Page 43 of Under the Influence
Fuck! She's overdosing. Her head lolls against my shoulder. I lost my mother to that shit. I'm sure as hell not losing her too. Not enough time to get her to the hospital. I have to get this garbage out of her. “I'm sorry Books but I've gotto."
As gentle as I can, I sit her on the step, propping her against my bent knee to keep her upright. I cup her mouth and jam my fingers to the back of her throat. Pushing down and deep. Her body twitches. Resisting the intrusion. Arching to fight the invasion. Until the gurgling in her stomach grows angrier. The gagging against my palm too fierce to stop. Finally wetness covers my hand. I lean her forward as the fluid streams between her lips. Three huge wretches before a few last dry heaves. She moans and collapses back against me. Her stomach finally empty. Thank God. Thank fucking god. I kiss the top of her beautiful head. Never more grateful for anything than thismoment.
“I...want..."
The words fade but her consciousness doesn't. Her tiny trembling hand clutches my lapel. As if I’d ever fucking leave her. I shrug off my jacket and wrap it around her, cuddling her to my chest. Both of us covered in vomit and tears and blood. None of that matters. Nothing matters except she'salive.
Ican't stop watchingher through the narrow window while Dr. Flanagan updates me. So fragile and shattered. Slowly sipping small spoonfuls of soup with a shaking hand. Glancing up occasionally to meet my gaze. Anxiously waiting for me to return. Just a few more minutes angel, and I'll be allyours.
"She's lucky it was a clean break, making surgery unnecessary. She'll have the cast for about six to eight weeks. They'll monitor her and adjust accordingly while she heals. I'll make sure the best orthopedist and physical therapists are assigned to care forher."
"Are there any other injuries I need to be awareof?"
My chest clenches while I wait for his response. Bat shit crazy woman said consummated even though that stupid motherfucker denied her claim while I beat the hell out of him before my guys dragged him off. My girl needed me more than I needed to kill him. But that’s coming once I get her home andsettled.
Thank fuck when the Chief of Staff shakes his head. Pleasant and attentive despite answering my call on Christmas Eve. Well aware no one tells me no. But I still appreciate the lack of anyattitude.
“Surprisingly no, after all she experienced. She’ll be weak and sore for a few days. But with rest she’ll befine."
Motherfuckers. She shouldn't have had to experience anything. But, thank fucking god she's going to be okay. Now I have to force myself to ask about the other person scaring the fuck out of me. Like a pussy ass bitch I don't know if I can take the answer. Not when there's a chance my best friend won't make it. "What aboutTucker?"
"Mr. McIntyre tolerated surgery very well and the damage was much less than anticipated for his wound. Of course he has a very long road ahead of him. But again, I'll make sure the best therapists are at yourdisposal."
The rolling in my stomach finally slows. Tucker's a tough bastard to survive a fucking bullet to the heart. For my girl. Sacrificing himself trying to save her life as well as mine when he figured out the infiltration of Scorpio's men. Knowing I'd never survive if anything happened to her. Orhim.
“Can I see him?" I nod toward Chryseis. "I know she'll be anxious to check on him herselftoo."
“He'll be in recovery for a little while longer and then transferred to ICU. Visitors are not recommended for the first twenty-fourhours."
My gaze jerks from her to him. Pissing me off from more than just his impudence not to be able to keep my eyes onChryseis.
The message absorbs pretty quick. His stubby fingers smoothing down his unwrinkled dress shirt. First time he shows any apprehension during our discussion. Good. He should beafraid.
“I mean generally speaking. Of course, you and Miss Anderson have full access to your friend anytime you wouldlike."
He accepts my outstretched hand, pumping a few too many times in his nervousness. “Thank you Mr.Trivoli."
Should be me thanking him, but we'll leave his gratitude between us. Their fear always serves me well. "Have someone notify me once he's been transferred to hisroom."
“Certainlysir."
No longer in need of his services, I dismiss him with a curt nod, and shove open the door. Hating the anguish in her expression. Loathing the spoon clattering to her tray from her terror. I hustle my ass over to her, engulfing her small hand in mine. Needing to alleviate her worry. “He's going to be okay. Lots of therapy, just like you. Butokay."
Tension leaves her body as her shoulders droop, and she collapses against the pillows bolstering her back. Relief stealing the last of her strength. "Thank goodness. I was soscared."
“I know. We'll be able to see himsoon."
As gingerly as I can I drop down next to her. Doing everything I can not to jostle her tender body. “How's your..." I peer into the small bowl. That shit is not any kind of soup. "...yellowwater?"
“Broth." I fucking hate the hoarseness straining her voice. From that bitch. From my fingers. "It's supposed to help settle mystomach."
Fucking shit. She's in the god damn hospital. The hospital I fucking help pay for and protect, and she's fucking suffering. Someone else is going to be suffering very soon if someone doesn't get in here and help her. "You'resick?"
“A little bit. The nurse gave me something for nausea..." Her head tilts and she purses her lips together. Scarlet racing up her cheeks as she shudders. "...but I didn't want to take any morepills."
Her voice cracks. A horrible sound far worse than the fucking rasping. Watery trails stream down her ashen skin. I shove the rolling table, holding her meager meal, out of the way and scoot closer, tucking her slight frame againstme.
"I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I didn't know...what Patti was...capable of.I..."
