Page 7 of Falling for Fang

She nodded her head and closed her eyes. I hit the call button, and a nurse came in. She administered some pain medicine and told us that she would likely sleep the rest of the afternoon. She texted me her list as she started to nod off. I really didn’t want her to worry about any of it. I sent the group message to all the guys that I wanted to meet in an hour. Gears said he would bring Sophie up here to sit with her so she wouldn’t be alone. Cara had fallen asleep not long after the nurse administered the pain meds. She told me that it was best, she would heal faster the more she rested. About fifteen minutes later, Gears and Sophie came into the room. Sophie walked over and I got up so she could sit down.

“She woke up for a few minutes, but she was hurting so the nurse gave her some pain meds and said she will likely sleep the rest of the afternoon. If she wakes before I get back let her know I’ll be here later.” Sophie hugged me and then sat down by her friend.

“I will, I brought some snacks and a book to read while she sleeps.” Sophie looked up as Gears bent down to kiss her. “See you later.”

“Later baby, I’ll pick you up this evening.” Gears said as we left. We met up at the clubhouse with everyone else.

Walking in I saw Axle was at the counter nursing some coffee, so I just jerked my head in his direction. He knew I wouldn’t say anything about what happened earlier. We all gathered around the big table. Remy and Luke were the last to get there. They had just gotten off a shift at the fire station and had to write up the report of the Shelter fire.

“Hey so it was arson, we found a can of gasoline beside the straw she kept in the storage room. It had been poured all over it. The damage is extensive. The building will have to be torn down. It isn’t safe to use.” Remy said looking disgusted. “If we can help with anything let us know.”

“That’s actually part of why I called the meeting. She had about twenty-five animals that are now displaced. She had planned on doing an adoption day this coming weekend to help find homes for them. Now she doesn’t have anywhere to do it. We have the old barn where we used to work on cars, and it’s not being used. It’s in good shape and since it’s right by the front gate it would be easily monitored.” I said looking at the guys.

“If Axle’s cool with it I’m glad to help get it ready and help out.” Undertaker said, scratching his beard. All the guys piped in about splitting the chores and helping out.

“Of course it’s fine with me. She is your girl which makes her one of us. We take care of our own.” Axle said. “Let’s get a list of everything we need and assign some of the pledges to work. Then we can get the animals moved here. I’m sure Doc can help with the clinic part some, as far as getting access to medications and equipment she needs.”

“Alright let’s go have a look and see what needs to be done to make it functional.” Axle said as we all headed over to the old barn.

8

Cara

I woke up and felt like I had been run over by a truck. My head hurt, my throat felt scratchy, and I was hearing a beeping noise. I cracked my eyes open and looked around the room to find I was in the hospital. Then I remembered the conversation I had with Fang earlier. I also remembered the fire and trying to get all my animals into the backyard. I looked over and saw Sophie with a book in her hand. Licking my lips I tried to speak but it was more like a croak. She looked up and smiled at me.

“Here, let me get you some water for your throat.” She said, pouring some in a cup with a straw and bringing it to me. “Do you want me to raise your bed a bit?”

I nodded at her. She helped me drink some and then put the cup on the tray beside me. I closed my eyes and sighed. I have been having a great week so far. Things were great with Fang, and we were getting to know each other then this. I just didn’t understand how it could have started. There was a light knock on the hospital room door and Detective Whittaker poked his head in.

“Hey Cara, how are you feeling?” he asked gently as he glanced over at Sophie. “Can I talk to you alone for a few minutes?”

“Sophie can stay.” I said, narrowing my eyes at him. He chuckled and nodded.

“Ok, sure she can stay. I got the report on how the fire started but I’m trying to make sense of it. They found a can of gasoline in the room where it originated.” He looked at me and I frowned.

“I don’t keep gasoline anywhere on the premises and nothing flammable in that room at all.” I told him, confused. “I don’t know how that could have gotten there.”

“Is there anyone who would have a grudge against you?” the detective asked. I shook my head, but Sophie put her hand on my leg.

“Cara was Fang’s date to his sister’s wedding. One of the strippers at the dance club he works at didn’t take it very well. She was pretty pissed.” Sophie said, looking at me.

“You really think she would do something like that because we were on a date?” I was horrified. “I put everything I have into that clinic and the shelter. I barely have enough insurance to cover the clinic supplies but the building I got on a foreclosure deal, or I never could have afforded it.”

“I’m terribly sorry about that, Ms. Daniels. If you think of anything else, please call me. I’ll leave my card here on the nightstand.” He left and it was just Sophie and me.

I closed my eyes as tears threatened to overtake me. What had I ever done to deserve so much bad luck? Why is it that when I was finally happy this had to happen? Sophie handed me one of her books and winked.

“You may as well read some smut with me since we have nothing else to do right now.” Sophie and I both giggled. She sat back in her chair, and I raised my feet up and propped the book on my knees. She knew I was too stressed to talk about Fang at the moment. At least the book would help distract me for a while.

Katherine came in an hour later to check on me. She brought me some food and a Diet Dr. Pepper. She figured I was starving and there was no reason why I couldn’t eat. She had brought me some homemade dumplings so it would be easy to swallow.

“I’m about to get off shift, but I thought you might like to see one of the pictures we got before you left the wedding.” Katherine sent the photo to my phone. “For what it’s worth, I have not seen Jimmy this happy in years. You’re good for him.”

I watched her leave as my phone pinged. I looked down and there was a snapshot of Fang looking down at me with a smile on his face and I was looking back at him. It was a great picture and I loved it.

“Well, are you going to show me?” Sophie reached for my phone, and I stuck my tongue out at her. She took it and grinned so big. “You two look so cute together. He obviously adores you. He has been grilling me for things you like for months.”

“He is such a gentleman, and he is always trying to take care of me. It’s really sweet. I’m just not used to it.” I touched the picture on my screen and made it my screensaver. I set my phone down and started to eat my dinner. It was delicious. I finished it before I realized and was a little sad there was no more there, but I was full, so it was for the best. “That was nice of Katherine to bring me dinner.”

---