“Yeah, I’ve heard of it. They’re very influential in building contracts here and overseas. It’s basically a huge construction and finance company. Very high end buildings and factories.”
“That’s right. Cameron Shaw is president and CEO. He’s brilliant. He also has a large voting share in Merrick International. I plan to make him an offer he can’t refuse. With the shares I hold and Cameron behind me, I’ll have more than I need.”
“I think I see where you’re going with this. Consider yourself dead. I’ll contact the field office in Denver and put an announcement out over the wire that the former Mrs. David Merrick was found beaten and stabbed on a ranch outside Denver, and she later died at the hospital of hypothermia and her injuries.”
“Perfect. Get the hospital’s cooperation. Have Jack take me home today before the press arrives. We’ll stage some sort of medical emergency to convince the hospital staff. You need to get a camera and take pictures of my injuries. Send a set to Ben for my murder book and use the other set for your agent to take to David.”
“Hold it. Your murder book? What the hell are you talking about?” Sam asked angrily.
“How much did Jack tell you about my past?”
“Everything, I think. He mentioned your relationship with Ben, how you use him to help you hide, your password with him, and how David has ‘hunted’ you unmercifully.”
“Then you know the precautions I take. I send pictures to Ben each time David hurts me from the very minor to”—she swept her hand down the length of her—“the very serious.”
“What does that have to do with a murder book?”
“A cop show on TV showed that every murder is documented in what’s called a ‘murder book’ detailing the crime. Since I always believed David would kill me, I asked Ben to create my murder book.”
Sam winced at the description. He must think her crazy. What sane person keeps a scrapbook of stalking and beatings hoping it can be used in the event of her death?
“In addition to the photos, I write him a detailed account of what happened to me in my own words. I sign it and send it with the photos. He has an accounting of every incident, whether it was some note, or call, or worse.”
“How have you survived and still stayed the generous, kind-hearted person Jack describes and I see before me? You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”
“I don’t feel very strong at the moment. I just want this to be over. I want a life with Jack. Will you help me, knowing this could be very dangerous for you and Jack?”
“What’s dangerous for Sam and me?” Jack came in carrying a cup of tea for her, the doctor right behind him.
“I’ll let Jenna explain. I have a few things to work on, including finding a camera. My condolences, brother, on the death of your fiancé.”
“Death of my fiancé? What the hell are you talking about?” He was talking to a closed door, Sam was already off and running.
“Jenna, what is he talking about?” Jack asked again.
“Doctor, I need a favor. I need you to stage some sort of medical emergency and declare me dead and let me go home today.”
Both Jack and Doctor Weber looked at her like she was crazy. She simply smiled weakly and explained the first part of her plan. She left off the part about taking over the company. She’d outlined her plan for Jack weeks ago, leaving off many of the details, despite Jack’s badgering her about how it was possible for her to do it.
So much for being quiet and resting.
Doctor Weber agreed to assist by declaring her dead to the press. He didn’t want to release her today, but knew if he kept her in the hospital he couldn’t keep her secret. They’d stage her death and wheel her out of the room as if she were dead and being transferred to the morgue. Jack could sneak her out the back of the hospital without the press knowing any different.
The doctor checked her out and did another ultrasound to show her the babies were doing fine. He gave her some samples of prescription medication for her pain and some prenatal vitamins. She couldn’t very well fill a prescription if she were dead.
Sam returned as soon as the doctor left, carrying a camera. Her spirits sank deeper. She hated being exposed, hated even more that the pictures were necessary.