Last Breath Read Online Free PDF Page A

bruises. X-rays show three cracked ribs and a broken left wrist. They’ve just put a cast on that arm. All in all, I’d say she’s pretty lucky. Apparently the car that hit her wasn’t going too fast. Is that right?”
    I rubbed my forehead. “It was slowing to a stop. But a paparazzo was in it, and his driver was coming too fast for a drop-off area. He just wanted to get there and take pictures.” My throat tightened. I hated those paparazzi, all of them. “Wh-what do you do for cracked ribs?”
    Dr. Devlor gave me a little smile. “You’re Shaley?”
    I nodded.
    â€œShe’s been asking about you. The nurses told her you had plenty of people around you.”
    Tears welled in my eyes. Hit by a car, and Mom was thinking of me.
    â€œTo answer your question—we’ve taped up her chest. She shows no signs of breathing problems or any internal injuries, so that’s good. But cracked ribs are a slow heal, and there’s significant pain. Just about every movement connects to those chest muscles.”
    Ross made a sound in his throat. “How long does she need to stay?”
    â€œTwo or three days. We’ve put her on pain meds. When she’s able to travel, she can go home. But that’s … where?”
    â€œSouthern California.”
    The doctor tilted his head. “That’s a distance. We’ll just have to wait and see when she’s up to that.”
    I bit my lip. “Can I see her now?”
    â€œSure.” Dr. Devlor looked around apologetically. “I can’t let you all in—there’s not enough room. But you should be able to visit her tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll go in with Shaley.” Ross put a hand on my arm. “Come on, hon.”
    My insides felt like Jell-O. Somehow I managed to fall into step with Ross. Together we followed Dr. Devlor around the corner and into the examining room.

6
    T he room was all steel and white, full of medical instruments. Cold. Frightening.
    Mom lay on a gurney, covered with a blanket. Her blonde hair was mussed on a pillow, her left arm in a blue cast up to her elbow. She managed a crooked, pain-wracked smile. “Hi, Shaley.”
    â€œMom.” I scurried over and pressed a hand to her cheek. My throat choked up. “I’m so sorry.”
    Her eyes drooped. “It’s okay. I’ll be okay.”
    â€œHey, Rayne.” Ross edged up beside me, putting his hand over Mom’s.
    Regret stitched across her face. “Ross, I’m so sorry. I’ve messed everything—”
    â€œNah.” He shook his head. “ You didn’t do anything. But those paparazzi are going to pay.” Gently, he squeezed her fingers. “How you feeling?”
    â€œLike a truck hit me.”
    â€œWell. Not quite that big.”
    â€œExcuse me.” A dark-haired nurse touched me on the arm. “We’re ready to take your mom to her room now.”
    â€œA private one?” Ross gave her a firm look.
    She nodded. “Our single-bed rooms are taken, so we’re giving her one with two beds but turning it into a private room for as long as she stays.”
    â€œThanks,” I said. At least that was something positive. Instead of sitting in a chair all night, I’d have a bed to sleep in. Because no way was I leaving my mom.
    The nurse focused on me. “You can come with her if you like.”
    â€œOh. Yeah.” I looked around. “I left our purses out there …”
    â€œI’ll get them,” Ross said. “And I’ll talk to Mick and Wendell. I want them taking turns posted at the door outside her room.”
    Ross hurried out on his mission.
    I stayed close to Mom’s gurney as two young orderlies wheeled her into an elevator. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Miss O’Connor,” one of them said as he pushed the button for floor three. He was sandy-haired, with a boyish face. As much as