The Submission of Anna (closed for cum_inside)

[Rocket1010]

Saturday - Is Anna dead or alive

Carter was happy and a wide grin was plastered on his face. His wife, his lover, was on her way home, away from the terrible people who wanted to harm him. He knew why and now he knew when. Anna was coming home within a few hours and they would be together again. As she talked, he made a vow they would never be separated again like this.

She was talking, telling him about their plans when she told him to hold on for a minute. Then a gut-wrenching sound filled his ears. Her scream and the sound of metal clashing together carried on for a few seconds and then nothing, only deadening silence. He screamed her name over and over, asking if everything was alright. The more the silence lasted the more dread filled his head.

He continued to talk to her, saying her name, asking her to speak to him. But nothing and then the sound of some man’s voice asking if she was alright. Nothing, no answer and the dread turned to fear when the man asked her again if she was alright. Carter yelled again and again to no avail.

Anna was in a car accident, that much he knew for sure. But where and how bad. It had to be bad or else she would be talking to him. Then he heard the man’s voice. “She is gasping for breath …… I don’t know …… I can’t get to her, the car is really smashed in …… I think she is coming to but she is in a daze …… now her eyes closed and she is saying she can’t breathe ….. yes sir, I understand ….. her phone …… no I don’t see it sir ….. ohhhh fuck there is another car coming ……. I understand.”

Carter was perplexed, yelling into the phone for the man to call 911. But it was useless and then he heard the sound of a car door slam and then screeching tires on the pavement. It was a hit and run and from the sound of the man’s voice, this was no accident. Carter immediately knew it was Josh or Edward who ordered a hit on his wife. They must have discovered her cover and now they were trying to make sure she was dead.

He could hear her moaning, asking questions over and over and he felt utterly helpless. His wife was dying and he was listening to her last gasps of life. Suddenly all their squabbling didn’t mean anything. It was all so trivial and didn’t have any importance. He screamed for James to call 911, telling him Anna was on her way home and was involved in an accident. He knew it was fruitless to call but he had to do something. How in the world would he answer the 911 operators questions when he didn’t know her exact location.

As James talked to the operator, trying to convince her there was an accident in a place one thousand miles away, Carter heard the voices of a man and woman. “My god is she still alive ….. that guy hit her and then ran away ….. son-of-a-bitich ….. Doris call 911 …. We need to help this poor woman ….. I don’t feel a pulse ……”

Carter screamed and cussed, yelling for the man or woman to hear him. He needed to know her status but nothing only the sounds of cars passing by slowly. Why wasn’t anyone picking up her phone and talking to her. It was only minutes but it seemed like hours when he heard the sound of a siren. He was sweating, panting hard, wanting to hear his wife’s voice telling him everything was fine.

“Get the jaws of life ….. she is pretty bad but a feel a faint pulse…..” Carter felt elated for a moment knowing his wife was still with them on this earth. Silently he prayed for her …. asking a God that he didn’t know very well to save her. The sound of a two cycle engine roared to life and in the next few minutes all he could hear was the sound of metal being pried apart.

“Get that gurney over here ….. take it easy …. you’re in good hands ma’am ….. don’t try to talk …. take it easy boys …. that’s it …. I know it hurts ….. we’re almost there …..” And then nothing except the sound of voices in the distance asking if she was still alive and one woman’s voice telling everyone she has a very faint pulse and she’s lost a lot of blood. He heard one man ask if she would make it to the hospital and the woman’s response froze him. “She is lucky to be alive this long. I give her a twenty percent chance to live until we get her to the hospital.”

Carter was frozen to the spot. He was going to lose his wife because of the fucking bastard Josh and Edward. He swore, using every expletive he knew and vowing revenge. Then there was the sound of a soft feminine voice.

“Who is this?”

“Carter Anderson, the woman’s husband. Who is this?”

“Jackie Swanson with the State Police.”

“is she alright?”

“Calm down sir. She was involved in a hit and run accident. We are trying to locate the vehicle.”

Carter was not about to give the police any information about Josh and Edward. He would deal with them in his own way. “Where are they taking my wife?”

“To Riverside General. Are you close sir?”

“No but I’ll be on the first plane.” Carter mind was racing wildly, thinking of how to get to his wife who may be dead when he arrives. He thanked the woman and called James, Rita, and the girls. He told them what he knew and then asked Blair and Lizzy to accompany him to the hospital. James was already making arrangements for a private jet.

His only thought was to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. He asked Blair to call the local FBI office and ask about a 24 hour guard. If the man who hit Anna was given the task to make sure she was dead, he would be ready for him.

Within the hour, they were in a car on the way to the airport. The latest on Anna was no news. The hospital would not divulge an information over the phone while she was in surgery.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Riverside General ICU was bustling as they tried to prepare for the arrival of one Mrs. Annaleigh Anderson - they weren’t aware yet as to the true extent of the damage because she was still undergoing surgery and would still be for a few hours yet but she was in critical condition and everyone was working hard. Initially, Anna had been dead on arrival and the paramedics had been doing compressions for the duration of the twenty minute trip to the hospital.

The trauma surgeon that met them at the door, Dr. Lake, was able to bring her back long enough to stabilize her blood pressure with vasopressors (which brought it back up out of her boots) and epinephrine. Annaleigh had a laceration to her forehead that had thankfully stopped bleeding in the ambulance but the blood in her throat suggested that at the very least a lung had been punctured in the accident. It was likely that other organs had also sustained damage and she was bleeding internally but they wouldn’t be able to truly assess the damage until they could open her up and investigate.

*******

Vanessa King carefully tucked warm blankets around Anna’s body to provide her with some comfort as she artfully arranged the multiple lines and tubes protruding from her patient’s body. Anna had just come out of surgery and had many new “friends” to show for it which would stay with her for the next several days as they determined her final prognosis. Dr. Lake wasn’t too enthusiastic and he was grim when he sidled up to the desk to lean over it and discuss her status with the ICU doctor on call - Dr. Keegan.

Anna’s left lung had been punctured and blood had seeped in and filled the empty space. Annaleigh had been drowning in it, so they had placed a chest tube in to drain the blood and help reinflate that lung. Her spleen had been lacerated and had to have been removed because that was the source of the internal bleeding but she could live without it. Four ribs were fractured and her right femur had shattered upon impact. That hand which had been crushed in the accident had been repaired as much as possible but there would be more surgery in her future - she was too unstable to keep her on the table for smaller things they could fix later. The tissue there was too enflamed to do much with it otherwise anyway, so once the swelling went down they could better assess that damage.

Her blood pressure continued to tank so they had to keep administering medication through a central venous catheter in her jugular vein using a continuous drip of vasopressin as well as administer four units of blood through rapidly during her time in the OR. Because of this, there was another line initiated into her femoral artery called an arterial line that continuously monitored her blood pressure and collected samples of the amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen in her blood to ensure that her organs were getting enough circulating oxygenation and she was not going into failure.

They had inserted a urinary catheter and the collection bag hung on a hook by the side of the bed next to where the chest tube sat on the floor draining the crimson liquid from her lung and decreasing the strain on Anna’s body by decreasing unnecessary movements and turns.

The central line in her jugular vein also administered a constant dose of sedative to keep Anna from waking up preemptively - her body needed time to heal and if she was to awaken it was possible she might react negatively to the ventilation tube in her throat that was supplying her with constant oxygen and helping her breathe while the doctors left her in a medically induced coma.

There was a mess of tubes and lines and her wrists and ankles were secured to loops on each corner of the bed on the underside just in case she did manage to fight her way through the sedation.

Dr. Lake clucked his tongue outside the room as he gazed over her, shaking his head and offering a frown to Vanessa when they finally had Annaleigh settled.

“Has anyone been able to get a hold of her family?”

Vanessa shook her head. “No, but apparently the officer on scene had spoken to her husband on the phone. She told me that he was catching a flight - from where, I don’t know. He’s her next-of-kin and we have no way of contacting anyone else but the officer was able to get his name and number. Carter something... Carter... oh! Carter Anderson! That was it. He’s on his way.”

Dr. Lake nodded sombrely.

“Hopefully he gets here soon - I hate to say it, and maybe she’ll surprise us, but I’m surprised she’s made it this far. She’s very stubborn - what a will to live. But I fear that she might not make the evening. He might have to make some hard decisions when he gets here. Let me know - I’m happy to speak to him and inform him of the plan of care and answer any questions. I think we’re looking at palliation but you can damn well believe that if she wants to fight back we’re going to do whatever we can to help her.”

He paused.

“What a shame... She’s so young. There are people that love her. Why do these things happen? I’ll never understand.”

Vanessa grimaced. “We’ll update you if anything changes but Dr. Dow will take over and hopefully she can at least last for her husband to get here. Poor girl...”

What they knew about her medical history wasn’t much - Carter hadn’t been able to tell the officer much at all and they were only able to access her past health records using her licence to trace back her social security and healthcare number. They certainly didn’t have the full picture but at least they knew that Annaleigh Kaydence Anderson had no allergies and that she had no major health issues in the past.

Vanessa peeked back in to check on Annaleigh even though the monitor over her bed and the one on the nursing station’s counter was broadcasting her vitals constantly.

Vanessa smoothed back Anna’s long, dark hair that was matted with blood. She stroked a hand over Anna’s forehead.

“Hey, Anna - can I call you that? You need to hold on. Carter is on his way to see you. I don’t know what you’ve been through but you need to hold on,” she whispered. “Please. Keep fighting hun. You’re doing so well,” Vanessa comforted.

The last sense to go was hearing, generally, as far as Vanessa had always experienced during her many years in this profession. Maybe Anna couldn’t feel the touch of Vanessa’s cold hand or smell the strong scent of blood and alcohol that still seemed to cling to every single corner of the room and Anna’s skin but Vanessa was sure that Anna could sense someone was with her and concerned about her and Vanessa decided she was going to stay next to her bedside until her family arrived.

Vanessa’s hand slid down Anna’s cheek to her shoulder and over her arm until she could hold Anna’s right unharmed hand in hers.

“I’m right here, Anna. I’m not going anywhere. Focus on my voice. Stay with me, girlie. Shall I help you get all dolled up for Carter? Let’s get you all washed up and looking pretty! I bet you’ll feel better.”

 

[Rocket1010]

Saturday Evening - At the ICU with Anna

Carter was surprised when James and Rita came out to the car with their bags packed. Carter argued to no avail, they decided they would go with Carter and the girls. When Carter argued that someone had to take care of the house, James assured him it was all taken care of. Rosa, the matronly servant, was capable and beside, James argued, they could handle everything by phone.

Joanna had to be apprised of the situation and on the way to the airport, Carter explained what he knew and told her to keep any and all information to herself. He didn’t want Anna’s situation public knowledge, at least not yet.

The plane trip seemed to take years as it skirted over the landscape, miles below them. They talked about what Carter had heard and everyone expressed their concern. They had come to love Anna and knew Carter was tore up about what had happened to her. He was blaming himself for letting her go to Edward’s house, reminding everyone on the plane that if it wasn’t for him, she would not be in the hospital fighting for her life.

Blair was also busy calling her FBI contacts, convincing them to put on a 24/7 guard. When she mentioned the possibility of closing down the largest sex ring in the country, they changed their minds. Anna was a key witness and they would do all they could do to protect her. When she hung up, Carter gave her a huge hug, thanking her for stepping up to help her.

Lizzy told them she felt like a fish out of water. Everyone had a job to do and she felt left out. Carter told her she was very important to Anna and he wanted to her take control of making sure everything was being done to help her in the hospital. Lizzy’s face brightened and began to talk about them taking shifts, never leaving her alone. Carter thanked her with a hug and kiss and then looked at everyone in the small cabin, thanking them over and over for their dedication.

After hours in the air, the entourage arrived at the hospital. The head nurse at the ICU desk told them only family was allowed to see her. She also told them a FBI agent showed up and was standing guard at her door. When she told them Anna must be a big deal, Carter told her she was in fact a big deal. He also assured the nurse that Blair and Lizzy were her half-sisters and James and Rita were her parents. By the time the hospital found out he was lying, it would be too late. But was it too late now.

The head nurse agreed but told them they could wait in the family room but only one person was allowed to visit her until such time she woke up from a coma. Dread filled his heart. Would she ever wake up? If she did, would she know him? Questions swirled in his head as he and the group walked slowly down the long hallway.

Dr. Dow, the ICU doctor on call, was waiting at the family room for them and Carter could see the concern on his face. That look only deepened his fear that his wife was not long for this world. Dr. Dow explained to the group that Anna’s condition was critical and she was hanging on valiantly. He was surprised she was still fighting for life, telling them she had a very high resolve. She was in an induced coma due to the severity of her injuries. He added that she was fighting but not to get their hopes up. When he was done, he asked Carter if he was ready to see her. Carter told him he was but the doctor warned him that it would not be pretty.

Everyone wished Carter good luck, watching him and doctor walk to the glass encased room. They couldn’t see Anna but one thing they all noticed was the large amount of equipment in the room.

Carter steeled himself but he was not prepared for what he was about to witness. Tubes seemed to be stuck in her everywhere and he felt his knees get weak. A nurse introduced herself a Vanessa King and the doctor told Carter how Vanessa had stayed with her the whole time, not allowing anyone else to attend to her.

Carter smiled at the nurse, thanking her and then he did what he had not done in years. He broke down and cried, sobbing hard at the sight before him. The nurse and doctor tried to console him but the tears flowed freely, his shoulders shuddering as he gazed down at the lifeless form before him.

Vanessa told him to take her hand and talk to her. Even though she was in an induced coma, there was a good possibly she could hear him. Carter sat in the chair, taking her small hand in his large paw. He looked at the swollen face, the bandages, the tubes in her arm and throat and the tears welled up again. “I love you Anna Anderson. You have to fight and get better so we can have that life we talked about together. Everyone is here for you and we are going to stay with you, Blair, Lizzy, James, Rita, and I are going to never leave your side.”

