CHAPTER TWENTY
Meg heard the crack of the gun firing as chaos erupted around her. She was pushed to the ground as people screamed and ran for cover. She heard Sky calling her name, and saw Jack and Becky also on the ground next to her.
“Sky? Sky where are you?” Meg’s eyes darted around the crowd until she found him. She raised her hand and waved at him. “Over here!”
“Holy shit! Were you shot? You’ve got blood on your arm.”
Meg looked at herself and noticed the blood for the first time. “I’m fine, but…,” her voice trailed off as she scanned the area and saw a security guard lying on the ground. She rushed to him and turned him over. “Sky, over here…hurry.”
Meg stripped off the security guard’s shirt, and turned to Sky. “He’s been shot, and he’s losing a lot of blood. Get help. Now!”
While Sky ran to get help, Meg fashioned a make-shift bandage out of the guard’s shirt. “Your quick thinking saved me, but got you shot instead,” she said to the guard. “Stay with me. Help is on the way.”
The security guard’s voice was weak and strained from pain. “Are you okay? How do you know the bullet was meant for you?”
“I’m pretty sure the girl who fired the gun is someone who has tried to kill me before. But don’t worry about that. You need to save your strength.” She applied pressure to the gunshot wound until the ambulance personnel arrived and placed the security guard on a stretcher.
Sky, Jack and Becky appeared at her side. Their faces were grim. Sky said, “The police want to talk to you.”
“I had a feeling you were going to say that.”
“Why?”
“Because the bullet was meant for me. I got a good look at the shooter. It was Mallory.”
There was a collective gasp from Sky, Jack and Becky before were interrupted by a police officer. “Ma’am? Officer Thornton of the Las Vegas Police Department. I have some questions for you.”
“Of course,” Meg replied. “Whatever I can do to help.”
Sky stepped between Meg and the police officer. “Can you make it quick, Officer? The show is going to start in a half hour, and we have to be inside soon.”
“Just let me get some information,” Officer Thornton replied. “We have a woman in custody who we believe is the shooter. She was tackled immediately by the people around her.” Turning to Meg, she asked, “Did you get a good look at who it was?”
“Yes, I did.” She described Mallory, and explained, “When I realized who it was, I squeezed Sky’s hand to try to get his attention, but she fired the gun before I could say anything.” Meg answered the rest of the officer’s questions, explaining that she rendered first aid to the security guard who was shot. “I’m a trauma unit nurse back in Nashville, and am accustomed to dealing with gunshot wounds.”
“Well, your level-headedness and quick thinking helped stop the bleeding until the ambulance got here.”
“I just did what anyone would have done in the circumstances,” Meg said. “I relied on my training.”
“Okay. I have no further questions for you right now, but you’ll have to come in to the police station and identify the suspect in a line up sometime tomorrow.”
“Of course,” she said.
Sky draped his arm around her shoulders and begin to steer her towards the auditorium entrance. “How did you remain so calm, baby?”
“It’s just what I do.” She walked in a trance-like state with Sky, Jack and Becky past reporters who were shoving cameras and microphones in their faces.
“No interviews tonight,” a woman from the record label said, holding up a hand as she led them directly inside. She looked Meg up and down and said, “You need to get yourself cleaned up.”
Becky accompanied Meg to the restroom. “Let me help you.” She handed some wet some paper towels to Meg. “Was that really Mallory out there?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was.” Meg started to shake as the adrenaline began to wear off. She washed her hands and arms with warm, soapy water, before drying herself with paper towels.
“I’m glad you didn’t get any blood on your outfit. You look so pretty tonight.”
Meg smiled at Becky. “Thanks. And thanks again for going with Sky to pick up this dress. You look great too.”
“Thanks. But I’m worried about you. Are you okay? I mean, I’m sure Sky would understand if you just wanted to go back to your suite. You’ve been through so much already today.”
Meg demeanor changed, and she swung her head and glared in Becky’s direction. “I’m fine. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor.”
Becky frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Meg took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. That came out all wrong. It’s just that I’m used to this sort of situation at work. My training lets me keep my head on straight in the middle of an emergency situation. I’d go crazy if I thought about everything I see at work, so I’ve learned to compartmentalize my life.” She reached out and hugged Becky. “Thanks for your help and concern, but I’m okay. Let’s get back to our men.”
As she and Becky exited the ladies room, Meg observed Sky and Jack huddled with two police officers. The conversation came to an abrupt halt as the women approached the group.
