Hot Check Part 4

Alice frowned. They couldnat go out anywhere lately without autograph seekers hounding them. Another Rolling Stone blurb had come out a few weeks ago and helped elevate the band to a new level of mini-celebrity status. Joe was negotiating an offer as an opening act in the fall.

After a while, Alice folded her napkin and set it beside an empty shrimp-fried-rice carton. aMaybe we should start looking for a house,a she said. aWe need more room and a place where you can work. Something big enough for you and the boys to rehea.r.s.e and record in, maybe.a Alice watched her nibble at a piece of shrimp tempura as the plan began to come together in her head. aWell? What do you think?a aWead be renting or buying?a Ricky asked, her voice dropping syllables in its huskiness.

aBuying, I think.a Ricky smiled. aA house with big trees and flowers. And two plastic pink flamingos in the front yard.a Alice went around her desk and reached for Rickyas hand to pull her up out of the chair. They rarely touched this way at the office, but Alice had to hold her now.

aA security fence, burglar bars, and a silent alarm,a Alice said. She kissed her on the forehead and reveled in the strawberry scent of shampoo and soap. aBut we can do the pinkflamingos-in-the-front-yard thing if you like.a

Chapter Nine.

Alice was summoned to Dallas again, and this time she didnat like the sound of it. Her father had been secretive about why he wanted her. She knew how much he enjoyed having people jump whenever he snapped his fingers, and it annoyed her when she was expected to jump as high as everyone else.

In her mind she went over the quarterly reports for her division and knew everything was going well there. Profits were up, thanks to another Ricky Conrad jingle, so she wasnat worried about any of that. She was ready for him.

He managed to surprise her, though, once she was seated in his office and heard that she was to handle the merger in New Orleans. Alice felt certain that her blood pressure had zoomed off the charts. She took the stack of papers her father gave her and prayed that he didnat notice her hand shaking.

aLook these over,a he said. aScott Briscoe is representing us, of course, and will be going with you. Finalizing everything may take a week. Maybe longer.a Charles Collins came around the side of his desk and sat on its corner. He was tall and husky, and kept his silver hair cut short. He had a small gap between his two front teeth and seldom smiled because of it. His gray suit looked new, just like everything else he owned. Alice had caught the scent of Old Spice when she hugged him. Head worn it as long as she could remember.

aYouave done an excellent job on the restaurants, Alice. You were able to take a neglected, struggling chain and make it appealing and profitable. But,a he said as he put his hands together, aitas time for you to move on. Once this merger is complete, I want you to take over the New Orleans operation. Staffing, stocking, and inventory. Build it up. The market for tourism was virtually unexplored by the previous owner. One store in particular is near the French Quarter, but nothingas been done to capitalize on the tourist potential. Look into these things. Each store has its own personality. Youall have complete control and a generous budget. I know you can make it work.a Alice adjusted the folds of her long skirt and held the papers in trembling hands. aI donat know what to say,a she whispered. Her mind was racing with details, but she was unable to put them into words just yet. The idea he was suggesting threw her into a panic. It meant an extended separation from Ricky.

aYouall be getting a substantial raise,a he continued, aand a vast amount of experience. If I remember correctly, you started out here in retail after college. This will be a little different. Any problems you have, feel free to give me a call.a Not on your life, she thought with a sardonic laugh. A call to her father would only mean a sign of weakness to him. Any problems that come up I either handle myself or die trying.

aIf all goes well in New Orleans,a he said once he was behind his desk again, aIall be retiring in the next year. Your mother and I want to travel while weare still young enough to enjoy it. Frankly, Alice, I believe youare ready to take over the company now, but I feel like the more experience I can give you, the better equipped youall be when the time comes.a His huge leather chair squeaked as he leaned back in it. He was comfortable in his role. The king teasing the princess with talk of abdication. aYou also need to select your replacement for the South Texas area. I have a few names for you if you canat find someone suitable.a He laughed suddenly, as if seeing her for the first time. aYouare pale. Are you all right?a aI guess Iam a little overwhelmed,a she said. Not only was he s.h.i.+pping her off to New Orleans, but in a year shead be running the entire company! Am I ready for that? Jesus!

