Page 17 of Jase
“You’ve had a rough day. Your charts look good. Not great, but better than I expected.”
For seconds I couldn’t speak. The battle in my brain was all too real. I knew that voice as if it were imprinted into my very being. “You’re him. You…” My hallucinations came back. Or maybe they weren’t hallucinations at all? I was so confused, even now as the medication kicked in making me feel groggy. “Are you going to kill me?”
“I saved you. Why would I kill you?”
My eyes closed while I trapped myself in the darkness. “I don’t know why I asked that. Thinking is impossible. But I remember now. You said you would save me.”
“And I did.”
“Then, itwasyou in the woods. I…What happened? Will David come back for me? Will he find me?”
“Didn’t I tell you I’d keep you safe? I promised, Kody. I keep my word.”
Heartbeats increased in my chest, and I wasn’t sure what I should think. I trusted no one. Hadn’t I even pulled back from my childhood best friend? There was something about this man’s voice. I oddly trusted the tone as if it were part of who I was. The sound relaxed me. It made me feel protected.How could I trust him? I knew nothing about this man. It didn’t make sense.
“Who are you?”
A pause. “I’m no angel, but I’m the one who answers when you call out to God.” Another pause. “He’s dead, Kody. David will never hurt anyone else again. That’s all you need to know for now. Get some sleep. We’ll talk soon.”
Chapter 7
Jase
Kody could undergo pain. Discomfort was expected. Having her afraid was not going to work for me. Not one bit. After everything she had been through, I was not going to allow her another ounce of anxiety when I knew there was no reason for her to have it. David was dead. I’d made sure of that. It was only right she knew that too.
“I truly can’t thank you enough, Jean. If anyone would understand, I knew it would be you.”
The feminine, soft tone returned through my speaker as I glanced at the clock. “Of course, Mr. Colter. Your donations to the hospital are very much appreciated. We’re only happy we can help in such a small way. Ms. Marshall is already on her way to our VIP wing. We will gladly make sure she is well cared for.”
“And guarded.It’s important to me that she feel protected. After what I’ve heard she’s been through, she needs that. I want one officer outside her door and one at every entrance to that floor. If she leaves that room, she needs to see that she’s okay.”
“I relayed your concerns to the staff after our initial conversation. They’re already waiting for her.”
My main monitor flashed, changing views as I went from the elevator Kody was on to VIP. Jean was right. The officers were ready and waiting.
“Great. Thank you. I’ll swing by soon for a visit.”
“I look forward to it, Mr. Colter.”
I hung up, watching as the elevator opened and a nurse and officer exited with Kody. Not a half hour ago I called Jean, the head of the hospital’s board. Their response was immediate. They hadn’t even hesitated at my request to have Kody moved to VIP. After the years of me pouring out millions to them, I knew they wouldn’t.
“Closest to the nurse’s station. That’s right.” My whisper followed them towards the door directly across the counter. Relief sank in as Kody’s head turned to take in the uniformed officer waiting for her. He nodded in her direction, and her lips pulled back on the side just enough to pass as a reassuring smile. I hit the keyboard, unmuting and switching my view to her room. A new nurse walked in as the officer at Kody’s side excused himself. Within seconds, my girl stood and was helped into bed. Kody was cautious with her injured hand as she rested against the pillows, bringing it close to her chest while she winced in pain.
“There we go, Ms. Marshall. The medication should be kicking in again soon. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, thank you.” Her good hand slightly lifted. “Actually, I’m a little embarrassed to say I didn’t see what floor we got off on. Can you tell me where I am? I’d like to call my friend, so she doesn’t get upset that I’ve changed rooms.”
“If you’re referring to your contact, Tiffany Welsh, I believe she’s already been notified.”
“Oh.” Kody glanced around at the lavish decor. She appeared to have a moment of confusion. Almost suddenly uncomfortable as her stare locked onto the television that was twice the size of the one in her old room. When she peered at the screen,she looked at me, not breaking her gaze as her words mumbled. “I guess that’s it. Thank you.”
The nurse nodded, shutting the door behind her as she left. I sank into my couch, watching as eyes stayed locked toward mine. Kody had me immobile as she stared at her blank tv monitor. I was just as much in a trance as her. Somewhere deep down I knew her medication was kicking in, but my reaction had nothing to do with a drugged state. She was doing this to me, and I was allowing it to happen. Maybe I even wanted to lose myself to the idea of owning her. Needing her. Killing for her. She gave me purpose. I hadn’t had that in as long as I could remember, and I needed it. Selfishly,I needed her.
As Kody kept her stare forward, her hand lifted to trace over the swelling and bruises on her face. So, that’s what she was doing: looking at her reflection. She really did look rough. Fuck, she looked like hell. There was barely a patch of skin on her face that wasn’t a violent shade. Black, purple, dark green. Gauze covered the side of her forehead where that motherfucker split open her skin. My poor Kody. She had a long way to go to recover. Probably even weeks more of bruising before her face was back to normal.
“God?”Her head quickly shook.“Ridiculous. As if he can see me like in the dungeon.”She glanced around the room, multiple expressions transforming her face.“Can you…see me? No. I’m losing my mind. That’s what it is. I don’t know what’s real or not anymore. I can’t even think on this stupid medication.”A deep breath left her, and she leaned back against the elevated top half of the bed.Again, she looked around.“God…if you are here…ugh.”
“What? Just say it, doll. What are you thinking in that mind of yours?”
