Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Sixteen ( Chapter 16 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Robert finds out how Branslav's day went.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.01.2009 | Pages: 11 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 169 | Status: Completed
Robert finds out how Branslav's day went.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.01.2009 | Pages: 11 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 169 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter Sixteen
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav stood next to the gurney as the nurse read the instructions for Betty's care, the same nurse that had brought her MRI and x-ray paperwork. Branslav was getting restless after being cooped up in the hospital for nearly six hours and was ready to leave. However, he couldn't bring himself to leave Betty's side until he knew she was okay. Finding her the way she was had scared him in a way he hadn't been scared in a long time.
“ She needs to be under constant supervision for the next two days, “ The nurse said without looking up from the clipboard. “ She needs to be roused every three hours and asked simple questions since sometimes head injuries can have delayed symptoms. “
Branslav furrowed his brow, “ How can she be watched though? She lives alone, “ He blurted out.
The nurse glared at him over her glasses then looked at Betty, “ Is that true Miss Rogers-Skogan? “
Betty nodded. She hadn't mentioned it but she was about to right before Branslav opened his mouth, “ Yes. “
“ Is there anyone we can call to watch you? Family? “ The nurse arched an eyebrow. " Or did you forget to tell us about that as well? "
" How could she? " Branslav was insulted by the look the nurse was giving Betty. She looked so critical of Betty, like she had been lying whenever she was asked a question. " She was unconscious when she came in. "
" Branslav, " Betty put her hand on his right where it was on the rail of the gurney. " Calm down. I should have told them after I woke up. "
" So is there any family? " The nurse asked sharply.
Betty shook her head, “ No. I have no family. “
“ Friends? “ The nurse was starting to sound even more annoyed.
Betty shook her head, “ Not really. I don't have any of their phone numbers. “
“ We have to discharge you and we'll do it if you do or don't have someone to care for you. I'm going to give you fifteen minutes to figure something out and I'll come back, “ The nurse said. “ Come get me if you come up with something before then. “
The nurse left the room and Branslav looked at Betty. “ So? “
“ I'm thinking, “ Betty said though she really wasn't. She didn't know of any of her old friends that could take the kind of time to care for her even for two days. They all had at least three kids each and jobs to boot. Branslav took her left hand in his right and she looked up at him, “ What? “
“ Why don't you come to my place? “ Branslav said. “ I have room and I don't have practice tomorrow. “
“ But you leave Monday morning early, “ Betty said. “ You told me yourself. “
“ Well you start your tour then right? Your manager can watch you, “ Branslav offered.
Betty thought about it then furrowed her brow, “ But I don't know if I can travel like this. “
“ I'll call the nurse and find out, “ Branslav pulled the call cord. The nurse was back in a few moments.
“ Have you figured something out? “ She arched an eyebrow.
“ We don't know. We think we have, “ Branslav said. “ Can she fly in this shape? “
The nurse looked at the paperwork and shook her head, “ We'd prefer she didn't fly for at least two weeks. “
“ Damn, “ Branslav muttered. The plan had been almost perfect.
“ Now I have to call my manager, “ Betty sighed. “ I'll have to cancel my tour completely. “
“ Maybe your manager can care for you? “ Branslav offered.
“ I couldn't ask him to do that, “ Betty said. “ He's a very busy man. I'm not his only client. He manages a couple of other writers and they're in Las Vegas. “
The nurse growled, “ There has to be somebody. “
Branslav glared at her, “ I'll do it then. “
“ But Branslav, “ Betty said. She wasn't for sure how she felt about him volunteering to care for her. She didn't want to be in his way or cause him any problems.
“ No. I'll do it, “ Branslav said. “ I'll take care of you. “
The nurse rolled her eyes, “ Finally. I knew it couldn't be that hard. “
Branslav glared at the nurse for he felt she had been rather rude towards Betty. He had even overheard her talking about Betty like she was some kind of degenerate just because she didn't have insurance while he was waiting for her to come back from Radiology. She had been talking to another nurse at the nurses' station but Branslav heard every word, including how she doubted that Betty was a virgin.
" Is there a problem? " The nurse caught Branslav's glare.
" No, " Branslav said. " Nothing is wrong. When can I take her out of here? "
" As soon as she signs these papers, " The nurse held up a clipboard.