aIam not throwing you entirely to the wolves,a he said. aScott will be there to help you on legal matters and such. You have office s.p.a.ce downtown and a condo for youa"and also one for your secretary if she decides to go with you. If not, you can make arrangements for your replacement to keep her on. A competent and resourceful secretary is something I couldnat do without. I hope you can convince her to go with you.a aShe has children and family in San Antonio. Iam not sure sheall want to move,a Alice said calmly. On the outside she was a tower of strength, but inside she was beginning to crumble. aSo the merger should take a week,a she said slowly, sorting it out in her mind as she went, aand then Iam in New Orleans getting the stores together.a aRight. Any problem?a aNo,a she said. aMy replacement wonat be worth much for a few weeks. Iall probably have to juggle both jobs.a He nodded. aYou may want to keep that in mind when you select someone. By the way, your mother expects you for dinner this evening.a Alice stood up and put the papers head given her in her briefcase. She glanced at her watch and shook her head. aI really canat stay. Thereas so much to do. Iall stop by and see her on my way to the airport.a During the flight back Alice went over the papers and familiarized herself with figures and names. She buried herself in retail lingo and tried not to think about how Ricky would take the news. A week in New Orleans on the merger was one thing, but a transfer was something else all together.

It was nearly eight when she got home. The band was playing at a club in Austin and wouldnat be back until around three-thirty that morning. Alice called her secretary at home, wanting to give her as much notice about the New Orleans deal as she could. Hopefully Gloria would be willing to transfer with her. Theyad worked together for years, and the prospect of having an office without Gloria was almost as traumatic as having to move to another state without Ricky.

She sat in the dark with the stereo on low and finished a gla.s.s of wine. Alice tried to think of a way to break the news to Ricky, but nothing creative was coming to her. They were looking at no less than a year apart, maybe longer if her father didnat retire. A promotion shouldnat be this d.a.m.ned complicated!

Alice was asleep on the sofa when Ricky finally came home. Ricky knelt down beside her and gave her a little shake. aWake up, baby,a she said gently. aLetas go to bed.a Alice stretched and put her arms around Rickyas neck, filling her hands with that soft, thick hair. She found Rickyas mouth and kissed her with deep, probing urgency. Alice felt a surge of heat beginning to pulsate between her legs as Ricky burrowed into her neck. Alice tilted her head and encouraged her to continue with a whimper.

aI didnat expect you back so soon,a Ricky said into her ear. She sucked on Aliceas earlobe and then said, aHowad it go?a Alice pulled her down and whispered, aWeall talk about it later.a She tugged Rickyas T-s.h.i.+rt over her head and found her mouth again. aCome here.a Clothing either fell to the floor or became wadded up beneath them during a new wave of excitement. After fumbling with s.h.i.+rt b.u.t.tons and muddling through several hasty attempts at bra removal, Ricky freed Aliceas b.r.e.a.s.t.s and rubbed her own into them. The tip of her tongue touched just below Aliceas ear before she ran her fingernails gently down her ribs. Alice managed to get her knee between Rickyas legs and lifted it to find a welcome wet reception.

Ricky made the most wonderful sounds, the throaty gasps, the husky moans, and listening to them was rewarding to Alice. Ricky began to move against her in a slow, steady motion, and Alice closed her eyes and tilted her head back again as Rickyas lips met hers. Every cell in Aliceas body was fully awake with want and antic.i.p.ation. She loved having Ricky this waya"fresh from the club with the smoke still clinging to her body. Ricky kissed Aliceas shoulder and worked up to the crook of her neck while her hair played against Aliceas skin.

Simply listening to Ricky and feeling her move made Alice ready to come. She grabbed Rickyas head and found her mouth again, searching and sucking on her tongue as her fingers wound through Rickyas hair and fondled it shamelessly. Alice could never get enough of its silky texture. She loved touching it, loved smelling it, loved feeling it on her skin.

aItas good,a Alice said, her voice no more than an urgent whisper. aSo good.a Their usual approach to s.e.x almost always involved Ricky making love to Alice first, which was then followed by a more leisure, relaxed version of their mutual desire for each other. Alice could be ready for her with no more than a suggestive look or a heated kiss, but it usually took more for Ricky. Alice lived for those moments when Ricky became s.e.xually vulnerable, and tonight was promising to be one of those times.

