The Perilous Road to Happiness

By TJ Meadows

Book One in The Roads Collection is a story of love, loss, new beginnings, and overcoming the fear and grief that limit moving forward. Follow Clio Alexander as she sheds her past, navigates her present, and discovers her future.

 

In this narrative of the peaks and valleys of friendship and romance, Clio finds herself enveloped

• Language: English
• Publisher: Signal Hill Publishing
• Release date: Aug 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949326000

TJ Meadows

Avid blogger turned author, animal lover, and creator of all things crafty. TJ Meadows enjoys Carolina blue skies from her writing oasis on her best of both worlds urban/rural farm. She grew up in a mid-western fire department family and has always been a romance writer at heart, an award-winning author of the fourth-grade writing contest with the amazing love story of Polly Proton and Edward Electron. ​ Meadows is actively writing her second series - The Cookes of Collingswood. Her first series, The Roads Collection, is available now. ​

Book preview

[1] The Rescue

The rain let up just a bit as preparations for the removal of the last large slab of steel and concrete continued. Logan James ran his fingers through his soaking wet hair, his face showing exhaustion from this almost three-day rescue effort. Almost eighty hours since a gas main exploded under a shopping mall, trapping several people, killing several more. Seventy-one hours since they located a woman trapped in a small opening in the rubble. Seventy-one hours since they dropped a radio to her and this long dialogue between the two of them began.

Clio Alexander had stopped by the mall three mornings ago to pick up a gift she’d had engraved for her best friend Frankie’s birthday party. She was almost to the exit doors when the blast hit. She was thrown several feet, landing on her side, and knocked unconscious. Shortly after, the building collapsed around her, pinning her in a small uncomfortable pocket. The fire department located her heat signature using infrared technology. Within a few hours of the blast, they had dropped her an emergency radio, water, and high energy gel pouches through a small opening in the surface of the rubble. On the other end of that radio was Logan.

Initially, he was to assess her condition to understand her injuries and potential medical needs. He also needed to try to get an idea of where she was and her body position. Then the engineers could devise a plan on how to remove the layers of debris without a shift that could further pin Clio in, or even worse, crush her. During their conversation, a bond developed between the two, and Logan knew he could not disengage until he reached her.

At last, they were pushing towards the final stage. Even though he had been told to stand down by his leadership, Logan refused to leave the scene, and more importantly, the radio lifeline to Clio. His squad continued to work diligently as well, none of them willing to leave him or Clio. Matthew Macallister (Mac), the lieutenant of the rescue squad, Jae Tran the driver, and fellow fighters Zander Phillips and Grayson Armstrong were there for the duration. Unlike Logan, they had all visited the medical tent for some rest and food. For this rescue, another firefighter from second shift had been assigned to them, Adam Beckham (Becks), who was rooming with Mac and Jae.

We are close, Clio. The engineers are looking at the last piece to determine where they should lift from and then I will be there to get you out, Logan said. The eerie creak of steel and concrete shifting interrupted the conversation. Mac and Jae were on the pile conferring with the engineers. The significant shift sent them all tumbling.

Clio! Logan shouted into the radio. No response. Panic set in as he moved closer to the rubble. Clio! he tried again. Nothing. A wave of nausea came over him as Becks rushed to his side. Clio, baby, please answer me, he said, his voice breaking.

Becks, seeing the frantic look of despair in his friend’s eyes, put a hand on his shoulder. Clio? Clio, please! Logan said. Jae and Mac joined them as a soft voice came over the radio.

Logan, she said. All four men sighed in relief.

Sweetheart, are you hurt?

My legs are stuck, and I think I’m bleeding.

Bleeding from where, Clio?

My head, she said flatly.

Mac, we can’t wait any longer. If she has a head lac she could be in trouble. We have to get that slab out of the way now, Logan said firmly.

Yeah, okay, I’m on it, Mac said as he walked towards the command center.

Clio, listen to me. Can you find the cut on your head? I need to you put pressure there, Logan said calmly into the radio.

I can’t get my arms over my head. I can hardly move at all since the concrete shifted, she said, the fear in her voice obvious.

It’s okay, sweetheart. I will be there in just a minute. They are going to move the slab in just a second, he reassured her. The roar of heavy equipment starting made it hard to hear. The team working on securing the slab to the crane must have finished. Okay Clio, they are about to lift, he yelled as he walked towards the pile. I am right here, baby.

