Page 12 of Sweet Union
We make it to the safe house, and I point the gun at her as make it inside. She stops when she sees Luca bleeding out on the couch.
“Ok,” she whispers as she goes into action. She slips on plastic gloves before inspecting Luca’s wound. He’s barely conscious. “So, he’s been shot. Good thing is the bullet went right through, so at least it’s not inside him. But I have no way of knowing if the bullet hit any serious organs or arteries. He needs an x-ray.”
“Ok. Then let’s take him back to the urgent care.”
“Ok,” she agrees. “But you don’t need to point the gun at me. It seems like you’re in a hurry and want things to be discreet. I’ll help because I can’t stand by and let someone be hurt. You don’t need to threaten me.”
“Fine. Let’s go.”
She helps me get Luca into the car, and a quick drive later, we’re back at the urgent care. We take Luca into one of the rooms so Dr. Ryder can get started. After an x-ray, it’s revealed that nothing major was hit.
“Thank god,” I sob.
She gives me a small smile. “You really love him.”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll fix him up for you.” I watch as she sterilizes Luca’s wound and begins stitching him up. “He’s lost a lot of blood, but if he rests, he’ll heal and be all right.”
“Good. Good.” I wipe away the tears that have spilled from my eyes.
“Just give me some time. You’ll be able to take him home.”
“Right.” I watch as Dr. Ryder fixes Luca up. He’s stopped bleeding at least, which is a good sign. Some of his color is returning.
Once she finishes, she stands up. “I’ll give you some space with him.”
“Right.” I approach Luca, who’s still out of it. I touch his face. “Luca? You can wake up.”
He does. “Nat?”
“Oh. Thank god.” I give him little kisses all over his face. “You’re alive. You’re ok.”
“I hurt like a fucking bitch, but I’m alive. You saved me.”
“Actually, Dr. Ryder saved you. I had to use the gun, but she complied.”
“Where’s Dr. Ryder right now?”
I look over my shoulder to see an empty room. “She gave us some space.”
Luca pushes himself up to standing.
“What are you doing?” I ask. “You’re gonna get hurt.”
He grabs the gun from me. “If you had to hold the doctor at gun point, then she can’t be trusted. She’ll call the police on us.”
“No, she said she wouldn’t.”
“I love you, Nat. Don’t be naive.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
I follow Luca as he shuffles to the entrance. Dr. Ryder is on the phone … talking to the police. When she sees us, she hangs up.
I don’t see the receptionist anywhere.
Luca lifts the gun at Dr. Ryder. “That was just plain stupid.”
