Page 11 of Demise

“They’re going to take some getting used to,” the nurse says to me. “But you won’t need them long. You only twisted it. You need to rest and keep ice on it.” She hands me a clipboard with a pen.

“We’ve written up a prescription for the headaches you may have, and if the ankle is giving you any trouble, you’ll have something for that as well.”

“Thank you,” I say after I sign my name. I grab the crutches and lift myself up, anxious to see Danny.

“Whoa,” Uncle Hale says.

“I’m all right,” I reply, regaining my balance.

“Make sure to change your bandage on that palm.”

“Will do.” I move my hair to one side and look to Hale and Trinity before I begin to walk out.

I don’t know how to tell him I need to go by and see Danny before I leave. I know he won’t approve. I exhale quietly as we three ample down the hall.

I don’t understand why Johnny hasn’t come by to give me an update. Does the man hate me that much, that he wouldn’t even come check on me? Surely Danny has asked about me?

My heart falls.

What if he hasn’t?

I’m also curious as to why I haven’t spoken to one cop about any of this. I have my own opinion, of course. Danny has informed me on more than one occasion the cops are paid off and are just as crooked as the best crook. My guess is, they never cared to look for Danny. Maybe they looked for me, but Danny has never been a cop’s friend.

“Did you ever use the restroom?” Trinity asks me.

I look over at her, confused. “I…”

She lifts her brow, her eyes a little wider than normal.

“Crap. No, I didn’t. I better before we get on the road.”

“You can go alone?” Hale asks.

I smile. “Yes. Thank you. I’ll meet you down there.”

“Okay,” he says, a worry line between his brows.

I swear that man still looks at me as if I’m that same broken little girl. I guess that’s the way being a parent works—you always see them as your little one. Of course, he isn’t my father, but if anyone said any different, they’d have an argument from him, and I’d have my say as well.

After Mama died of cancer, Uncle Hale took me in, when he didn’t have to. I always felt loved and taken care of in his home.

Trinity winks at me. “Take your time,” she says.

I nod, grateful for her. As soon as they’re in the elevator, I walk back the way I came, stopping at the desk to see which room Danny occupies.

“Oh, that fine looking man,” the receptionist says. The whitest thing on her are her teeth, and I can’t help but return the infectious grin she has. “He’s down the hall in room two eighty. Just on the left.”

“Thank you,” I reply.

“You’re welcome, sweetie.”

I’m nearing the door when I hear a woman speaking. My chest caves.

It’s Mae.

Of course, it’s Mae. She must have been worried sick. After all, she’s in love with Danny. I respire slowly as my back leans against the wall for a moment. I shut my eyes.

What am I doing?

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