Page 59 of Caught in the Crossfire

“The killer?”

“Probably.” He dragged a hand down his face. “I could use some coffee. Do either of you want anything? Soft drink, water?” When they both turned down the offer, Ethan left, promising to return within a couple of minutes.

Josh knocked and walked in. “Good to see you’re awake, Mase.” He sat in the chair Ethan had vacated. “You gave us a scare, buddy.”

“Scared myself. Thanks for standing watch.”

A shrug. “You’re family. I’m standing in for Rio.”

Mason sighed. “You called him, didn’t you?”

“He and Darcy will be back tomorrow.”

“I’m fine. They don’t need to cut their vacation short.”

“Try telling that to your cousin’s wife. She insisted on coming home.”

Not surprising. Darcy treated him like she did her brother, Trent. “You staying all night?”

Josh shook his head. “I’m in charge of PT tomorrow at PSI. Quinn and Nate take over at 2:00.” He smiled. “They wanted to help because volunteering gives them a pass to skip PT.”

“I appreciate the help in protecting Nicole.”

“We’re happy to step in until you’re able to take over yourself.”

When Ethan came back, Josh returned to his post. “Sleep, Mason,” Ethan murmured. “You and Nicole are safe.”

Mason urged Nicole to lay her head against his shoulder. Two more months and he could hold her like this every night.

Two hours later, Mason roused when Ethan stood. “Shift change?” he whispered.

A nod. “I’ll check on you tomorrow. Watch your back.”

Seconds after he strode from the room, Nate slipped in, nodded at Mason in greeting, and settled into the chair Ethan had vacated. The rest of the early morning hours passed with the night nurse checking his vitals at two-hour intervals. At five, traffic in the hallway picked up.

Within another hour, Dr. Thomas checked his progress and appeared satisfied that the ketamine was out of his system. “You might have some residual fatigue, Mr. Kincaid, but that should disappear in the next two days. Once the nurse brings your discharge papers, you’re free to leave.”

“Thanks, Dr. Thomas.”

“I hope I don’t see you again as a patient.”

That brought a rough laugh. “No offense, but I don’t want to see you again unless you need repair work done to your house.”

“You’re a handyman?”

“I work for Elliott Construction. We also do home repairs and remodeling.”

“I’ll keep your company in mind for my next DIY project. I can treat patients, but I’m all thumbs when it comes to repairing things around my home.” He grinned. “My wife is better at repairs than I am.”

Mason found one of his business cards in his wallet and handed it to the physician. “Call me if you or your wife need help with a repair.”

Thomas pocketed the card and, after shaking Mason’s hand, left the room.

Nicole poked her head around the door frame. “Well?”

“I’m cleared to leave as soon as I have my release papers.”

“Yes!” She hurried inside, threw her arms around his neck, and pressed a hard and fast kiss to his mouth. “What’s the plan for the day?”

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