I’m scared, Logan.

I know, sweetheart. Everything is okay. I promise.

He hoped he could keep that promise as the huge slab of twisted metal and concrete groaned under its own weight as the crane slowly lifted. Logan joined Mac, Jae, and Becks behind the slab, poised to act once they had access to Clio.

Logan would move into the space with her, if possible, to try to keep her calm. Jae would assess the head laceration. If it was not too serious, he would dress the wound while Mac would start an IV containing electrolytes and an anti-clotting medication since Clio had been in the same position for such an extended period of time. If the head wound was too serious and bleeding heavily, they would have to reassess because a blood thinner could be dangerous. Becks would stand by as a runner to get supplies as needed and to bring the stretcher once Clio was ready for transport.

Before the slab reached a position of safety, Logan crawled underneath in a desperate need to get to Clio. He couldn’t see a thing in the dark wetness. Mac called for lights, and seconds later, Logan could finally see her. He scrambled towards her, barely fitting under the slab they were pulling out. Clio, baby, I’m here, he said, finally able to speak to her without the radio.

Logan. There was just enough room for him to lower himself into the hole with her. He reached for her hand. Logan, she said as she tried to get to him, still impeded by the structure. Mac and Jae moved into position. Clio’s eyes rounded with fear as she panicked. Get me out, Logan, she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Logan leaned over, his face close to hers. Clio, I’m right here. You’re safe now. We talked about what would happen, do you remember? She shook her head yes. Okay, sweetheart, you’re doing great. We’ll have you out of here in no time.

Logan motioned to Zander and Grayson to try to remove a smaller piece of concrete that was pinning down Clio’s left shoulder and arm. With Beck’s help, they muscled the heavy obstacle out of the way. This freed Clio’s upper body and she reached again for Logan. You’re okay, Clio, he said as he protectively put his arms around her.

Jae dropped in behind her to get a closer look at the head wound. I think we’re good, guys. It looks more like a deep scrape, and it’s stopped bleeding for the most part. I will get it cleaned up and bandaged. Mac, I think you are good to go for starting the IV.

Mac took her hand and Clio grabbed onto him like a vise. Clio, I need you to let go so I can start the IV. Here, hold Jae’s hand, Mac suggested as Jae reached for her. She grabbed onto Jae with all her strength.

Clio, Jae said, relax. We aren’t going anywhere without you. Her grip softened a bit. Jae held her hand in position as Mac started the IV. Becks, Grayson, and Zander continued to clear out smaller pieces of concrete and other rubble. The rain started again. Logan moved to take off his bunker jacket, but Clio tightened her grip around his shoulders.

Okay, sweetie, I’m not going anywhere. Just relax.

I’m scared, Logan. Her words came out in a whisper.

Don’t be scared now, sweetheart. The hard part is over. We got you, and you’re safe now. Grayson took off his bunker coat and draped it around Clio, protecting her from the rain which continued to strengthen. Where are we on the clock, Mac? Logan asked. The anti-clotting medication needed ten minutes to work before they moved her.

We’ve got about six minutes left, Mac said, looking at his watch.

Logan, promise me you won’t leave me. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Clio, I am not going anywhere, baby. I promise.

Will you come to the hospital with me? she asked.

Of course, I will. Logan pulled away from her enough to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Everything is okay, Clio.

The lights are bright, she said, squinting.

You’ve been in the dark for three days, so I bet they are. Just close them and try to relax. We’ll be able to move you in a few minutes.

Mac’s watch beeped, alerting them that the medication had been working for ten minutes. The rain pelted them as they explained the plan to move her. Clio, I am going to hop out of here, and Jae will hand you up to me.

Do you want the stretcher, Logan? Zander asked.

No, I think carrying her will be easier.

Let’s drape her with a bunker coat. It’s raining, but more importantly, there are a ton of reporters here, Becks said.

Okay, I want you guys on either side of me. I don’t want anyone getting close. Tell Steve to back the bus up as close as he can get. Mac got on the radio and relayed the information to the paramedics waiting in the ambulance.

Logan moved to exit the hole, but Clio’s grip intensified. Clio, you have to let go for a second, so I can hop up. Jae is right here with you.

