Page 95 of Her Only Hero

I heard a loud thump, and suddenly my face was free. I could breathe.

“June, open your eyes. Look at me.”

It hurt to open my eyes. All I saw was a blur, and then I vomited.

“I need a doctor here, stat,” Patrick bellowed. “We’re getting you help, June.”

Inaudibly, I said, “Thank you.”

I had no strength and closed my eyes. Although I couldn’t move or see, I could hear.

“Dr. Gideon Crawford, you are under arrest.”

Chapter Forty-One

A warm hand held mine, and I opened my heavy eyelids. The world refocused. I was lying in a hospital bed with Patrick sitting beside me, my hand in his. There was an IV in my arm. I felt so tired.

“P—” I tried to say his name.

“Shh,” he said. “Rest, my love.”

****

The sound of chatter and activity from outside the room woke me. I stared at the plain beige ceiling and struggled to remember everything that had happened in Dr. Crawford’s office.

A nurse came into my room. “Good morning, June,” she said in a soft tone. “Do you mind if I turn the light on?”

“No, not at all.”

She pulled the cord to turn on the wall light and then peeled the tape from the back of my hand. She removed the IV needle and pressed a gauze pad over the small puncture. “How are you feeling, dear?” she said.

“I feel well,” I said, surprised by how well I actually felt.

“No dizziness or nausea?”

“None,” I said and looked at the empty chair beside me.

“He never left you all night.”

“Who?”

“The officer.” The nurse taped up my hand. “Your bloodwork is normal. After the doctor signs your release papers, you’ll be free to go.”

“Do you know what happened to me?”

“Apparently, you were drugged. We gave you fluids to help flush them out. There’s no rush, but when you’re ready to get dressed, you’ll find your belongings in the locker.”

“Thank you,” I said. When she left, I swung my legs over the bed and adjusted my hospital gown. In socked feet, I made my way to the locker and washroom. I supposed I’d call a taxi to take me home to my duplex. The sooner the better.

Had Patrick really been here?

After dressing, I stepped out of the washroom, and there he was, standing beside my bed. A thousand hummingbirds fluttered in my chest. My legs became shaky, and I put my hand on the back of a chair. He rushed to my side.

“I’m fine.” I made my way to the bed and sat on the edge. I was afraid to ask the next question. I didn't enjoy seeing him frown. “Why are you here?”

Patrick cleared his throat. “Since the night you left my house, I haven’t stopped being concerned about your safety. How are you feeling?”

I shrugged. “Still alive.”

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