There was no response from his wife and then he put his lips to her hand, crying softly telling her he was so sorry for letting her go to the monsters by herself. The nurse and doctor, looked at each other, confused by his comment. They didn't say a word but began to understand something was happening. Why else was an FBI agent stationed outside her glass encased room.

Carter rubbed her hand against his cheek, wanting her to wake up, trying to will her eyes to open and show him her brilliant emerald eyes. He desperately wanted her to wake up and smile at him but there was no response. The only sound was the equipment keeping her alive.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Regina placed the phone down on the desk calmly. Even though she was angry that Anna had betrayed her, hearing from the agent that had done the dirty deed that she had stopped breathing and had been dead on arrival at the hospital still caused an uncomfortable twinge of pain to shoot through her. She rose from the chair and headed to the study where everyone was gathered, waiting for news.

Josh and Megan were understandably distressed by the news that Anna was a traitor but it was no easy feat to hear that the woman they loved was going to be murdered. Megan had spent the afternoon with her head tucked in against Josh's chest saying nothing at all to anyone who addressed her and Josh was snapping at everyone who dared come close like a hungry lion. They weren't coping well.

Edward was unreadable, of course.

Regina knew they would get through it.

When she arrived at the open doorway to the den Regina cleared her throat and leaned on the doorframe. All members of her family turned to look at her in anticipation and quietly Regina said, "it is done. Annaleigh has been confirmed dead by Riverside General."

Megan began to sob. Josh buried his face in her hair and Regina caught the glistening track of tears on his own cheeks. She looked away.

"We will move forward with the plan and strike while the iron is hot - Carter will never see this coming. If he is even aware of Anna's accident it will be the perfect time to take him down as he grieves. Today I'll let you have your moments to regret the life we could have had with her but tomorrow we move on."

********

Vanessa ensured that everything was working properly and that Anna was stable and not experiencing any pain (the Dilaudid they were giving her IV was certainly helping with that) before she rested one hand on Carter's shoulder in a gesture of support and solidarity only for a moment before she stepped back to let them visit. She drew the curtains closed over the transparent wall of glass that allowed the clinicians to look in on Annaleigh from the Nursing station.

They'd give the family time to say their goodbyes.

One-by-one, all members of the party stepped in to visit with Annaleigh and after James was the final one to sit by her bedside, Carter returned to hold vigil over her once more. He had no plans on leaving her.

Dr. Dow wandered in to check on Annaleigh but also to broach the subject of Anna's plan of care with her husband. He observed the monitors and her general physical condition as he tried to come up with the right words to say. It would be hard, but Carter had to know what kind of prognosis they were looking at. Eventually, he said, "Mr. Anderson, please can I speak with you at the desk?"

He hated to talk doom and gloom over his patients' bedsides; if hearing really was the last sense to go he didn't want any of his patients hearing that he didn't have faith in their recovery.

Carter leaned against the desk with and twirled his wedding band nervously. Dr. Dow had offered Carter to take a seat in one of the wheeled leather chairs behind the desk but Carter shook his head stubbornly. He would not sit.

Dr. Dow settled a hand overtop his to stop the movement and said, "she is quite the woman. I'm under the impression that something bigger than we'll ever understand is going on here, but for the FBI and one of the biggest CEOs in North America to be up in arms about her, Annaleigh is something special, isn't she?"

For indeed, Dr. Samuel Dow knew exactly who Carter was. He planned to say nothing about it, but it did seque into his next point very clearly. Carter looked up in surprise but Dr. Dow was speaking again before Carter could interrupt.

"You make large-scale decisions every day that affect the wellbeing of many, Mr. Anderson. It might not be in the same capacity, but you need to understand that a tough decision may need to be made, here. Annaleigh is stable now only because machines are keeping her alive. There is a good chance that if we withdraw care she will die. Annaleigh is tough and she has been fighting hard up until now, and we even thought we had lost her when she was first brought in.

But there is only so much we can do; we're not sure how much brain function she will have even if she does manage to wake up if I'm frank - she hit her head quite hard and there was some internal hemorrhaging. Her brain has swollen but Dr. Lake feels that it may resolve on its own, so we are monitoring that overnight and if by tomorrow he does not feel confident, Anna will go back to surgery. If it does resolve with or without surgical intervention, there is a chance that Annaleigh may never return to her baseline. She may be clear as a bell, but she may not be, either. We aren't concerned about paralysis, which is the good news -- her spine was relatively undamaged and the area of her brain which has been affected should not impact her mobility in the future; it's a miracle, Mr. Anderson. That does not mean Annaleigh will not have a very long path of rehab and intensive care in front of her.

"Her condition over the next 24-48 hours will tell us if we should be heading towards a more aggressive plan of care or a more... guarded prognosis. Mr. Anderson, I'm sorry to have to tell you, but as her next-of-kin, you are required to sign the paperwork that dictates what we will do if she has a turn in condition and her body cannot bear the strain since she is unable to make those decisions herself. Please, be aware that at any time you may... choose... to withdraw care. We will do anything and everything to keep her alive as long as you shall wish it - I'll go over the forms with you and then you can sit and visit with Anna or your family while you think this all over, okay? I'm so sorry to put you through this."

 

[Rocket1010]

EArly Sunday morning - Carter tries to get some sleep

Carter was still in a daze as he listened to Dr. Dow talk about end of life decisions. One part of his brain rejected any notion he would lose his wife and another part tried feebly to accept it. Numbly, he shook his head in understanding telling the doctor he understood but inside he really didn’t understand.

He didn’t understand how Edward, a friend in business and socially (he thought) could order such a horrible thing. Wanting to believe it was just an accident, his mind kept repeating the words he heard to reaffirm that Edward ordered the hit. The doctor’s words got through the fog in his brain and he nodded but his thoughts were centered on Edward. He had to get his head clear and go after the bastard.

Carter told Dr. Dow to get the papers and to review. For the few minutes he was left alone, he replayed the last few days. They were making significant headway, finding the mole (Lena), getting information from her, and then finding out why. Why they wanted to destroy him. The puzzle pieces were coming together and Anna had told him they planned to start dismantling Carter Anderson on Monday. A few ideas were rummaging around in his head when Dr. Dow returned.

The doctor was very matter-of-fact with the information about end of life decisions. It was clear he had been though this procedure before and he should uncanny sympathy toward Carter. When they were finished, Carter thanked the good doctor and told him he would consider his options. But Carter already knew his decision, he would not pull the plug on Anna until all efforts were made to revive her from the coma.

Meeting with the others, he told them of the conversation with the doctor. James lowered his head, shaking it side to side in disbelief. The three women dab at their eyes, looking forlorn. Lizzy, the potential model, spoke with some authority, telling the group to hang in there and keep the faith. She told them not to give up hope but to pray and ask for God’s healing. And then she ordered Carter to get some rest, he looked terrible.

Carter tried to chuckle but it was a very frail attempt. He was hurting inside and that hurt was being transmitted to his facial features for everyone to see. James interjected that he had taken the liberty to secure three rooms at the hotel across the street, suggesting Carter go and get some much-needed rest. But he stubbornly refused, saying he was not leaving Anna’s side until she woke up.

Lizzy, surprisingly was taking charge, telling everyone to go and get some rest. She would stay with Carter and relieve him through the night’s vigil. Everyone looked at her, seeing a side of Lizzy they didn’t know existed. Carter grabbed her, pulling her into his arms, giving her a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, whispering that he was proud of her.

Carter left the room, returning to the room with machines whirling and tubes stuck in Anna. She lay completely frozen, not moving at the sounds in the room. The doctor said it would take 24 to 48 hours and he dreaded the results. She was on life support and there was nothing he could do but sit at her side, comforting her with words while he held her hand and slowly stroked the back of her hand.

It was almost midnight when Lizzy came to relieve him, telling him he really needed to get some rest. He walked to the family room, grabbing a coffee when his phone buzzed. He saw it was Blair, wondering why she was calling him at such a late hour.

Blair told him she was in contact with Regina via text messaging on Lena’s phone. She didn’t know how long she could put off any verbal conversation with the family. The interesting news was the family thought Anna was dead and decided to move forward with their plan. Edward and Josh were flying up on Monday to meet with Lena and set things in motion. Carter frowned at the news. Lena was still in FBI custody and there was no way she would be meeting with them on Monday.

Carter promised to think about their strategy but he had to get back to Anna. He had been gone too long as it was. He had been gone 30 minutes but Blair didn’t need to know how long he had been away from Anna’s side. As he walked back to Anna’s room, he nodded at the FBI agent guarding her. What was he going to do with Edward and Josh? They thought Anna was dead and that, for the time being, was a good thing.

He watched Lizzy for a minute, holding Anna’s hand and talking softly to her as if she were awake. Though he couldn’t hear her words outside the glass, he was sure she was telling her everything would be ok. He had a surge of pride for Lizzy, not realizing until today what an asset she was. In fact, her and Blair were becoming Anna’s most trusted friends and to think they were purchased at a slave auction.

Carter relieved her, telling her to get some sleep but knowing the blonde would retreat to the family room. Holding her hand, he placed his tired head on the back of her hand, his heavy eyes closing as if they had weights on them. His dreams were fleeting and disturbing, talking to her, kissing her, holding her in his arms and then her face was disfigured and she was gasping for breath. Carter woke with a start when Lizzy softly shook his shoulder. Seeing his lover still lying perfectly still, brought him back to reality.

Lizzy told Carter it was 4 am and he wasn’t doing Anna any good looking haggard. She told him James was waiting to take over and he reluctantly told her ok. He told James there was no change and headed to the hotel. Taking a hot shower, he collapsed on the bed, his thoughts of Anna filling his head. Try as he might, he tried to keep his eyes open but they closed of their own accord and his last thought was that it was going to be a long day on Sunday.

******************************************************
Megan and Josh spent the day moping around, trying to deal with Anna’s demise. They talked of their love for her and how they were so excited to have her as part of the family.

Josh still couldn’t wrap his head around how she tricked them and then were all taken in by her deception. He thought back over the days and now he could see tiny kinks in her armor that everyone had brushed off. Now, all the signs were crystal clear and he admonished himself for not pushing her harder for answers to his questions.

Megan played a similar tune in her head, backtracking over the last few days. The image of her in Vegas kept coming back to haunt her, seeing her in the club and knowing without doubt it was her. But she was so convincing that Megan began to doubt herself.

Regina and Edward both tried to console them, telling them to get over their grief because the family had business to attend too. The older couple were torn up about Anna’s deception and it just reinforced their anger to get rid of Carter Anderson once and for all.

They all went to bed with Anna and Carter on their minds. Regina and Edward talked of meeting Lena on Monday with Regina stating that they needed to talk to her. Edward thought it odd that Lena was only texting but he did recall her calling but not leaving any messages.

Megan and Josh cuddled and sex was the last thing on their mind. They talked of getting even with Carter for the deception. With Anna dead, there was no reason not to move full steam ahead.

The one thing the family all had in common as sleep overtook them. They had a lot of planning to do and tomorrow would see them spring into action.

 

[Cum_Inside]

There was no change in Anna’s status the next morning.

Dr. Lake came by to assess but he didn’t think her intercranial pressure warranted another surgery at this time. Combined with the Levophed drip she was running to keep her blood pressure up meant that an operation would probably be risky anyway. If Annaleigh took a turn he might change his mind but for now he wanted to hold off and Dr. Keegan (who was on call in the daytime) agreed with that plan of care.

The people that Annaleigh now called her family stayed at her bedside throughout the day. Carter rarely left her and only with the exception of a quick pee break and the nurses stepping in to freshen Annaleigh up did he budge.

There was no improvement.

But there was no deterioration, either.

No news was good news, right?

Hopefully tomorrow would give them something to look forward to, but life was too unpredictable. In a blink of an eye it could be gone; Anna was proof of that.

*****

As Lizzy sat by Anna’s bedside while Carter stepped out to get himself a sandwich or a bite to eat. It had been a long night and she was having trouble keeping her eyes open but she needed to remain vigilant in case something changed in Anna’s condition. Her hand was clasped in Annaleigh’s and Lizzy had just about passed out stone cold when she could have sworn there was a twitch against Anna’s bonds.

Her eyes shot open and she rocketed up out of the chair but after that Anna did not move.

Had she imagined it? Lizzy was sure she hadn’t, but looking at Anna laying so still and quiet made her wonder if the lack of sleep and the immense urge to see Anna come out of this bed had tricked her mind somehow. Lizzy frowned in desolation and sighed, slumping back into the recliner at the bedside.

“You’re crazy,” she muttered to herself. “You’re driving yourself mad. God, Lizzy. I think you need a break,” she chastised.

She climbed back onto her feet and stroked a hand over Anna’s forehead before leaning down and kissing her forehead. She had just closed a hand around the door handle when she froze in shock.

That was definitely a moan!

She whipped around and hurried back to Anna’s bedside.

Other than a slight flickering behind Anna’s eyelashes there was no movement but at least it was something.

“I see you, baby. Come back to us, Anna. Please love,” she pleaded. “Please. Carter needs you. We need you. It’s time to come home.”

She waited.

There was no response.

When she explained her encounter to Dr. Keegan he looked at her sympathetically but explained patiently that it was probably an unconscious reaction and that her body was fighting off the sedation. It was a normal response but it didn’t mean anything, not necessarily. He clapped a hand onto her shoulder and warned them not to get too excited, but the next time he checked on her he found that her blood pressure was a bit more stable and it seemed to be climbing back into normal levels very slowly.

She was requiring less medication to sustain it, so he ordered the drip rate decreased on a trial basis.

Two hours later she was tolerating that very well - her vitals still weren’t normal but they were improving. Her bloodwork was even looking better.

She was fighting hard.

The only other sign seemed to be her increased pain level and that was a bit more worrisome to her concerned family members but to Dr. Keegan that was actually an encouraging sign - more pain meant that she was becoming more alert. They upped the dose of Dilaudid and slowly tipped the balance of the sedatives down a bit in hopes that she might start to wake.

