Riordan (26 page)

should be. You must have heard what happened.”

“I did, and he’s in jail. He was carrying a weapon and there are laws about that.” She told

him how Storm had shot him. “Good. She must have been having one of her better days if she

didn’t kill him. She’s a shoot-now-and-ask-questions-later sort of person.”

His laughter made her smile. And what a smile he had. Andi wanted to run her hands

through his thick hair and see if it was as soft as it looked. But she wouldn’t. Not ever.

As she lay in her own room with the television bigger than two of her own and soft sheets,

she thought of the woman. Storm Harrison was really a nice person. She really was sort of blunt,

but Andi liked it. When she was alone in her own little apartment, she would say some of the

things that Storm would say. And she would giggle herself sick over how stupid it sounded

coming out of her mouth. When the phone rang she nearly didn’t answer it, and might not have if

the nurse that had brought her a tray of food hadn’t told her it was for her.

“It’s Storm. I just wanted to see if you needed anything.” She told her that she didn’t. “My

husband and I will be coming by later. I have some things for you. Shit like toothpaste and

things. I don’t suppose you have those on you.”

“No, but they gave me some here.” Andi glanced over at the little bag of things she’d been

given. “They’re very small, aren’t they?”

“You should have to share them with a big hulking man.” Andi blushed again, thinking of

the nice doctor. “Anyway, your dad will be spending a few days in county. I don’t think it’s

going to make him in any better of a mood, but he’s not going to come there. Also, I know that

you have a brother and aunt at that house. They’ve been informed and so you know, they won’t

be allowed in to see you. Nice family you have there. Someone should be taking care of you, not

you them.”

“My dad thinks I owe him.” She felt the tears fill her eyes. “I don’t want to have to go back

there, but if things don’t turn around, I’m going to have to.”

“You’re not going back. I have something worked out for you when you’re released. But for

now, I want you to rest and take care. Riordan and I will be by later to talk to you. All right?”

“Yes, ma’am. And thank you.” Storm told her it was fine and hung up. Andi lay there

thinking of how nice it was to have someone caring for her for a change, then opened the covers

on her food tray. “Holy crap. I’m in heaven.”

She saw a container of soup with several crackers. A glass of water, three small containers

of juice, fruit in a bowl, as well as hot water with instant coffee and two tea bags. There were

thick slices of turkey over mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, as well as some stuffing. In a

sealed bag was two slices of bread. On another plate was a slice of apple pie, as well as a slice of

cherry, both covered in whipped cream. She found the note when she pulled the napkin off the

tray.

Stormy said to make sure you have a big meal. I had no idea what to order, so I told them to

give you the best. I’ll see you in the morning, Andi. Your friend, Ennis.

Andi ate nearly all of it and lay there afterwards and wondered what the heck was wrong

with her. It was the most she’d eaten in days, and it had just been too good to turn away. When

the nurse came in to ask her if she needed anything, Andi nearly told her that she was fine. But

she wasn’t.

“Do you think it’s possible that I could have something for my head? It’s really hurting.”

The nurse told her that Dr. Harrison had left orders for her to have something and said she’d be

back. In less than five minutes, she was back with two little pills and a glass of water.

“This will make you slightly drowsy. But I’ll be in to check on you several times, all right?”

Andi nodded, taking the medicine and laying back. “Just ring if you need to get up. You’ll be

dizzy as well.”

Andi turned off the light after she left her with the promise that she’d call. But when the

drugs started to make her feel really…really light headed, she felt herself drifting off. Andi

thought this was going to be the best sleep she’d ever had.

Before You Go…

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Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her

husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids,

three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.

Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers

in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal

romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d

like. She loves hearing from her fa
ns. [email protected].

Follow Kathi on her blog:
http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/