Alice spread her legs a little and slipped her hand down between them, touching herself and matching Rickyas rocking motion. Alice had never particularly cared for masturbation until she realized how much Ricky liked watching her. They didnat make love this way often, but it was always so hot when they did.

Alice opened herself with her fingers and dipped into warm creamy folds. The moment Ricky realized what she was doing, her breathing changed, and the grinding became more desperate and primitive. There was a long raspy groan that caused a sudden return of that roller-coaster feeling in Aliceas stomach. Ricky buried her face in Aliceas neck and came with a shudder. She covered Aliceas face with tiny erratic kisses as she rubbed herself slowly against Aliceas wet thigh.

aYou make it so easy,a Ricky whispered. She kissed her, and Alice felt the tumbling start all over again. Rickyas mouth moved down Aliceas body, stopping only long enough to savor each breast before easing farther down. Alice held herself open once more, spreading her legs and squirming with need as she waited for Rickyas mouth to touch her.

aOh, yes...a Aliceas senses came alive, and her desire soared as Rickyas tongue licked and probed with compelling accuracy. Alice put her hands on the back of Rickyas head and raised her hips in a primal display of urgency. Moaning, low and emphatic, filled the room, and a delirious surge of pleasure roared through Aliceas body. She came hard and cried out Rickyas name as she thrashed on the sofa. Ricky worked her nose into Aliceas wet, quivering center and slowly rubbed it up and down. She kissed her there tenderly and then kissed the inside of Aliceas thigh over and over again.

Much later they lay on the sofa facing each other, dozing with legs entwined, naked except for one of Rickyas socks only halfway on. Alice touched Rickyas hair again, still finding it hard to keep her hands off of her.

aHow was Austin?a aGood,a Ricky said with a yawn. aA rowdy crowd. My dad and Sharon were there for a while. Things are getting better between us.a She kissed the corner of Aliceas mouth. aHow was Dallas? Did your father ask about me?a Alice hugged her; the lump in her throat was there before she knew it. The transfer, the new job, the move, the necessity to live alone for a year without her. Alice hugged Ricky again and brushed her cheek against her soft hair.

aLetas go to bed,a she whispered. aI have to be up in three hours.a At the office the next day Alice made a list of possible replacements for her position and had Gloria set up interviews. She also got in touch with the companyas lawyer and had a conference call with him on the merger. He would meet her in New Orleans in three days to go over a few other details, and they antic.i.p.ated closing the deal by Wednesday at the latest.

aAll next week you should be tied up with the current management and personnel,a Scott said. He had been her fatheras lawyer since Alice was a little girl. aThe stores will stay operational during the changeover, so youall be hitting the ground running.a aAnd Wednesday after we close, Iam on my own,a she said. Aliceas replacement in South Texas wouldnat have much time to learn the ropes either, so basically, as she suspected, she would be working both jobs for a while. Alice saw herself being spread thinner and thinner as each phone call came in.

aAbsolutely. I can be reached for any legal matters that come up, of course,a Scott said.

Alice leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. She glanced out her office window where the city of San Antonio seemed to be thumbing its nose at her. aHow many people expect me to fall on my face, Scott?a aYour father has all the confidence in the world in you. His opinion is the one that counts, Iad say.a aThat many, huh?a

Chapter Ten.

She made sure Ricky could be home at a decent hour and picked up enough pizza for everyone. The band was going over some new material Ricky had been working on.

Alice could hear them when she came in. She set her briefcase next to the sofa and balanced the three large pizzas with her other hand. The boxes were still surprisingly warm as she set them down on the table. She opened the door to the music room and waved at Kyle who was reading a magazine. The other three didnat hear her come in.

Ricky stopped playing and motioned for Joe and Stan to stop also. aWeall need a rim shot here,a she said, pointing at Kyle, athen youave got a brief solo after the third verse. Thatas what Iam hearing in my head now, but feel free to change my mind later.a aHow long before we have lyrics on this one?a Joe asked. He played a riff on his guitar and then noticed Alice leaning against the doorjamb. aYo, Ricky. Your womanas here.a Alice smiled. aAnd her woman brought pizza,a she said.

Guitars came off and the magazine closed. Rehearsal was officially over.

The five of them sat around the dining room table laughing and eating. The boys drank beer while Ricky and Alice shared a tumbler of orange juice.

aDid she tell you who called today?a Stan asked Alice. His eyes lit up, and from all angles across the table, Joe, Stan, and Kyle stretched for a high five.