Clio, lean back for me, Jae coaxed. Clio let go of Logan and leaned back as Jae’s arms went around her.

Okay, Jae is going to lift your hips. Mac is on the right, Zander on the left. Becks and Grayson, make a screen so the cameras aren’t getting this.

They lifted her out of the tiny space she had occupied for the last three days. They placed her in Logan’s arms and then made the coordinated move off the pile of rubble and towards the ambulance.

Jae, Clio called.

Right here, Clio, he said, carrying her IV bag.

Will you come with us? Please? she asked.

Jae looked at Mac and he nodded. You bet I will, Jae said. Logan placed her on the stretcher and again Clio refused to let go.

Sweetheart, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. I promise. Let’s get you situated and on the road to the hospital. She laid back on the stretcher and realized that her entire body ached. Her legs burned like they were on fire. She tried to roll on her side to bend her knees.

Clio, I need you to stay on your back with your legs straight. I know it’s uncomfortable.

The paramedics lifted the stretcher into the back of the ambulance, Jae and Logan not far behind. Steve went to the front to drive, but a large group of reporters had gathered. Steve eased the ambulance through the crowd while Andre, the other paramedic, along with Logan and Jae, assessed Clio’s condition.

She’s got a fever, Logan, and her lungs are sounding pretty rattly. I’m guessing from breathing in all that dust, Andre said.

Being uncomfortable and exhausted proved to be too much for Clio, and her tears continued. Logan took her right hand in his and leaned close to her; his other hand rested just above her forehead, his thumb caressing her hairline. You’re okay, sweetheart. Andre is on with the doctor now getting an order for some pain meds. It’s okay. His voice was so calming.

Clio turned to look at him, studying his face for the first time. His hair was a dark blond, cut close, and tousled from hours at the rescue site. His eyes were a piercing blue yet kind and warm with subtle lines that appeared at the corners when he smiled. That smile softened his face, showing off his full lips and perfectly straight teeth.

You never mentioned you were this handsome.

Jae shot Logan a sly grin. Logan laughed. It’s only fair, he replied, because you never mentioned you were beautiful either.

Clio laughed. I’m guessing this is not one of my most beautiful moments.

Logan leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Andre hung up the radio then injected morphine into Clio’s IV. This should help take the edge off, he said. Clio’s breaths came out in gasps.

Logan stood, reaching for medication as her breathing worsened. Jae adjusted the stretcher so she was in more of a seated position. The pain against her ribs combined with difficulty breathing alarmed Clio. She grabbed at Jae’s arm, her eyes wide with fear.

Clio, he said. Stay calm. We’re right here. Slow your breathing a bit by taking in deeper, slower breaths. Jae grabbed her hand, soothing her while Andre slipped an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose. Logan found a nebulizer and filled the vial with medication. He attached the vial to the mask and turned on the machine. After a few breaths, Clio’s breathing normalized.

You’re okay, Clio. Logan caressed her cheek, wiping her tears away. We’re almost there.

[2] The Hospital

Dr. Trey Watson and his team were waiting for them in the emergency bay. Trey was close friends with all the members of the rescue squad and had been advising them on how to treat Clio at the scene. As they exited the ambulance, Andre rattled off the vitals and reviewed what medications had been administered. Logan stayed right by Clio’s side as they wheeled her into a treatment bay.

Logan, you’re going to need to step out, Trey said.

I’m not leaving her, Trey. You’ll have to work around me. The determined look on Logan’s face said not to challenge him, so Trey and his team did their work and assessed the situation.

Clio, I’d like to get a CT scan and a chest x-ray, so I’m sending you up to radiology, Trey explained. Clio looked at Logan, concerned.

I’ll go with you if you like, he said. They wheeled her out of emergency and into the elevator on the way to radiology. Logan went with her into the room where she would receive the CT scan and they situated her on the table. I’m going to step out now, sweetheart, he told her.

Clio’s eyes filled with tears. Please don’t go, she whispered.

Logan’s heart ached. You see that little room right there, the one with the windows? Clio looked and nodded. I am going to step in there while they do the test. But I will be able to talk to you the whole time, just like when we were on the radios. Okay?

