Star of His Heart - Brenda Jackson [75]
“How is he, Dr. Goldstein?” Syneda asked, frantically close to tears.
Dr. Goldstein placed a comforting hand on Syneda’s shoulder. “We were able to stop the internal bleeding and that’s good. He has a cracked rib and a concussion. I consider your young man very lucky. Things could have been a lot worse if he would have gotten hit at another angle. And although the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours are critical, there is no reason for me not to believe that he’ll come through this with flying colors. I suspect he’ll be back on the golf course in full swing after an adequate healing period of three to four months.”
Syneda let out a relieved breath and found herself leaning against Justin, then Dex for much needed support. They placed both of their arms around her. “When can I see him?” she asked.
“I’ll let you know as soon as they get him settled in the recovery room. He’s still unconscious and will probably remain so for a while. That was some blow he took.”
“And all because of me,” Syneda said as tears began filling her eyes.
“Now you listen to me, young lady,” the doctor said. “What he did was heroic, and something any man would do who loved someone. You can’t blame yourself for his actions.”
“But that car was meant for me. I was the intended victim, not him.”
“And had it been you, then I would be standing here possibly telling Clayton that we had lost both you and his baby. He knew what he had to do to save you both, and he did it. Let’s just thank God that it turned out this way and you’ll have young Madaris back in your life in no time.”
No sooner had the doctor left than Lieutenant Karl Barton from the Houston Police Department arrived. Netherland, who had arrived at the hospital with Ashton thirty minutes before, made her way over to him.
“Any word on Roberts and where he has taken Jada?”
The lieutenant sadly shook his head. “Not yet. We checked the prison’s visitors log and as a result, have picked up his cousin Billy Roberts for questioning. Another visitor he had recently, a thug by the name of Lamar Stokes, can’t be found but we’re still looking.”
Netherland nodded. “You have to find Jada. Roberts is dangerous and abusive and has kidnapped her before.”
“Yes, ma’am, I know. I’m very familiar with the case. I was the one who made the last arrest. Trust me. I want Roberts back behind bars just as much as anyone. This time I hope we throw away the key.”
“I’m available if you need my help, Lieutenant,” Alex Maxwell said, coming forward. “I have a background with the FBI’s Missing Persons Division.”
“Thanks for the offer, but Houston’s finest should be able to handle things. The car Roberts was driving was stolen. He’s dumped that one and has stolen another right on the outskirts of the city.”
“So you think he’s left town?” Ashton asked, coming to stand next to Alex.
“Yes, but which way he’s headed, we’re not sure. We’ve alerted the police departments in all surrounding counties to be on the lookout for a new white Camry.”
After Lieutenant Barton left, everyone remained in the waiting room for more news on Clayton.
“Thanks for being here, Nettie,” Syneda said to her friend a short while later.
“You know that Ashton and I had to come. How are you holding up?”
“Better now that I know Clayton will be okay. I just wish he’d regain consciousness. I want to tell him how much I love him and how appreciative I am for what he did for me and our baby.”
Netherland gave her an assuring smile. “I think he knows that already, but I can understand your wanting to tell him.”
Syneda nodded. “I’m also worried about Jada in the clutches of that madman. I understand she’s been seeing a lot of your brother. Have you notified him about her disappearance?”
Netherland nodded. “Yes, and with Ashton’s help he’s on his way back. He should be arriving in a few hours.”
“I hope we have some good news to tell him when he gets here,” Syneda said softly.
“So do I.”
At that moment Syntel Remington walked in. His gaze immediately found