Page 78 of Bidding War

“What hospital are we in?”

That earns a nervous look from her. “A private one.”

“Is that why I don't hear anything in the halls?”

Her lips purse as she nods. “It's state-of-the-art. You have nothing to worry about.”

But I do. I worry about June. How can she find me in a private hospital? I don't ask Mom this. As far as I know, she doesn't know that Dad forbid me from being with June. That would require a lot more explaining than I think he's willing to do. It's better to keep Mom out of our business.

That makes me assume that this hospital must be legitimate. Dad wouldn't take Mom to any place where she might be in danger. Knowing this, I'm sure he's around somewhere. This moment of peace won't last forever.

Dad is coming.

“Anderson, how are you feeling? Do you need more pain medication?”

I'm tempted. But I shake my head no. Until I wonder about something. She is the one person who I know will not lie to me about this. “Am I actually gonna make it, Mom?”

“Of course you are. What a thing to ask.”

At that, I tried to take a full breath. But it hurts like a son of a bitch. “You know, I wouldn't mind one of those painkillers you were talking about.”

She smiles, then presses a button. It only takes seconds, but I feel it when it hits. It's like all of my muscles relax at once. Then she passes me the button. “This won't be activated for another five minutes. That way, you can't overdo it.”

I nod, grateful for the button in my hand. “Thanks for that.”

“Thank you for breathing.”

“Well, I am fond of it.”

“Don't act like this was nothing, Anderson.” Her voice wavers as she speaks. “You nearly died.”

“I—"

But the door opens, and it's Dad. I wish I could say I was surprised he was the one to interrupt me. But I am surprised when I see his face. He actually looks worried until he looks at me. Then, relief washes over him. It makes me uncomfortable to see that he cares. As if I weren’t in this position because of him.

“Nice of you to wake up, son. I see you found your morphine drip. Can't say I'm surprised.”

What he doesn't say out loud is he thinks morphine is for the weak. He won't insult me in front of Mom. But I hear the words all the same.

“Nice of you to come visit me.”

“Well, it is expected when one’s son almost dies.” He looks at mom. “Dear, why don't you go get a sandwich and a cup of coffee? I'm sure you could use both.”

“I will if you promise not to leave his side.”

He smiles warmly at her. She is the only person on earth who gets that smile. “Of course, my love.”

Mom squeezes my hand one more time before she leaves us.

When the door closes, he begins. I expect nothing but insults and cruelty. That expectation has never let me down before. “How are you feeling, Anderson?”

I hate it when he swerves from our usual script. It’s confusing, particularly when he pretends to care, and it doesn’t help that I’m doped up right now. “Like I was shot in the gut. What do you think? Where are we really?”

“In a private hospital that I use to conduct business. The doctors here are skilled at both medicine and discretion.”

Reading between the lines, I understand. It's a hospital for mobsters.

He licks his lips. It's almost as if he's stalling. But Elliott West does not stall. His tactic makes me nervous. “If?—"

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