Page 86 of Boxed In

“A minimal dose of painkiller. To help him rest so his body can heal.”

He’d told her to rest too. But she said, “I promised to guard the box.”

“You can keep it with you. Nobody’s getting into the building to steal it.”

She nodded. “I understand. But Luke will be anxious if the box and I are missing.”

“We’ll pull a bed up beside his. You can sleep there.”

“Thanks.”

Olivia gently untangled her hand from Luke’s. She intended to stay awake. But as soon as she slipped off her shoes and lay down on the bed the staff had wheeled in, fatigue washed over her.

The world went away—until she awoke with a start, disoriented and frightened.

Her head swung to the side, and she saw that Luke had made a strangled sound as he woke suddenly.

“It’s okay. I’m here,” she said as she scrambled off her bed and leaned over him.

“The box?”

“Right here.” She picked it up from the bedside table and showed it to him. “Frank Decorah said you could trust these people.”

He sighed and settled back in the bed. His face was haggard and unshaven, but he looked like he was feeling better.

Moments later, the door opened, and Dr. Valero came in.

“How long was I asleep?” Luke demanded.

“Eight hours.”

He sucked in a sharp breath. “Too long.”

“You needed to heal. Twice that long would have been better.”

When Luke started to protest again, the doctor kept speaking. “How are you feeling?”

Luke took a breath as he considered the question. When he flexed his leg, he looked pleased. “It’s . . . not so bad.”

The doctor unwrapped the bandage, inspected the wound and looked shocked. “It looks like you got this several days ago.”

“I heal quickly,” Luke said. After the doctor cranked up his bed, Luke inspected the room. “Is there a bathroom anywhere around?”

“Yes.” Dr. Valero pointed to a door at the side of the room. “Right over there.”

He and Nurse Sanchez helped Luke ease off the bed. Olivia held her breath as she watched him stand with the help of a cane the doctor had provided. It had four short legs at the bottom, which gave it stability.

Luke was still shaky, but she was shocked when she saw him put weight on the leg. Giving her a look of triumph, he started toward the bathroom.

Frank, who had appeared in the doorway, cleared his throat. “Maybe you want to slip out and clean up,” he said to her.

“Do I look like I need it?”

“It’s been a long night. I can keep the box while you take a little time for yourself.”

Olivia considered the offer. Frank had gone to a lot of trouble to monitor the situation.

“I’ll take good care of it.”

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