Not waiting for Alice to answer, Stan blurted, aDoug Cooper! Called right here on your phone!a He rummaged through the pizza box and came out with a huge limp slice.

aDoug Cooper the singer?a Alice said. aThe aSay It Ainat Soa Doug Cooper?a aJesus,a Kyle mumbled. aEven Alice knows who he is! He must really be hot s.h.i.+t.a aNumber one alb.u.m for five weeks in a row and number one song for three,a Alice said.

Rickyas laughter brought them all out of a stunned shock.

aHow did you know that?a Joe asked with a dab of suspicion in his voice.

aYou mean sheas right?a Stan said. His eyes were wide with surprise. Everyone had stopped eating.

aRolling Stone,a Alice said. aI read every word of it when it comes in. Thereas a great article on the Dynamos, by the way. Have you seen it?a Ricky snickered and laughed heartily at the expression on Joeas face.

aWhy would Doug Cooper call here?a Alice asked. aAnd how did he get our telephone number?a aHe wants Ricky to sing a duet with him,a Stan said. The boys reached across the table for another high five.

Alice looked at Ricky, who was still nibbling on the same piece of pizza shead started with ten minutes ago. aThatas wonderful,a Alice said.

aTry to convince her of that,a Stan grumbled.

aWhat did he say? Did he call you personally?a Ricky shrugged. aHis agent got my number from the guy who produced our last alb.u.m. Doug knows what he wants, but Iam sure Iam not the only female singer heas talking to. Besides, Iam not interested in recording with anyone else.a aItas a duet,a Stan said. aItas not like real music. This could be good for all of us. Hot Check, too.a aYeah, maybe,a Ricky said.

aWhoas got the number two song?a Joe asked Alice. His squinty eyes looked as though they were hoping to spring a trick question on her.

aThe Crooners,a Alice said with a smirk. aUp from number three.a ad.a.m.n,a Joe mumbled, and then shook his head. He laughed after a moment. ad.a.m.n.a aWhy ya gotta be so negative all the time, Ricky?a Stan whined. aDoug Cooper wants you. Letas enjoy that concept for a while. Maybe heas smarter than weare giving him credit for. Just because his music sucks doesnat mean heas stupid, you know. Trying to get you on one of his alb.u.ms is a f.u.c.king flash of brilliance on somebodyas part.a Kyle reached for another slice of pizza and nodded toward Stan. aWheread you find this guy?a Three empty pizza boxes and a six-pack later the boys were gone and Alice and Ricky were alone. aThey can put away some serious pizza,a Ricky said, her gravelly voice taking on a soft tone. She stacked the boxes and piled napkins and empty beer cans on top. aThey eat like every mealas their last.a Alice followed her into the kitchen and set the dirty plates on the counter. She straightened her skirt and leaned against the sink. It had been a nice, relaxing evening, and Alice didnat like ruining it, but she wanted to get this over with.

aIam being transferred,a she said, the words nearly sticking in her throat. It was so quiet that she could hear them both breathing.

aYouare what?a aIam being transferred to New Orleans.a She crossed her arms over her chest. aI didnat know how to tell you.a aWhatas in New Orleans? Arenat all of your restaurants here in Texas?a aItas a new job. Retail. Department store management.a Ricky shook the hair out of her eyes with a little toss of her head. aHave you already made up your mind to take it? Without even discussing it with me?a aThereas no room for discussion where my fatheras concerned.a aSo when is all of this supposed to happen?a The lump was back in her throat almost immediately. aSat.u.r.day,a Alice said. aIam coordinating the merger beginning on Sat.u.r.day.a Rickyas voice had been gradually growing louder. She backed up against the sink and put her hands on the counter behind her. aYouare leaving me in three days? Jesus, Alice. Have you thought about any of this?a aIam not leaving you. After the merger when things settle down a little, Iall be able to come back on weekends.a aWeekends? I work weekends!a Ricky was out of the kitchen and charging through the apartment.

