Page 72 of Love on the Line

“Anne Cooper.”

“What day is it?”

“Friday.”

Her chest ached, and her breath came in short bursts, making her lightheaded. God, she couldn’t breathe. She needed to know about Wyatt. Why was the nurse asking all these stupid questions? “Please, where’s Wyatt?”

The nurse raised the bed higher and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Take some deep breaths. You’re hyperventilating.”

After she did, he continued questioning her. Maybe if she answered enough of them, he’d ask someone about Wyatt. She told him everything she could remember to the point of blacking out, and then he entered her personal information into their system.

Bells, beeps, and someone calling out codes on a speaker sounded. She flinched at the hospital noises that rang in her ears, causing her head to ache even more. Everything was so loud. She glanced down at the hospital gown she wore. “What happened to my clothes?”

The nurse pointed to a clear bag on the seat beside her that contained the remnants of her outfit and purse. “You were unconscious, so the EMT’s had to cut them off to assess your injuries.”

Oh no. People she didn’t know had seen her naked. Her face grew hot.

A doctor came in and examined her. He flashed a light in her eyes and tested her reflexes while asking about the events before she’d passed out. She couldn’t recall what had happened between the time she struck the ground and when she reached Wyatt. She felt like she was in a fog, floating in and out as the doctor finished the exam.

He said in a low voice, “You have a concussion, and it’s normal to have some memory gaps.” He turned to the nurse. “Order a CT scan.”

A concussion. No wonder her head hurt so much. Probably nothing compared to Wyatt’s injuries. Worry tethered a leash to her heart, dragging it down. “Please, doctor, have you seen my boyfriend? Wyatt Pearson?”

“I’m really sorry, but we aren’t allowed to share any medical information with non-family members.” He gave her the same sad look the nurse had. “There’s an officer who wants to ask some questions. Are you feeling up to it?”

“Yes. Anything to help find whoever did this to us.”

The doctor left, and a policeman entered. For what seemed like the millionth time, Anne recounted the story, answering his questions to the best of her ability. Her body shook as she relived the nightmare, and the nurse covered her with a blanket.

The cop handed her a business card. “I have all I need for now. Call me if you think of anything else.”

“I’m sorry, I know I wasn’t much help. It was so dark and—”

“You did great. Don’t worry.” He nodded. “We’re questioning everyone and will do our best to find these guys.”

He stepped aside as yet another nurse came to take her for the scan. No sign of Wyatt in any of the halls or rooms she’d passed. Was he in the ICU? Her pulse sped up again.

As she waited for the results, all she could think about was the gut-wrenching sounds of fists thumping into Wyatt. She nibbled on some crackers, hoping to settle her queasy stomach.

The doctor finally returned. “Good news. The scan was negative, so we can discharge you, but you shouldn’t be alone for the next six hours.”

Ugh. Tension tightened her neck. Emily left for work super early and wouldn’t be able to stay with Anne. She might have to call Sarah, who didn’t need to be upset so late in her pregnancy.

“I’m going to take you out to the waiting area because we need this room.” The nurse held up a pair of lightweight pants with a drawstring. “Do you want these to wear, or is someone bringing you clothes?”

“I’ll put those on for now.” She hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. A female nurse entered to help Anne put on the pants and sit in the wheelchair. When the other nurse returned, he handed her the bag containing her belongings. “I’ll get your discharge papers together. Do you have a ride home?”

She pressed a finger to her sore temple. “I’ll call someone.”

He wheeled her to the waiting room, spoke to the receptionist, and secured her in a corner out of the way. She closed her eyes, and a tear slid down her cheek. Why had this happened? What were they doing to Wyatt?

Someone touched her shoulder, and she jumped.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She gazed up at Devon. Surprise turned to concern. “Oh, no. Are you hurt too?”

“I’m fine. I came to check on you. I would have come sooner, but they took me to the station for questioning.”

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