" Then let her sign them so we can go, " Branslav said sharply.
Betty glared at Branslav for his tone but said nothing. She could tell he was getting antsy and she was getting tired of being in the hospital. Her tail bone was numb from being on the gurney too. “ May I please have them? “ Betty put her right hand out for the clipboard.
“ Has your vision cleared enough or do I need to help you again? “ The nurse asked.
“ My vision is still blurry, “ Betty said.
The nurse sighed, “ Okay. “
“ When will they bill me for this fiasco? “ Betty asked as the nurse walked over to her right side.
“ You should be getting a bill in the mail in the next week and since you don't have insurance, you will also be getting a form to fill out to have the fees waived. It will be reviewed by the hospital and they will decide, “ The nurse said but Betty cut her off.
“ I don't need charity. I can pay the bill, “ Betty said firmly.
The nurse arched an eyebrow, “ Oh really? “
“ Yes, “ Betty muttered as the nurse guided her hand to where she needed to sign.
“ Well you'll still get the form since you have no insurance, “ The nurse had a hint of suspicion in her voice.
“ Fine, “ Betty signed the papers. “ Is there an office where I can pay in person? “
“ It will be listed on the bill, “ The nurse said then flipped the paper. " Sign this one too. "
" Okay, " Betty said. She let the nurse guide her hand again.
" Good, " The nurse said.
“ Is there anything else I need to sign? “ Betty asked as the nurse took away the clipboard.
The nurse shook her head, “ No. That's it. All that's left is for me to help you get back into your street clothes. “
“ Great, “ Betty said. She glanced at Branslav but didn't have to say anything. He seemed to get the message.
“ I'll leave, “ Branslav said. “ I'll come back in after you've changed. “
“ Okay, “ Betty nodded.
Branslav walked out into the hallway then decided he needed to make a call. He had seen several signs forbidding the use of cell phones in the hospital so he went out to the waiting room then outside. He walked around until he got in a good spot, going to his phone directory. He had the phone dial the number he wanted and waited for it to ring. He got a busy signal so he decided to wait a few minutes and try again.
**
“ Maybe you really should take some time off, “ Coach Hooker said as he drove Robert back to Jakob's apartment complex. “ If Pauline's going to behave this way, it might be better if you left town until the divorce hearing. There's no telling what she'll pull next.. “
“ You have a point, “ Robert said. “ I should call Mr. Shaver and tell him what's going on. “
“ You should, “ Coach Hooker nodded. “ He'll let you take a leave since Pauline's resorted to such tactics. “
“ I'll call him when we get to my place, “ Robert said. His cell phone rang and he picked it up from where he had stowed it in the cup holder in the center console of Coach Hooker's full sized pick-up truck He furrowed his brow at the number on the caller ID.
“ Who is it? “ Coach Hooker asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
“ I don't know, “ Robert said and flipped the phone open. “ Hello? “
“ I didn't know they let you have your cell phone in jail, “ Pauline sounded surprised.
“ Then why are you calling me? “ Robert asked.
“ That's not important. Why are you answering the phone? “ Pauline asked.
“ I'm not in jail. You see, they don't hold people when they aren't guilty my darling, “ Robert purred the 'my darling' sarcastically.
“ You're already out? “ Pauline sounded confused.
Robert chuckled, “ Yeah. After I explained the situation to the cop working the case, she put a fire under it and found out you were full of shit. “
“ How am I full of shit? “ Pauline said. “ It's my house too. “
“ To the contrary my dear, “ Robert said. “ Have you ever bothered to look at the title to the house? “
“ My name IS on it, isn't it? “ Pauline asked sharply.
Robert laughed, “ No. “
“ What? “ Pauline screeched. “ How come my name isn't on the title? “
“ Because you were in Reno until the papers were finalized. You were in one of your moods and refused to come. I had no choice but to put my name only on the paperwork because you weren't there to sign, “ Robert said. “ You shot yourself in the foot on that one. “
“ So what about the claim to the insurance company I made about the stolen property? “ Pauline asked. “ I know I'm on the insurance. “
“ You are otherwise you couldn't have made the claim. The agent called me and said the check will be sent to me, “ Robert said.
