Page 124 of Crosshairs

“Wait! What happened? How did Linc get shot?”

Ainsley really didn’t want to get into the details with her. “It was during a takedown.”

“I need more than that. My videographer is on the way. Will you give me an interview?”

“I’m sure the Claiborne County sheriff can fill you in.”

“But that’s not an exclusive.”

“I’ll think about it. Right now, I’m going up to the second floor.”

“I’ll call you when Russ gets here.”

“I’ll see.” Ainsley found the stairs and climbed them rather than take the elevator. Cora was in the recliner when she entered the room. The drain tube was gone, and Gran was getting her a cup of water. “Well, look at you,” Ainsley said, crossing over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re looking much better.”

“I’m ready to go home.”

“And you will in due time.” Gran handed Cora the cup. “At least you’re moving out of ICU either this afternoon or tomorrow.”

“Hmph.”

“Cora Chamberlain! You know you don’t want to leave here until you have physical therapy. What if you got home and fell again?”

“I did not fall. I was pushed!”

“What?” Ainsley stared at her aunt. “You remember what happened?”

Cora’s eyes widened, and then her face fell. “Not really. It’s just ... for a second my mind ... but now it’s gone.”

“You’ll remember in time,” Ainsley said. “And it doesn’t matter. If you were pushed, we think it was Sonny.”

“How is he?” Gran asked.

“I’m afraid he didn’t make it.”

A sheen covered Cora’s eyes. “That poor boy.”

That poor boy had tried to kill them both. “That’s not all.” Ainsley sat on the side of Cora’s bed and filled them in about Maddox.

“Thank you, Lord,” Gran murmured.

“Yes.” Ainsley stood. “I’ll be right back. I want to check on Drew Kingston.”

When she looked into the boy’s room, the bed was empty. A nurse passed by. “Do you know what happened to the patient in this room?” Ainsley asked.

“I’m happy to say he was discharged to a step-down unit,” the nurse replied.

“So they brought him out of the coma?”

“Late yesterday. I expect he will go home in a day or so. Like your aunt. She’s doing much better.”

“Yes. I’m thankful for that. And thank you for the great care she got in here.”

“She is a sweetheart.”

Ainsley thanked her again and returned to Cora’s room as a soft bell dinged overhead and a voice announced that ICU visiting time was over. “Drew’s been moved,” she said, “and we need to leave before they run us out.”

Ainsley glanced at her phone as she and Gran walked out to the elevators. No message from Sarah, but there was one from the OR nurse with Linc’s room number in short-stay. “I’m going to check on Linc. I’ll see you at home.”

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