A Wishing Moon by Sable Hunter Page A

screen. The news reporter might as well be reading his eulogy. He listened as they listed his accomplishments and he listened to them talk about what could have been. He saw his Chief of Staff, Reese Philips, stand before the press corp and declare that no more could be done for him and a special election would have to be called to select someone to fill the rest of his term. Jade watched his friend wipe away tears, turn his back on the camera and walk away.
    Damn, he needed a drink. He was so thirsty. His mouth felt like the Sahara desert. He longed for an ice chip or a sip of cool water. Fat chance of that happening—since he couldn’t swallow. God, why didn’t you just let me die? he screamed silently. But wait, something had happened, something pleasant had happened. Then he remembered his dream. He had told the girl his name and where he had been taken. She had told him her name was Arabella. Arabella , he thought to himself, what a beautiful name . Her name, however, wasn’t nearly as beautiful as she. If she really existed, would she find him? Did he want her to find him, considering his condition? The answer—probably…no. He would rather she not see him this way. What had possessed him to ask her to find him?
    The door to his room opened and two people entered. A doctor and a nurse stood at the foot of his bed and gazed down at him. He met their eyes, but they did not attempt to engage him in conversation. “He’s all alone, huh? No relatives, no girl friend, only the people who worked for him?”
    The nurse glanced at a clipboard in her hand. “His chart said Reese Phillips should be contacted if his condition worsens, he’s the only contact. I understand Mr. Lansdale’s fiancé left her ring on the bed and has not returned. Mr. Phillips requested we not let that particular bit of information get out. There’s not much chance we will even have the opportunity, the public is fickle and the press has stopped calling.”
    “ Pity.” The doctor came over to him and shone a light in his eyes. Reflex made him blink. “So, nobody’s home.”
    Jade wanted to scream at them that he could understand every damn word the bastards were saying. The next statement that came out of the doctor’s mouth sent cold chills down his paralyzed spine. “We will give the situation a little time, but if his name drops off the radar and a number of weeks go by and nobody comes to check on him—this one may be dispensable. After all, who would question his death? Who would begrudge this guy just letting go? He’s young, he’s strong, every organ is in great shape, but his brain can’t communicate with his body. Give our contact a call and tell them what’s up. In a couple of weeks, or so, we may have some merchandise for him.”
    With that horrific announcement, the pair left the room.
    Suddenly faced with the likelihood of his own demise, Jade Landale wanted to live.

    * * * *

    After putting out the red brick dust and the witch bottles, Nanette took a nap. The rest of the clan began preparing for Christmas and Yule festivities. Elizabeth baked cookies and made a chocolate fudge cake. Angelique made chicken with dressing and a sweet potato casserole. Arabella and Evangeline put up a tree and nestled dozens of brightly wrapped presents beneath its green boughs.
    Every time Arabella thought about Jade, she trembled. During a break, she’d got back on the computer and looked at the engagement picture one more time. If today weren’t Christmas Eve, she would have called the girl—a Kate Thompson. Her parents’ names were in the engagement announcement and Arabella had gone so far as to track down a telephone number for them. She was sorely tempted to call on the pretense she knew Jade and was enquiring about his condition after the fall. All in all, this might be the next best step she could think of. She’d tried to call Jade’s former office, but either they had closed for the holidays or had been permanently shut