Page 115 of Legacy of Lies
He provided the officer as much detail as possible regarding the events leading up to Zach’s kidnapping and what Hank had done to Sara. He gave directions based on what Sara had told him and where Shelby had indicated.
“Hank might have escaped or burned up.” He shrugged. They could throw Hank in jail for kidnapping and attempted murder. Or they could throw a funeral for him. Garrison would bring confetti and noisemakers to make a real party of it. He couldn’t care less as long as Zach and Sara were safe. “We left him tied up, but then there was some weird flash fire or something in the shack. I didn’t see him after that, but frankly, I wasn’t searching very hard.”
“Understandable.”
Garrison rubbed Zach’s head as his son nodded off.
After the officer left, Garrison rested his head on the pillow next to his son. He might have even drifted off for a few minutes there.
The doctor ducked back in and answered Garrison’s unspoken question. “Don’t worry. I took a look at Ms. Lopez. We’re running a few tests, but I think she’s just banged up. She’ll be fine.”
Garrison released a breath he hadn’t realized he held.
“What about my dad?”
“Needs to be admitted tonight for neuro checks and to get his blood pressure under control. We’ll have physical therapy evaluate him tomorrow.”
He nodded. “And Zach?”
His son peeled open his eyes at his name and yawned.
Dr. West smiled. “He can go home once this last bag of warmed fluid goes in. When he got here, his temperature was much too cold and he was semiconscious.” She tugged on the stethoscope around her neck. “His feet will end up with frostnip, but your sister got him warmed up nicely on the way over here. Probably saved him from long-term tissue damage.”
“Before we got in the ambulance, Auntie Shelby put my feet in her armpits! Ewww!” Zach obviously wasn’t too grossed out to tell the tale.
“Smart thinking,” the doctor said. “So, let me make sure all our tests are wrapped up, and then we’ll get you and Zach on the road.”
“Sounds great,” Garrison said.
Shelby poked her head in as the doctor left. With her wild, singed hair sticking out in all directions, the lines of exhaustion etched on her face, and her audible wheezing, Garrison wanted her evaluated as well. But his sister was too hardheaded to accept help.
“You should get rest, Shel.”
Her voice came out rough. “I will, soon. You too.”
“What about Dad?”
“Not your fault.”
“I know, but I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat. “And I’m sorry for what I made you do, sis.”
She waved a hand like she was brushing away lint. “Don’t even think twice about it. You had to do whatever it took to get to Zach and Sara. I don’t blame you.”
“But your head?”
“I’ll be fine.” The smile didn’t light up her face like it normally did. “It’ll be good to have you two back home.”
He shifted in his position on the side of the bed. “Sounds like we’re getting out of here in a little bit.”
Zach lifted a paper cup. “I want more hot chocolate.”
Shelby rubbed his head. “I’ll see what I can do, bud.” She paused. “Um, Garrison, someone wants to talk with you. It’s Butch Brand.”
Heat fired up his skull until it throbbed. “God da—” He glanced at Zach’s raised eyebrows and swallowed the curse. “What does he want?”
“He seemed pretty torn up. He really needs to speak with you, I think.”
After debating for a full minute, Garrison hauled air in and out of his lungs to try to calm down. “Fine. Stay here with Zach?”
