Daddy's Little Star (Daddy 8)

Chapter Eleven

Caleb stood off to the side with his arms crossed as Bella went through her lines with another girl on the stage. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her for a moment except for when he was checking out the people in the room to see if there was a threat.

He saw Helen out of the corner of his eye and gritted his teeth against the need to destroy the woman who threatened Bella.

The phone in his pocket vibrated, so he walked away to an area where he could still see Bella but not interrupt the production.

“Simmons,” Caleb said.

Dr. Wesley cleared his throat. “Hello, Caleb, I’ve got the results, and unfortunately, they are what we suspected. Her mother was giving her Thallium’s toxicity, otherwise known as rat poison…”

“Motherfucker,” Caleb ground out between his clenched teeth.

“It can be treated since we caught it early. I’ll have someone drop a prescription forRadiogardase off for you today. Give her three pills a day until they are gone, and continue to give her lots of fluids.”

“It will be done. Thank you for everything.”

“All the thanks I need is for her mother to be put away for a long time.”

“That’s in the process right now.”

“I really wish I could see it,” the doctor said.

“If it goes to trial, you’ll be called upon to testify.”

“I’d gladly do that.”

Caleb exhaled, trying to calm his anger enough to hide it until the cops and DA had their case. “I doubt it will get to that. I think she’ll plead out, but she’ll still be going to prison, and her life is ruined no matter what.”

“Yes. Greed will get you in trouble every time.”

Caleb nodded even if the doctor couldn’t see. “I agree, Doc.”

“Take care of Bella.”

“You know I will,” Caleb answered.

“I do. Bye.”

Caleb texted Travis and the DA the results and then walked closer to the set and watched. He fought not to look at Helen because he was afraid she’d see the fury he knew he couldn’t hide in his expression right then. At the moment, he had to console himself with the fact she would be taken down and very soon.

He smiled when Bella walked his way.

She looked up at him and smiled. “Are you okay?”

He cupped her cheek. “Yes, I am, little star. Are you ready for some lunch?”

“I do feel a little hungry today.”

“That’s good. It means you’re getting better.”

She gripped his wrist. “I told you I would. Now, will you stop worrying?”

“I’ll never stop worrying about you, baby. I hope you can get used to me being overprotective of you.”

He was relieved to see the pleasure, trust, and happiness in her expression.

“Of course,” she murmured. “It just means you care about me.”

“Oh, that’s putting it mildly.” He wrapped an arm around her waist. “I want you to drink as much as you can. The doctor said it would make you better faster. He’s also sending a prescription over that will help.”

“But I’m feeling better,” she griped.

“I know, but we both want you healthy. Do this for us … for me, little star.”

She nodded. “Of course. I know you only want the best for me.”

“Yes, I do. Let’s eat. Maybe some soup?” he asked.

“That sounds wonderful.”

Caleb was aware Helen stood off to the side with a scowl of disappointment on her face, and he wanted to howl in laughter that he’d squashed her plan to kill Bella.

He got Bella some soup and piled his plate full before directing her over to the table where her producer sat.

Eddy studied Bella. “You’re looking a bit better today.”