Although she had been in a medically induced coma Anna was struggling to come out of it and the doctors would have a better idea of how much her accident would affect her future if she wasn’t out like a light - would there be brain damage? Would she have any affects on her memory? Could she live relatively unharmed?

So many questions that needed answering.

The doctors decided it was best to slowly wean her off the medication and see how she did as opposed to forcing her to stay unconscious.

Hopefully they would find out soon. It would still take time for Anna to come around enough to be able to breathe without the ventilator but it was a great step forward.

 

[Rocket1010]

Sunday-Monday - No change in Anna's condition / Regina learns Anna is alive

Carter woke with a start in the darkened hotel room from a disturbing dream. For a moment, he didn’t know where he was and then as he got his bearings, he glanced at the bedside clock. Rising swiftly, he saw it was noon, realizing he had slept for nearly eight hours. His thoughts instantly centered on Anna. How was she doing? Did she wake up? Why did everyone let him sleep so long?

Calling James, he was told Anna was still in a coma and Lizzy thought she felt some movement. But the doctor told them it was a normal reaction to her condition and not to get their hopes up. Dressing quickly, he headed for the hospital, wanting to see his wife.

Blair caught him before he could get to Anna’s room, telling him they needed to talk. Her tone of voice made it sound serious but he told her whatever it was, it would have to wait. He needed to be with his wife.

Lizzy was sitting next to Anna, holding her hand and talking softly to her. When she saw Carter, a bright smile illuminated her face. “I felt her hand move and her eyes twitched a little. She is trying to wake up.” Before Carter could say a word, she added, “The doctor says it’s normal for patients to do those things but I think she is trying hard to wake up.”

Carter smiled at Lizzy. “We’re all hoping she wakes up soon.” He walked to her bedside, taking her hand. “We need you to wake up baby. We are pulling for you and you have to keep fighting.” He hoped she would squeeze his hand or open her eyes but nothing, just lying on the bed as if she were resting peacefully.

Carter stayed and Lizzy left the room. When they were alone, he talked to Anna about Edward and Josh and how he had to take care of them so they didn’t hurt anyone again.

Dr. Keegan came in to check on his patient and he reiterated what he had told the other family members. Anna’s body would occasionally react to sounds but it didn’t mean she was aware of anyone in the room. The good doctor also told Carter about reducing some of her drugs to see if she would respond but so far nothing. Carter looked at his wife, wishing she would wake up and smile at him.

When Vanessa came in to care for her, shooing him out of the room, another nurse commented to Carter that Vanessa came in on her day off to stay with Anna. Carter felt an overwhelming appreciation for the nurse who could have been home with her family. She was giving up her free time to come in and care for his wife. Standing outside the glass enclosure, admiring how careful she was handling his wife, before she smiled, closing the curtain.

Blair was waiting for him in the family room along with everyone else. She immediately told him that they needed to take care of some business. She knew he was in no mood but from what Anna told him, they were planning to move against him tomorrow.

The five of them talked about strategy and it was Lizzy who came up with a plan. They would have Lena call Regina and tell her the truth, that Anna was in the hospital and fighting for her life. Carter didn’t like the idea of Edward knowing Anna was alive but Lizzy explained that she was well protected and it should make them put their plans on hold until they could verify it.

But would Lena call Regina and tell her? Blair chuckled, telling him that she was sure it would work with the right kind of persuasion. If he gave the approval, she would put the plan into place. When he nodded his approval, Lizzy and Blair rose and walked out of the room. They would plot whatever was necessary to keep Edward and Josh off-base until they could put their own plan into action.

***********************************************************
Lena was sitting in the safe house living room with the guards when the call came in. Blair explained their plan to the FBI agent. She smiled at Lena and told Blair that she would make sure it was done. Putting the phone on speaker, the agent addressed Lena.

“Well Lena you get your chance to do something good for yourself. If you help us, we will definitely put in a good word for you.”

“Why should I help you or that son-of-a-bitch Carter?”

“Because if you don’t, you are looking at a long prison term for being an accomplice to attempted murder and also your threat to injure Paula’s family. By helping us, you can make it pretty easy on yourself.” The FBI agent let their proposal sink in and then added, “we know you are not the mastermind and they are going to throw you to the wolves when they are done with you. So why not help us and help yourself?”

Lena contemplated the offer, realizing that the FBI agent was telling her the truth. Edward and Josh would discard her like an old rag once they no longer had any use for her. They were the ones who approached her, offering her a huge sum of money to help them. She was caught now in the FBI web and believed that soon, Edward’s empire would come crashing down. Looking at her hands, twisting over each other, she finally looked up and consented to helping them.

The FBI agent smiled and Blair thanked her for her willingness to help. Blair told her she had used her cell phone to text Regina. She might have to make some excuses to Regina and then she outlined their plan for Lena, who listened, nodding her head.

******************************************************************
“Hello Regina? This is Lena.”

“Why aren’t you calling me on your phone?”

“Carter has his computer guy staying close to me at the office, running diagnostics on some computers. I have to stay close to him so I can steer him away from me and Paula. That’s why I had to text you. It’s been hard to get time away from him. Right now, he is in another room at the office checking some of the computers.” Lena was glad Regina didn’t ask why she didn’t call last night. Maybe the text messages Blair had been sending satisfied her.

“Do you know that Annaleigh had an accident and unfortunately she did not make it? The family talked earlier today and we are moving ahead with our plan and we’ll need you to step in for Annaleigh.”

Lena gasped, listening to Regina. “Regina (long pause) from what I hear, Anna is in the hospital and alive.”

A long silence followed and the Regina coughed. “I don’t think that’s right dear. I was told by the someone at the hospital she was DOA.”

“I don’t know Regina. All I know is Patrick, the computer guy, told me earlier today that Anna was in ICU and hurt really bad. He also said she may not live long since they have her on life support.”

Another long pause and then Lena heard her talking to Edward in the background. “Dear we need to check this out. This changes everything. Don’t do or say anything to anyone. Is that clear?”

“Yes ma’am.

“Do you know if Carter is here at the hospital?”

“Yes ma’am. He flew out yesterday and said something about not coming back for a while (short pause as she looked at the FBI agent). I heard he cancelled the Board Meeting for next week.”

“Well god damn it all. That bitch is fighting for her life and still fucking up our plans. We’ll keep you informed as to what we plan to do. You’re doing such a good job Lena.”

“Thank you ma’am.”

Blair and Lizzy smiled at each other. They made Edward and Regina change plans and now they would tell Carter of their success. They were aware that soon someone would be visiting the hospital to verify Anna’s condition. Carter was grateful to Blair and Lizzy for heading off what could have been a disaster.

**************************************************************
Sunday night and Monday morning.

Carter was informed late Sunday night that a blonde-haired woman showed up at the ICU desk asking questions about Anna. She asked to see her and when she was told only family members were allowed to see her, she turned and walked out without another word. Carter knew from the description it was Megan checking on Anna’s status. The family knew Anna had barely survived the accident.

Anna’s coma continued to perplex the family. The doctors and nurses tried to give them encouragement, telling them of other success stories. Stories of patients waking up but remembering nothing of what happened to them. While the hospital staff supported them, they all knew the longer she stayed in the induced coma, the slimmer her chances of a full recovery.

Carter was growing anxious. It had been almost 48 hours since the accident. The longer she remained on life support, the more he thought of life without her. That was unacceptable but he had to face reality. Looking over the papers the doctor gave him that he had not signed yet, hoping his wife would give them some sign.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Her condition remained unchanged until about late Monday evening.

As Vanessa changed Anna’s gown and refastened the safety restraints, Anna’s hand curled into a fist and her body tensed, a long drawn out moan escaping around the endotracheal tube that was ventilating her. As Anna became more alert and reacted to the uncomfortable stimulus of the tube in her throat, her body began to thrash against the padded ties that secured her wrists. Vanessa soothed her with one cool hand on the side of Anna’s throat and whispered assurances.

She called for assistance.

Dr. Dow was quick to come into the room and visually inspect. He said “she’s ready to come out of it - we’re going to extubate her now before she gets too agitated. Vanessa, please give her a STAT dose of Midazolam 2mg IV and then we’ll adjust her pain meds once the tube is out and we know how she’s doing. Call for Respiratory Therapy now.”

As she scurried off to do that, she spared a prayer that everything would be fine and Annaleigh wouldn’t suffer any negative effects from this.

*****

Carter, Blair, and James were waiting in the family room while Vanessa painstakingly bathed Anna and did not notice the commotion. Lizzy and Rita had stepped out to get some fresh air.

The trio stood when Dr. Dow knocked and peeked his head in. There was a somber expression on his face and the family feared the worst. It was only a moment before that dark cloud broke and a wide smile broke out on his face. He was cheerful when he announced, “guess who’s awake?”

Blair gasped in excitement and took a quick step forward but Carter laid a hand on her waist and pulled her back.

Even he sensed that there was a “but” coming.

He didn’t disappoint. “But... I’m afraid that Anna is in a lot of pain now that she’s alert and we’re working on adjusting her pain meds. I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t assessed the full-scale of neurological deficit, it there even is one, because she was very agitated when she woke. We’ve removed her breathing tube and she’s doing just fine. I think we can even stop the Levophed completely (the medication that had been holding her blood pressure). We don’t want her talking too much because her throat will be irritated from the tube but you’re still allowed to visit. I’m going to check on her now and do my full assessment. Give me another 15-20 minutes and then we’ll come get you.”

******

As far as he could tell, everything seemed to be in working order. She flinched appropriately to painful sensations in her feet and her grip strength was firm. Her pupils reacted to light and she could follow directions easily, if not a bit slowly from how sore she was. Her stitches from her splenectomy were itchy and he had to stop her a few times from absent-mindedly digging at the dressing but otherwise Dr. Dow was amazed at Anna’s condition.

She was still very weak and would require lots of rest but he didn’t think such a VIP client would have any trouble convincing her loving family that she needed to sleep for a few days straight.

She didn’t know the time, place or situation but that was expected after such a traumatic event. She did know who she was and could answer questions about her own history but there was only one problem.

When Dr. Dow had finished explaining where she was and how she’d gotten there and just what her injuries were, Anna’s brow wrinkled. Those stitches pulled at the movement and she winced.

Why had she even been on this side of the country? Anna’s job and boyfriend were not anywhere close and Simon wasn’t exactly the adventurous type. That made her wonder where on earth he was.

Dr. Dow inspected her consideringly and said “there are things that I don’t really understand about these circumstances so I’ll give you time to visit with your family and Carter can explain anything I’m missing, okay? I’ll come check on you in a little while.”

Anna wanted to ask Dr. Dow more questions but she felt as though she was missing some important pieces of this puzzle. When she tried to formulate the queries in her mind, they just sounded ridiculous. She’d be committed if she said she didn’t understand what Dr. Dow was currently saying - none of this made any sense.

Just who was Carter, anyway?

*****

As green met Carter’s deep dark eyes through the open doorway, Anna blinked owlishly.

Her voice was garbled and raspy as though she hadn’t used it in years when she questioned, “and who might you be?”

 

[Rocket1010]

Mnday night - Anna awakens from Coma / Josh begins to plot against her

The emotions were running high in the family room. Carter, James, and Blair were wiping tears of happiness, excited that Anna woke up. It wouldn’t be long before they would get to see her. When Lizzy and Rita returned and saw the grins exploding on the trio’s faces, they knew there was good news. Carter excitedly told them Anna was awake and as soon as the doctor and nurses got her situated, they would get to see her.

The next 20 minutes were excruciating slow. After over 48 hours of wondering, worrying, and tearful moments, Anna woke up. From what the doctor indicated, she seemed to be aware of those around her. Finally, the Dr. Dow entered the family room, instructing them to take it easy. She is still under the influence of the drugs and very tired. “I think she is still trying to understand what happened to her,” he told them.

The fivesome walked joyously to Anna’s room, excited to see her. Vanessa met them at the door, telling them only one at a time and only for a minute. Carter was the first to enter the room and while her bright emerald eyes were exposed, he saw something in them that he didn’t expect. Before Vanessa could announce the arrival of her husband, Carter heard Anna utter words that struck fear in his heart. She didn’t recognize him!!!!!

Vanessa glanced quickly at Carter and then at Anna, seeing distress in her eyes. Her eyebrows were furrowed and her expression was one of trying hard to figure out what was happening. “Anna dear this is your husband, Carter. He and your family have been holding vigil with you since the accident.” No recognition registered, only the slight shaking of her head and words partially masked by the hoarseness of her voice saying she didn’t know him, wasn’t married and where is Simon.

Carter eyes grew wide and Vanessa quickly assessed the situation, ushering Carter out of the room. It would do no good to argue with Anna, especially since she woke up from an induced coma. She would need some time to gather her wits about her and it appeared she had the classic symptoms of short-term memory loss.

Vanessa called for Dr. Dow who, when he saw their puzzled faces, knew something wasn’t right. The nurse told the doctor what happened and he told them to hold on and he would go in and talk to Anna. Carter grabbed his coat sleeve.

“Before you start asking her a lot of questions about her family there are some things you should know.” Carter explained that he was indeed her husband but Blair and Lizzy were not her sisters in the true sense of the word. They were very close acquaintances and were like sisters to her.

Dr. Dow’s smile evaporated and his eyes narrowed. “And I suppose you two are not her parents?”

James in a sheepish voice answered, “We are her adoptive parents. Her real parents live a few thousand miles away but I assure you doctor we are like parents to her and Carter.”

“You are in big trouble Mr. Anderson. Portraying these people as her relatives.”

“Listen doctor, they are like family. They care for her as though she is real family and I believe they would gladly trade places with her right now. There is no reason to report this to the hospital administration. They love her so much.”

Dr. Dow rubbed his chin. “You all have been very responsible and Mr. Anderson, I know who you are and as a corporate executive, I believe you can help the hospital in other ways if I let this indiscretion slide.”

