Page 4 of Hell Bent

Trying to have patience, Sway had the good mind to jump behind the damn desk and give the receptionist a hand. When the couple in front of her walked off, she sighed loudly.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes. My brother, Tesh Roussin, was brought in.”

Sway watched the woman type on the keyboard until she finally glanced up at her.

“Your brother is in ICU on the third floor. Just head down the corridor to the elevators. Once you get upstairs, speak with one of the nurses for more information,” the receptionist said.

“Thank you.” Hustling down the hallway, Sway found the elevators. Her fingers tapped her thigh as she watched the numbers light up as the elevator headed to the first floor. Standing behind the small crowd also waiting on the elevator, Sway could have screamed.

Two police officers stepped up bedside her as the doors opened and allowed her in. As they stood in front of her, she listened as they spoke about a man being beaten within inches of his life the night before. Then she heard her brother’s name. Her knees went weak just as the elevator doors closed, and she fell against the wall, trying to keep upright. One of the officers grabbed her by the arm, helping her regain her balance.

“Are you okay?”

“No. I think you were talking about my brother.”

“What’s your name?” one of the officers asked her.

“Sabine Roussin.” Sway saw the look on the young officer’s face when she said her name. It showed sympathy. “Can you tell me what happened to Tesh Roussin?”

“Let’s talk somewhere private.” Staring at the young woman, he hated this part of his job. This, and telling a family their loved one was deceased.

When the elevator door opened, they walked over to a family room where they could talk. “What’s happened to my brother?” Sway asked before the door closed them inside the room.

“We aren’t sure what happened exactly. A witness reported that your brother was attacked by a group of men.”

“Can you tell me who the witness was?” She watched the officer thumb through his notes.

“Jerome Michel,” he said. The cop noticed a change in her facial expression. “Do you recognize the name, Miss Roussin?”

“Yes.” Sway knew who Jerome Michel was. “He and Tesh had been mates in school.” He was a lowlife thug who ran cons all over the area. She’d be looking up good old Jerome. “I’m glad someone saw what happened.”

“We’ll be speaking with Mr. Michel again later at the station. If you need anything, be sure to call the station.” The officer handed her a business card.

Sway looked at the card and then at the officer. “Is that it? You’re going to speak with Jerome and the investigation will be closed?”

“No, we’ll keep looking for anyone who can shed more light on the situation,” the cop assured her.

She hated that her brother was now a situation. “Was my brother anywhere near the Royal Bastards clubhouse?”

“No. He was miles from there. Why do you ask?”

“He sometimes hung around those boys.”

“Everything points to a random attack. The area he was in is known for being rough.”

Thanking the officers, Sway watched as they walked out. She’d find everything she could on Jerome. Knowing some of her brother’s dealings weren’t exactly legal, she would bet money he had been dealing with his school mate without her knowing. The one thing she wouldn’t be doing is reaching out to the cops, no matter what she found. The last thing she needed was the cops coming around the shop.

Walking down the corridor, Sway found Tesh’s room. Squaring her shoulders, she gently opened the door and stepped in. Sway froze as she stared at her brother. He lay in the bed, his dark hair a contrast against the white pillow. He seemed small lying there under the hospital blanket while machines beeped and moaned softly, monitoring Tesh’s vitals.

Moving closer to the bed, Sway saw her brother’s face was covered in bruises and lacerations. His hands were the same. Tesh had fought for his life, that she was sure of. Sliding a hand underneath her brother’s, Sway gently held it. “What did you get into last night?”

The door opened as a nurse walked in. Her shoes squeaked against the sterile tile floor. “Don’t mind me, I’m just checking on the patient,” the woman said. Her voice was soft and soothing. Something told Sway the woman probably helped many distraught family members with her easy way, but Sway was too numb for a soothing voice.

“My brother’s belongings, where would I find those?”

“Everything is bagged up and put in the closet right overthere.” The nurse pointed to a small cupboard across the room.

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