Page 76 of Exposure of Murder

The nurse walked in and gave the papers to Bucky, explained to Jane what to watch out for since he was still in danger of a concussion, and promised to come right back with a wheelchair.

“Okay then, I’ll step out while you dress, then we can head to your place and pick up some clothes.” Jane frowned. “Do you need my help?”

Bucky chuckled. “No. I can manage.”

Jane walked into the hallway, gave him a few minutes, saw the nurse and wheelchair, and walked back into the room.

“Okay, Mr. Marsh, let’s get you in the wheelchair and home,” said the nurse. Bucky let out a little groan as she helped him into the chair and wheeled him to the elevator, with Jane following. Arriving on the main floor, the nurse then waited by the front door while Jane got her car and pulled up to the door.

It didn’t take long to get him situated in the front seat. “Bucky, I’m so sorry this happened to you,” she said.

Bucky shook his head. “This has nothing to do with you but with whoever hit me.”

She pulled out of the parking lot and glanced over at him. His eyes were closed, but Jane had no idea where Bucky lived.

“Um, Bucky?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t know where you live. What’s the address?”

He gave it to her. The drive over was quiet. Bucky had closed his eyes again and started to snore.

They arrived in a part of town Jane wasn’t familiar with. The area had clearly seen better days. The narrow, four-story building was old, a little run-down, with a faded sign that read “Maple Arms Apartments” above the entrance.

She gave him a little nudge, and he woke, disoriented.

“We’re here,” Jane said. “Can you walk? If not, give me the keys and I’ll run in.”

He unbuckled his seat belt. “No. I’m fine. I’ll come with you.”

They walked into a dimly lit hallway and climbed two flights of stairs. Jane watched as Bucky slowly walked up, praying that he wouldn’t keel over since there was no way she could pick up a six-foot-tall man. There was no one else in the hall. The odor of cabbage or something equally stinky wafted from one of the apartments.

When they arrived at his apartment, Bucky fished a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Jane followed him in. The apartment was sparsely finished and small, but it was fairly neat except for a few dishes in the sink and a couple of beer bottles on the coffee table.

“Sorry about the mess,” Bucky said. “I wasn’t expecting company.”

Jane shook her head. “No worries. Collect what you need for a few days, and we’ll head out.”

He nodded and walked toward the bedroom. Jane could see a double bed and an old dresser. Bucky gathered what he needed while Jane glanced around the living room. There wasn’t much, but she picked up a framed picture of Mike, Bucky, and a pretty young woman.This must be Lisa.

He came out with a duffel bag and looked like he was going to collapse. She took it from him after setting the picture down.

“Is that Lisa?” she asked.

Bucky smiled. “Yes.” He sighed. “She was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside.”

“She’s pretty.”

Bucky nodded. Jane picked the picture up and placed it in his duffel. “Let’s go. You look like you’re going to pass out.”

“I’m fine,” Bucky replied. “I’ve certainly had worse.”

Jane wondered what worse was. She couldn’t imagine a life where people got physically hurt all the time. Had Mike experienced that? Although if he had, she’d never ask Bucky. It would hurt too much to know.

They made their way slowly down the stairs and into her car. Bucky fell asleep halfway over, and Jane was left with her own thoughts.

She drove into the driveway, noticing Ethan’s truck and the fire chief’s SUV. She gently shook Bucky awake. He opened his eyes in surprise.

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