It was a bribe and everyone knew it.

“Doctor, if you let this little indiscretion be, I promise you two things. I will contact her real parents and have them on the next flight here and I can make a financial contribution to the hospital in Anna’s name.” Carter thought of Anna’s parents and knew they were in for a shock …… they didn’t know of their marriage.

Dr. Dow smiled. “I do believe you Mr. Anderson. Now let me go see your wife and see if I can assess her memory.”

Carter shook the doctor’s hand and watched him and Vanessa disappear into the room. When the curtain hiding Anna was drawn back, Carter and the group saw Anna’s face, still a mask of uncertainty.

***************************************************************
Edward picked up his cell phone. “Mr. Hartman? This is Evelyn Crosby from Riverside General.” Edward acknowledged her. “The person you wanted to know about is awake. Dr. Dow is checking her out as we speak.”

“Very good Evelyn. Please keep me informed as soon as you know anything.”

“I will Mr. Hartman.”

Edward click off and turned to the family members gathered in the den. “Annaleigh’s come out of her coma and the doctors are checking her out.” He stared at Josh. “It appears we have some unfinished business nephew. She knows way too much to let her babble to the authorities.”

“I understand uncle.” He gathered Megan closer to him on the sofa. They had trusted the woman and now it was time to wipe up some loose ends. As soon as their hospital snitch gave them news she was recovering, they would strike and make sure she didn’t spill the beans on their operations.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Vanessa and Dr. Dow had known better than to expect it would all be hunky-dory when Anna woke up - there had to be some kind of catch to her miraculous recovery and it seemed this was it. They explained to Anna that she'd had a traumatic event and that memory loss often followed. It may or may not resolve but it seemed to be her only deficit - all her other mental faculties and neurological aspects were intact.

She accepted that slowly but couldn't understand how things could change so quickly - the last thing she remembered was curling up on the couch with Simon and preparing for her job interview at Anderson and Clemens that next morning.

She recalled that the CEO of Anderson and Clemens was Carter Anderson; she didn't know much about him other than the bad temper he was rumoured to have. He was supposed to be too wrapped up in himself to worry about anyone else and ensured that he kept his pockets lined with more money daily than Anna had ever seen in her life. Apparently that must not be true - if she really had married him there had to be another side to him that the rest of the world didn't get to see. Anna liked to think she was a good judge of character, after all.

Everyone kept calling her "Mrs. Anderson" and apparently this guy Carter had been at her bedside for days -- what kind of crazy story could they possibly weave to explain her not only fucking the CEO of an international megalith but also marrying him?! She was a nobody. How on earth had she even come into contact with him? And what had happened to Simon?

He had some explaining to do.

Dr. Dow asked her to keep an open mind and to listen to what Carter had to say but also to take it easy and not push herself too much; if she started to get uncomfortable or needed a break she needed to say so. Anna agreed hesitantly, not sure what she was getting herself into. It couldn't hurt, right?

Dr. Dow paused in the doorway and said quietly to the group: "only one at a time. Mr. Anderson, why don't we start with you? Annaleigh has agreed to hear you out but I must stress that if she says she can't handle listening any longer you must stop immediately and let her rest. It is possible that something you say may jog her memory but it is possible that it will never return, either. Please... the best thing you can do for her now is let her rest and grain her strength back. Don't push her too hard."

******

But Anna was still Anna underneath it all.

Her manners were impeccable but sometimes her big mouth got her in trouble. When Carter had carefully situated himself at her bedside without coming too close or invading her space, Anna looked up at him beneath her bangs. She chewed her lip for a moment. It was obvious to her that he was anxious and didn't know what to say or do. His fingers were restless, twirling a silver band on his finger.

Huh.

Is that the wedding band? Damn, I did good she couldn't help but think, eyes catching on it and watching his movements quietly for a moment. Finally, she reached out and rested a small hand on top of his, fingers curling around his much larger digits. He paused and looked up at her, uncertainty shining in his eyes.

She blurted out "well, I guess I got the job then, Mr. Anderson? I must have aced the interview."

Jesus Anna she chastised you marry a fucking model of a man with more money than you could ever imagine and you don't remember a thing?! You fucking idiot! Get yo shit together girl! That's the best you can come up with?

 

[Rocket1010]

Monday night - Carter talks to Anna after she wakes from a coma

Carter sat beside Anna’s bed unable to say anything for the moment. He wanted dearly to lean over her and kiss her but that would be a mistake. Dr. Dow’s words about taking it easy, echoed in his brain. She had been through a lot in the past week and it was apparent some of her memory had been wiped clean. He dreaded to think it might be permanent.

She was staring at his face, eyes blinking, roving over his features but there was no sign of recognition. He laughed when she reached out to hold his hand and told him she must have gotten the job. She didn’t lose her sense of humor and that made Carter glad.

“Yes, you aced the interview Anna and so much more. When your memory comes all the way back, you’ll remember all the good times we had. The doctor told me not to burden you with a lot of details, so I won’t.” He wasn’t about to tell her of the fights and the things going on with Josh, Megan, and Edward. Hopefully those memories will return slowly.

“Anna, Simon was your old boyfriend. You two broke it off and he is now dating someone else.” Her face wrinkled, eyes chasing from one side of his face to the other. She was struggling and Carter knew enough not to press the issue. Just give her some time.

“Blair, Lizzy, James, and Rita are outside and want to say hello. They have been worried about you and all of us have not left you alone. We are here for you Anna and will be every day until you walk out of here.” Again, her eyebrows twitched and furrowed, her head rocked backward, uncertainty in her eyes. Then they landed on his wedding ring. He wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do but hoped it would trigger some memory.

Reaching into his pocket, he felt the two rings that he had remembered to pack. Pulling them from his pocket he saw her eyes rivet on them. “Sweetheart, we were married in Vegas before your accident and these are your rings.” Her eyes opened wide, seeing the glittering diamonds. “I talked the doctor before I came in and he told him you can wear these for just a little while. They don’t like you wearing jewelry but he made an exception in your case honey.”

Carter slipped the rings on her finger, receiving a blank stare from Anna. Would she remember? His large hand covered hers, rubbing the large diamond hoping it would nudge some memories.

******************************************************************
Josh and Megan sat with Edward and Regina by the pool, talking about Carter and Anna. She had messed up their plans by being a traitor and then not dying like a good little whore. Evelyn, their hospital snitch, called again to tell them Carter and four other people were standing vigil. She also mentioned that there was a man seated outside her room and she wasn’t sure but thought he was some kind of police or something. All she knew was that every eight hours or so, a new man took over.

The family was distressed by this turn of events. Carter must have gotten wind of something and decided to have some kind of private protection (they were unaware of Blair’s FBI connections).

They discussed a lot of options but the reality was, the longer Anna lived, the better the chance she would start talking. After a lot of discussion, it was decided Megan would have a chat with Evelyn Crosby about Annaleigh Anderson. She was a threat to the family and she had to be dealt with soon and Evelyn was the one who could make it happen.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Anna absorbed the information Carter and the group gave her slowly. She made sure to turn it all over in her head but there were large gaps and certain things that didn't make sense. There was something they were not telling her.

How long had it been since she had broken up with Simon and married one of the richest men in America?

How long had it been since she'd started working for Anderson and Clemens?

Her jaw dropped in dismay when he quietly told her it had been almost seven months. Where had all the time gone? She shook her head and fought back a whimper of emotional pain. So many things had changed and she didn't remember a moment of it!

The hand her rings would typically sit on was too swollen and damaged so her engagement and wedding bands temporarily sparkled on her right hand instead of her left.

Her eyes locked onto them but Anna looked without really seeing.

What a mess her life had become.

Clenching that fist, Ann inspected the rings a little more carefully.

Someone had clearly put some consideration into the artfully intricate thin silver band that matched the thicker one on Carter's own finger, but the glittering diamonds in the other ring had obviously cost a pretty penny. Maybe this was what it meant to be married to a wealthy CEO, but maybe Carter Anderson actually did love her...

He was a stranger to her but somewhere deep inside he'd found something or someone to love and Anna couldn't take that away from him. She didn't know if she could ever be what he was expecting or that she'd remember their romance, but she promised herself that she would try. She didn't offer just anyone the time of day and to leave Simon and marry a complete stranger in seven months meant that Anna had to have feelings for Carter too.

Her tiny hand relaxed and she offered him a shaky smile.

"I'll say hi to them but... Mr. Anders-- Carter. I... I'm sorry but... I don't know any of you. I'll try not to say the wrong thing, but please forgive me if I make a mistake, sir," she said softly, despondently.

She hadn't even caught the respectful term as it slipped out of her mouth but for some strange reason as Anna pondered it, she realized that calling a man who was supposed to be her husband "sir" didn't feel awkward or unwelcome. In fact, it seemed to make Carter smile, instead. Her eyebrow twisted in confusion.

Just what was going on here?

Feeling so natural calling him that almost put to mind some kind of kinky sexual domination scenario and Anna blushed, her cheeks becoming candy apple red and a hot feeling settling over her.

But that was absurd.

Anna didn't partake in anything that wasn't typically vanilla and calling a man "sir" in the bedroom didn't seem like something she would do.

But thinking about Carter Anderson in the bedroom...

Well, needless to say, the monitor registered the sudden pounding of her heart and began alarming; her heart rate was 118 - high, but not critical. Vanessa peeked her head past the curtain to check on them and once she saw Anna's tell-tale flush she smirked and made herself scarce. It was somewhat obvious that her patient was probably thinking untoward thoughts about the ruggedly handsome specimen that she called her husband. She'd calm down on her own.

"She's gunna be just fine," Vanessa remarked to herself in glee. "But can you blame her? Her man is smokin' hot - if I had a husband like that... Mm mm," her coworker Amy giggled from behind the desk.

Meanwhile, Carter had half-risen out of his chair in concern.

Anna reached out and laid her hand on his forearm and squeezed.

"I'm okay," she said. "Now, my side is starting to hurt like a bitch so after I say hi to everyone I want to get some rest."

In light of the recent merriment of Anna waking with little to no deficit, the nurses in the ICU turned a blind eye when Anna's visitors slipped in two-by-two instead of following the usual regulations. Not only was Carter "gifting" the ICU with his support now, but it would be less taxing on Anna to have less separate little visits than two larger groups constantly traipsing in and out.

Rita and James were careful not to come too close but they fussed over her like her parents would and that made Anna feel a bubble of warmth in her chest. Whoever these people were they really did care about her. Anna could see herself loving them, too; it wasn't hard to imagine.

She wasn't quite sure how the two younger women fit into the picture but Anna found herself laughing and having a good time as they tried to distract her from her discomfort. At the end of it, the side where the chest tube lay was throbbing in pain from the stitch she'd gotten laughing so hard. She couldn't hide her wince this time and immediately the blonde-girl, Lizzy, was by her side and smoothing her hair back, stating "it's time for you to get your rest, dear. Blair, let's go."

Blair didn't seem to have any concern for Anna's personal space, either, stepping right into it as if she belonged there.

Anna gasped in surprise as Blair leaned down and briefly touched her lips to Anna's. When Blair pulled back there was something that Anna couldn't identify swimming in the depths of her eyes. Blair also didn't have the same reservations for going against doctor's orders and telling Annaleigh things she did not need to hear at the moment because as she turned to walk away she said, "we're going to find the motherfuckers who did this to you. I promise."

Anna frowned.

That made it seem like it hadn't been an accident at all, but what did that even mean?

Anna had never hurt anyone in her life and she couldn't think of anyone who would want to harm her. Except that she couldn't even remember the last seven months. Anna had no idea if she had made any enemies or not. But one thing was clear: Carter Anderson had lots of explaining to do.

Now that she was alert, Anna hadn't missed the hulking shadow of someone standing just beyond the curtain at all times, either. There was definitely something she didn't know. Why else would she have security outside her door?

Carter stepped back in to say his goodnights.

Anna waved him to come closer and observed him as he crossed the room to her bedside. Instead of letting him sit down into the chair, Anna wiggled just a bit to the far side of her hospital bed and patted the mattress. She invited him to "come sit" and without any arguments, he did so.

Anna didn't know this man but her body did - something about him made her feel safe and relaxed. She didn't worry that anyone could hurt her while Carter was around because somehow she knew that he would take care of it, so when she reached out for his hand and curled her fingers in his, it felt right.

She knew that they were telling her the truth, but maybe just not the whole thing.

This was her husband.

He loved her.

Those people were her family.

They loved her.

Anna smiled.

These people were her family.

"Why don't you tell me a bedtime story of how I ended up here? I'll know if you lie to me. Everything I remember has been turned ass over tea kettle but for some reason I feel that I can trust you. Something bigger than I understand is happening here for police to be outside my door at all times and what Blair said...? That you'd find who did this to me? Please - I need to know," she begged.

But it was all a moot point.

Even as she said it the drugs that Vanessa had administered through her IV in order to calm the pain when Blair and Lizzy had left her started to kick in and a yawn burst forth from Anna's mouth. Her eyes fluttered and as much as she tried to fight it off, Annaleigh fell into dreamland.

Carter was saved from telling her some hard truths.

This time, Carter did not ignore the urge to kiss his wife.

The only reaction was a sleepy smile spreading across her face as slowly as molasses.

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesday morning - Carter wakes up to Anna's stare

Carter was contemplating what and how much to tell Anna. She had just awakened a couple of hours ago. Was she ready to hear the gruesome story of what happened? Dr. Dow had warned him of telling her too much too soon. If she was forced to remember the trauma, it might not bode well for her.

But she made it easy for him. He was about to tell her some minor things, things that would not jar her emotions, when her eyes began to flutter. It didn’t take long before her eyes shut and her breathing became deeper, a sure sign she was asleep. Carter took a moment to just look at her, seeing past the bandages and tubes. She looked so peaceful lying on the bed. Bending down to kiss her softly on the lips, he felt her push back a little and then a smile crossed her face. Maybe she was remembering him.