“ But those were my things! “ Pauline said. “ I should get that money! “
“ Once again to the contrary dear, “ Robert said. “ You bought those things with my money so I guess they were really mine. “
“ Robert Ashley Hughes, “ Pauline hissed. “ You won't get away with this. “
Robert thought about it, “ Yeah I will. You're the one in the wrong here, not me. Oh yeah, don't try to take any money out either. I closed our bank account. “
“ You what? " Pauline sounded like she wasn't aware.
" You didn't know already? " Robert was certain she had found out about it but decided he was wrong.
" When did you do that? " Pauline still sounded shocked.
" A couple of days ago, " Robert said. " I suppose Richard's been paying for everything since I did it. "
" That's none of your business. How am I supposed to feed Alex then? “ Pauline whined.
Robert chuckled, “ Oh shut up. I left the savings account open and a thousand dollars in it. That should get you through until your sugar daddy gives you more money or you can find a job . “
“ A job? A JOB?! “ Pauline shouted. “ I can't get a job. I've never worked a day in my life. “
“ Sure you could, “ Robert said. “ There are street corners everywhere. “
" ASSHOLE! " Pauline screamed and hung up the phone. Robert smiled as he saved the number Pauline had called him from so he would know it was her.
He glanced over at Coach Hooker when he said, “ That was a good one, Robert. “
“ Yeah, I thought so. Honestly, she doesn't have any work skills so what else is there for her to do? “ Robert shrugged. “ Besides, she's probably just going to tell that Richard guy some sad tale about how terrible I am and get free ride off of him until he gets tired of her. “
“ That seems like what she's best at, “ Coach Hooker nodded.
Robert's phone rang again as they got closer to Jakob's apartment complex. He growled and looked down, finding he recognized the picture and the number. “ Oh. That's better. “
“ Who is it? “ Coach Hooker asked.
“ Branslav, “ Robert said then answered. “ Hey buddy. “
“ Your phone was busy. How come? “ Branslav asked.
“ I turned off call waiting, “ Robert replied. “ Don't worry about it. How's the cooking lesson going? “
“ Um, there wasn't a cooking lesson, “ Branslav said quietly.
“ Uh oh, “ Robert said. “ What happened? Did she cancel on you? “
“ No. There was an accident, “ Branslav's voice stayed quiet.
Robert furrowed his brow, “ What kind of accident? Are you okay? You didn't set anything on fire again did you? “
“ I'm fine, “ Branslav sighed. “ It's Betty. Are you sitting down? “
“ Oh my God, “ Robert's blood ran cold. The way Branslav sounded it made him think something terrible had happened. “ Tell me what happened. “
“ I'll keep it short, " Branslav said. " She was late so I went to her place to see why she was. When I got there, her front door was unlocked and I went inside. I found her on the kitchen floor and she wasn't moving. "
“ Oh my God, “ Robert felt himself start to shake a little and like he was going to throw up. He was scared of what Branslav was going to say next. " What did you do? "
“ I called the ambulance and they came with the cops. The police asked me a lot of questions but I couldn't answer them. I told them I had come over and found her like that. When they were finished, I grabbed her purse and came to the hospital. I got here right after the ambulance, “ Branslav said.
“ Branslav, “ Robert said evenly. “ Is she going to be okay? “
“ Yeah. She's got a concussion, fifteen stitches on her forehead and a severely sprained ankle but they say she'll be alright with rest, “ Branslav said.
Robert let out a sigh of relief, “ Damn. The way you were talking, I thought she was hurt worse than that. “
“ No. No, “ Branslav said. “ She's awake and talking but she needs someone to watch her for a couple of days. “
“ But how? She's lives alone, “ Robert said.
“ She's going to stay with me, “ Branslav replied.
“ How? Don't you leave for that west coast trip on Monday? “: Robert said.
“ Uh yeah, “ Branslav nodded. “ I'll figure Monday out later. They were going to release her even if she didn't have someone to watch her. She doesn't have any friends and she has no family so who else could take her right? “
“ Shit. I guess you really didn't have a choice but to take her, “ Robert said. “ I would have done the same thing. “
“ I just wanted to let you know what was going on in case you tried to call me while I had my phone off, “ Branslav said.
