Page 101 of Cash

The rest of us stand there in stunned silence over all that occurred today. We watch as they remove a body bag from my aunts’ house and wait until a cop approaches us.

“We’ll be done with the crime scene in a few minutes. You can secure the house at that point. Here’s the business card to a company that cleans up after crimes occur. You might want to give them a call. They’re great at what they do and fast at getting it done. It’s best to have that done before the victim re-enters the house. It’s traumatic enough without seeing the mess that’s left behind.”

I take the card, and the cop walks off. Looking down at it, I snort at the company’s name. Aftermath. I pull out my phone and make the call. They’ll be here in an hour or so, and all evidence of the violence will be gone before my aunts get home.

I call my dad and explain what happened. He tells me to gather some of their belongings so they don’t have to go home tonight. He wants them to stay with him, but I insist they’re coming home with me. He relents and says he’ll meet me there in a couple of hours.

After the cop gives us the nod, we walk to the back door. The frame is busted and the door has a large crack running up it. Entering the house, I can smell blood in the air. I stop in my tracks when I see where the man went down. All that remains is a large, quickly drying pool of blood. There’s blood spray on a few of the cupboards and some droplets on the front of the stove. A chill runs down my spine, knowing how close I came to losing three people who are important to me.

Looking to my side, I see Axel, Pooh and Trigger with similar expressions. I think we’re all saying our blessings and thanking God that Bella’s a quick-thinking, strong young lady.

“Go to the hospital to be with your aunts, Cash. I’ll stay and fix the door frame while the cleanup crew does their thing. I’ll secure the house when they’re done. I’ll call Tammy and have her come pack a bag for the ladies. We’ll drop it off at your place later. Take care of your family. I got this,” Trigger rasps out.

“Bailey and I’ll bring Liam to your home later tonight, brother,” Axel adds.

“I’ll stay and help Trigger. I think it’ll do me some good to pound on something right now,” Pooh says quietly.

I nod, thank them and leave.

*~*~*~*

I arrive at the hospital, am told they’re keeping Lottie and track down my aunts. It’s not hard to do because I can hear them bickering all the way down the hall. When I make it to Lottie’s room, I find her sitting up in bed and Lola sitting in a nearby chair. I drop a kiss on Lottie’s head and then Lola’s before taking a seat.

“They’re keeping you overnight,” I state what they already know.

“Yes, but it’s just a precaution because I’m old,” Lottie says irritably.

“It’s because you have a concussion, dumbass,” Lola responds.

“It’s best to stay and be observed for the night, honey,” I cut in.

“I want to sleep in my own bed and not have to wear a gown that leaves my ass hanging out for the world to see,” Lottie argues.

“If you hadn’t lied about what size you wear, your ass wouldn’t be showing,” Lola insists.

“These gowns run on the small size,” Lottie replies with a sniff.

“Too bad your backside doesn’t,” returns Lola.

“Jesus H. Christ you two. You just went through a home invasion, an assault, saw a guy die and yet you’re still sitting here arguing? Can’t you call a truce for the day?” I ask while rubbing my face with both palms.

“We’re too old to change our ways, Cash. This is who we are,” Lola informs me.

“And she’s too ornery to even attempt kindness,” Lottie states.

“I’m not sitting here all night listening to you two jab at each other. Livi’s coming by after her shift to drop off your nightgown and robe, Lottie. Lola, you can ride back to my place with her. You’re both going to be staying with me for a while.”

“You’re not going to be sitting here all night, period. You have a woman and a child to go home to. I’ll be sitting with Lottie so you can ride back with Livi your own damn self,” Lola argues, now as irritable as her sister.

“Lola’s right, Cash. She can stay, and you can go home. I’m fine, and they’ll be releasing me tomorrow, so you can just be here to pick us up when that happens.”

“I’m not letting you spend a night here without me, and I’m not letting you two put these poor nurses through a night of your bickering. I’m done arguing,” I say exasperatedly.

Angry silence hangs in the room, but I ignore it. I’m optimistically thinking I might have won an argument with these two, but I’m not betting any money on it yet. Lottie flounces back against the bed and Lola picks up the remote for the TV. I start to relax when both women start bickering about what station to watch. I decide to stay out of it and to let them settle this one on their own. They don’t end up settling anything, and the argument continues for some time.

A nurse comes in, smiles at each of us before checking Lottie’s vitals. During this, the Aunts continue to argue. When the nurse is done, she turns to me.

“Ms. Lottie is doing fine. Her blood pressure is up a little, though. Maybe the arguing isn’t helping?”

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