Now that Anna was awake, Vanessa informed him she was going home for the night and would return early in the morning. She introduced them to Jane the night nurse, telling them she had given Jane the rundown on Anna’s condition.

Then Vanessa gave Carter her cell phone number, telling him to call her if anything happened during the night. He couldn’t help himself, taking the nurse in his arms and giving her a long hug, his hands caressing her back in a friendly way. When he pulled back, he told her, “thank you very much Vanessa for your dedication to help Anna. I don’t think she would have made it if not for your help.”

Vanessa blushed from the compliment but also from being held by Carter. She felt a little jealous of Anna for having a man like him. She told him it was all part of the job but she knew he knew better. She said her good-night to everyone and walked out of the hospital with a smile on her face and a story to tell her husband and kids.

The group stood in the hall talking and deciding what to do. With Anna awake, there was no reason to have a 24-hour vigil. They talked of going to a bar and having a few drinks before they retired for the night. But Carter vetoed his leaving her alone. He told them to go out and relax. He would stay with her at least for tonight. Reluctantly they left Carter in the hospital, knowing he was not about to leave her now that she was out of the coma.

Carter returned to Anna’s room, seeing her sleeping serenely. The machines that kept tabs on Anna’s vitals hummed softly as he gazed down at his wife. What would her reaction be when she found out she marked for death? He would keep that from her for a while until she remembered some of her past.

Settling into the leather easy-boy chair, he watched her sleep for a long time. Jane came in a few times to check on her patient, a welcoming smile on her face each time. Carter watched silently as Jane went about the business of checking and replenishing her IV bag. Each time she asked Carter if he needed anything but he politely declined.

Every so often Anna would move and then moan in pain. Carter wished he could take all that away from her. Each time she moaned softly, he recommitted himself to bringing down Edward Hartman and his family.

They were after him for what he did to Regina’s father and they blamed him for his death in prison and her mom’s death too. He hadn’t killed them. They deserved what they got and if he had not acted, James and Rita would not have found each other.

Sleep slowly overtook him, his eyes growing heavier. The harder he tried to keep them open, the more they closed until at last exhaustion overtook him. At first the strange noises of the hospital operations kept waking him until there was nothing but darkness. He stirred a few times when he heard Jane come in he was back asleep the instant she left the room.

Noises interrupted his dreams until finally his eyes opened to see Anna sitting more upright and looking at him. He smiled as loved the return smile. Did she recognize him? Or did she simply smile to make him feel better? Whatever the reason, he yawned and stretched as he stood.

Vanessa came into the room with a wide smile. “Mr. Anderson, you’ll have to leave for a little while so we can change bandages and get her ready for the doctor.” She chuckled seeing his bewildered I just woke up face. “You can give your lady a kiss and then off with you. We’ll let you know when you can come back.”

Moving to the side of the bed, he looked into her eyes. “Good morning Anna. You’re looking well rested.” He wasn’t sure how to handle a good morning kiss. Sure, he had kissed her last night but she was off in la-la land when their lips met for a brief moment. Picking up her hand, he kissed the back of it, whispered, “They’re kicking me out but I’ll be down the hall if you need anything.”

As he began to exit the room, another woman smiled at him as she passed him. Vanessa told Carter to stop. She wanted to introduce Anna and Carter Evelyn Crosby, head of the ICU department.

Evelyn expressed her thanks and offered to help with anything they might need. Turning to Vanessa and Anna (Carter was all but forgotten) she smiled. “Why don’t you fill me in on our patients progress to-date?”

Vanessa began telling Evelyn about Anna’s condition and her injuries. Carter left them to their nursing duties but sensed there was something about her demeanor. But he dismissed it, telling himself he was overtired.

*********************************************************************
Early Tuesday morning, Josh called Evelyn Crosby to find out what she knew about Anna’s condition. She informed him that she was on her way to visit her and he would call her back. Josh was not happy having to wait but Evelyn explained that Anna had a guard outside her door and Carter was not leaving her alone.

Edward was listening on the speaker phone and interrupted them. “Listen Evelyn, we pay you well for information. I suggest you get in there and find out if she is improving or is she going to die.”

“Mr. Hartman. This much I do know for sure. She doesn’t remember anything for the last seven years. She is asking about some guy named Simon but we all think it is a past boyfriend. This Carter guy is telling her they are married but she doesn’t seem to believe him. At least not yet. As soon as I assess the situation you will be the first to know.”

“That’s good Evelyn. One thing to keep in mind. She is in no way to leave that hospital alive. You have to do whatever you have to do to stop her. Is that clear?”

“Yes Mr. Hartman.” Sweat formed on her brow. She had learned that to cross Mr. Hartman or Mr. Williams was like signing a death warrant. She would find out as much as she could and report back to them.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Carter looked at her like she had two heads when Vanessa told him to kiss his lady and step out of the room. She was taken aback for such a confident man to be so uncertain of himself and she almost giggled when he settled for awkwardly kissing her hand, instead. She did have to say that she was pleased he respected her enough to think that she may be uncomfortable with anything more at this time.

She smiled and nodded in response to his comment about being just down the hall.

The woman that stepped into the room with Vanessa was unfamiliar and she gave Anna bad vibes for some strange reason. She introduced herself but Anna still didn’t want her in the room. She almost opened her mouth and asked for Carter to stay with her but then told herself she was being ridiculous. This woman was the head of the ICU - she would do no harm to Anna. Wasn’t that mandated somewhere?

But she couldn’t ignore the creepy feeling that settled under her skin as both women assessed her wounds and tubes and helped Anna clean up a bit. Anna felt like Evelyn’s piercing eyes saw right through her. To what, she didn’t know. Still, she tried to brush it off.

She had to know the truth.

Last night she’d fallen asleep before Carter could tell her anything, but Anna was feeling well rested and ready to listen to what was sure to be a long-winded tale straight out of a spy movie. Except, those things didn’t happen in real life.

Right?

Anna squeezed Vanessa’s hand, cheerfully agreeing to call her “Vana” from now on, and waved as both her and the director stepped back out of the room.

Carter was at her side in no-time and Anna repeated the same procedure as last time: she patted the mattress right next to her in welcome after she instructed him to shut the door and give them some privacy. He also pulled the curtain closed for good measure.

Her voice was firm when she said: “this time you’re not getting off the hook. I want to know. Everything. Start from the beginning. I can handle it. I promise.”

*******

Evelyn drummed her fingers on the desk as she waited for the call to go through to Josh’s cell.

She didn’t want to be the one to tell him that somehow this young woman had made a miraculous recovery and that she’d be just fine because God knows what Evelyn would have to do to finish the job.

Josh answered promptly and Evelyn didn’t even attempt small talk. She began to list Anna’s injuries.

“Sir, I have a full report for you. Mrs. Anderson has a broken leg, several broken ribs, a punctured lung and her left hand was damaged in the accident. She had to have her spleen removed after it ruptured. She... is missing the last seven months of her life according to Dr. Keegan but she is expected to make a full recovery. Those memories may or may not return but there is a police officer with her at all times. Doctors Dow and Keegan have instructed her family not to push for her memories to return but to take it slowly. They seem to be following said rule as the happy couple did look fairly awkward and unsure of themselves this morning, but Annaleigh is alert and oriented otherwise.

“Sir... she has no ability to remember whatever it is that you’re worried about. Do I really have to... kill her...?” She questioned meekly. Rushing on, Evelyn said, “it’s just that she isn’t any harm to anyone in the state she’s in. There’s nothing she could do or say to stop you when she doesn’t even know what she had for breakfast on Saturday or who she is.”

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesday afternoon - Carter tells Anna some things about her past

‘She can handle it,’ Carter thought to himself as he looked at her smiling face. At least part of her was getting back to the old Anna. Her words brought back memories of the meteoric relationship. In business she was sure and confident, handling clients with ease and wanting to take on more responsibility. Her successes with the Hartman’s indirectly led her to where she is now because stupid Carter allowed her to go undercover. But what would have happened if she hadn’t done it, would he still be the CEO of one of the largest mega companies. He doubted it.

Taking her right hand in his, he squeezed it gently while he looked directly into her brilliant emerald eyes. Those eyes captivated him every time, making his heart flutter with love for her. He knew he was responsible for her being in the hospital and he also remembered Dr. Dows warning not to overload her. She might think she can handle it but he was not about to take a chance she remembered something bad and became agitated. Dr. Dow expressed concern if her memory was suddenly jolted, like turning on a light bulb, and she retreated instead of recovering.

“The first time I saw you was when I walked past your office in the marketing department on my way to meet John Bouton (no recognition). John was your direct supervisor and he told me some of the good things you were doing with clients.” He squeezed her hand harder and smiled. “From that first moment I met you, I knew you were special and I had to get to know you better. I gave you and John an assignment to work with the Harmon Enterprise Company (no recognition). Edward Hartman (no recognition), the CEO, was very fickle and no one could get along him. But you my dear was able to convince him to sign a contract.”

“I was smitten by your business acumen but more importantly I was hooked by your personality and beauty. I knew I had to know you better so I arranged for you and I to have more personal contact. It caused a bit of strife between you and Simon.” Carter left out the spanking in his office. A curious expression creased her face when he mentioned Simon’s name.

“You had a boyfriend, Simon, who you thought was your life’s mate. But as fate would have it, you two broke it off. You found out he was cheating on you when you caught him with another woman.” Carter rubbed her cheek and pushed some loose strands out of her face. In a very serious and low voice he whispered, “his loss was my gain Anna and I thank my lucky stars every day that we are together.”

She waited for him to continue. “We put some proposals together and when we met with Robert Jones, who owns Jones Exports, you wowed them. We never thought we could land his contract but you dazzled him and his people. It was about then that I really fell in love with you as a person. They are a great client and it is all because of you.”

Vanessa entered the small space to see if everything was ok. Anna nodded and told her everything was fine. The real reason Vanessa checked up on them was to make sure Carter was not upsetting Anna. Satisfied with their answers, she left and Carter smiled at his wife.

“Now, where were we? After the Jones contract, we met with Edward Hartman’s team to discuss a new venture. Williams Pharmaceutical, owned by Josh Williams (Anna’s eyebrows furrowed a little as trying to remember) was designing a new drug and we were going to help him market it. You became pretty involved with him and one of Edward’s marketing team members, Megan Cartwright.” Carter saw her eyebrows furrow again and he wondered if he was giving her too much information.

Deciding to gloss over some of the more intimate things that happened with Josh and Megan in the hotel room, he clasped her chin between his fingers. “You found out some things through your dealings with them that they had something against me (long pause). You wanted to find out more and then we became more intimate.” He chuckled. “You even suggested we get married.”

This was all foreign to her and her face skewered, trying to remember. “I thought about it for a few days and I proposed. In fact, I surprised you when were ready to take a trip to New Orleans and then to Vegas to get married. We had to keep it a secret from Josh and Megan because if they knew it would blow your cover.”

Carter sensed Anna was becoming agitated. He had given her a lot of information about the last month but she was still struggling to remember. He didn’t mention the slave auctions, buying Blair and Lizzy, his playroom they enjoyed, and the debasing she took at Edwards when he witnessed five men having sex with her. All those issues and many more were for a later time, not now.

Deciding to end the conversation, he patted her cheek. “Anna please don’t push yourself. Your memory will come back and when it does, all this will made sense.”

“One last thing honey before I let you rest. You took a trip here to see Edward about some contract signing with some lawyers. I don’t know if you met them but you were in an accident. I truthfully don’t know the whole story but once I do, we can talk about it.”

There was no way he was going to tell her about the deliberate attempt on her life. She didn’t need to know that now. In time, they would discuss it in full but for now she needed to rest. Thankfully Vanessa came back with Evelyn, telling them they needed him to leave for a while so they could take care of some things. Carter asked them to give them a few more minutes and they acquiesced, leaving the couple alone.

Carter leaned forward and kissed his wife. “Did anything register? Do you remember anything at all? It’ll take time baby and we have all the time in the world.”

************************************************************************
Evelyn decided to take an interest in Anna’s well-being, telling Vanessa since she was a VIP, she wanted to stay close to her progress. But there was another reason. She wanted to assess the situation to see when the best time would be to take care of Anna for good. Josh had told her Anna was not to leave the hospital alive and she feared his retribution.

This was not the first time she was asked to assist him and Megan. They had blackmailed her a few years back and each time they asked a “favor” they would bring up the how she covered up a mistake at the hospital. If her mistake, killing a young woman with the wrong medication, was made public, she would lose her job and most likely go to jail for a long time.

She accompanied Vanessa to Anna’s room, knowing she had to take care of Anna or Josh and Megan would make sure she suffered. It was too late to think about what she should’ve done years ago (turn herself in) instead of throwing a young nurse under the bus. The young nurse, just out of nursing school, was blamed and lost her license. Now Evelyn was just a pawn, doing Josh and Megan’s dirty work.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Most everything Carter said didn't ring any bells. She couldn't remember a thing and for the most part, Anna listened quietly. When he got to the part about Williams' Pharmaceuticals, her belly did a funny little flop inside her.

She wrinkled her brow and tried to think, but for all the effort she put into remembering she was getting nothing back.

She was so useless!

Apparently there was something important buried in her memories because why else would there be a guard outside her door 24/7? Carter hadn't said it but the haunted look in his eyes suggested that her accident was more than that. Had someone tried to kill her?

But why?

"I'm so sorry, Carter. I don't remember. I just... I just don't know. Maybe now that I know what to focus on I can try a little harder but please give me some time," she responded slowly, meeting his eyes and squeezing his hands gently.

After that, Evelyn and Vanessa stepped in to empty her catheter and get an idea of how much her chest tube had drained - there was still some blood coming out of the tubing but it had slowed down significantly and they were both pleased. They hung new IV bags and Anna carefully noted the red markings on the fluid bag. She questioned it, having not seen that particular IV fluid before, but Vanessa just grinned and said, "your potassium is a little low after the accident so we have to replenish it. It's a tricky medication because it works on smooth muscle contraction so too much can damage your heart and too little can do the same, so we have to pay pretty close attention to it through your bloodwork. Don't worry - it's perfectly safe getting this extra dose through your IV lines. You can take it orally, too, but this is the best way."

