Chapter 1

Mac’s POV

“When does your flight land?”
“10.30 p.m. son.”
“Alright I’ll be there to pick you up.”
“You know you don’t have to do that, right?”
“I know, but I want to.”

When I put down my phone I smiled. My mother came over to celebrate Christmas and new years with me and I had also invited Reed and his girlfriend Melinda to come, they accepted my offer. Now I only had to ask Stella. I knew my mother would like that too. The two of them became good friends after they first met.
I got into my car and drove to the airport. I arrived a little bit early so I called Stella.

“Bonasera.”
“Hey Stella, it’s Mac.”
“Hey.”
“I have a quick question.”
“Alright.”
“Well, my mother is coming over for the holidays, and so are Reed and Melinda, and I wanted to ask you too. So will you come over to spend Christmas and new years with us?”
“Mac … I don’t know. I mean … ”
“Stell. I don’t want you to spend the holidays alone, and my mom really wants to see you again, so, please say yes.”
“Mac … I really don’t know if …”
“Stella!” I interrupted. “you’re coming. No buts okay?” I finished and I knew she could hear me laugh.
“Alright boss.” Stella replied, also laughing. “I’ll be there.”

A few minutes later I saw my mother walking towards me. I hugged her tightly.

“I’m glad you’re here.” I said as we walked to my car.
“So am I. I’m looking forward to see Reed again and meet his girlfriend.” Millie said.
“I’m glad to hear that. Ehm mom?”
“Yeah.”
“I also invited Stella over for the holidays. I didn’t want her to spent them alone.” I quickly say. “I hope you’re okay with that.”
“Oh yes. I would love to see Stella again.” my mom said with a smile on her face. “Is that the only reason you invited her? That you don’t want her to spent the holidays alone?”
“Mom!” I look at her with a shocked expression, but when I see her face and the huge smile across it I shake my head. “You’re right. That was just a lame excuse.”
“Well son, I’m happy for you.”
“Nothing has happened yet.”
“I know, but I can feel it will.”

With that we continue our walk towards my car. Then I hear my phone ring, so I make an apologizing signal towards my mother and answered it.

“Don. What’s going on?”
“We know where our suspect is hiding Mac.” Flack quickly said. “We need you to come down here. Can you make it in ten minutes?”
“I don’t think so Don.” I said and I looked at my watch. “I’m at the airport. Maybe you should ask Stella.”
“Okay. I’ll do that.”

I hung up the Phone and looked at my mom.

“What?” I asked.
“You can go, you know that , right? Now Stella has to go.”
“She will be fine, mom. And I wouldn’t make it in time.”
“I’ll guess you’re right.”

We got into my car, we silently drove to my apartment and went inside. My mom started to make coffee while I was preparing the guestroom for her. Finally, when we both sat down on the couch, my phone rang again.

“Taylor.” I said.
“Mac!” Don yelled at him. “I’m sorry Mac I … ”
“Don, why are you yelling at me?” I interrupted.
“I’m sorry Mac, my ears are still a little bit damaged I think. Mac there was an explosion.”
“What! Are you alright? Is Stella alright?”
“I’m fine Mac. But Stella … ”
“What happened to her? ”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her better. I’m at the hospital with her right now. The doctors are checking her out. You should ask them. I think she would like it if you were there.”
“Alright Don. I’m on my way.”

“What happened Mac? What happened to Stella?”
“I don’t know exactly. She’s at the hospital. I’m going, you want to come with me?”
“Of course.” she had already grabbed her coat.

We raced to the hospital and quickly went inside. I saw Flack in the waiting room and walked, almost ran, towards him.

“Where is she? What exactly happened?”
“We eh … we were searching his apartment after we found out that he was already gone. Stella and I … we were standing on the balcony … looking for a possible escape route he had taken. There was a … a small railing … then, all of a sudden … something exploded in his apartment. It was … I’m heavier … she fell.” Flack said softly. “I’m sorry Mac.”
“How high was the building you were in?” I asked with watery eyes.
“We were three floors high.”
“Oh my god.” Mac’s mother said.

Flack looked at me with a questioning look.

“This is my mother, Millie.” I quickly said. “Mom, this is Don Flack.”
“Nice to meet you.” Flack said and they shook hands.

Then a doctor walked up to us.

“Doc?” Flack and I said at the same time. “How is she doing?” I finished for the both of us.
“She will be fine, but she has some pretty bad injuries. She has a serious concussion, some broken ribs, a sprained wrist and some bruises and cuts. But she’s up right now. You can see her if you want to.”
“You go in.” flack told me with a wink.

I walked into her room and saw she was lying on a bed with her eyes closed. I stood in the door opening for a few seconds. I just couldn’t believe how fragile she looked. Then she opened her eyes and saw I was looking at her. She carefully smiled at me and I walked to the side of her bed.

“Stella. I’m so sorry.” was the first thing I whispered to her.
“What? Why?” she asked,
“It should have been me .. you shouldn’t even have been there in the first place.”
“Stop it Mac.” She whispered and she gently squeezed my hand. “This is not your fault.”
“Stell I … ”
“Shh.” She silent him. “Don’t say anything. Will you just stay with me right now.”
“You should get some rest Stell.” I said when I saw a tears rolling down her cheek. “I’ll stay here.” I continued, as I brushed the tear away with my thumb and took place in the chair next to her bed.

I didn’t know my mom was looking through the small window at that time. I was focused on Stella. I didn’t see her smile when I took her hand.

To be continued ...