Page 61 of No Good Deed

Don't Fail Me Now

Piper wanted answers exactly as much as she wanted to sleep in Troy’s arms and forget everything. Lia had said there were no fractures or chips in her ribs, but she was definitely bruised. The doctor repeated her instructions to take it easy and rest. And she wanted to see her the following day, after she’d slept as long as she could.

Troy helped her sit on the examination bed once Lia had left the room.

She forced the question out. “Should we go see Marcus? Do I need to give a statement?”

Troy shook his head. “Not tonight. Jackass can cool his heels in the cell until tomorrow. We’ll talk to Marcus then and see what we need to do.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded. “Marcus told me to tell you there’s no rush. Tomorrow works for him and gives Westerlake more time to get used to the reality of being in a cell.”

She nodded. Even the thought of seeing Ethan again caused fear to skitter through her veins. She wanted nothing more to do with the man ever, but there were still lots of questions to be answered.

Troy caressed her jaw and tilted her chin up. “Shove him out of your head for now. He doesn’t deserve any more of your time or head space. Take tonight to rest and recuperate. We’ll deal with the real world tomorrow.”

That sounded like an extremely good plan.

Troy helped her ease down from the table. Her head was pounding, and she needed Troy’s strength. Once they were home, she could take the meds.

Home with Troy. That also sounded like a very good plan.

When they reached the waiting room, Piper was shocked to see so many of the townspeople there. They all stood when she entered.

Are you okay?

We’re so sorry you were hurt.

We’re glad you’re safe now.

How are you feeling?

Here’s some ice cream. It makes everything better.

How can I help?

Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all.

I’ll bring you a lasagna for tomorrow.

What can I do?

The kindness was overwhelming, and she knew her mouth opened and closed like a fish. People reached out to hug her gently and squeeze her hand. No one seemed to expect an answer.

Which was good because she’d lost the power of speech. Troy kept his arm around her and replied to everyone who needed an answer. None of them asked intrusive questions, and none of them stayed long. Inside two minutes, the entire room had emptied.

Lia laughed. “Welcome to Phail, Piper. If you had any doubts about how well you fit in with our wacky little town, I hope that put your mind at ease. Everyone was worried about you, and they’ll probably drive you nuts trying to help while you recover.”

That made her smile. “They’re amazing. You’re all amazing.”

Lia handed Troy a small bag. “Here are the pain meds. Be sure to take them with food. There’s a printout with instructions on how to care for that concussion. Joe and I are staying in town, so call me anytime.”

Piper knew they had an apartment above Doc’s and split their time between town and Midnight Lake, depending on their work schedules.

“Thank you.”

Lia waved that away. “Oreo is upstairs with Moose. They’re having fun together. Why don’t you leave him with us for tonight?”

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