Anna nodded and accepted that, reaching for a book Rita had dropped off for her on the bedside as the two women worked around her room, taking numbers from machines and tidying up a bit.

When Carter returned to her bedside, Anna had fallen asleep with the book in her lap., her mouth open in a tiny snore.

**********

It was dark but strobe lights were flashing blinding colours out of the corners of her eyes. All Anna knew was that she'd seen a flash of blonde hair and that caused panic to set in. She had to get out of there! Had they seen her? Before she could even run, the setting changed and Anna's head was spinning. She felt like she was on fire, body heavy and feeling out of her control. She was restless and needed some relief, but from what she didn't know.

One fingers pressed a tablet into her mouth and Anna swallowed obediently.

The next thing she knew she was on her back with her legs drawn up around some beautiful blonde's waist as he made love to her with forceful strokes. She looked up at him but didn't really see him - the only thing she could focus on was the evil grin full of teeth ready to tear out her throat.

He was kissing her but all she could taste was blood. She was choking on it, coughing, trying to breathe but she couldn't! Oh, God! It hurt. Was she screaming? Someone was screaming. Was it her?

Anna did indeed wake up screaming with no memory of her labile dream (or nightmare) other than a voice whispering poisonously: down with Carter. Down with the monster.

But as her watery, fearful eyes met Carter's, she was very sure that the only monster she had ever been afraid of had the iciest blue eyes and a lovely face that hid the darkest soul she'd ever seen.

Anna collapsed into Carter's arms and cried, trembling for fear of the unknown.

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesday Afternoon - Carter tells Anna her parents are coming

Carter sat next to Anna’s bed, reading some papers when he saw Anna started to squirm. Her head was slowly rolling from side to side, her breathing becoming more labored. Then her eyes shot open, filled with terror and he quickly got up, sitting on the bed. Her eyes betrayed the terror of her dreams, flickering wildly until she focused on him.

A large paw smoothed her hair off her face as he tried to calm Anna down with words of reassurance that everything was ok and it was just a nightmare. She was still fidgeting a little, saying something that was garbled that the couldn’t make out. Whatever she was dreaming was making her agitated. Was her memory slowly coming back in her dreams?

Carter urged her to tell him what she dreamed and after some hesitation, she relented. Dreams are said symbolize your hopes and fears in ways that people are still trying to figure out. Some people dream of riches and wake up thinking it is a sign to play the lottery. It was always tricky to try and uncover the real meaning of dreams as she told him, he couldn’t put together its meaning. One thing did stick out and that was the message that made him shiver. He was certain the phrase down with Carter, down with the monster was a sign that her memory was returning.

Vanessa came in a short while later, doing her best to make Anna comfortable. She told him the hospital administrator wanted to talk to him. He smiled and told the two women she was probably wondering about his donation. When Anna’s eyes widened, he laughed, telling her about the fib he told the hospital about Lizzy, Blair, Rita, and James being her relatives.

“We would have done anything, walk through fire, or anything to see and be with you. When they found out my little white lie, I promised the hospital a sizable donation in your name. So now I have to go and make good on that promise.”

His face turned soberly to Anna and he took her hand. “Anna, I love you and I know you are trying hard to remember.” His head dipped sheepishly wondering how she was going to take his next words. “And with that promise of a donation, I had to make another promise.” He squeezed her hand tighter. “I promised to notify your real parents and they are on their way. They will be here this afternoon.”

The short hesitation was deafening as he measured her reaction. “Anna, they don’t know we are married and I’m not sure it’s a good thing to tell them seeing how you can’t remember yourself. Our marriage was a whirlwind affair and you said you would wait to tell them. Just think about it and if you want, I will play the part of your loving boss who cares about his employee.”

The stunned look on Anna’s face told it all. Her eyes searched his while her brain tried to recall what her parents looked like. “I have to go sweetheart but I’ll be back soon. Just think about it.” He kissed her forehead and told Vanessa to take good care of her as he left. A funny feeling in the pit of his stomach told him her parents would be by her side when he returned.

**************************************************************
Evelyn sat in her office watching Carter leave Anna's room wondering when she could get in her room without anyone else. It would have to be at night and she wanted to wait until Anna's memory came back, if it did. It was a shame to kill her but something inside her told her to wait and see if she remembered her time at the mansion.

The method of killing was already established when they put the IV bag containing potassium supplement. It would easy for her to overdose her but all she needed was a few moments alone and that would have to be in the middle of the night when the staff is smaller.

She called Josh, informing him that within a few days she would take care of their problem. As an afterthought she asked how long she would be beholden to them for what she did years ago. The laughter on the other end told her and when he said, "when we say it is," sent a shiver of fear through her. She would never be free of their evil clutches.

 

[Cum_Inside]

By the time Vanessa finished up in Anna’s room the brunette had seemingly forgotten about her bad dream - she couldn’t settle to sleep without Carter even though Vanessa did a good job of calming her. There was just something about this man who was supposedly her husband that stole the fear from her bones and warmed her. Anna didn’t remember him but she didn’t feel as though there was any reason to be uncomfortable with him, either.

Vanessa made small talk about Anna’s parents and family members while she worked aboutand talking about something she did remember put a smile on her face. She was elbow deep in the story where her father had missed Christmas dinner because he had to hide out in an ice-fishing cabin after a wolverine had chased him down while he was out snowmobiling (because low-and-behold the engine had given out and he had to walk 17 miles back into town) when Lizzy popped her head in. Anna waved with her good hand and continued babbling away.

Carter did have some important work calls to deal with so unfortunately those kept him occupied for the next hour or so but by then Anna’s mother was hurtling through the doors of the ICU at breakneck speed and demanding to see her “baby bird”. Anna laughed joyously and valiantly fought off the flinch that the too tight squeeze caused as her ribs compressed. Anna was just happy to see a face she recognized. Her father was apparently sitting down with the doctor to get a better run-down as to the extent of Anna’s injuries.

Anna’s mother, Lauren, pressed both hands to Anna’s cheeks gently and leaned back to assess her daughter’s condition more thoroughly. She seemed to be taking stock of all the tubes and wires and casts and machines that surrounded Anna, but she was silent as she perched on the edge of the bed for a moment until she said heartbreakingly quiet, “oh, my baby. I knew you were in over your head when you broke up with Simon but to hear that you were in the hospital and Mr. Anderson was good enough to stay by your side... honey, I won’t ask you what happened - not yet, anyway, since I know you don’t remember but...”

Anna’s cold fingers slid up her mother’s wrist to grasp her fingers gently.

“I don’t... I don’t remember much, mama. I truthfully don’t even remember breaking up with Simon but Carter says that was for the best. I know you’re going to be angry at what I DO have to say, but I’m not going to lie to you. He said I shouldn’t tell you just yet but I think it’s best you know. Mom I... don’t remember but I married Carter Anderson. He’s not just my boss — he’s my husband. You know me,” she implored.

“I maybe don’t know the whole story but you know that I would never do something like that without thinking it through. Something in me loves him. I can feel... The only times I ever feel safe now are when he’s by my side and even if I don’t remember it, mama — I chose that man for a reason,” she whispered, eyes dropping to her lap.

“I just didn’t want you to be surprised to see him fussing over me. He says he’d play the role of worried boss but if you know anything about my boss you’ve heard that he’a stubborn and selfish and a bit egotistical. I don’t think you’d have believed that he was just concerned about his employee; he loves me and even if I don’t recall, there’s part of me that loves him, too. He’s not taking advantage of me, I do know that.”

Her mother watched her pensively and Anna worried her lip. For a while she said nothing, but slowly she grasped Anna by the chin instead.

“I know, baby,” she said. Pulling Anna in for one more hug, Lauren spoke into Anna’s ear.

“I trust you. Though I’m not going to let it fly that you didn’t call me with this news, I know you had your reasons. I didn’t raise no dumb little lamb who couldn’t think for herself, and I know you well enough to understand that for you to jump in with both feet into marriage you wouldn’t be anything less than confident that he is what you want. You weren’t happy with Simon as loathe as you were to admit it, but I have to say that I do have some concerns that we can discuss when you get your memories back,” she stated firmly.

It wasn’t an if - it was a when.

She was just sitting upright when the door opened and Carter took a hesitant step inside, bowing his head in a respectful show of deference to his mother-in-law. Anna imagined it was a rare sight so she watched him carefully in amazement but also concern, wondering just how this would play out.

She had nothing to be worried about.

Lauren raised herself onto her feet with a steely look at Carter, measuring him as any good parent might when first meeting the boy their daughter brought home for dinner before she crossed the room and laid a hand on his elbow. She had no plans on admitting to him that Anna had confessed their secret, but she wanted to roll her eyes - that expensive band of diamonds glittering on her girl’s finger was not exactly subtle.

She’d wait to see how long it took for the great Carter Anderson to admit defeat and confess that he’d made a domesticated woman out of their wayward baby girl.

And just why the fuck she was looking like something straight out of a science fiction movie at the moment.

“Thank you for calling us Mr. Anderson - I’m so glad Anna has a boss like you that’s so concerned for her wellbeing that you’d personally fly out to assess her condition. The world needs more men with big hearts like yours,” she said sweetly. “It’s funny though... because you’re not quite... what I had imagined you to be...”

She paused, raising an eyebrow. “Interesting...”

Anna giggled from the bed and waved Carter in. “Oh, mother - Mr. Anderson has been nothing but exceptional since I woke up. He’s taking very good care of me, I promise. So much so that his poor wife shall be green with envy if only she knew!”

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesday Afternoon - Carter meets Anna's mom

Carter was surprised when he first met Cara Livingston, Riverside Hospital’s Administrator. She was in her mid-fifties and looked every part of the successful businesswoman. Smart business attire accented by the just the right amount of jewelry. Carter sensed she had a certain aura of sophistication and was not one to play games.

Cara had worked her way up the chain of small hospitals receiving her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. When she met Carter for the first time, she was taken by his good looks. The pictures in the national rags didn’t do him justice. She greeted him warmly and asked about his wife. God she was so very lucky to have a man like him ran through her head as he took a seat.

They had a very good meeting. Carter thanked her for the hospital bending the rules about his comrades and listened to her talk about the needs of the hospital. He assured her he was in a position to help them financially but was a bit dismayed to hear that Edward Hartman was a big donor too. He shook off his anger long enough to discuss his huge contribution, knowing that when word got back to Edward, he would be highly pissed.

Carter walked out of Cara’s office with a smug smile of satisfaction. He was still working on his strategy with Blair and her FBI pals to put Edward and his group away for a long time. But he would love to see the look on Edward’s face when he found out how much Carter pledged. There was a lightness in his step that had been missing since Anna had left over a week ago. But knowing he pledged almost twice as much Edward made him want to skip like a little kid all the way back to Anna’s room.

Approaching Anna’s room, Carter noticed a very charming woman talking to Anna. He stood for a few moments watching their interaction. They were chatting amicably, smiling and laughing while they got reunited. A twinge of guilt raged quietly inside his belly. They should have told her parents of their wedding but with everything going on with Josh and Edward, there was no time. He felt as though he was walking into the lion’s den, about to be bitten, chewed, and spit out.

Entering the room, both women turned their attention to him. He was ready for a barrage of questions as to why he spirited her daughter away without so much as a word. But he was surprised when Lauren acted sincere, touching his elbow and thanking him for taking care of Annaleigh.

“It was no problem ma’am. Anna is one of our treasured employees and we’re here to assist her in any way.” He heard Anna giggle and then make a smart-ass comment about how his wife would be green with envy. She knew and Carter sensed not was all as he thought between them. There was something he should know and he was guessing Anna told her mom.

“What do you mean we?” Lauren smirked.

Two could play this game and even though Anna couldn’t remember the rest of the entourage, it didn’t mean Carter couldn’t have some fun too. “Her two best new friends from New Orleans, Lizzy and Blair, are here along with my house keepers, Rita and James.” Carter coughed lightly seeing Lauren turn to her daughter.

“When did you get friends from New Orleans and why were you in New Orleans?”

Anna had a blank look on her face and Carter quickly interjected, “Ma’am.” He was cut off quickly when Lauren told him to call her by her name. “Lauren, we were on a last-minute business trip and that’s when we met Lizzy and Blair. They became very close friends and when they heard about the accident, they insisted on staying with her until she is well enough to go home.”

Carter looked past Lauren, seeing Anna struggling to remember and then turning back to Lauren. “Unfortunately, Anna doesn’t remember but we are confident she will soon. I have also had Lizzy reserve a room for you and your husband at the hotel and don’t worry about paying, it is all taken care of.”

Lauren smiled and as she thanked him, telling him he didn’t have to do that, Carter was admonishing himself. He married her father’s daughter and he didn’t know his name. What a fuckin’ shithead. Glancing at Anna, he saw the glittering diamonds on her finger that she was not suppose to be wearing. She must have slipped them on when the nurses were out of the room. If they saw them, they would immediately take them off. They didn’t want her hurting herself and then having a lawsuit against the hospital. But the rings meant something else.

Taking Lauren’s small hands, reminding him of Anna’s hands, into his large palms, he chuckled. “The gigs up Mrs. Brayden. We would have told you and were planning to make a trip to see you and your husband but unfortunately this accident occurred.” He was fumbling around for words as he continued to flounder. “I know we should have told before we got married but it was a spur of the moment thing. We are in love with each other even though your daughter doesn’t remember (glancing past Lauren, seeing Anna’s smile) but she will and when she does, she will know of my love for her.”

Lauren smiled and glanced at Anna who had provided another cute giggle. “Well young man you and my daughter are in hot water for not telling us. But I have faith in my daughter and if you got married then you must have swept her off her feet. But I am not the one you should be afraid of.”

