Page 71 of Exposure of Murder

They passed several areas where sick and injured people were resting on beds. Harsh fluorescent lights cast an unforgiving glare on them. When they reached Bucky’s room, Ethan peeked inside and motioned for Jane to follow. She hesitated, then stepped inside.

Bucky lay still on the bed, his eyes closed. His hand was connected to an IV drip, and a bandage wound around his head.

“I don’t want to wake him,” whispered Jane. “Perhaps we should find a nurse…”

Bucky’s eyes fluttered open. “I’m awake,” he said weakly.

“Oh, my goodness. Bucky. I’m so sorry,” Jane said softly as she took his hand and held it.

“Not your fault,” he mumbled.

Ethan wanted to get Bucky’s statement, but the man looked drained—pale and weak. “Jane, we should leave and let Bucky get some sleep.” He glanced at the man, who was already closing his eyes. “We should let him rest.” He gently placed a hand on Jane’s shoulder. “We can come back tomorrow.”

Jane nodded reluctantly, giving Bucky’s hand a squeeze. As they left, they spoke briefly to the nurse.

“He probably has a concussion. We’ll keep him here at least overnight, and then he’ll need someone to watch over him for a couple of days.” She cocked her head and looked at Jane. “Does he have someone to stay with?”

“Yes, he can stay with me,” Jane volunteered quickly.

Ethan stared at Jane, concern swirling in his chest. Was that safe?

“Okay then, give the nurse your information on the way out,” the nurse said before walking away.

They walked down to the reception desk, and Jane left her name and phone number. They stepped outside into the dark night with only the dim overhead lights casting long shadows in the parking lot, then got into Ethan’s truck. He turned to face her. “How are…”

He never got to finish. Jane raised her hand to stop him.

“Don’t go there,” she said. “Bucky got hurt on my property and has no one to take care of him. I bet he doesn’t even have insurance. This is the least I can do.”

Ethan felt if he didn’t already care for Jane, he could right now. The woman was strong but most importantly, kind. However, she wouldn’t be in the house alone with Bucky. He’d be right there, too.

The drive back to Jane’s house was equally quiet. When Ethan pulled into her driveway, he turned and said, “Pack a few things. I’m taking you to my house.”

She closed and then opened her eyes. “Ethan, thank you, but no.” She opened the door, stepped out, and turned to face him. “I don’t know what I’m going to do in the future, but I will not be driven from my property until I’m ready.”

Damn. That wasn’t what he expected to hear. However, if Jane thought she was going to be by herself, she had another think coming.

“No problem,” he said, getting out of the truck and coming around to talk to her. “I’ll be sleeping in the other room.”

“Ethan. You don’t have to do that. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

She looked all fierce and determined. Ethan almost smiled. “Yes, you can. But whoever did this is increasing the violence. You can either come to my house, or I’ll stay here. There’s no other option,” he said. Then thought about it. “Well, I could take you down to the jail and lock you up.” He shrugged. “Your choice.”

“Ah, I’ve done nothing wrong. You can’t arrest me.” She put hands on her hips, frowned and poked him in the chest with her finger.

Ethan smirked. “I said nothing about arresting you.” He pulled her in for a hug. She resisted for a few seconds, then put her arms around his waist.

“Jane, I care about you. I won’t let anything happen to you that I can prevent.” He rested his head lightly on hers. “Please, let me help,” he whispered.

She stared up at him, searching his eyes. Ethan thought she might argue or push back, but she sighed and nodded. “Fine.” She pulled away from him. “You can stay here. But only because you asked nicely.”

Ethan felt an immense weight lift off his shoulders. That was all he needed to hear. He grabbed his go-bag from the backseat and followed her into the house.

He stepped inside the house and saw Jane standing in the dim light, her hair disheveled, her face smudged with dirt and ash, and he knew he wasn’t ever going to let anything happen to her again as long as he was around, and he planned on being around for a long time.

Whoever was behind this was going to feel the full extent of the law and the McQueeney promise of justice.

Thirty-Seven

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