aWhen youare off during the week you can fly to New Orleans,a Alice said as she followed her. aI donat like this any better than you do, but I have other responsibilities, Ricky.a aGreat. What about us? Whose responsibility is that?a Ricky looked at her with blue eyes swimming in tears. aJesus. I donat believe this. Youare leaving me for a job? I canat go through this again.a aIam not leaving you!a Alice caught that familiar gleam of rebellion in those blue eyes, that same glimpse that had attracted her to Ricky the first night they met. aMy work is very important to me. This merger and this transfer mean everything to my career, Ricky. When somebody gives you a promotion, you donat say no!a aYouare throwing away what we have for a G.o.dd.a.m.n pat on the head from your father!a Ricky yelled. aWhat did he do this time, Alice? Give you another raise? Promise to leave you everything? Jesus, you make more money now than we could ever spend!a She whirled around and headed for the door. aIf you leave me, itas over.a aThis is crazy!a Alice scrambled toward the door after her. aYouare upset. You donat know what youare saying. We love each other, G.o.dd.a.m.n it!a Alice grabbed her and pressed her body into Rickyas, pinning her against the door in order to keep her from leaving. They were looking right at each other, their bodies warm, their b.r.e.a.s.t.s touching, their faces only inches apart. Alice could see the fear in Rickyas eyes, and couldnat believe how much she wanted her right then.

aThe difference in us seems to be that Iam in love with you,a Ricky said slowly, aand youare in love with your G.o.dd.a.m.n career.a Alice released her and stepped back, stunned by her words. aYou never fight fair,a Alice said, sounding more in control than she felt. aNever.a Ricky yanked the door open. aThe truth hurts, doesnat it?a aRicky,a she said shakily. aWe can work this out. Will you listen to yourself? Youare saying that youad rather settle for nothing. Is that what you want?a The thought of losing her had never occurred to Alice before. Why is she being so unreasonable? So unwilling to compromise? aWhere are you going?a Alice demanded once she realized that Ricky was out in the hallway already.

ah.e.l.l, I donat know,a she said. She looked lost and hurt, as if her only friend in the world had just tossed her out in the street. All Alice wanted to do was hold her and make it better.

aI love you, Alice. Iave never loved anyone the way I love you.a Her voice was nearly gone as she held onto the door. aI canat believe this is happening all over again. When Emily left me she said it was for a two-week vacation. And she never came back.a aIam not Emily,a Alice whispered, resenting the comparison. She reached for Rickyas hand and slowly coaxed her back inside the apartment. She took her into her arms and kissed the top of her head. aIam not Emily.a Ricky searched Aliceas face once more, and closed her eyes. aI know who you are,a she said in her ragged voice, aand itas not helping much right now.a The next day Alice selected her replacement and relayed her choice to her father. Once she took time to think about it, she knew who would be right for her job. The interviews were more or less a formality.

All day long Alice had considered the merger, the changes needed in the takeover, and the awesome responsibility her father had given her. She had confidence in her abilities and was glad that he had that kind of confidence in her as well, but there were people at Collins Enterprises that Alice still had to prove herself to. Several a.s.sociates saw her as a fortunate but unprepared answer to their corporate future.

The following afternoon Joe came by to see her. His attire was a bit more conservative than his usual blue jeans and T-s.h.i.+rt. He wore black pants, a crisp white s.h.i.+rt, s.h.i.+ned black boots, and a black bolo tie. Alice smiled when she saw him, remembering a remark Ricky had made once about how presentable the boys could be when you cleaned them up a little. It seemed like another lifetime ago when Joe Langley had first sat in that same chair discussing Aliceas jingle and Ricky Conradas talent.

aWhatas the occasion?a she asked.

aSomethingas going on with Ricky, and I was hoping youad tell me what it is.a Alice drummed neatly trimmed nails on the edge of her desk. He deserved to know what was happening, and she was surprised that Ricky hadnat told him already. aIam being transferred to New Orleans almost immediately, and weare both upset about it,a Alice said.