The look in her emerald eyes that were part of Anna’s DNA burned through him. “No, the one you have to worry about is that man walking with the doctor.”

Turning his head slightly, Carter saw a tall man walking with the doctor and a certain fear and anxiety ran through his blood. If he thought walking in the lion’s den to greet Anna’s mother was frightful, what was in store for him when he met her father for the first time. He was sure to find out soon enough they were married, that is, unless the doctor, who was staring at him spilled the beans. Carter braced himself as they neared the room, seeing Anna's father looking directly at him. He as waiting to meet Anna’s father, a man he didn’t even know his name.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Trent Brayden was nothing short of a fearsome man when he wanted to be, which wasn't very often. His strong features and tall stature gave the impression that he was a devilish competitor and his impressive wit in the field of biochemical engineering made him no slouch. All of that combined didn't change the fact that Trent was usually a teddy bear and always wearing a smile.

The problem was that he didn't feel much like smiling today.

His baby bird had almost died and here she was now in the ICU and hooked up to machines that had once been keeping her alive. A stranger was standing at her bedside playing the role of protector as if that was his day job and Trent didn't like it; it was supposed to be him standing at her side and warding off any who would like to hurt her.

Oh, Trent knew all about Carter. He'd heard plenty over the years about the national CEO but to see him standing so tall and firm at Annaleigh's side was still a bit of a surprise. Trent wasn't stunned that his girl had managed to win Carter's attention because Anna just had a way of making new friends everywhere she went, but he did have to admit that he didn't expect such a soft fearful look on the other man's face as Trent shook the doctor's hand and they advanced into the room.

His eyes roved over Anna first.

Despite everything, she looked good. Happy and bright if not a little confused. But... his eyes narrowed minutely on the glimmering diamonds for just a moment. If you had been watching him, you might have even missed the small shift in expression as he pretended he hadn't seen her wedding bands.

Trent's much darker green gaze locked on Carter, one thick eyebrow raising.

This man had some explaining to do! How dare he steal his daughter out from underneath him without saying one word to the head of the house? Anna wasn't stupid so she must have known precisely what she had been doing when she married Carter Anderson but Trent had no bond to Carter and intended to make his life a bit harder on him. There was no excuse for not telling them about the marriage - he wasn't slighted that it had happened in the first place, but rather that they hadn't been notified.

It was not in good form.

"Hello Mr. Anderson. Thank you for staying with my baby girl. My name is Trent Brayden and I appreciate everything you've done for her but you can be on the way now -- I'll take over here."

He made to step past Carter, brushing shoulders with the prolific executive as he went.

Lauren gasped, "Trent! Manners!"

But still, Anna giggled nervously. She knew his game - she could see the pout forming on her father's expressive face and the realization that he was just fucking with Carter and putting him through the wringer blasted through her consciousness. She would diffuse the situation as she needed to but Carter had to be able to stand on his own against her father if he expected to become the authority or masculine influence in Anna's life; her father wouldn't accept just anyone as her husband.

"Daddy," she said fondly, stretching up for a hug. "Be easy on Carter. As I told mum he's been very good to me and I'd probably be dead without him, honestly."

Trent tugged her gently into his arms and kissed her hair.

"I'm sorry but I don't know that I believe that - what has he done but throw money at you and everyone around you to manipulate you into doing what is best for him? I love you baby girl but I don't understand why a man who has much better things to do running an international corporation wants to spend his time at the bedside of one of his low-level employees if he's not using her for something untoward," he declared loudly.

Releasing her, he spun around to face Carter once more, who had stood his ground.

"Please. Why don't you explain to me just what you want from my daughter, Mr. Anderson? I'm still waiting for a reasonable explanation. If you have none, you may follow my earlier directions and leave us," he dismissed easily, a glint in his eyes.

It might have sounded counter-intuitive but he needed Carter to defend his place in Annaleigh's life.

Simon had always cowered in front of him even though he'd been a fixture in Anna's life for so long but that wasn't the kind of man she needed. Trent had never really been satisfied with Anna spending her life with him. She needed a man who wasn't able to be swayed or bent and would fight for Anna when she needed it. He suspected that Carter Anderson was undoubtedly that type, knowing that his skill at negotiations and no-nonsense attitude combined with his top-tier business acumen meant that he didn't take shit from anyone.

His money did make him a better partner but it wasn't the deciding factor in this relationship - Anna appeared happy but Carter had to be able to be the man Trent needed him to be, too. Anna ended up in trouble fairly easily, you see.

Would he bend in front of Anna's father will or would he plant his feet and make his place in this family clear?

Trent was interested to find out. Most people would be quite hesitant to talk back to their father-in-law but if he didn't, Trent would eat him for dinner. He was much more impressed with actions - words meant nothing in the scheme of things, but if Carter puffed out his chest and spoke in defense of himself now he'd gain much more of Trent's respect than if he just bent his head and accepted Trent's ire like most would do in a situation like this.

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesaday Afternoon - Carter meets Trent Brayden

When Trent introduced himself, Carter had expected a handshake from Trent Brayden but instead the man brushed by him with a schoolboy shoulder hit. It was similar to what boys and men do to mark their territory or to make a point. He was doing both. Tough boys on the playground did this as a sign of superiority and it usually ended with a scuffle. But they weren’t on a playground, they were standing beside a woman who meant a lot to both of them.

When he and the doctor walked in a few moments ago, he was at a temporary loss for his name. He couldn’t remember his name because of all the thoughts rumbling around in his brain. Now that he was reminded of the man who had raised his wife, he took in the man’s features. In his eyes, he was a man who took care of himself physically and looked as though he could take care of himself in a street brawl.

Carter didn’t miss the slight shift in his eyes when he saw the glittering diamonds adorning Anna’s hand. A soft smile creased Carter’ slips when Lauren admonished her husband. Trent may rule the roost but she made it clear who knew had the proper manners. Carter figured she must have to admonish him on regular basis.

Standing his ground, he was not about to leave Anna alone. She was his wife, after all, and it was his duty and responsibility to protect her. Yea, he understood a father’s last and undying love for his daughter but she was married and it was he, Carter Anderson, who would protect her.

When Trent turned to face Carter, asking him to explain his motives of leave, he saw Lauren and Anna roll their eyes. They had seen this act of his in the past, knowing it was his way of acting tough, protecting his loved ones. This was alpha male vs alpha male, squaring off. It was not to protect the mate as it is in the animal world but two men with eyes on one person, Annaleigh Brayden Anderson.

Squaring his shoulders, he gave Trent a deep piercing glare. He had run up against other individuals during negotiations and his quiet silence was done to assess the situation. Carter knew of Trent Brayden. Now that he remembered his first name, he smiled a quiet knowing smile, meant to show that he knew some things too.

He had done his due diligence when he was smitten by Annaleigh. Researching Anna’s family background was easy once he reviewed her employee packet. He remembered that day he sat in his office, pouring over the documents looking for clues to her family. Googling Trent Brayden resulted in numerous articles of his success as a biochemical engineer. He was fascinated with the man’s resume, receiving awards for breakthroughs in his field. Standing toe to toe with him now, with Anna and Lauren watching them, Carter could see the unquestionable drive in his deep green eyes. Did the whole family have a lock on green?

With his jaw set, Carter took his time considering his words. This man was fiercely loyal to his family but he had to make his point too. He was not going to be intimidated by Trent Brayden. “First of all, I’m not going anywhere.” Carter heard the small gasp from Anna and Lauren, hearing his deep authoritative voice. When his mind was set on something, Carter’s voice revealed a deep determination to win. But in this case, he had already won Anna’s heart. Now he had to face her father.

“Secondly, your daughter is not some low-level employee and if you think that of your daughter then maybe it is you that should leave.” Score one for Carter. He enjoyed the stunned look on Trent’s face. How many suitors had challenged his gruffness?

Glancing at Anna and then at Lauren with a wry smile. “Your daughter is an amazing woman as you know already and she has made quite a name for her self in our business world. She deserves praise for her efforts.”

Carter braced himself for his next words even though he knew Trent was aware of their marriage. “Your daughter is so much more than an employee. I fell in love with her and we married (Trent’s pursed lips open just a tad). Yes, it was wrong for me not to approach you but we were so madly in love we wanted to tie the knot as soon as we could.” There was no way he was telling her parents about Anna’s undercover work. They didn’t need to know and if they did, they probably would understand.

“I also know you think I can buy anything I want but the truth of the matter is I could never buy your daughter’s love. She is fiercely independent. A trait she got from her parents I might add. Yes, I can buy her nice things but those are all superficial. They don’t speak to the matters of the heart.” Carter saw Anna face change. Did she remember something? Something that tied them together for life?

Carter held out his hand to the other man’s silent stare. This was the moment of truth between two men who loved the same woman in very different ways. His voice was steady, determined in its tone that he had made up his mind and there was no changing it. He would not be scared off by Trent's gruff voice and demands.

“So, you see, Trent I’m not going anywhere. Yes, I …. I mean we (glancing at Anna) have a corporation to run. But right now, I have competent people keeping me informed throughout the day and this is where I need to be and this is where I will stay. I will be right by her bedside and you and Lauren are welcome to stay with me and nurture her back to health.”

There was a slight pause, awkward in nature as Trent looked at Carter’s extended hand. Before Trent or anyone could speak, Carter added, “I know it’s late but better late than never. Trent, may I have your blessing …. May we have your blessing on our marriage?”

 

[Cum_Inside]

Trent pursed his lips in consideration of Carter's words.

Unbeknownst to his wife and daughter, Carter had verbalized just what Trent needed to hear. Carter was every bit just as headstrong as the older man had always heard and it boded well for their future - with Carter standing tall as a figurehead it was unlikely that anyone would be able to get through him to harm his new wife. Trent was pleased.

He also liked that Carter didn't diminish Anna's ability for business despite his undoubtedly much more impressive resume and the fact that he acknowledged Anna's grip on his company ran deep enough that she had enough control to run it alongside him.

Anna was not a caged bird with Carter like he feared. That was possible when dealing with an influential man who always got exactly what he wanted when he wanted it, but it appeared as though she had the freedom to spread her wings if she chose.

Trent's eyes cut to Annaleigh.

They were locked on Carter with a sweet, wispy smile. Her expression was open and soft. Though she didn't remember the events of the last few weeks, the love she had for this man bled through her pores and warmed her face like he'd never seen with Simon.

Trent cleared his throat and it felt like years before he finally extended his hand and wrapped strong fingers around Carter's in a firm shake.

"I won't lie - of course I don't appreciate you keeping this from me, but the good news is you have the rest of your life to make that up to me!" He cackled suddenly. It managed to break the ice and Anna slumped back against her pillows with a relieved sigh.

"Daddy! Don't you dare boss him around just for laughs; I'm going to need him to wait on me hand and foot for a while so don't get any ideas!" She pouted, joking. Anna didn't intend to lay around for days on end once some of these tubes were discontinued and she was feeling a bit better and able to get up.

Vanessa had told her that if she felt decent tomorrow they might be able to pivot her out of the bed and into a wheelchair so she could get a break from being in that bed 24/7. It might be a little awkward with the chest tube but they could manage just fine and it would do wonders for Anna's mood. She just had to keep weight off that casted leg as it healed from the trauma and surgery to repair it.

Anna was looking forward to that, but right now she was more concerned about introducing her parents to her husband (as well as she could considering that she couldn't remember him).

The longer they chatted the more the cold atmosphere faded away and the room became a bit more comfortable. Carter was even able to make her father laugh once or twice so Anna counted that as a win, but that evening after dinner was all wrapped up (Thai take-out) Anna was starting to feel the familiar throb in her ribs and exhaustion seeping through her.

They'd stopped the pain drip that morning and now Anna was only taking oral painkillers. They took a bit longer to kick in but they seemed to manage her discomfort well and she was happy to only be receiving some extra electrolyte replacement through her IV. Her stomach had been unsettled on and off so she did have the option to receive her medications either through the IV or by a needle injected just under her skin into the subcutaneous fat tissue but she hadn't needed that very often - with some anti-nausea medication combined with her pain pills Anna hadn't been sick all day. The nurses were hopeful that she might be able to start back on oral fluids tomorrow and if she did well they could slowly increase her diet back to her regular.

She rang for the nurse and Carter fussed around her for a few minutes, helping her readjust in the bed and fluffing her pillows. He kissed her forehead gently when he pulled back and Trent even cracked a smile. That love he had seen radiating from Annaleigh earlier was matched in this man and Trent knew his little girl was in good hands.

While she received her pills, the nurse asked them to step out for a few minutes to freshen her up and get their bedtime duties done all at once so they didn't need to bother the family again.

When they stepped back in, Anna was snoring once more. Lauren smiled and placed a hand on Trent's chest, shaking her head. She whispered, "let her sleep, dear." She pulled both men from the room and shut the door. The curtains blocked Anna from their view as they chatted outside her room.

Turning to Carter, Lauren reached out to lay a hand on his arm. She said quietly, "we can stay with her tonight if you need a break, Carter. You've been at her bedside constantly and I know you must need your rest, too - it's okay to take a night off and leave her with us if you'd like. I'm no stranger to taking care of my baby girl."

She waited patiently for Carter's response. She assumed that he'd probably want to stay with Anna as long as he could but she wouldn't blame him for needing to take a night and sleep in the hotel bed, too. Those chairs that pulled out into something resembling a recliner next to Anna's bed were not comfortable in the least and it was only fair that Anna's parents take a turn or two in order to save their son-in-law's back (and sanity).

******

Anna's fingers curled around the bed rail in a white-knuckled grip. She whimpered, her head tossing back and forth against the pillow.

Her dream was switching back and forth so rapidly she couldn't pin it down, but one moment she was relaxing by the pool in the hot Vegas sunlight with Carter at her side and the next she was bound to a table and being tortured. Something in her whispered that it was some sick sort of sexual fantasy but the tingling in her groin told her that she liked it. Still, the cause of her pain was that beautiful monster and Anna couldn't imagine doing anything but trying to run as far away as she could when he was involved.

