Page 14 of Freedom to Love

Her stomach knotted with the anxiety of his whereabouts. It was something she’d have to see to soon. “He hasn’t been with me long.” She’d rescued him a year ago and had never been more in love.

“I stopped by,” he said. “Checked the house. I should’ve noticed he was gone.”

“When was that?” she asked, curious as to when someone took him.

“That first night.”

She nodded, knowing then that it must be Brynn. There’s no way Brynn would’ve known her condition until later. So she must’ve prepared for the worst and taken Gunner. “Can you do me a favor? Can you check all the doors and windows, make sure they’re secure?”

He nodded and left her side, and she sat on her bed and rubbed her duvet. Sunlight streamed through growing clouds into her window to warm her, soothe her. Her eyes felt heavy and her stomach was growling for food. She wasn’t used to feeling weak, to being down and out. She rarely took sick days, rarely relaxed with a movie on the couch. She spent her free time working on her Sea-Doos or out on the lake racing them, pushing them to their limits. And when she wasn’t doing that, she and Gunner were out on long hikes or bike rides through the mountain trails. She liked to push her body, to push herself, to see how far she could go, just like she did with her Sea-Doos. Trouble was, she didn’t know how to be under repair like her watercraft, various tools surrounding her, having dug into her and patched her back up. Unlike her watercraft, she had to heal, and the thought alone pissed her off.

“Murph.” She stood and pulled back the covers on her bed. Like it or not, she needed to rest from her expedition from the hospital. She also needed to think. Damien was alive but probably not doing well, based on Murphy’s evasiveness. And Brynn Williams was on the run, most likely with Gunner, hiding out of fear.

Murph entered the room, wood floor creaking beneath his feet.

“I need to sleep,” she said. “But when I wake, I would like to eat.”

He nodded.

“Can you help me out of these sweats? I’m burning up.”

“I’ll get Margie.”

She sat again, unable to stand. Murph left and Margie entered and gently helped her undress.

“I’ll bring all that food by later,” she said, slipping a sleeveless T-shirt over her head.

“Don’t bring it all. I won’t be able to eat that much.” Kat eased into bed with a groan. “I hate this damn sling.” She looked to Margie and managed to smile through her grimace. “Thanks, Margie. For everything.”

Murph appeared in the doorway.

“You too, Murph. Thanks.”

He made eye contact, and for a moment, she swore she saw him tear up. But when she blinked, the tears were gone and he sighed.

He seemed embarrassed at her gratitude, and she lowered in the bed, Margie lifting the covers over her.

“No need to worry, ya’ll. I’m fine.”

They smiled. “You’re a strong girl,” Margie said, joining Murph by the door.

“Everything’s locked up tight,” Murph said.

“Anything unusual or out of place?”

He thought for a moment. “The basement light was on.”

“Really?” It had to be Brynn. She must’ve come in through the back door. It made sense. Simple doorknob lock, away from prying eyes. She was lucky that Gunner kept most everyone away. She hoped he hadn’t caused too much trouble for her.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

She refocused. “No, nothing. I just realized which friend has Gunner. I’ll get him in a couple of days. In the meantime,” she said, pulling up the covers some more, “you guys can go. I’ll be fine.”

“You need someone here to—” Murph started.

“I’ll have someone,” she said quickly. “I’ve got ya’ll,

and I’m calling a friend of mine tomorrow. I know she’ll

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