Joe swore under his breath, but Alice didnat quite catch the exact string of expletives. He looked at her and slowly shook his head. aSo what are you doing about it? Ricky doesnat work well when sheas upset. Her voice has been rough from crying for two days.a aWeare working on it.a aAre you two breaking up?a he asked. His dark eyes were huge and accusing. aYou canat do this to me, Alice. d.a.m.n it. You canat do this.a aWhat am I doing to you?a aYouare bailing out, arenat you? Jesus! Sheas f.u.c.king in love with you!a aLower your voice,a Alice said calmly. aListen to me, Joe. If youad like to help, then fix her schedule so she gets a few days off during the week. Iall be back on weekends. Weall see each other as often as possible by flying back and forth.a Joe leaned forward in his chair, dark eyes narrow and menacing. aAre you dumping her?a aOf course not! How can you even suggest such a thing?a aIf youare not bailing out, then why havenat you asked me to move the band again?a Alice blinked several times in confusion. Move the band again. Move the band to New Orleans. Aliceas heart skipped a beat once the suggestion began to sink in.

aI mean, itas the jazz capital of the world and all,a he said, abut thereas gotta be a market for some rock ana roll there somewhere. Iad have to check it out, of course.a He stopped and raked his hand through the top of his long black hair. aBut weare not moving anywhere if this is your way of getting out of this thing with Ricky. I need some honesty here, Alice. Donat bulls.h.i.+t me.a Alice closed her eyes and let out a frustrated groan of her own. She rubbed the bridge of her nose and could feel another headache on its way.

aIf you can get the band relocated to New Orleans,a she said in a controlled, quiet voice, aRicky and I will be eternally grateful to you.a Joe nodded and then sprang out of his chair. aJust donat lie to me, okay?a They looked at each other in an uncomfortable silence, both very aware of how important the other was in Rickyas life.

aIam in love with her too, you know,a Alice said simply.

Joe nodded again and stuck his hands in his pockets. aYou d.a.m.n well better be.a Sat.u.r.day morning Alice was packed and ready to go. Ricky hadnat been to bed yet since theyad stayed up talking and making love after Ricky got home from the club. Alice hoped to be able to get some sleep on the plane. She had a meeting with Scott Briscoe at two that afternoon.

aI left some phone numbers where you can reach me,a Alice said. aThe merger should be wrapped up by Wednesday. Hopefully Iall be home Friday night for the weekend.a Ricky squeezed Aliceas hand as she maneuvered the Jaguar in and out of traffic. aIave been whining, havenat I?a Alice laughed softly. aYou deserve to whine a little.a aIam sorry Iave been such a baby about this. I said some terrible things to you the other night.a She let go of Aliceas hand and gripped the steering wheel.

aLetas just hope Joe comes through and finds something permanent for the band in New Orleans.a They made small talk while they waited for pa.s.sengers to board. Alice wanted to keep her talking so Ricky wouldnat cry. She had to work that night, and it would take most of the day to get her voice back.

aWhatas your schedule like this week?a Alice asked.

aRecording and rehearsing. The usual. I think Joeas got us booked in Corpus for a party or a fund-raiser on Thursday. Iam not sure which. He promised to fix the schedule the week after, though. Maybe you and I can fly back together on Sunday.a As pa.s.sengers began to board, Ricky hugged her. aDonat send me any postcards, okay?a she whispered into Aliceas ear. aAnd try to be agreeable at this merger thing. Donat be a hard a.s.s and give them an excuse to keep you over the weekend.a Alice laughed and kissed her lightly on the lips. aI wonat. Iall call you when I get there.a Alice settled into her condo near downtown New Orleans and went over the contracts Scott Briscoe had given her earlier. They were meeting with the current owneras lawyers in the morning; Scott had briefed her thoroughly.

aYouave done your homework,a he said to her over a late lunch Sunday afternoon. He was in his mid-fifties with bushy gray hair and a thin Errol Flynn mustache.

She had tried most of the day to get in touch with Ricky, but there had been no answer at home or the boysa place. Alice finally got through to her early Monday morning and was so relieved to finally hear that gravelly, sleep-filled voice.

aGood morning,a Alice said.

aGood morning,a came the sleepy croak in return. aI miss you already.a aI miss you, too.a aWhatas on your agenda today?a Ricky asked.

Alice sighed. aImagine a room full of bickering, cigar-smoking lawyers arguing over inventory and stock prices.a aMakes a day with the boys sound pretty good.a aGo back to sleep, baby,a Alice said softly. aCall me when you get home tonight.a Alice got a break from negotiations on Thursday afternoon and talked to her secretary, Gloria, on the phone. Together they solved what problems they could, and the rest Alice would have to take care of when she got back. Gloria knew enough about what was going on at the office in San Antonio to handle the routine things that came up, but with Aliceas replacement still trying to get settled in, there really wasnat anyone actually ain chargea yet. Gloria wouldnat be following her to New Orleans for several more weeks yet. The San Antonio office needed her there much worse than Alice needed her in New Orleans at the moment.