The next moment there was a more diminutive blonde woman soothing her body and kissing her torridly, holding her close and exclaiming how excited she was that they were getting married. Anna just felt sick, but underneath that, there was a sharp edge of wrong wrong wrong - Anna was already married to the best man in the world - what was going on?

Dream Anna took another of those tiny white pills and faded into bliss for a few seconds before she was sitting at a table with an older man. He was threatening to kill her and her parents with a smile on his face before the scene switched and Anna knelt on her hands and knees and fire burst through her body as the horrible man breached her body and spread her open around him.

But she also saw love - there were quick flashes of Carter in her dreams that always brought an overwhelming sense of love and safety over her. Even when she remembered the sting of his hand on her bum as he spanked her over his desk, Anna did not feel fear. She felt arousal. She felt passion. She felt love. Standing at the altar in Vegas with his large hand in hers as she slipped the ring onto his finger and declared herself eternally as his felt like the sweetest surrender.

Prostitutes. Slaves. Pain. Drugs. Manipulation. Extortion. Death.

Slowly, those pieces fit together in her memory until there was only a handful missing.

Anna couldn't stop nausea from overflowing - one minute she was asleep ad the next she was leaning over the side of the bed and vomiting into the garbage can with long heaves.

Thank goodness the door was shut because she didn't want them seeing her this way - tears leaking down her cheeks and pain etched onto her face as she tried to keep a straight face at the acrid taste and smell of vomit. She was ashamed she couldn't control herself, but she was also fearful of what those memories meant. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and leaned back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling.

Remembering the look in his eyes when Carter realized her memory was gone was enlightening now. He'd been upset, sure, but he had also looked a bit relieved. Carter knew she had seen ghosts. He knew she'd been in a dangerous position and likely been tortured. Just what game had they been playing with these cruel people?

But Anna knew with stunning clarity that she loved Carter and everything she had done was for him. She knew that she would do it all over again if it meant that her fledgling love could be sheltered and nurtured, growing into an all-encompassing flame that burned everything it touched. The world would burn, but it would start with Edward Hartman and Josh Williams.

She pressed the nurse call bell.

When someone came to check on her, Carter and her parents peeked in to see what she needed as well.

Lauren gasped at the chalky pallor of Anna's skin and rushed inside, smoothing her hair back and firing off questions at a rapid pace as she tried to determine what the problem was.

Anna waved her away, eyes meeting Carter's over her mother's shoulder.

The look in them was one Carter hadn't seen in almost a week - a determined slant of the deepest green that seemed to come over Anna when she was being stubborn about something; the hardened, sturdy gaze his wife got when she wanted something. The look of his Anna.

"Where is my phone? I think I have some negotiating that needs to be done before I can sleep, baby. There are some... details I have to work out with Mr. Hartman. Mama, I'm very sorry but I remembered some urgent business that must be dealt with now so could you give Carter and I a few minutes? I promise we won't be long."

Lauren gave her a long look, stunned speechless.

There was something else going on here, but the look on Anna's face told her not to push. Even her daughter was not so business-oriented that she decided she needed to make work phone calls at almost nine in the evening. And she'd been sleeping so peacefully, too... What had happened?

Trent curled a hand around Anna's shoulders and hugged her tightly once before escorting his wife from the room.

The nurse who came to assess cleaned up the small mess in the garbage and Anna lowered her eyes in shame momentarily, but with a gentle smile, the nurse assured her that it was okay and she'd bring Anna something to settle her stomach.

But Anna felt fine now, so she declined, stating that she was unsure of where the nausea had come from but now that she was awake she didn't need anything to calm herself.

Anna finally directed her attention back to Carter after the nurse had shut the door behind her.

"So, Mr. Anderson. Edward Hartman tried to have me killed. Whatever are we doing about this little problem?"

 

[Rocket1010]

Tuesday Night - Anna remembers ?????

Carter, Trent, and Lauren were standing outside Anna’s room when the rest of the group arrived to see how Anna was progressing. He smiled when Trent’s eyes widened when he got a good look at Lizzy and Blair, dressed in skin-tight jeans and blouses that hugged their generous chests. Carter introduced them to Lauren and Trent as the friends from New Orleans. He was pleased when Trent asked how they became friends and they told him they were business associates (he told the girls earlier to be nice and not tell them how they came to know them).

Anna’s parents greeted Rita and James warmly and then thanked them all for staying with their child. Everyone in Carter’s entourage told them how it was no problem and they knew she would do the same for them. This revelation of companionship made Lauren and Trent very happy to know that Anna had a great support system.

Carter explained Lauren and Trent’s request to stay with Anna for the night. The group argued lightly at first and then expressed gratitude to them, telling the couple if there was anything they needed, all they had to do was ask. This brought another smile to Anna’s parents once worried faces. Carter told the group Anna was sleeping restfully and he would meet them for a nightcap in the hotel bar.

Carter, Lauren, and Trent watched the foursome walk down the long corridor. Trent turned to Carter, a serious look on his face. “I want to talk to you about the accident. The doctor doesn’t seem to know anything but he mentioned you talked to one of the state troopers who was at the scene. I want to know everything.” It was not a request but a demand. He wanted to know everything about his daughter’s accident.

Carter couldn’t tell him much but he agreed to talk to him after they saw Anna one more time. Before they could re-enter the room, one of the night nurses came strolling quickly toward them. It was then that Carter saw the nurse call light illuminated outside her room.

On instinct the trio followed the nurse in the room. They saw Anna partially sitting up, leaning over the side of the bed, the smell of fresh vomit hanging in the air. She had the strangest look on her face as she asked, no demanded to know where her phone was. Carter retrieved it from the closet holding her clothes, hearing her tell everyone else to leave them alone.

Trent and Lauren knew better than to question their child when she was in one of her demanding moods. They shook their heads, walking out of the room but not before they fixed their gaze on Carter. It was the kind of gaze that said watch out. Trent knew Carter would tell them all about it after he was left alone with their daughter.

Carter stood beside the bed, holding the phone but he could see she wasn’t interested in the phone. It was ruse to clear the room. But what happened? He saw the wild look in her eyes. Did she remember something that was so important as to kick her parents out of the room?

When she looked him square in the eyes with that look of determination that he came to love when they were negotiating or when she was submitting to him in the bedroom, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise. Something strange and wonderful happened to Anna in the last twenty-five minutes or so and he was unprepared for her next words.

"So, Mr. Anderson. Edward Hartman tried to have me killed. Whatever are we doing about this little problem?"

Carter’s mouth hung open in utter surprise. This was not what he was expecting when his wife’s memory came back. He thought it would be bits and pieces, slowly revealing themselves to her. But her declaration, asking what to do about Edward, made him think her memory was fully restored. Was it really?

Carter sat on the edge of the bed, pushing some wet strands of hair from her forehead. She was still damp from obviously perspiring before she threw up. Taking her hand, he needed to make sure of what she remembered. To just blurt out a solution which he had been working on to his wife who up to a few minutes ago, didn’t know she was married to him would not be in her best interest.

“Anna, you sure surprised the hell out of everyone in the last few minutes. I’m sure your mom and dad are pretty sure you are not making a business call this late at night. Especially since you couldn’t remember anything just a few minutes ago.”

She started to argue but Carter put his finger to her lips. “Here is what we are going to do.” His voice was low, demanding and he was sure she remembered that when he spoke in this tone, she was to remain silent.

“Let’s start out slowly. You remembered somethings but did you remember everything that has happened in the last few weeks. Tell me what you remember and I’ll try to fill in the gaps.” Carter saw her eyes searching his. How much did she remember?

****************************************************************
“Hello Ms. Crosby?”

“Yes.”

“This is Donna at the hospital. You wanted me to call you as soon as something changed with Mrs. Anderson. Well she seems to be remembering some things and I faintly heard her saw Edward Hartman’s name.”

“Thank you dear. You did very good.”

Evelyn Crosby clicked off and looked at the television not seeing the program. She had to do something she dreaded and it was making her sick. Now that Annaleigh Anderson seemed to be recovering, her time was short to make sure she didn’t remember anything and that her life would be short, very short.

 

[Cum_Inside]

Her shoulders relaxed instantly and the words died in her throat.

She didn’t remember everything but that tone of voice coated her eardrums in the thickest honey and drug her under the deep waves of the Carter’s boundless confidence. Fuck, but he was so sexy. Anna craved. But Anna remembered that whenever she had heard him speak to her in such a manner before it meant to shut her mouth and listen; to do as she was told.

Trusting green eyes blinked up at him until he finished talking.

She debated where to start.

“I don’t remember everything,” she admitted. “Mostly just bits and pieces but my memory keeps coming back to all the terrible things they have done and continue to do. I see his face a lot but I don’t remember his name... He’s handsome but his mouth is full of death and deception - he’d tear your throat out with his teeth if you let him in too close. I spent a lot of time with him but... Argh! It’s so frustrating!”

Anna took a moment to pause and recenter her mindset.

“I do remember marrying you - and I remember you bending me over your desk and spanking me like a dirty little slut,” she giggled, “but the rest isn’t there. It makes me so mad! It’s all just blank,” she whispered helplessly.

But then a wicked smirk crawled across her face. “You think I’d remember if you showed me who’s boss like I’m sure you’ve done many times in the past, sir?”

Her remark was flirty and teasing.

This man might not be someone she knew entirely, but every memory she regained reinforced just how much she loved him and the fact that it hadn’t been the wrong choice to dedicate her life to him.

Of course she knew that even if she had recollected every detail of her life with her husband and wanted to reignite their intimacy that physically she wasn’t capable right now. It also might not be the best with her parents just outside getting over the shock of their daughter being in an accident. Oh. And getting married.

That was quite the shocker, alright.

So as appealing as the idea of fucking her husband might be right now it wasn’t possible. And they had other things to worry about.

The playful look vanished in an instant.

“Help me fill in the holes and I’ll tell you everything I remember.”

 

[Rocket1010]

Late Tuesday Night - Carter shows Anna his tattoo

Carter could only chuckle and shake his head softly side to side when she mentioned showing her was boss. Her memory may not be complete but she sure knew how to say things to trip his trigger. Visions of them together, spanking her, tying her to the bed, and using sexual implements to stoke the tigress in her, filled his brain. And the use of the word “sir” sent a sensual chill to his groin area.

Her eyes were searching his while she added some other words that almost got lost in the exotic visions dancing in his head. When she said to help her fill in the holes, his mind was already conjuring up images of his cock sliding deliciously into her warm inviting pussy. He shook his head, this was all wrong. This was not the time nor place for them to be teasing each other with sensual thoughts of past adventures. This was the time to help his wife restore some of her memories. He wanted her back in the worst way both physically and mentally.

“You remember Edward Hartman and that is a good start baby.” He glanced at the clock on the wall, seeing it was almost 10 pm. Her parents were in the hall outside, wondering what had come over their little angel. He would give her some tidbits to think about and tomorrow they would continue their search for her lost reminiscence. But where to start? That was the real question. Do you start with Anna trying to remember being in the arms of Josh Williams and Megan Cartwright? Or is it better to start with some things simpler and more enjoyable?

He opted to go for some memories he hoped would begin the long process of restoring her lost memory.

“There are so many places to start but let’s start with something that is very special to us.” Anna jerked a little when Carter reached for her hospital gown but then relaxed as he pulled it down to reveal her tattoo. His fingers traced the outline of the letters, remembering Spencer, the tattoo artist at Club Tattoo in Planet Hollywood.

“Do you remember each of us getting a tattoo over our hearts.” He saw her eyes blink wildly, trying to remember and Carter could see she was struggling to recall.

He opened his shirt for her to gaze upon his tattoo, grabbing her hand and watching her trace her name on his chest. “I have your name tattooed over my heart and you have my name over your heart. It is a reminder that we will always love each other and nothing …… nothing can come between us or pull us apart.”

There seemed to be a soft glimmer of remembrance but then nothing. It would take time.

They each continued to trace over the ink imbedded in their skin hoping some memory would surface. The marks over their hearts would always be a reminder to each of them for the rest of their lives. Their reacquaintance was interrupted by Sharon Markel, the night nurse.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but it’s getting late but Anna needs her rest. Besides, her parents are outside waiting anxiously to see their precious daughter.” Sharon had such a sweet way of saying it was time to leave that caused both of them to chuckle.

“Give us just a moment to say good night.”

Sharon smiled and told them. “Just a moment and no funny business. This is a hospital!”

Carter looked down at his wife and saw the glint in her eyes. “Close your eyes and tell me if you remember what I’m about to tell you.”

Anna’s cheeks puffed up into a smile and dutifully closed her eyes. “I want you to remember this,” he said softly leaning over and touching her lips with his.

Her eyes opened and then shut again as the soft kiss lingered. Carter felt the tremors of lust rising inside him as he pressed harder and firmly against her welcoming lips. His tongue darted out to swipe and tease her lips before slipping between them, meeting her needy tongue.

Their tongues pirouetted around the other, getting reacquainted. Carter felt her hand, grab the back of his head, holding it firmly. He wanted so much to let his hands roam over her delicious body that he missed. But with all the wires and the chest tube, he only stroked her cheek. The kiss seemed to last longer than it did and when they reluctantly released each other, they were breathing hard.

“I have to go now baby and let your parents spend some time with you. I hope that you seeing my tattoo will jolt your memory a little. I love you so much Annaleigh Anderson.”

He knew Sharon, Lauren, and Trent were just outside waiting for him. He also had a deep feeling that Trent wanted to know everything that happened but Carter would not be able to tell him everything. He would never understand a husband letting his wife go into a den of wolves unprotected. Carter was prepared to tell him somethings but not every gritty detail that he expected. For now he gazed down at his wife wanting to hear her say those magic words of love that always thrilled him. And then he would reluctantly let her parents have some alone time.