“ I didn't, “ Robert said. “ I didn't want to interrupt the cooking lesson if it was going well. “
“ Oh, “ Branslav sighed. “ Okay well, I have to go. They were helping Betty get dressed when I left and she's probably waiting on me now. “
“ Okay then, “ Robert said. “ Call me and keep me updated, okay? “
“ I will, “ Branslav said.
Robert snapped his phone closed as Coach Hooker stopped the truck in front of Jakob's block. He glanced at Coach Hooker, “ Thanks. “
“ Is everything okay? “ Coach Hooker motioned towards the phone. “ You don't look so good and that call didn't sound good either. “
“ It wasn't, “ Robert sighed. “ You remember Betty right? “
Coach Hooker nodded, " Yes. What happened to her? "
" She fell, " Robert said. " She's going to be okay but Branslav called me to let me know. She needs someone to look after her for two days but Branslav leaves for a road trip on Monday. She won't have anyone to watch her then. "
Coach Hooker looked like he was thinking then glanced at Robert, " I have an idea. "
**
Branslav walked back into the Emergency Room, heading for the room where Betty was. He had just gotten a few feet from the desk when someone touched his arm. He turned to find it was the doctor. " Yes sir? " Branslav asked.
" Can I speak to you for a minute? " The doctor said.
" I guess, " Branslav wondered why the doctor wanted to talk to him.
The doctor took off his glasses and sighed, " I usually don't do this but I just want you to know that Miss Rogers-Skogan was very lucky today. "
" Lucky? How? " Branslav was confused.
The doctor looked Branslav in the eye, " You saved her life today. If she had been left that way and no one found her, she might have died. "
" Oh, " Branslav nodded. The gravity of the doctor's statment sunk down on him. He more he thought about it, the more he knew it was true.
The doctor put his glasses back on before patting Branslav on the left arm, " You take good care of her and bring her back if she has any complications whatsoever. "
" Yes sir, " Branslav said. " I will. "
**
Betty looked at the rusty nail that had been caught in the hem of her right pant leg. She had found it when she was putting the boot cut blue jeans on with the nurse's help. She rolled it between her fingers, a theory forming in her aching head about the scenario that had put her in the Emergency Room. She looked up from it when she saw someone come to the door.
“ Are you ready? “ Branslav asked. He looked her over, noticing how nice she had dressed for the first time. He hadn't noticed her black velvet princess neckline top or her decorated jeans when he had found her on the floor. He furrowed his brow at the rusty nail she held, “ What's that? “
“ The culprit I believe, “ Betty said and lifted her right leg to show him the torn hem.
“ The culprit? “ Branslav sounded confused.
Betty nodded, “ This is one of the nails from the floorboards in the attic. My guess is that I caught my right pant leg on it as I stepped down with my left foot. That probably jerked me and sent me down those narrow steps after my ankle gave way. I bet I smacked my head on the way down. “
Branslav thought about it and shrugged, “ I guess. there's no way to really know though, huh? “
" Not really, " Betty sighed. She shrugged, “ Oh well. What's done is done. “
“ Yeah, “ Branslav said.
Betty opened her purse and threw the nail inside. She then pulled out two slips of paper. She held them up, “ We have to go by a pharmacy and get these filled. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav took the prescriptions and put them in his jacket pocket.
It was Betty's turn to see how nice he was dressed and she looked him over. “ You look nice, “ Betty smiled. He had a white dress shirt under his leather jacket and a pair of black slacks. She smirked, “ You weren't afraid getting anything on that shirt were you? “
Branslav looked at the floor, “ Not really. “
Betty sighed, “ I knew I should have packed a second apron. “
“ Oh good. You're back. She's ready to go, “ The nurse had slipped up without them noticing.
“ I thought so, “ Branslav turned to face the woman. “ I was just about to take her. “
The nurse looked at Branslav over her glasses, “ I'll take her out to the car. “
" Oh, " Branslav said. He turned back to Betty, " Do you need anything before we go? "
Betty looked over in the corner, “ My crutches. “
“ I'll get them, “ Branslav walked over to them and picked them up.
“ Do you have your prescriptions and the paper with your doctor's appointment on it? “ The nurse asked Betty.