Alice got held up in a meeting until after eleven Thursday evening. Everyone was working hard to get the thing reconciled and merged properly, but it was looking more and more like they would be stuck there working over the weekend. By the time she got back to her condo, Alice was exhausted. She tried to call Ricky at home, but got no answer. She went to bed, knowing that Ricky would call her when she got in later.

Chapter Eleven.

It was four-thirty the next morning before Alice was finally jarred awake by the telephone. She squinted at the clock and then reached for the receiver. ah.e.l.lo,a she said.

aAlice? This is Henry Conrad. Rickyas been in an accident.a Alice didnat remember getting dressed or driving herself to the airport. She caught a flight out of New Orleans and spent the entire trip in a daze, too stunned to do anything but tremble. Kyle picked her up at the San Antonio airport. He didnat seem to be functioning well either. They were both in shock and stood helplessly saying nothing. He opened his arms just as Alice stepped into thema"Kyle needing to hold someone as much as Alice needed to be held. He hugged her and wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his T-s.h.i.+rt.

aSheas got a concussion,a he said quietly. aThereas no fracture, but she hasnat come out of it yet.a On the way to the hospital, he told her that Stan had been driving and swerved to miss a deer. The car rolled and Stan had been thrown out and killed instantly.

aJoe f.u.c.ked his hand up getting to Ricky,a he said, his voice breaking. aWe think she was asleep when it happened. She had a headache earlier.a He sniffed and then cleared his throat. aWe were behind them and watched it all happen. It didnat seem real. None of it. When we reached them we could smell the gas everywhere, and somebody started yelling about a fire. We couldnat get the f.u.c.king door open so we smashed a window.a He was crying openly now, and Alice felt the first rush of tears fill her eyes. She hadnat been able to cry before this, and now she wasnat sure shead ever be able to stop.

aI canat believe heas dead,a Kyle whispered. aI still canat believe it. None of it makes any f.u.c.king sense.a At the hospital Alice found Henry Conrad, his wife Sharon, and Joe sitting in the waiting area of the intensive care unit. Alice felt nauseous and detached, as if someone else were in her body making her do the things that were expected of her. She could see everything that was going on, but had trouble relating to any of it. She felt as though she were walking under water.

Alice noticed Joeas heavily bandaged left arm, which was snug in a sling close to his chest. She sat down beside him and reached over to take his other hand.

aWhy is this happening, Alice?a he whispered, squeezing her hand as though his life depended on it.

Alice looked straight ahead, not seeing anything. She felt so removed from it all, as if it were happening to someone else.

aStanas dead,a he whispered. aHeas dead. Ricky has to come out of this. She has to.a The words beaded up and rolled off as if Scotchgard had been sprayed on her.

aShe was like a rag doll when I picked her up,a Joe said. A sob caught in his throat, and he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. aI keep looking for Stan everywhere. He should be here waiting with us.a Alice nodded and unsuccessfully blinked back tears. aI know,a she said. They were the first words shead spoken since picking up her plane ticket hours ago. aIam looking for him too.a When the doctor, a short plump middle-aged man, finally came out, he directed all information to them as a group. He said that Ricky had a bruise and that he had no idea when she would regain consciousness. Theyad run several tests and were giving her medication to reduce fluids. Two visitors per hour, on the hour, were allowed in to see her.

Alice turned away from all of them, the shock still thras.h.i.+ng her around like a cork in a churning sea.

Since Henry and Sharon had seen her several times already, when the hour came around it was decided that Alice and Joe would go in to see her. They moved down the hall, purposeful in their strides, not wanting to waste any of their rationed time. They pa.s.sed through swinging doors into a totally white environment, but nothing could have prepared them for what they saw.

The room had several occupied beds in a semicircle and a nurseas station in the center. There was an eerie sort of quiet even though the insistent beeping of life-support machines seemed to be everywhere. No moaning or conscious patients. Alice had the feeling that the room itself was responsible for Rickyas condition. If she could just take her out of there, everything would be all right again.