“I’ll be in touch with you in the morning,” one of the officers said, as he shook hands with Sky and Jack. “Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks,” Jack said, before turning to Becky and Meg. “Are you ready to go inside?” Without waiting for an answer, he took Becky’s hand and pulled her towards the crowd of people making their way to their seats for the show.
“What’s wrong? You look like you’re going to be sick,” Meg said to Sky.
Sky’s face was grim, and he was unable to meet her eyes. “Yeah. I guess I’m okay. Come on, let’s go.” He led her into the arena and down the aisle, where they were seated in the first row next to Jack and Becky. “Jack and I have to sit next to each other, so the cameras can get a close up of us when our categories are announced,” he explained. “But when we’re performing, you and Becky will have to sit next to each other, and two seat-fillers will take your seats. This way, the cameras can get a nice shot of the two of you watching us perform.”
The lights dimmed, and the show started. Meg was able to put the shooting out of her mind, as she was caught up in the moment watching one country music superstar after another take turns on the stage performing and presenting awards.
Halfway through the show, Sky leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I’ve gotta go backstage with Jack. We’re presenting next, and then we’re performing.” He kissed her on the cheek and slipped away.
She and Becky moved next to each other. “This is really exciting,” Meg said. “Does it ever get old?”
“Never,” Becky said. “Each awards show is a thrill for me.”
After they presented the award for best new artist, Sky and Jack disappeared from the stage, only to reappear just to the side of the stage, where they sat on stools. They slung their guitars over across their bodies and adjusted the microphones. After the band was introduced by reigning queen of country music, Connie Devlin, Sky cleared his throat and spoke. “As y’all know, there was an incident outside earlier tonight. A security guard was shot, and it was pure luck that my guardian angel was nearby and able to render medical assistance until an ambulance arrived. Meg, baby, this song is dedicated to you.”
Meg’s eyes filled with tears when she heard the familiar chords and Sky’s rich voice fill the arena as he sang “When I Met You”. As she watched the performance, she said a silent prayer. Thank you, God, for bringing this man into my life. When the song ended, Meg rose to her feet along with the rest of the audience in a standing ovation, and her heart skipped a beat when Sky blew her a kiss before leaving the stage.
Over the next two hours, Meg jumped up three more times, as the Johnson Bishop Band won awards for Vocal Group of the Year, Single Record of the Year for “When I Met You”, and the coveted award for Entertainer of the Year. She and Sky celebrated with a kiss after each award was announced, but she noticed sadness in his eyes each time.
After the show, they worked their way through multiple after-parties but never lingered long. “Let’s just booze, schmooze and cruise,” he said as they arrived at each event and steered her towards the bar. They held hands as he introduced Meg to music industry executives and fellow artists, but he never once looked her directly in the eyes.
Sky’s hand shook as he tried to insert the plastic key card into the hotel suite door. “Damn it,” he said. “Why won’t this door open?”
Meg smelled the strong odor of whiskey on his breath as he slurred his words. He’s hammered, she thought. “Give it to me,” she said, taking the key card from his hand. “Let me do it.” She slipped the key card in and out of the slot, and the door opened.
Sky stumbled into the suite, and made a beeline for the bathroom. He slammed the door behind himself, but the unmistakable sound of heaving and vomiting came through the closed door.
“Do you need some help in there?”
“No! Don’t come in!”
Meg pushed the bathroom door open. “Sky, let me help you.”
Anger flashed in his eyes. “Get out! I don’t want you to see me like this.”
“Too late.” She made her way over to the partition between the toilet and the rest of the bathroom, where she found him sprawled on the floor. “Are you done getting sick? Or is there more to come?”
“Don’t know.”
“Do you think you can drink some water without throwing up? You need to re-hydrate.”
“You’re right. Shit, Meg, I’m a mess.”
“Yes, you are. You should have had something to eat at the parties. You put a lot of whiskey into an empty stomach.” She walked out of the bathroom, and returned a few moments later with a box of crackers and a bottle of water. “These were in one of the gift baskets you received. They might help settle your stomach.”
He grabbed the crackers from her and wolfed a handful down, before chugging the water. The sadness had returned to his eyes, and he could not bring himself to look at her. “What are you doing with me, Meg? You could do so much better.”
She shrugged her shoulders and sat the bathroom vanity. “Hmm…well, even when you’re drunk and a mess, you’re still kind of cute.”
“I’m serious. We have to talk. I’ve got a confession to make, and you’re not gonna like it.”
“I don’t think we should have any serious discussions now. You probably won’t remember any of it in the morning and, worse, you might regret whatever you say.” She hopped off the vanity, and said, “I’m exhausted, and I’m going to bed. We can talk in the morning.”
