Page 26 of Liberating Mia
“Hi, yeah, I’ here for stitched.”
“What’s the nature of the injury?”
“I’ve been injured on duty – a stab wound.”
The nurse’s smile disappeared. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to report it. We’re required to report stab and gunshot wounds to the police, sir.”
“I understand, but in this case it’s unnecessary as I am law enforcement and it’s already been reported.” He showed her his badge.
As she studied it, she replied, “I’ll have to see a case number then, sir.”
“I don’t currently have one. Can I get back to you on that?”
“Yes, of course. Have you been here before?”
“No.”
“No problem. Just fill in these forms for me, please, and I’ll open a folder for you.”
The father of the screaming toddler accidentally bumped into Finn, and Finn grunted in pain.
“Oh God, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” the frazzled man asked.
“No harm, no foul.” Finn smiled around gritted teeth.
“As long as you’re alright,” the man said as he dashed away.
“Are you really okay, sir? You’re very pale.”
Clutching his side, Finn gave her the same strained smile. “I’ll survive.”
The nurse indicated a small cubicle. “You can take a seat over there and fill the forms in. You look like you’re about to keel over, and I’d prefer you didn’t.”
He laughed. “Duly noted, ma’am.”
Finn ambled over to where she’d pointed and gratefully sank onto the chair. He would rather die than show weakness, but God it felt so good to just sit for a moment. Being jostled minutes ago had his wound throbbing like a bitch all over again, and right that moment, he’d have given almost anything for painkillers.
He was signing the papers he’d filled in when the nurse called to him. “Sir, the doctor can see you now.”
Focused on filling out the paperwork, Finn hadn’t noticed how stiff he’d become while seated. He had to bite back a groan as he gingerly eased himself out of the chair. “Coming.” He looked over to where Mia sat and found her gaze on him. The worried expression on her face told him she’d not missed his grimace getting up. “Give me a sec?”
He started toward where she sat. Obviously seeing his intent, she came to him. “Something wrong?”
“No – well, other than the reason we’re here, nothing else. I was just going to ask if you’d go back with me.”
She seemed taken aback that Finn had asked. He didn’t want her alone out here, considering everything she been through recently. But more than that, he simply wanted her with him. He’d enjoyed her company that night back in the hotel, and he’d been impressed with her at the warehouse. So yeah, he just wanted her with him.
“Sure, if you want me to, I will.”
“If I let you out of my sight, no telling what mischief you’ll get into next,” Finn cracked.
Chuckling at his joke, she said, “Then let’s go. The nurse seems a little impatient.”
He turned to see the nurse was indeed waiting impatiently for them. She led them down a short corridor and into the casualties’ ward.
“Here you go, Mr. …?” She consulted his file. “Mr. Finn. Doctor will be with you in a moment. In the meantime, let’s get you settled.” She tugged the curtains around a little more in an attempt at privacy. “Up onto the bed you go.”
Finn obliged, and with one last smile, the nurse left the room, sliding the curtain open again as she exited.