Betty nodded, “ Yes. “
Branslav walked over to the door with Betty's crutches in his left hand, “ I'll lead the way. “
" Please do, " The nurse said as she stepped aside to let Branslav out.
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav stood next to the gurney as the nurse read the instructions for Betty's care, the same nurse that had brought her MRI and x-ray paperwork. Branslav was getting restless after being cooped up in the hospital for nearly six hours and was ready to leave. However, he couldn't bring himself to leave Betty's side until he knew she was okay. Finding her the way she was had scared him in a way he hadn't been scared in a long time.
“ She needs to be under constant supervision for the next two days, “ The nurse said without looking up from the clipboard. “ She needs to be roused every three hours and asked simple questions since sometimes head injuries can have delayed symptoms. “
Branslav furrowed his brow, “ How can she be watched though? She lives alone, “ He blurted out.
The nurse glared at him over her glasses then looked at Betty, “ Is that true Miss Rogers-Skogan? “
Betty nodded. She hadn't mentioned it but she was about to right before Branslav opened his mouth, “ Yes. “
“ Is there anyone we can call to watch you? Family? “ The nurse arched an eyebrow. " Or did you forget to tell us about that as well? "
" How could she? " Branslav was insulted by the look the nurse was giving Betty. She looked so critical of Betty, like she had been lying whenever she was asked a question. " She was unconscious when she came in. "
" Branslav, " Betty put her hand on his right where it was on the rail of the gurney. " Calm down. I should have told them after I woke up. "
" So is there any family? " The nurse asked sharply.
Betty shook her head, “ No. I have no family. “
“ Friends? “ The nurse was starting to sound even more annoyed.
Betty shook her head, “ Not really. I don't have any of their phone numbers. “
“ We have to discharge you and we'll do it if you do or don't have someone to care for you. I'm going to give you fifteen minutes to figure something out and I'll come back, “ The nurse said. “ Come get me if you come up with something before then. “
The nurse left the room and Branslav looked at Betty. “ So? “
“ I'm thinking, “ Betty said though she really wasn't. She didn't know of any of her old friends that could take the kind of time to care for her even for two days. They all had at least three kids each and jobs to boot. Branslav took her left hand in his right and she looked up at him, “ What? “
“ Why don't you come to my place? “ Branslav said. “ I have room and I don't have practice tomorrow. “
“ But you leave Monday morning early, “ Betty said. “ You told me yourself. “
“ Well you start your tour then right? Your manager can watch you, “ Branslav offered.
Betty thought about it then furrowed her brow, “ But I don't know if I can travel like this. “
“ I'll call the nurse and find out, “ Branslav pulled the call cord. The nurse was back in a few moments.
“ Have you figured something out? “ She arched an eyebrow.
“ We don't know. We think we have, “ Branslav said. “ Can she fly in this shape? “
The nurse looked at the paperwork and shook her head, “ We'd prefer she didn't fly for at least two weeks. “
“ Damn, “ Branslav muttered. The plan had been almost perfect.
“ Now I have to call my manager, “ Betty sighed. “ I'll have to cancel my tour completely. “
“ Maybe your manager can care for you? “ Branslav offered.
“ I couldn't ask him to do that, “ Betty said. “ He's a very busy man. I'm not his only client. He manages a couple of other writers and they're in Las Vegas. “
The nurse growled, “ There has to be somebody. “
Branslav glared at her, “ I'll do it then. “
“ But Branslav, “ Betty said. She wasn't for sure how she felt about him volunteering to care for her. She didn't want to be in his way or cause him any problems.
“ No. I'll do it, “ Branslav said. “ I'll take care of you. “
The nurse rolled her eyes, “ Finally. I knew it couldn't be that hard. “
Branslav glared at the nurse for he felt she had been rather rude towards Betty. He had even overheard her talking about Betty like she was some kind of degenerate just because she didn't have insurance while he was waiting for her to come back from Radiology. She had been talking to another nurse at the nurses' station but Branslav heard every word, including how she doubted that Betty was a virgin.
" Is there a problem? " The nurse caught Branslav's glare.
" No, " Branslav said. " Nothing is wrong. When can I take her out of here? "
" As soon as she signs these papers, " The nurse held up a clipboard.
" Then let her sign them so we can go, " Branslav said sharply.
