Page 38 of A Daddy for Maddy

“But it’s over now, right, Daddy?”

“It’s over. Griff will go to jail for a long time. Stewart will also do time as his accomplice. It’s not just stalking, but now assault charges for Griff on you, Ozzy, Trent and me. Trent has a lot of power in this city. He’ll make sure Griff is put away for a long time.”

Colin held my hand as I lay back in the bed. I started to get a little tired, and I closed my eyes and drifted. Then everything went away as I fell asleep.

17

Colin

Maddy barely woke when the doctor came in to examine him. It scared me to see him in the hospital bed and not fully responding. The doctor instructed the nurse to give Maddy an injection.

“We’re going to give him an oxygen mask just to be on the safe side. I want to admit him and keep him overnight. We’ll monitor the swelling. I’ll give him something for that, as well, to keep it from getting worse.”

Maddy said nothing. He fell back to sleep in seconds.

“I’m not leaving his side. Is that okay?”

“Are you his husband?”

“Boyfriend.”

“Yes, that will be fine. I’ve already been informed the perpetrator has been arrested.”

“Yes, he was.” I knew the doctor was assessing me himself, just to make sure I wasn’t the one who’d done this to Maddy.

“I’ll get someone in here for the paperwork. Can you help with that?”

“I’ll try.”

Just then, Trent walked in followed by Ozzy, who clung to the back hem of his suit jacket. He had obviously overheard that last part.

“No need for any of that. I’m paying for his stay, however long that is. I’ll take care of everything. Just make sure this boy gets the best care you have. Send everything to me. Paperwork and whatever else you need.”

“Mr. Winterbourne?” The doctor straightened his shoulders. “Of course. The biggest donor to this hospital will always get the five-star treatment. But we do need a patient history.”

“In time. Let him sleep. He’s the hero of the day, you know. This little guy fought hard and saved my Ozzy from harm.”

“Hero?” I echoed. “He’ll love hearing that when he wakes up.”

Ozzy walked up to the bed, reached out and ran his hand over Maddy’s forehead. “Thank you, Maddy. Thank you for being there and helping me. And for being my new friend.” Then he leaned over the bed and placed Kornie along the crook of Maddy’s arm.

Ozzy looked up at Trent. “Can I see my new friend again? Please?”

“He will be welcome to any of our homes at any time, little one,” Trent said.

Ozzy swung his hands forward, clutching his own wrists. A shy boy. Someone I’d never pegged to be Trent’s type. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Thank you, Trent,” I said. “For everything.”

“For getting caught up in my mess?” He shook his head.

“It’s my job. I’m honored to do it. I’m just glad this drama is over with now.”

“After this, you’ll be getting a raise. It’s the least I can do for my best bouncer.”

He already paid me too much. More than I needed. I was grateful. For the job. For an attentive if eccentric boss, and for the club that brought Maddy into my life.

Whatever drugs the nurse gave Maddy kept him sleeping even as he was transferred to a private room. I was allowed to go with him every step of the way.

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