Page 33 of Stevie
“Where?” I manage to get out while peering back into the waiting room to see Indy still talking to Zora.
“Still in our neighborhood, nice hotel. I found he was using someone else’s credit card, a woman I believe is his current apprentice.”
“Perfect,” I see the surgeon walking into the waiting room. “I’ll call you back if that man takes a piss outside that hotel, I want to know.” Hanging up, I walk back in as the surgeon approaches Zora and Indy.
“She did very well,” she states warmly, her dark eyes crinkling in the corners. “We did have some complications, though.” She takes a seat, and I feel my knees go weak.
Calm your ass, she said Stevie did well.Even as I continuously remind myself of this, it takes real effort to hear the surgeon over my rapid heartbeat.
“Ms. Campbell was further along in the stages of her endometriosis than originally thought. She had growth on other organs. I believe we succeeded in our removal, but there is a chance of it growing back. She is going to be on hormone replacements to help with the surgical menopause, so that should, hopefully, help with the regrowth, but she’s going to have to be conscious of what’s happening and stay up to date on her checkups.”
I speak before anyone has the chance to. I need to know how she is. “Is she okay? Like, awake?”
The surgeon nods. “She’s okay, she’s still coming out of the anesthesia and will be in recovery for a little while still, but once she’s moved to her room, you can see her.” Zora thanks the surgeon, and once she’s gone, Zora collapses against Indy.
“She’s alright,” Indy whispers while patting the crying woman.
Zora takes a breath before reaching out and grabbing my hand, gesturing for me to sit by her. I do as asked, and Zora dries her tears before looking at me, her face suddenly hard.
“How much are you being paid to watch Stevie?” Her voice is low and direct.
“I’m not,” I admit, matching the seriousness in her tone. It’s the truth. Janie offered to pay me once I moved Stevie in, and I refused. I couldn’t take money to protect the woman I love.
“I want him to disappear.” She says through clenched teeth. I blink in surprise and glance at an equally stunned Indy.
“Zora–” The woman stops Indy by holding her hand up.
“I have seen the comments on her videos,” she whispers. “The threats… I know they are just words, but…” Her eyes go glassy as she stares back at me. “My bejbe… is still afraid to have long hair.” I furrow my brows.
“What?” Stevie’s hair is shorter, a little below her chin, but what did that have to do with anything?
Zora sighs, “Stevie’s hair was black as night, like mine and Mama’s, and past her chest. She had beautiful hair, and she loved it. When she came to us, half the back of her hair was cut to the scalp, and chunks were missing or just growing back. She cut her hair off, never let it grow again, never goes to the salon, and never allows Mama to brush it; that was their thing her whole life.Hedid something, and I know he’s coming back. I see the comments, and I know one of them is this man.” Her weathered hand tightens on her yarn.
“How much, Mr. Dawson?” I don’t need to ask what she wants a price on. I know what she wants. I look at Indy and am surprised to find her just as angry as Zora. I would’ve seen her as the one telling Zora what she’s asking is wrong, but she isn’t. Still, I can’t talk to either of them about this.
“I think it would be best not to discuss this. Just know that your daughter is safe with me, and no threats are coming that I’m not already handling.” I choose my words carefully, and I see her about to fight. Instead, she stops and stares at me for a long moment before nodding.
“That’s all I can ask for.”
* * *
“What are you doing here?” Stevie’s weak, sleepy voice groans as I enter her hospital room. Despite Zora’s protests, Indy rode home with Zora for the night, and now it’s my turn to see her. She looks so different. Her skin is grey, her hair is tangled, and the lack of dimple piercings is almost unnerving.
“What do you mean?” I chuckle as I sit in the chair next to her bed. “I am coming to stare adoringly at your face for the next twelve hours.” She groans again and weakly waves her hand at me.
“Get away with your gross words.”
“No,” I grin stubbornly. “In fact, I’m going to look at you with big eyes and say things to make you uncomfortable all night. Did you know you have this curve in your lower back, and every time I see it, I want to drag my tongue across it?”
She wraps her arms around a pillow that is situated over her chest as she tries not to laugh. “You will hurt me if you make me laugh.” She warns, and I hold my hands up.
“Alright, Peaches, fair enough. How are you?”
“I would be better if I didn’t have these drugs in me.” She whines while trying to shift. “They’re making it hard to think.”
“Baby, you don’t need to think right now. Just rest. The drugs are to help with the pain.” She makes a tired noise and rolls her head towards me despite her closed eyes.
“Brooks,” she mumbles softly.