Betty glared at Branslav for his tone but said nothing. She could tell he was getting antsy and she was getting tired of being in the hospital. Her tail bone was numb from being on the gurney too. “ May I please have them? “ Betty put her right hand out for the clipboard.
“ Has your vision cleared enough or do I need to help you again? “ The nurse asked.
“ My vision is still blurry, “ Betty said.
The nurse sighed, “ Okay. “
“ When will they bill me for this fiasco? “ Betty asked as the nurse walked over to her right side.
“ You should be getting a bill in the mail in the next week and since you don't have insurance, you will also be getting a form to fill out to have the fees waived. It will be reviewed by the hospital and they will decide, “ The nurse said but Betty cut her off.
“ I don't need charity. I can pay the bill, “ Betty said firmly.
The nurse arched an eyebrow, “ Oh really? “
“ Yes, “ Betty muttered as the nurse guided her hand to where she needed to sign.
“ Well you'll still get the form since you have no insurance, “ The nurse had a hint of suspicion in her voice.
“ Fine, “ Betty signed the papers. “ Is there an office where I can pay in person? “
“ It will be listed on the bill, “ The nurse said then flipped the paper. " Sign this one too. "
" Okay, " Betty said. She let the nurse guide her hand again.
" Good, " The nurse said.
“ Is there anything else I need to sign? “ Betty asked as the nurse took away the clipboard.
The nurse shook her head, “ No. That's it. All that's left is for me to help you get back into your street clothes. “
“ Great, “ Betty said. She glanced at Branslav but didn't have to say anything. He seemed to get the message.
“ I'll leave, “ Branslav said. “ I'll come back in after you've changed. “
“ Okay, “ Betty nodded.
Branslav walked out into the hallway then decided he needed to make a call. He had seen several signs forbidding the use of cell phones in the hospital so he went out to the waiting room then outside. He walked around until he got in a good spot, going to his phone directory. He had the phone dial the number he wanted and waited for it to ring. He got a busy signal so he decided to wait a few minutes and try again.
**
“ Maybe you really should take some time off, “ Coach Hooker said as he drove Robert back to Jakob's apartment complex. “ If Pauline's going to behave this way, it might be better if you left town until the divorce hearing. There's no telling what she'll pull next.. “
“ You have a point, “ Robert said. “ I should call Mr. Shaver and tell him what's going on. “
“ You should, “ Coach Hooker nodded. “ He'll let you take a leave since Pauline's resorted to such tactics. “
“ I'll call him when we get to my place, “ Robert said. His cell phone rang and he picked it up from where he had stowed it in the cup holder in the center console of Coach Hooker's full sized pick-up truck He furrowed his brow at the number on the caller ID.
“ Who is it? “ Coach Hooker asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
“ I don't know, “ Robert said and flipped the phone open. “ Hello? “
“ I didn't know they let you have your cell phone in jail, “ Pauline sounded surprised.
“ Then why are you calling me? “ Robert asked.
“ That's not important. Why are you answering the phone? “ Pauline asked.
“ I'm not in jail. You see, they don't hold people when they aren't guilty my darling, “ Robert purred the 'my darling' sarcastically.
“ You're already out? “ Pauline sounded confused.
Robert chuckled, “ Yeah. After I explained the situation to the cop working the case, she put a fire under it and found out you were full of shit. “
“ How am I full of shit? “ Pauline said. “ It's my house too. “
“ To the contrary my dear, “ Robert said. “ Have you ever bothered to look at the title to the house? “
“ My name IS on it, isn't it? “ Pauline asked sharply.
Robert laughed, “ No. “
“ What? “ Pauline screeched. “ How come my name isn't on the title? “
“ Because you were in Reno until the papers were finalized. You were in one of your moods and refused to come. I had no choice but to put my name only on the paperwork because you weren't there to sign, “ Robert said. “ You shot yourself in the foot on that one. “
“ So what about the claim to the insurance company I made about the stolen property? “ Pauline asked. “ I know I'm on the insurance. “
“ You are otherwise you couldn't have made the claim. The agent called me and said the check will be sent to me, “ Robert said.
