Page 73 of Jack of Hearts
“Grasshopper.” She tried squeezing his hand again, getting no response.
“Why would he say that?” Court said.
“That was what he called me, you know, fromKung Fu.”
Nate chuckled. “He loves that show. I’m going to find a doctor.”
A few minutes later, he returned, a doctor and nurse in tow. Madison stepped out of the way, watching as Alex was examined.
“His heartbeat’s stronger, and he’s responding to light,” the doctor said, shining a penlight into his eyes. “That combined with him waking up and speaking are very good signs.”
“Thank God,” Nate and Court said in unison, giving each other a hug.
No longer needed, Madison said her own prayer of thanks before slipping out of the room. “Good-bye, Alex,” she whispered as she walked out.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Did you see her? Did she ask about me?” Alex paced his living room like a caged animal, which he was. His brothers, damn them both, had practically sat on him to keep him in his bed or on the couch ever since he’d come home from the hospital. They had tied up the loose ends of his case, rounding up Trina and all the others. Granted, the first few days he’d not wanted to do more than sleep, but he was recovered and had things to do. Namely he needed to figure out how to win back Madison.
Court rolled his eyes. “Can I get in the door before you grill me? Yes, I saw her.”
“And?”
“She said she was happy to hear you were home and doing well.” He dropped two books onto the table. “Happy reading.”
That was it? “Nothing else?” Damn, he hated how pathetic he sounded. Did he even have a chance with her again? It didn’t sound like she was even thinking of him.
“Nope. Her roommate was there, so maybe she didn’t want to say much in front of Lauren. I don’t think she likes me.”
“Madison?”
“No, dumbass. Lauren. Next time you want someone to check on your girlfriend, send Nate.”
“What’s the deal between you and her, anyway? You’re like two hissing cats, ready to tear the fur off each other.”
“Beats me.” Court went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. “Want one?”
“No thanks.” He sat on the sofa. What he needed was a plan. When he’d sent Court to get some books, just so he could talk to Madison, get the lay of the land, he should have told his brother to find a book on how to seduce a woman.
Court plopped down in a chair. “Lopez is out on bail.”
“That’s good.” Should he send Madison flowers? Maybe write her a letter, explaining everything? That seemed too ordinary. He needed to think of something special.
“No, it isn’t. He’s sticking to his story that he was just curious about how well the bookstore was doing since he was thinking of hitting Lauren up for a loan. With Ramon dead, we haven’t been able to prove otherwise. The damn charges against him will end up being dropped. Lauren will probably welcome him back with open arms.”
“It’s her life.” What if he bought Madison something expensive and wrote a letter, sending them to her together? Nah. She wouldn’t care about a costly bracelet or necklace. There had to be a way to get her to listen to him.
“Maybe I should talk to her.”
“I would if I thought it would work. I just can’t help thinking I need to do something special.”
“I meant Lauren.” Court pushed himself up. “You’re not even listening to me. Do you need help changing your bandage?”
“No, I’ll do it when I take a shower.”
“I’m off then.” He leaned down, put his hands on Alex’s knees, and stared him in the eyes. “Do not leave here.Capisce?”
Alex stuck out his tongue.