Clio was not happy about it, but she nodded. Logan stepped into the control room and sat in front of the microphone. I’m right here. Can you hear me? She nodded. Okay, they are going to start now. You’ll hear some noise, but you need to hold still.

Clio was quiet for a few moments then said, Logan, are they almost done? I don’t like it in here without you!

Almost done. Sit tight, he said. They completed the test and Logan joined Clio in the CT room. You did great, sweetheart. Let’s get that x-ray and then maybe they can get you settled so you can rest.

Clio went in for her x-ray then she and Logan went back to emergency to meet with Dr. Watson. Trey had already admitted her and made sure a room was ready. Logan and Jae walked beside her.

Clio, do you want us to call Frankie for you? Logan asked. Clio nodded yes. Do you know her number? Again, she nodded. Logan gave her a pen and paper from the drawer. Clio wrote down her best friend’s number. Logan handed it to Jae and asked him to make the call.

Trey walked in the room to share the results of her tests. "All in all, Clio, I’m surprised you’re doing so well. I think the worst thing you are dealing with is a severe case of pneumonia. The dust you were breathing while trapped down there is probably what’s causing the fever. We’ve started you on a course of strong antibiotics. You also have a few fractured ribs and a large contusion, I am guessing from being tossed around in the blast. The cut on your head doesn’t need stitches, but you’ve got a bit of a concussion.

We are going to keep you here for a few days. Once the lung issues have cleared up, you should be good to go. Do you have any questions?

Can I take a shower? she asked.

Of course! This room has a private bathroom, so whenever you’re ready, you can hop in. Just be careful when you wash your hair. That cut on your head could easily open back up. And you might want someone in the bathroom with you in case you experience any muscle weakness or cramping.

Okay, she said.

Trey left as Jae returned. Frankie is on her way. With traffic, she may be an hour to an hour and a half.

You need to get some rest, Clio, Logan said.

I have to get in the shower, Logan. Please.

Okay.

Clio pulled back the covers and slid her legs off the bed. As she tried to stand, she lost her balance. Logan’s arms went around her, scooping her up. He motioned to Jae to grab the IV then carried her into the bathroom and set her down close to the counter so she could have something to hold on to.

Logan started the water and turned to face her. She looked so tired. He put his arms around her, pulling her close. I am so glad you’re okay, Clio.

Thank you for rescuing me, she whispered.

You okay to hop in? She nodded and he left the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Clio stepped into the shower, savoring the sensation of warm water running over her bruised body. She was exhausted and sore, but it felt so good to wash the grime from the collapse off. She stood for a moment, letting the water pelt her, thinking about Logan. Handsome, kind, sexy Logan. Engaged Logan. She sighed. Being careful not to scrub too hard, she washed her hair then turned off the water.

She stepped out of the shower, reaching for the counter to steady herself. Clio dried off and put her hospital gown back on backward so her ass wouldn’t hang out. A wave of dizziness rushed over her. She reached for the door and called for Logan. Jae was there in an instant, picking her up and carrying her to the bed. He pressed the call button to alert the nurses.

Sorry Clio, I will have to do. Trey is checking Logan out. Take a deep breath for me, he instructed as he placed an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. Jae checked her head wound to make sure it hadn’t reopened. The nurse came in and Jae said, This young lady almost passed out while in the bathroom. I need you to page Trey.

A couple of minutes later, Logan came flying through the door. What happened? he demanded. Trey came in on his heels.

Feeling faint, Clio? Trey asked. She nodded. I am not surprised. You haven’t eaten anything for three days. You’ve had no sleep. Your body isn’t very happy with you right now, but I’m not terribly concerned. Let’s get you settled in and have you get some sleep then we’ll see how you feel after. Logan, let’s get you on that IV.

Can we do it here? I am not leaving her again.

Trey sighed. Okay, he said reluctantly. Trey conferred with the nurse in the hall then she came in and started the IV for Logan.

Are you okay, Logan? Clio asked.

I’m fine, sweetheart. My lieutenant wanted me to get checked out just to be safe. I’m a bit dehydrated and tired, but other than that, I’m just fine. Now, you need to get some rest.

Logan, will you stay with me?

You tell me where you want me, he said. He sat on the bed next to her. Clio scooted over and turned on her side, lying next to Logan, her head on his chest. His arms encircled her and