“ But those were my things! “ Pauline said. “ I should get that money! “
“ Once again to the contrary dear, “ Robert said. “ You bought those things with my money so I guess they were really mine. “
“ Robert Ashley Hughes, “ Pauline hissed. “ You won't get away with this. “
Robert thought about it, “ Yeah I will. You're the one in the wrong here, not me. Oh yeah, don't try to take any money out either. I closed our bank account. “
“ You what? " Pauline sounded like she wasn't aware.
" You didn't know already? " Robert was certain she had found out about it but decided he was wrong.
" When did you do that? " Pauline still sounded shocked.
" A couple of days ago, " Robert said. " I suppose Richard's been paying for everything since I did it. "
" That's none of your business. How am I supposed to feed Alex then? “ Pauline whined.
Robert chuckled, “ Oh shut up. I left the savings account open and a thousand dollars in it. That should get you through until your sugar daddy gives you more money or you can find a job . “
“ A job? A JOB?! “ Pauline shouted. “ I can't get a job. I've never worked a day in my life. “
“ Sure you could, “ Robert said. “ There are street corners everywhere. “
" ASSHOLE! " Pauline screamed and hung up the phone. Robert smiled as he saved the number Pauline had called him from so he would know it was her.
He glanced over at Coach Hooker when he said, “ That was a good one, Robert. “
“ Yeah, I thought so. Honestly, she doesn't have any work skills so what else is there for her to do? “ Robert shrugged. “ Besides, she's probably just going to tell that Richard guy some sad tale about how terrible I am and get free ride off of him until he gets tired of her. “
“ That seems like what she's best at, “ Coach Hooker nodded.
Robert's phone rang again as they got closer to Jakob's apartment complex. He growled and looked down, finding he recognized the picture and the number. “ Oh. That's better. “
“ Who is it? “ Coach Hooker asked.
“ Branslav, “ Robert said then answered. “ Hey buddy. “
“ Your phone was busy. How come? “ Branslav asked.
“ I turned off call waiting, “ Robert replied. “ Don't worry about it. How's the cooking lesson going? “
“ Um, there wasn't a cooking lesson, “ Branslav said quietly.
“ Uh oh, “ Robert said. “ What happened? Did she cancel on you? “
“ No. There was an accident, “ Branslav's voice stayed quiet.
Robert furrowed his brow, “ What kind of accident? Are you okay? You didn't set anything on fire again did you? “
“ I'm fine, “ Branslav sighed. “ It's Betty. Are you sitting down? “
“ Oh my God, “ Robert's blood ran cold. The way Branslav sounded it made him think something terrible had happened. “ Tell me what happened. “
“ I'll keep it short, " Branslav said. " She was late so I went to her place to see why she was. When I got there, her front door was unlocked and I went inside. I found her on the kitchen floor and she wasn't moving. "
“ Oh my God, “ Robert felt himself start to shake a little and like he was going to throw up. He was scared of what Branslav was going to say next. " What did you do? "
“ I called the ambulance and they came with the cops. The police asked me a lot of questions but I couldn't answer them. I told them I had come over and found her like that. When they were finished, I grabbed her purse and came to the hospital. I got here right after the ambulance, “ Branslav said.
“ Branslav, “ Robert said evenly. “ Is she going to be okay? “
“ Yeah. She's got a concussion, fifteen stitches on her forehead and a severely sprained ankle but they say she'll be alright with rest, “ Branslav said.
Robert let out a sigh of relief, “ Damn. The way you were talking, I thought she was hurt worse than that. “
“ No. No, “ Branslav said. “ She's awake and talking but she needs someone to watch her for a couple of days. “
“ But how? She's lives alone, “ Robert said.
“ She's going to stay with me, “ Branslav replied.
“ How? Don't you leave for that west coast trip on Monday? “: Robert said.
“ Uh yeah, “ Branslav nodded. “ I'll figure Monday out later. They were going to release her even if she didn't have someone to watch her. She doesn't have any friends and she has no family so who else could take her right? “
“ Shit. I guess you really didn't have a choice but to take her, “ Robert said. “ I would have done the same thing. “
“ I just wanted to let you know what was going on in case you tried to call me while I had my phone off, “ Branslav said.
