Page 23 of Something Unforgettable

“I don’t plan to be here much longer. We need to get the store opened.”

Finn bit the inside of his cheek. “The doctor said you’d need to rest.”

“Bah.” Pops waved his hand dismissively. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’m fine.”

Finn’s stomach twisted. “You have six stitches and a concussion.”

“All the more reason to get back on my feet. Lazing in bed all day isn’t good for the body.”

Crap. This was bad. The doctor had told Finn that Pops would need rest for a while. Weeks, maybe. Until his concussion healed—or he might suffer permanent damage from it. He glanced at Xavier for help.

Before Xavier could answer, there was a knock on the door and Sheriff Avery walked in. He was in his uniform and Finn wondered if that was “still” or “again.” He looked tired, so Finn assumed it was “still,” but his smile was warm when he saw them.

“I’m glad you’re all here. I have some news for you.” Just behind him was the doctor who’d seen his grandfather the night before.

The doctor waited a few feet away while Sheriff Avery stepped to the far side of the bed and rested his hands on his belt before speaking. “We checked the security cameras from the neighboring stores. The grocery and the boutique behind you both have good views of the doors.”

Finn tensed and reached for Xavier. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know who had done it. Xavier put a supportive arm around Finn’s shoulders and squeezed.

“Mac,” Sheriff Avery said, concern in his voice. “You and Finn were the only two in the store last night.”

Finn shook his head. “No. That’s not right. Someone pushed me down the stairs.”

“Here’s what we think happened,” the sheriff continued, tone serious. “It was late and you were both tired. The lights were off and Mac heard someone downstairs. We’ve got that much off the nine-one-one call.”

Finn went lightheaded and a little nauseated as he started to understand what the sheriff was getting at. He leaned more heavily into Xavier, who tightened his hold.

“Mac,” the sheriff said in a kind but serious voice, his expression pained. “From the neighbors’ security cameras and what’s on the recording, we determined that it was Finn you heard downstairs. When he came up it was dark, you mistook him for an intruder—”

“No,” Finn cut in, his heart racing. “He didn’t—it wasn’t—” His head was starting to hurt and breathing got difficult. Xavier hugged him tighter and made a shushing sound in his ear. Finn looked to Pops for help.

His grandfather was frowning, his gaze on Finn’s broken arm. “I can’t say I remember much,” he admitted. “Everything’s a bit fuzzy.”

“Mac,” the doctor, whose name Finn had forgotten, spoke up. “Have you had any memory problems recently? Do you find yourself getting confused more often? Or frustrated with things that used to be easy?”

Finn flinched. His eyes started burning and he blinked to try to force it away.

Mac chuckled, but it was unconvincing. “Well, I’m frustrated with that new register all the damn time. Corey can tell you. He’s always having to help me get the thing going.”

Finn’s vision blurred and tears trailed hot down his cheeks. “You’re getting better at it, Pops.”

“Finn,” the sheriff said. “Your grandson there has gone by Finn for about four or five years now, haven’t you?”

Finn couldn’t meet anyone’s eyes as he nodded, feeling like he was somehow betraying Pops’s trust.

“I know that,” Pops grumbled. “I do.”

The doctor checked something on his tablet, then sighed. “I really would like to do some more tests before we release you, Mac.”

Finn clutched Xavier’s arm. “How long will that take? When can he come home?”

“Just another few days. I want to get him in for a CT scan and maybe an MRI. I’d also like to have a neurologist take a look at him. We should rule out anything more serious than the concussion.”

“It’s a good idea, sweetheart,” Xavier murmured.

Finn sniffled, then nodded, his heart breaking. He had no idea what he was going to do if something was really wrong. Pops was all he had. He couldn’t lose him.

Finn was too tired to question it when they returned to the B and B after the hospital. His body ached and his arm throbbed. All he wanted was more sleep. As soon as they were back in Xavier’s room, he kicked off his shoes and crawled into bed. He was out as soon as his head touched the pillow.

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