Meg undressed and climbed into bed, falling asleep to the sound of Sky vomiting again in the bathroom. Her dreams were haunted by Mallory’s sick laughter while pointing a gun in her direction.
She woke up with a start. Her body was soaked with sweat and her heart was racing. As she caught her breath, it took her a minute to realize that she was alone in the bed. She threw back the covers and tip-toed into the bathroom. When she found it empty, she wandered into the suite’s living room, where she found Sky passed out and snoring on one of the sofas. Sunlight was just beginning to peek through the drapes, and she checked the time on a nearby clock, before deciding to go back to bed. He needs his rest, and so do I.
Meg returned to the bedroom. She glanced at her cell phone, and noticed dozens of text messages from friends and family members concerned about the shooting on the red carpet. She sent a short group text message to let everyone know she was okay, before climbing back into bed. She pulled the covers up over herself, and fell into a dreamless sleep.
An hour later, she woke to sound of running water. When realized that Sky was in the shower, she picked up the phone and ordered room service breakfast for two. As she hung up the phone, Sky appeared in the bathroom doorway with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as her eyes drank in his long legs, six-pack abs, and broad, muscled shoulders. She smiled at him, and asked, “How are you feeling?”
He shook his head. “Been better.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I ordered breakfast.”
“Coffee?”
“Two pots.”
“Good.” Sky turned away from Meg and began to get dressed.
She walked over to him, and tried to wrap her arms around him, but he jerked his body away from her. “What’s wrong? You can barely look at me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were ready to dump me.”
Sky hung his head. “Yeah. Why don’t you take a shower, and we’ll talk over breakfast.”
“Oh. Okay.” Meg felt her body go numb on the inside as she retreated to the bathroom. I was right. He’s going to break up with me. The hot water cascaded down her body, but it barely registered as she scrubbed herself clean.
She emerged from the bathroom and wrapped a white terrycloth robe around her body before joining Sky in the suite’s living room. Breakfast had arrived, and the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee hung in the air.
Although there was a seat next to Sky, she purposely chose to sit opposite him. If you’re dumping me, then you have to look me in the eyes. I’m not going to let you off the hook easily. She poured a mug of coffee for herself and took a sip, before breaking the silence. “So, you wanted to talk.”
“Yeah.” He took a deep sip of his coffee. “I don’t think we should be together anymore. You deserve so much better than this crazy life.”
“You’re right. I do deserve better.”
Sky recoiled at Meg’s response. “I didn’t expect you to say that.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why? I’m simply agreeing with you. I’m just curious to know what made you come to that conclusion.”
He was at a loss for words. “Umm…last night.”
Meg’s blood boiled, and she rolled her eyes. “Gee…you think? First I’m shot at by a mentally ill fan, then get covered in blood while rendering first aid to the security guard that saved my life. But of course I continued to play the part of the adoring girlfriend to you, because it’s a big night for you. Good thing you weren’t up for an award for boyfriend of the year. At least the security guard asked me if I was okay.”
Sky hung his head. “Shit.”
Meg tore the end off a croissant, buttered it, and popped it in her mouth. “And that was before the fun of you barely speaking to me at the after-parties, getting drunk, and coming back here only to cap that awesome night off by you vomiting in the bathroom and sleeping in the living room in your clothes. But at least I’ll always have the memory of you dedicating a song to me on national television.”
“Thanks for the recap.” Sky stared at her, trying to summon up his courage. “It gets worse, actually.”
She glared at him. “How could it possibly get worse?”
“When you were cleaning up in the bathroom before the awards show, a police officer approached me. He said he thought I should know that Mallory is claiming to be pregnant – with my child.”
All color drained from Meg’s face. She struggled to remain composed, but was unable to contain her fury. “You lied to me! You swore you would never do that. You told me you always wore a condom…”
Sky cut her off. “I did. I swear, I always wore a condom. For God’s sake, even with you I wear one. I have no idea how this could have happened. I always flushed the used condoms down the toilet, so the girls wouldn’t get any crazy ideas like emptying them into themselves to try to get pregnant.”
“Every time?”
“Yeah.” He buried his head in his hands. “Definitely after the first time I slept with her.”
Meg spoke through gritted teeth, her voice barely above a whisper. “What about the second time?”
Sky shook his head. “I can’t remember for sure. It was late, I was buzzed, and we fell asleep afterwards. I’ve wracked my brain, but I just can’t remember. I’m so sorry, Meg.”
Meg’s mind raced, and the nurse in her kicked into high gear. “You know, it’s not that easy to get pregnant. Despite what they told us in high school health class, it doesn’t always happen the first time.”
