Page 111 of The Prodigal

She looks at me warily, then at Duke. “I promised I wouldn’t leave his side,” she explains. “I need to check the medications before they administer them to him.”

Duke smiles like he’s proud of her or something. “I’d be honored if you allowed me to relieve you for a break. I promise, nothing will go in him that I don’t approve first.”

Ugh. I do not have the energy to deal with a kind Duke.

“Remington,” Eden starts. “Is that okay with you? If your—” She almost says Dad, but she corrects herself. “If Dr. Depressing takes over? I’ll be right outside.”

Duke’s brows pinch together. “Dr. Depressing? Really, Remington? I thought we had made progress. You called meDadearlier.”

I grin. “We all make mistakes sometimes, Dr. Dramatic, especially in a fever-induced delirium. If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

Duke chuckles, but it’s watered down. He knows I’m full of shit. Wehavemade progress, but I show emotions as well as invisible ink.

“Ah, ah. Pops. Don’t get emotional, or Eden will have to record it. I’m always looking for new ways to cheer up your brother after his therapy sessions.”

Duke snorts and shakes his head. “I’m sure Vance is grateful for the comedic relief.”

Damn, you say Dadonetime, and suddenly, you’re supposed to change your father’s contact name to match, or you feel bad.

“Fine,” I relent, sighing dramatically at Eden. “Dad”—I punctuate the word dramatically so he’ll stop being such a girl about it—“can take over while you’re gone. But I’m telling you now, he won’t give me a hand job as good as you do.”

Eden’s eyes widen as her gaze finds Duke’s. “I didn’t—”

He waves her off. “I know. Embarrassing people is Remington’s favorite game to play.”

He would be wrong there. Fucking Eden is my new favorite game, especially when she threatens me like a psycho.

“Stay close to Vance,” I bark as Eden heads toward the door. “Don’t leave his side. He’s a sucky fighter, but he’s lame enough that no one will talk to him.” I don’t need Gerald finding her again when I’m not there to intervene. “He is the one by the door that looks like a giant dickhead.” I point outside to where he stands, talking to the doctor.

“Got it. Giant dickhead.” She nods as she walks backward, flashing me a grin.

“Tell him to take you to get something to eat, too. I bet your martyr ass hasn’t eaten all day.”

I mean, I wouldn’t have let her leave anyway, but I could have yelled at someone to bring her something.

“Yes, sir.” She salutes me sarcastically before waving goodbye and introduces herself to Vance, who looks like he’d rather attend a work conference without alcohol than talk to a new person.

I flip off Vance through the window. I hope Eden gives him hell. At least as much as Halle gives me.

“He’ll take care of her,” Duke promises, dropping down into the chair with a groan. He’s already acting like a grandpa.

“Let’s get this over with,” I say. “Don’t even try to drag it out by being a dramatic diva. You knew I had fucking problems.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about Congressman Tooney?” Well, fuck. He actually did get to the point. Too bad I won’t return the favor.

I settle my eyes on the stained tile above. “I can’t think with these alarms beeping.”

“Too bad. I’m not turning them off.”

Now, this is the Duke I enjoy.

“Fine.” I shrug. “Pass me a cigarette, then.”

It’s been a while since I’ve had one, and I have a feeling I’m going to need several to get through this conversation.

“You know you can’t smoke in a hospital.”

I cock a brow. “I’m dying. I think someone can make an exception this once.”

---