Whether you’re sick or healthy, hospitals are horrible places to be. This one was only a few years old, so the walls were still clean and white. Cheerful paintings and colorful chairs brightened the waiting area. The large-screen television actually worked, although the volume was kept down. Picture windows revealed views of the parklike grounds and a rushing creek and the nearby Sonoma Mountains. But it still sucked to be here.
Guru Bob, Mom, and I alternately paced, sat, drank coffee, laughed nervously, or teared up, depending on the moment and the mood.
Once we got to the hospital, I was really glad Guru Bob had come along. He took care of filling out Gabriel’s admittance forms, a good thing since I didn’t even know the man’s last name. The first time we’d spoken after the Fillmore Street noodle shop fiasco, Gabriel had given me his business card. It read, simply, “Gabriel.”
If Guru Bob knew Gabriel’s last name, more power to him. He did have a way of knowing things about people. He also seemed to have a direct line to heaven. For that reason and others, I was glad he was here. Gabriel would need all the help he could get.
The double glass doors of the waiting room opened and Alice and China walked in. I felt immediately guilt-ridden for leaving Alice on her own, so I was glad to see her.
She ran over and gave me a hug.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I figured you could use some support while your friend is being looked at.”
“Thanks. I guess you’re right.”
“Any word on how he’s doing?” China asked.
“Not yet,” I said listlessly. I’d had a tough week and the body count was rising. I wanted to sleep for two days straight.
Alice patted my back and walked away. A few minutes later, she handed me a foam cup. “It’s hot tea with sugar. You need to keep up your strength.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s sit for a minute,” she said, pulling me toward a row of chairs.
“I’m so sorry I dragged you into this,” I said, blowing on my tea. “I can try to find you a ride back to the city.”
“Don’t be silly,” she said. “My life is so much more exciting when you’re around. Besides, I already feel so close to everyone here. I want to stay, if it’s okay.”
“Absolutely. I appreciate it.”
I watched Guru Bob put his arm around Mom. She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed.
Alice turned to me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “How wonderful to live in a place where everyone cares for each other so much.”
“It’s a good place to live,” I said.
“Gabriel’s lucky to have such great old friends,” she said wistfully.
I smiled. “I’ve only known him a month or so, but Robson has known him a lot longer.”
“Well, he’s a lucky guy to have friends in Dharma. It’s a wonderful place.”
“It really is.”
Heavy footsteps echoed in the hall and a shiver tickled my shoulders and spine.
Derek Stone walked into the waiting room.
It took me a few seconds to register that it wasn’t a mirage. Then I set my cup of tea on the floor and rushed to greet him. “What are you doing here?”
He hugged me tight enough to cut off my breathing.
“I’ve been trying to track you down all day,” he said in a furious whisper. “Finally made it to Annie’s store and she told me where you were.”
I eased back to catch my breath. He put his arm around my shoulder to keep me close as we walked down the hall, away from the group.
“Were you already in Dharma when all this happened?”
“I have to assume so.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I dropped Gunther and one of my men off at the tasting room around two fifteen, then drove back toward Glen Ellen to fill the gas tank. By the time I got back to Annie’s shop and spent almost fifteen minutes trying to find you, you must’ve already been on your way to the hospital.”
“Gunther came up with you?”
“Yes, he got wind that I was driving up here and insisted on tagging along to go wine tasting.”
“Why were you coming to Dharma?”
“For Annie’s grand opening. Your mother e-mailed me with the news.”
My mother e-mailed him? He corresponded with my mother but not me? Okay, I needed to let that go.
“I’m just glad you’re here,” I said.
He gritted his teeth, then said, “Yes, well, I must say, it gave me a bit of a shock.”
“What?”
He shook his head. I’d never seen him look quite so nonplussed.
“You see,” he began, “I spoke to Annie, asking where you were. She seemed rather distraught and said there had been a shooting and you were on your way to the hospital.” He chuckled without humor. “Naturally, I thought she meant you were the one . . . well, I can see plain as day that you’re fine.”
“You thought it was me who’d been . . .”