A glimmer of hope appeared in Sky’s eyes. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that she’s clearly mentally ill. How do we know that she’s actually carrying your child? It could be anybody’s. Or, maybe she’s not even pregnant, but just said that to try to get your attention.”
“Do you really think it’s possible that she made it up?”
Meg shrugged. “Anything’s possible. We’ll just have to wait and see. I’m sure they’ll administer a pregnancy test because, if she is pregnant, she’ll need special medical care while in custody.”
He swallowed hard at the thought of Mallory carrying his child. “If she’s pregnant, how soon can a paternity test be administered?”
“It can be done while she’s pregnant via amniocentesis, but there are risks involved for the baby, and it’s an invasive procedure, so she’d have to agree to it. There’s also a blood DNA test that can be done now, but again, she’d have to agree to it. Otherwise, it will have to wait until the baby is born.”
Sky opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the sound of his cell phone ringing. He stood and walked away from the table before answering. After finishing the call, he explained, “The police want to know if we can view the lineup at ten o’clock.”
She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before standing up. “I can be ready. I’ll pack my things when we get back, then head to the airport. Once I’m back in Nashville, I’ll get all my stuff out of your house and leave the key with Fiona. You can just mail me the key to my house when you get home.” She turned away from Sky and ran to the bathroom.
“Meg? What the hell?” He followed her and tried to open the bathroom door, but found it locked. He began to pound on the door, while shouting, “Meg, come on, let me in.”
She swung the bathroom door open. Her eyes were bloodshot, and tears streamed down her face. “What? You want me out of your life, right? So, I’m getting out.”
His face fell when he saw she was crying. He placed his hands on either side of her face, and wiped away her tears. “I’m so sorry, baby. I never meant to hurt you. I said that I didn’t think we should be together anymore because you deserve so much better than me. I never said that I wanted you out of my life.” He wrapped his strong arms around her and kissed her on the top of her head. “The truth is, I need you more than ever.”
She sighed, and allowed her body to relax into his. “I know.” God help me. I need you too.
When they arrived at the police station later that morning, the paparazzi were waiting for them. Sky took Meg by the hand and pulled her inside, where they were greeted by the detectives assigned to the case.
Meg was ushered into a room with a one-way mirror, and the hair on the back of her neck stood up when she saw Mallory in the lineup on the other side of the glass. “She can’t see me, can she?”
“No, she can’t. But if this case goes to trial, you’ll have to testify, and she’ll be in the courtroom.”
“Okay.” Meg took a deep breath, and looked at the women standing in front of her on the other side of the glass. Her stomach dropped when she saw Mallory’s protruding belly. Either she’s pregnant, or she’s gained a lot of weight just at her waist.
“Are you okay?”
She looked at the police officer. “Yeah. I’m just a little scared, that’s all.” She turned and looked through the glass, and identified Mallory from the lineup. “That’s her,” she said, pointing. “I saw the gun in her hand right as she fired it.”
“And you’re sure about that?”
“Yes. Positive.” Get me out of here. “What’s next?”
“We just need to take a detailed statement from you, Miss Novak. Mr. Johnson is already being interviewed by another detective.”
Meg followed the detective into a small, stuffy room with scuffed, institutional furniture. She answered every question she was asked, including questions about the prior attack by Mallory on her, and some personal questions about her relationship with Sky.
When she was finished in the interview room, she was shown into an area where she could wait until Sky’s interview was concluded. She looked around the room, and recognized the female officer she met the previous evening. “Officer Thornton? I’m Meg Novak. We met last night.”
“Yes, I remember. You’re the one who gave first aid to the security guard. How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, thanks. I actually wanted to ask you how he is – the security guard, I mean.”
“I was in touch with the hospital earlier today. Surgery was performed, and he’s improving. He should be released tomorrow, or the next day.”
Meg closed her eyes and exhaled. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Is it possible to tell me his name, and the hospital he’s in? I’d like to give him a call, to thank him for protecting me last night.”
“I’ll reach out to him, and see if it is okay. Why don’t you give me your cell phone number, and I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.” Meg wrote her number on a piece of paper, and handed it to the officer. She saw Sky exit one of the interview rooms, and added, “Let me know. I’ve got to go.”
Sky couldn’t meet her eyes as she ran towards him. He pulled her into a tight embrace, and kissed the top of her head. “They’re gonna give Mallory a pregnancy test. She’s still insisting that she’s pregnant. Jesus, I can’t believe this mess.”
“I know. What else did you learn during your interview?”
“She’s got a public defender, who says she’s going to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, so they’re also going to test her to see if she’s mentally competent to stand trial.”