Page 103 of Caged

“I took three days leave, with the option of extending it if needed.”

Wow. I assumed he’d need to go back to work sooner rather than later.

He looked me over. “And from the look of things, it’s needed.”

“John didn’t say how badly I was injured when he called?” I assumed it was John who called him.

“He said you were hurt and in surgery. I was already on a plane when he called to tell me you were out of surgery, and expected to make a full recovery.” He paused and collected himself before continuing, “I just now learned what hell you went through prior to being shot.”

Knowing I was the reason for the fear, anger, and pain in his eyes was more than I could handle, so I looked away. The gunshot wound was bad, no denying that, but the sleep deprivation, starvation, abuse, and drugs were what did the most damage to my body. I was half-grateful John had filledhim in so I didn’t have to. I also half wished he hadn’t, so I had the choice of never telling him.

When the nurse brought my lunch, Dad asked if the doctor had an ETA for when I could be discharged. The nurse didn’t know, but said she’d send the doctor in to talk to us.

The chicken noodle soup was more broth than chicken and the dry roll was bland but it was the first meal I’d had in days. Which meant it tasted like heaven.

The doctor came in as I was sipping the last of my broth.

“Miss Maxwell, it’s good to see you awake. How’s the pain level?” she asked.

“Please, call me Cate,” I said. “And I’m too drugged up to feel much, so good.”

She chuckled. “We can cut back the dosage tomorrow, as long as the pain is manageable.”

“Thanks. When do you think I can leave?”

“I’d like to keep you one more night.”

My protests were useless, because my father sided with the doctor.

“It’s for your own good, Catelyn.”

Did they tell Jay the same thing? If they had, how come he went home?I’ll ask him when he gets here. Turning my attention back to the doctor, I nodded my consent.

“If things look good tomorrow, we’ll send you home. As long as you have someone who can stay with you.”

“I’ll be with her,” my father said. “Just tell me what I need to do.”

“Good,” the doctor said. “We’ll provide all the details at discharge.”

I yawned, and then tried to shake my head to wake myself up, making me dizzy.

“Don’t fight the urge to sleep. Your body needs it.” The doctor sounded more like she was issuing an order than giving a suggestion.

I want to stay awake so I can see Jay.They said he was okay, but I wanted, needed, to see it for myself.

And I want to thank him. I couldn’t have gotten through the ordeal without him.

My big, loud yawn irritated my bruised split lips; I wouldn’t be awake much longer.

“Get some rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.” My father’s words were the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me.

The nurse checking my vitals a few hours later woke me up. When I looked around, I couldn’t see my dad.Did he get called back to DC?My heart raced as I looked around the room. Surely he wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.

“He went to grab a coffee. He’ll be right back,” the nurse assured me. “Let’s get you cleaned up and change your gown before he does.”

Good idea. The quick sponge bath was painful despite the nurse’s attempt to be gentle. She apologized, but it wasn’t her fault. My face and torso were covered in cuts and bruises. My ribs were cracked and I had two holes from the bullet.

A soft knock signaled my father’s return.Or maybe it’s Jay.

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