Page 35 of Andrew’s Outback Love

“Sure, is something wrong?”

I nodded as the others opened their doors and peered into the corridor.

“Cam’s room, everyone. It’s urgent.”

People hurried along the corridor and once we were all together, I explained what had happened.

“Drew and I went back to his room after the gala and we spent today together. We’d decided to have room service for dinner. A knock came at the door and we thought it was our meal, but when he opened the door, it was Candy Wilson. Drew’s been shot, he’s been taken to Royal Melbourne.”

The chorus of “what?” was deafening.

“Drew and Candy had words when we were leaving the gala last night. She tried to make out for the reporters and cameras that they were in a relationship......”

“That’s a fucking lie, Drew can’t stand the bitch.” Cam was flushed with anger.

“I know,” I continued. “He told the reporters, they weren’t in a relationship and never would be. She didn’t take it well and said he’d pay for embarrassing her.”

“How is he?” Marge asked.

“The force of the bullet being fired at close range knocked him out. He was still unconscious when the paramedics left with him. The bullet is lodged in the right shoulder and there was a large amount of blood loss....”

“Subclavian, I suspect,” Barry said.

“That was my thought too, it was in the region. There was no exit wound so, I’d say he’ll be taken straight to surgery to remove the bullet. Does anyone know how to contact his family?”

“We’ll have it on file at the RFDS. I’ll give Rachel a call, get the details and contact his parents,” James offered.

“Linda, he’ll be okay, won’t he?” Viv clutched Gary’s arm and her knuckles were white.

“He lost a lot of blood, Viv, but I think he’ll be okay. I’m going over to the hospital now and I’ll keep you informed. I just needed you to know before the media got hold of it.”

“What about, Candy?” Finn asked.

“The police have her in custody.”

“I hope they throw her arse in jail for a very long time.” Rex said what we were all thinking.

I glanced to Ruby who was slumped in a chair at a small table, she’d been unusually quiet. I’d expected her to rant and rave, but instead she sat quietly and tears streamed down her cheeks. When she lifted her eyes to mine, I saw the heartbreak in their depths. It was obvious she was extremely fond of Drew and afraid for his well-being.

James frowned as he asked, “Candy didn’t stay around to shoot or threaten you?”

I stared hard at the green carpet I was standing on.

James placed his hand on my arm. “What aren’t you saying?”

I lifted my head and noted all eyes were on me. “She shot the young man who was delivering our meal from the restaurant. The bullet grazed his side. The paramedics called for a second ambulance to take him to hospital, but he’ll be fine.”

“And, you?” James was not letting it go.

“The gun jammed,” I said quietly.

“Fuck!” Cam paced the floor and dragged fingers through his already messy hair. “Thank fuck, it did.”

Everyone voiced their agreement.

“I need to go and be with Drew. I’ll call when I know something.”

After hugs from everyone, I left the room and hurried to the lift. Within seconds it arrived. I stepped inside and pushed the button for the ground floor. As it whooshed me towards street level, I leaned against the hand rail and realised I was shaking. I needed Drew to be okay.