“ I didn't, “ Robert said. “ I didn't want to interrupt the cooking lesson if it was going well. “
“ Oh, “ Branslav sighed. “ Okay well, I have to go. They were helping Betty get dressed when I left and she's probably waiting on me now. “
“ Okay then, “ Robert said. “ Call me and keep me updated, okay? “
“ I will, “ Branslav said.
Robert snapped his phone closed as Coach Hooker stopped the truck in front of Jakob's block. He glanced at Coach Hooker, “ Thanks. “
“ Is everything okay? “ Coach Hooker motioned towards the phone. “ You don't look so good and that call didn't sound good either. “
“ It wasn't, “ Robert sighed. “ You remember Betty right? “
Coach Hooker nodded, " Yes. What happened to her? "
" She fell, " Robert said. " She's going to be okay but Branslav called me to let me know. She needs someone to look after her for two days but Branslav leaves for a road trip on Monday. She won't have anyone to watch her then. "
Coach Hooker looked like he was thinking then glanced at Robert, " I have an idea. "
**
Branslav walked back into the Emergency Room, heading for the room where Betty was. He had just gotten a few feet from the desk when someone touched his arm. He turned to find it was the doctor. " Yes sir? " Branslav asked.
" Can I speak to you for a minute? " The doctor said.
" I guess, " Branslav wondered why the doctor wanted to talk to him.
The doctor took off his glasses and sighed, " I usually don't do this but I just want you to know that Miss Rogers-Skogan was very lucky today. "
" Lucky? How? " Branslav was confused.
The doctor looked Branslav in the eye, " You saved her life today. If she had been left that way and no one found her, she might have died. "
" Oh, " Branslav nodded. The gravity of the doctor's statment sunk down on him. He more he thought about it, the more he knew it was true.
The doctor put his glasses back on before patting Branslav on the left arm, " You take good care of her and bring her back if she has any complications whatsoever. "
" Yes sir, " Branslav said. " I will. "
**
Betty looked at the rusty nail that had been caught in the hem of her right pant leg. She had found it when she was putting the boot cut blue jeans on with the nurse's help. She rolled it between her fingers, a theory forming in her aching head about the scenario that had put her in the Emergency Room. She looked up from it when she saw someone come to the door.
“ Are you ready? “ Branslav asked. He looked her over, noticing how nice she had dressed for the first time. He hadn't noticed her black velvet princess neckline top or her decorated jeans when he had found her on the floor. He furrowed his brow at the rusty nail she held, “ What's that? “
“ The culprit I believe, “ Betty said and lifted her right leg to show him the torn hem.
“ The culprit? “ Branslav sounded confused.
Betty nodded, “ This is one of the nails from the floorboards in the attic. My guess is that I caught my right pant leg on it as I stepped down with my left foot. That probably jerked me and sent me down those narrow steps after my ankle gave way. I bet I smacked my head on the way down. “
Branslav thought about it and shrugged, “ I guess. there's no way to really know though, huh? “
" Not really, " Betty sighed. She shrugged, “ Oh well. What's done is done. “
“ Yeah, “ Branslav said.
Betty opened her purse and threw the nail inside. She then pulled out two slips of paper. She held them up, “ We have to go by a pharmacy and get these filled. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav took the prescriptions and put them in his jacket pocket.
It was Betty's turn to see how nice he was dressed and she looked him over. “ You look nice, “ Betty smiled. He had a white dress shirt under his leather jacket and a pair of black slacks. She smirked, “ You weren't afraid getting anything on that shirt were you? “
Branslav looked at the floor, “ Not really. “
Betty sighed, “ I knew I should have packed a second apron. “
“ Oh good. You're back. She's ready to go, “ The nurse had slipped up without them noticing.
“ I thought so, “ Branslav turned to face the woman. “ I was just about to take her. “
The nurse looked at Branslav over her glasses, “ I'll take her out to the car. “
" Oh, " Branslav said. He turned back to Betty, " Do you need anything before we go? "
Betty looked over in the corner, “ My crutches. “
“ I'll get them, “ Branslav walked over to them and picked them up.
“ Do you have your prescriptions and the paper with your doctor's appointment on it? “ The nurse asked Betty.
Betty nodded, “ Yes. “
Branslav walked over to the door with Betty's crutches in his left hand, “ I'll lead the way. “
" Please do, " The nurse said as she stepped aside to let Branslav out.