Page 85 of Fixate
The look he gave me spoke volumes. It was one Daddy recognizing another in the wild and being willing to help. It shook loose the last of my frustration.
“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll do that. One last question: How long do you think until he wakes up?”
He shrugged. “It shouldn’t be too long, really. Though until we get the toxicology report on what was in the knife back, I can’t be sure. Hours is my most likely answer, though it could be a full day depending on his body’s reaction.”
I bit back a curse as I gave him a sharp nod. “Thank you. I appreciate your help with everything.”
His smile was kind. “I’d want someone to do the same for my Little if the roles were reversed.”
Little?
Ah, it made even more sense. He wasn’t just a Daddy; he was Daddy to a little. Which meant he had the patience of a saint and knew how to handle a temper tantrum.
He left me standing there, hands on my hips as I tried to decide what the next step should be. While I desperately wanted to go hunting for the men who caused this, I couldn’t picture leaving him here alone. And sending Pip would be a disaster.He was already hyped up on adrenaline. He’d set fire to the first suspect before asking questions.
Whether he admitted it or not, he was fond of my boy. They got along well enough, and the fact that he never made eyes at a certain someone gave him some credit in Pip’s world.
My friend wasn’t ready to admit his feelings there, but it more than showed in the way he gave people his murderous gaze anytime they looked towards the apple of his eyes.
Speaking of which, Pip sauntered down the hall with a grin. “Sorry it took so long. Henri called for a status update, then tried to bite my head off when I didn’t have much to say. He’s extra feisty right now.”
Point proven.
“I imagine he’s balancing a lot all at once. There isn’t anyone else I trust enough to help him. Ricardo was the only other one besides us.” I waved my hands between us.
He nodded. “Makes sense. I don’t trust all those fuckers either. We’ll need to do some cleanup work on the straight side too, won’t we?”
I raised my brow at that. He’d never shown interest in playing both sides. If anything, I didn’t think he cared all that much.
“Ah, don’t give me that look. I don’t want to be the face of things. It’s best if I’m a background guy. But yeah, I want to help. We’re like our own sort of fucked up family, right?”
Chuckling at his description, I nodded. “Yeah, we will, Pip. Things are going to get busy again. Just when I thought we were going to catch a break.”
“There are no breaks in this business. You have to enjoy every moment, even the bloody ones.”
I grinned. “Yeah, I bet that’s your life motto, huh? I’m still not sure what to do about our problem.”
Since everyone around us was so oblivious, it was fine that we discussed business. Plus, there wasn’t anyone close who would likely repeat what we said. They were all far too miserable to care.
“How about you stick around until Ricardo wakes up? I’ll get some of the men mobilized to see if they can get info on who caused this. Henri can get me access to the security footage too. Rather than go hunting alone, I can close the lead they’ve got on us.”
I was shocked at how easily he adapted to what we needed done. “That’s a good plan, Pip.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I fucking pay attention, Boss.”
At his growl, I raised my hands and gave him an innocent smile. “I know you do. Why do you think I trust you so much? People have said I’m crazy to let you back me up. They figure someone could buy you out enough to turn on me.”
“Wouldn’t ever happen,” he grunted.
“Of course it wouldn’t. You and me, Pip, we understand one another. I let you have your fun, and you have my back. It works for us.”
“Yeah, it does. Now enough sentimental shit. Get yourself together for your boy. I’m going to see what I can get done in the meantime.”
He jogged out of the emergency room, leaving me with a cup of coffee I was too nervous to enjoy and chaotic thoughts on what the future was going to look like. A nurse saved me from myself by telling me she would help me to Ricardo’s room. Apparently it was all ready after Dr. LaFleur put him on a fast track to get his own space.
I’d have to donate to that man’s favorite charity or some shit. Maybe he’d even want to bring his boy around to hang with mine someday. Ricardo might not have been Little, though I suspected he’d do well with one. His protective instincts wouldhave him acting more like a big brother than anything, which would work well in a play setting.
Yeah, that was a great idea.
