Page 115 of Frisco

“We’re not going anywhere. We’ll be right out here.” Shane stepped back, his anger simmering under the surface and he took one step out into the hallway. His gaze went to mine just as a nurse came in and whisked the curtain closed. She went to the bed and started setting up an IV right away. The doctor was looking me over as the nurse mentioned, “Red Demons, huh?”

I looked up, giving her a different look because she didn’t sound scared. “You know them?”

“I think the better question is do you know them? They friends of yours?”

She was worried about me. I nodded, slightly just as the doctor said, “Don’t move your head. Not yet.”

I said to her, “They’re friends. He’s my man.”

Because he was.

Shane.

My man.

I liked telling her that, and I liked that it was true. I wasn’t scared to claim him. I also wasn’t scared that he was my man. Felt right.

Yeah. I’m pretty sure I was concussed. Only thing that made sense right now.

“What’s your name, sweetie?”

“Kali. I’m a nurse. Hoping my ankle is a strain and fairly sure I have a little concussion going on.”

“All right, Kali. I’m Rena, and this is Dr. Vioeri. You just give us some of your time and we’ll make sure everything is okay with you. Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“Good.”

After that, the doctor moved in and I was checked out.

The final diagnosis was a slight concussion, my ankle was already better so the strain was super slight, and some seriously nasty scrapes over half of my body. I’d really not liked when they cleaned those up, but when they wrapped everything and gave me antibiotics, I was more inclined to like the staff from the Fallen Crest hospital. The doctor told me I needed rest, keep away from too much stimulus with my concussion, and I’d need to have my bandages cleaned once per day. The stitches would dissolve themselves, for where I needed to get stitches.

He headed out, but Rena stayed back and I noted the look he gave her, also the looks the other nurses all gave each other as they walked out. I was readying myself for a good talking-to from Miss Rena. The last nurse pulled the curtain shut and I could now hear the ER door slide shut. I’d not been with it earlier to notice it. It was nice and quiet. Smooth.

“This is about them?” I started it off.

One of her eyebrows raised from surprise before it settled back, and she gave me a knowing look. “You know anything about New Kings Bounties?”

I started to shake my head, and remembered I shouldn’t. “No.”

She gave a small nod, letting out a tiny breath. “My husband works with them. He’s a bounty hunter. Reason I’m sharing that tidbit with you is because there’s history between them and your man’s motorcycle club. I’ve listened to them talk about the Red Demons in the past. Don’t remember hearing a Shane so I’m not saying it’s with your particular man, but I do know that they are supposed to keep clear of this town and another not far from here.”

“You’re telling me this, why?”

A look flashed in her eyes, and she dipped her chin down before stepping further back. “Just be careful. That’s all.” She was going to leave.

I asked, “My friend? Aly. We came in together.”

“Oh, yes. She’s already been discharged. Her scrapes were less minor than yours.” She reached for the curtain, but paused and looked back. “I shouldn’t do this, but I am. What the hell.” She came back, took her pen out, scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it over. “That’s my number. If you’re staying in the area and need a job? We’ve got a serious shortage. If you need anything and I mean, anything, you call me. Text me. I don’t care. Just know that there are people here who can help if you need it.”

I took it, putting it in my pocket.

She was giving me another reassessing look before a wall came down over her face. “Though, I’m thinking maybe I got it all wrong and you can handle yourself just fine? I hope I’m getting that right.”

“I’m good. Thank you.”

One last nod before she left. Then it was just me and my thoughts.

---