched Jason's hands. "Please, let's not talk about him. Our thoughts should be for Beth."
He took a deep breath. "Has he ever cared about her?"
Deidre's eyes closed for a moment. "I've always believed he loved her, but now—I don't know."
He ran a hand through his hair. Why was he surprised? No one was more important to Archer than Archer. Jason again stood at the window and stared into the darkness. Was he any better?
He had returned to Serenity Bay to show those who'd called him worthless that they'd been wrong and force them to acknowledge the success he'd achieved. But that hadn't been enough. He wanted to make Beth pay for using him, but he never considered the cost to appease his ego. Now, it was Beth who had to pay for his arrogance.
His right shoulder ached. He rubbed the muscles, but it didn't ease the tension. The next time he checked his watch, three hours had passed. Beth was still in surgery. He wanted to pound on something, but she needed him to be strong. He wouldn't fail her again.
Twenty minutes later the doors to surgery opened with a swoosh. Dr. Walters walked out.
Jason told Deidre, "It's Beth's doctor."
The doctor trudged towards them with fatigue and worry lines in his face. While they waited, the color drained from Deidre's cheeks and Jason hands hung in fists at his side.
"She made it through the surgery and is in Recovery. We'll move her to the Intensive Care Unit soon." The doctor rubbed his chin. "There was a great deal of internal damage where the door cut into her abdomen and ovary. That caused the internal bleeding. We had to remove the left ovary; the damage was too severe to save it. We repaired the other ovary and a tear in her uterus."
"Oh, my god." Deidre lifted her hand to her lips. "Will she be able to have children?"
Dr. Walters shook his head. "We won't know until after she's recovered, and we run tests."
Jason felt as though someone had punched him. Beth always wanted a large family. She'd be devastated if she couldn't have children.
The doctor continued. "There were two cracked ribs. One punctured her left lung. After we repaired the lung, we re-inflated it, and inserted a tube to drain any fluids. Her left arm is broken, but it's a clean break. We set the bone and put on a temporary splint."
Jason frowned. "Not a cast?"
"We want to wait until the swelling eases." Dr. Walters grimaced. "The next twenty-four hours are crucial. We are cautiously optimistic and will keep a close watch on her."
Deidre asked, "When can we see her?"
"When she's settled in a room. I am limiting her visits to two a day, for ten minutes, and only one person at a time. I'll let you decide who sees her."
Jason asked, "When will she regain consciousness?"
"We don't know. Now, we watch and wait."
Deidre asked, "You'll tell us if there's any change?"
"Of course." He put a hand over Deidre's. "Beth and I have worked on several projects together, I consider us good friends. I promise you, we'll do all we can to help her. In the meantime, you should rest. It will be a long, difficult recovery."
After the doctor left, Jason grabbed her hand. "I have to see Beth first. Please?"
Deidre looked into his eyes. With a nod, she said, "All right, I'll go in for the second visit."
"Thank you." He exhaled, and his shoulders relaxed. "The doctor's right. You should go home and rest."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you leaving?"
"I can't."
Deidre shook her head. "If something happened while I was gone…."
He pointed at the chairs. Shoulders slumped and feet dragging, they returned to their chairs.
They sat, neither of them saying a word, until Deidre said, "I read about you. You changed your name to J.D. Richards?"
Jason nodded. "After I moved to Chicago, I met Matt and Helen Richards. They took me in and made me part of their family."
A nurse walked into the lounge. "We've moved Beth into a room in the Intensive Care Unit. She's still unconscious, and we're keeping a close watch on her. One of you can go in for ten minutes."
"I'm going in," Jason spoke quickly afraid Deidre might change her mind.
She nodded.
He followed the nurse.
"I'll take you to her room. You need to prepare yourself. It can be difficult to see someone we care about hooked up to so many tubes and wires." The nurse left him at the door.
Jason walked into the room and inhaled the burning scent of alcohol. He walked to the bed and forced himself to breathe. Beth's skin matched the color of the white sheets covering her. The light above her bed cast a shadow over her face. Wires connected her to machines that clicked and hissed. Cuts and bruises covered her face and arms. She looked like she'd been in a fight—and lost.
He lifted her hand and cringed. It was limp, lifeless. His fingers shook as he pushed a strand of hair off her face. He was desperate to take her into his arms and warm her. With a soft brush of his lips, he kissed her forehead and whispered, "Angel, open your eyes for me. Please. I need to apologize."
No response, not even an eyelash twitched.
"I'm so sorry. I was wrong to push you." Tears pooled in his eyes. "You've got to get better even if you spend the rest of your life hating me."
Her face was a watery blur. He was J.D. Richards, with more power and money than one man needed, and he couldn't make this better.
There was a light pat on his arm. The nurse stood at his side.
"You must stay strong and believe she'll get better."
Jason nodded then he leaned over and whispered to Beth, "Please come back to us. We need you." He brushed his lips over hers. "I need you."