Resuscitation by D. M. Annechino Page A

I promise you that I won’t rest until I find Genevieve’s murderer.”

     
    Sami lay on her side, facing Al. It was one of those moments she loved when their eyes and body language did most of the talking. He seemed a bit restless and distant tonight, but she hoped she could improve his mood. “This might be the last time you get to jump my bones without having to stifle yourself, Cowboy. Wanna make whoopee?”
    “Sounds inviting, but I’m completely out of gas.”
    “Well, maybe I can fill up your tank,” Sami said playfully. She kissed him softly on the lips. “When have you ever refused a roll in the hay?”
    “Will you give me a rain check?”
    Something didn’t feel right. He never refused an opportunity for sex. Okay, so their sex life had tapered off. With his schedule and her hurried life, they found it nearly impossible to carve out any time for themselves. But wouldn’t that make her invitation even more appealing?
    Al kissed Sami on the cheek. “I’m sorry, Sami. It was just one of those days.”
    She felt a knot in the back of her throat. “Are we okay?”
    He nodded. “Of course we are.”
    She wasn’t convinced. Sami’s romance with Al had taken a turn she never expected. Early in their relationship, the passion between them was so intense that she felt certain it would fade quickly. Yes, the frequency of their lovemaking had diminished; their hurried lives often distracted them. But she thought that the fire still burned hot. Was she wrong? Had he really turned down sex? She’d never expected to fall in love with him. He’d always seemed like a rogue, a heartbreaker. But since their love affair began, Al had shed his protective armor and exposed a kind and sensitive man. A man worthy of her love. Perhaps they had reached a crossroads, and Al and she were headed in different directions.
    Before Sami could complete her thoughts, the telephone rang.
    “Let the answering machine pick up,” Al said.
    She reached for the telephone before the second ring. “It could be the hospital calling about my mom.”
    “Hello. Yes. Yes. And your name is?” Sami covered the mouthpiece. “It’s Ricardo Menendez?”
    “Who?” He grabbed the phone.
    As Al silently listened, Sami watched the color drain from his face. His hand began to shake and he nearly dropped the telephone. “What hospital?” Al asked. “Give me your cell phone number.” Al reached past Sami and grabbed a pen and pad sitting on the nightstand. He scribbled hastily. “Thank you, Ricardo. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
    Al dropped the cordless telephone on the bed. “That was my sister’s boyfriend calling from Rio.” He couldn’t find his voice. “Aleta was in a head-on collision. She’s in an intensive care unit in Rio.” Al’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s in a coma and they don’t think she’s going to make it.”
    Sami sprang out of bed and put her arms around Al. “I’m so, so sorry.” There were no words that would comfort him.
    “I have to get there as soon as I can.”
    “Let me fire up the computer and search for tickets,” she offered.
    “Make a pot of coffee,” Al said. “I think it’s going to be a long night.”
     
     
    Julian’s destination this evening required that he dress down. He slipped on a pair of stylishly worn-out blue jeans and a pink polo shirt. He completed the ensemble with black Converse sneakers and he clasped a thick gold chain around his neck. He’d never been to Henry’s Hideaway before—why would he patronize a gay bar? But tonight he had a purpose and felt certain the crowd would fulfill his expectations. Located in the heart of Hillcrest, an area of San Diego famous for its trendy eateries, chic boutiques, and being a hot spot for the gay community, Henry’s was the hottest new pub and bistro in the area.
    Ordinarily, Julian wore his hair neatly parted on the side with just a touch of styling gel. But in an effort to blend in with the crowd, tonight he