Page 19 of Bozo

"Two cracked ribs," he announces. "And some nasty bruising. Nothing life-threatening, but you'll need to take it easy for a few weeks."

He turns to Jerry. "She needs rest and pain management. I'll leave some medication, but she should be monitored for the next twenty-four hours.”

Jerry nods solemnly. "She can stay here as long as she needs. I'll have a room prepared."

I open my mouth to protest, but Connor squeezes my hand, silencing me. "Thanks, Jer," he says. "We really appreciate it."

Dr. Murphy hands Jerry a bottle of pills. "For the pain," he explains. "Two every four hours. And make sure she gets plenty of rest."

As the doctor packs up his bag, I take two of the pain pills as Jerry turns to me. "You're safe here, Gráinne. No one will hurt you under my roof."

I nod, unable to find words. The events of the night are catching up with me, and exhaustion is setting in.

Connor helps me to my feet. "Let's get you to bed," he says softly.

Jerry leads us upstairs to a guest room that's bigger than my entire house. The bed looks so soft, and I sink into it gratefully.

"I'll be right next door if you need anything," Connor says, tucking the blankets around me.

As he turns to leave, I grab his wrist. "Con," I whisper. "Thank you. For everything."

He gives me a sad, gentle smile. "Get some rest, Grá. We'll figure everything out in the morning."

As the door closes behind him, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The pain medication is starting to kick in, dulling the ache in my ribs and making my eyelids heavy. I drift off to sleep, my mind swirling with questions about what the future holds.

I awaketo sunlight streaming through the curtains. For a moment, I'm disoriented, not recognizing my surroundings. Then everything that happened last night comes rushing back.

I sit up gingerly, wincing at the pain in my ribs. There's a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," I call out.

Connor enters, carrying a tray laden with food. "Morning," he says softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a truck," I admit, managing a weak smile.

He sets the tray on the bedside table and sits on the edge of the bed. "Jer sent up some breakfast. You should try to eat something."

I nod, suddenly realizing how hungry I am. As I pick at the toast and eggs, Connor watches me intently.

"We need to talk about what happens next," he says finally.

I swallow hard, setting down my fork. "I can't go back there, Con. I just can't."

He nods. "You won't have to. But we need to figure out a plan. You're still underage, and your dad could cause trouble if he wanted to."

"What are my options?" I ask, fear creeping into my voice.

Connor runs a hand through his hair. "Well, Jer's offered to let you stay here as long as you need. He's got connections, so your dad won’t go against him.”

I stare at him, hardly believing my ears. “And what does he want in return?” I ask. I’m not stupid; people like Jerry Houlihan don’t do anything for free.

He grins. “Always so trusting,” he quips. “Jerry has a proposition for you,” he says. “He wants to pay for your school, for you to become a doctor, and in return, whenever he calls you, you’ll come help him. No questions asked.”

I blink, trying to process Connor's words. "He wants to pay for my education? And all I have to do is help him sometimes?"

Connor nods, his expression serious. "Look, I know it sounds too good to be true. But Jer's not what you think. He takes care of his own."

I chew my lip, considering. The offer is tempting; a chance to escape my father and to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. But at what cost?

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