Page 15 of The Burnt (The Declan Hunt Mysteries #3)

Charlie held onto Carrie’s hand for support.

He took a deep breath and entered the hospital.

They were directed to a private room just off the ER.

Charlie’s parents, Maggie and Ted, were on the opposite side of the room.

When she saw Charlie, his mom walked around the bed and put her arms around him.

His father just said, “It’s good you’re here, Charlie. And nice to see you, too, Carrie.”

It had been a long time since he’d seen his parents.

Charlie made his way to the bedside.

Gran was lying with her eyes closed, hands at her side. Her right wrist was splinted. Tubes and cables ran from her arms to a series of machines. She looked…

“Am I too late?” he squeaked out, his eyes filling with tears.

“You think I’d go without saying goodbye?” a voice said. He looked down at Gran and she opened her eyes. “Lean down and give your gran a kiss.”

He did what he was told, then slid his arms around her and gave her a gentle hug.

“I love you, Gran,” he whispered to her.

“I love you too, boy.”

“What happened?”

“Oh, you know me. Always causing trouble. I was just heading to the bathroom when I felt dizzy. Next thing I know,” she said, pointing to the monitors beside the bed, “I’m here hooked up to all these gizmos.”

“Your gran fell and broke her wrist,” his father added. “The doctor told us they’ll get her in for surgery and deal with that, but they’re running some tests to see why she lost consciousness.”

A nurse walked in and took Gran’s vitals. Charlie gently rubbed Gran’s shoulder. “Is it serious, nurse?”

The nurse turned his attention to Gran. “We’re still waiting for the results of your blood work.

Then I think they’re scheduling a CT scan just to rule out anything up here,” he said, tapping his head, “which might have caused your blackout. The good news is your vitals are stable, but we still have to get that wrist looked after. The surgeon will be in to see you shortly.”

The nurse headed out of the room.

Charlie grabbed Gran’s good hand. “Sorry I haven’t been around lately.”

“I know you’ve been busy. Still in the detective business?” she asked.

“I am.”

“Good. Good for you.”

“I got a promotion,” he said with a grin.

“Wonderful! I hope it includes benefits.” The slight smile on her lips said volumes. She knew he was seeing Declan outside of work.

Charlie’s mother interrupted the conversation. “I hope Charlie’s been no bother for you, Carrie.”

“I have to tell you, Mrs Watts, it’s been so nice having him live with me. We had a great time over the weekend shopping for some new furniture and knickknacks for the place.”

“Oh?”

Charlie’s mother’s eyes lit up. “Are you two planning on moving into a bigger place?”

“No, Mother,” he said firmly.

Gran spoke up. “Could I talk to Charlie in private, please? It’s important.”

Carrie looked at Gran, then Maggie and Ted. “Why don’t I take you to the cafeteria for a coffee? I can tell you all about what we bought for our place.”

Carrie dragged Ted and Maggie out of the room.

Gran chuckled. “I swear they won’t be happy until you and Carrie get married and have a child. I think they’d even settle for just the latter.”

“A child out of wedlock?” Charlie gasped in mock horror. “What will the neighbours think?”

“Ah, Charlie. I’ve missed you. So, tell me. How’s your life with your detective going?”

“I think everything is going fine.”

“Still mad about him, then?” Gran asked.

“Mad, and frustrated.”

“Well, life isn’t always like a fairy tale.”

“With me, Gran, it’s always a fairy tale.”

A broad smile filled her face.

“Glad you haven’t lost your sense of humour. I’d love to meet your detective some time. From what you’ve told me, I think I’d like him.”

“I know he’d love you. I’ll just have to find a time when Mom and Dad aren’t around so we can actually talk.”

“Well, you can bring him around here when they’re gone, but you know what, Charlie? This fall has made me realise that I won’t be around forever. And I’d love it if, before I die, I could see you truly happy.”

“What do you mean?” Charlie asked.

“You need to tell your parents the truth so you can live your life on your own terms. You’re a grown man. I hate to see you putting a wedge between us all because you feel you can’t be honest with them.”

“I’m not sure if I can,” Charlie replied.

“If it helps, I think Maggie might suspect. And don’t give me that look.

I said nothing, but she’s your mother and she’s not blind.

She probably noticed that starry-eyed look that you got when Declan’s name came up in conversation.

And she did see that picture you sent to me—the one of you and Declan all dressed up in your tuxedos going to that fancy party. ”

“Does my father know?”

“He hasn’t quite gotten over the fact you don’t play hockey with him anymore.

I don’t think he’s expecting the news that his son is gay, but, he’ll come around when he has to face up to it.

If nothing else, he’s my son and he’ll listen to me.

Just let me know what I can do to make this work out,” Gran continued.

“I could always tell them it’s my dying wish to see my only grandson happy.

They wouldn’t dare stand in the way of that!

Promise me you’ll do this before I die.”

He looked her straight in the eye. “I promise, Gran, as long as you promise me you won’t die anytime soon.”

She smiled. “It’s a deal. Now, tell me all about your latest case.”