Page 185 of Captivated

“And?”

Toby grimaced. “I had to rest after it. Just standing up for that short time…” He paused. “Dr. Ramirez stopped by earlier.”

“What did he have to say?” It couldn’t be anything bad, otherwise Robert would have received a call.

“I asked him about the pain and the tiredness. He said anesthesia is as much an assault on my body as everything else, because it can sit in the tissues for up to a year.” Toby gestured to his bruises. “Tissues that are still full of blood. I also asked him when I’d feel like myself again.”

Judging by his grave expression, Toby hadn’t liked the answer.

“What was his estimate?”

Toby swallowed. “Six months. Maybe.”

Robert took Toby’s hand in his. “So it takes six months. It’s not as if you’ll be in here, right? It won’t be long before you’re back at Salvation.”

Toby bit his lip. “But it’ll be a while before we get to share a scene.”

He smiled. “Which will make it all the better when we finally get there. And in the meantime…” He grinned. “I get to do all the work.”

Toby’s eyes twinkled. “Oh,Isee. So that’s how it’s going to be?”

Robert squeezed his hand. “Plenty of time to think about that when you’re out of here. Now… you wanna hearmynews?”

Toby’s faint chuckle was music to Robert’s ears. “Let me guess. Butch and Sol got engaged. Walt is in a throuple with a guyanda girl. Teague bought himself some leather pants and a harness.” Each sentence was separated by a breathless pause, and Robert could tell getting the words out was a real chore.

He blinked at that last one. “What do you know about Teague that I don’t?”

Toby gave a knowing smile. “Just a hunch. So none of my guesses were anywhere near the mark?”

“Nope.” He relinquished Toby’s hand and leaned back in his chair. “Zeeb and Nate are an item.”

Toby stared at him. “That’s great.”

“It’s early days, but yeah, it seems kinda official. And they do look good together.” When Toby fell silent, Robert gave him an inquiring glance. “What’s on your mind?”

“I have an idea. Something for Zeeb and Nate. I figured this was coming, and with everything going on I’m guessing Zeeb isn’t in a lot better shape, so I’ve had it cooking in the back of my head. I’d like you and the guys to make it happen for me.”

Robert listened as Toby talked, speaking slowly. By the time he’d finished, Robert was grinning.

“I like it. I’ll get onto it right away when I’m back at the ranch.”

“Is there any news about the bastards who did this?”

Robert shook his head. “Zeeb thinks we should get ourselves a really good lawyer. In his words, ‘A really good, shit-hot lawyer, who isn’t afraid to muddy the water.’” Toby stilled, and Robert stared at him. “Do you know any lawyers?”

He smiled. “I know one—and so do you. He’s one of our Deliverance regulars.”

Robert frowned. “Wait a minute.” He smacked his thigh. “Adam Weston. Of course.”

Toby nodded. “Something to think about. His contact details are on my laptop at the house.” He expelled a slow breath, and his face tightened.

“I think you need to rest,” Robert said in a gentle voice.

“I think you’re right.” Toby tilted his head. “Go home and put our plan into action. And take pictures when it’s done. I want to see.”

“I don’t have to go now. I can stay a while.” Robert hated the hour-long drive, but he’d do it as many times as necessary.

“Maybe you could ask Dr. Ramirez if I can be moved to another hospital, now I’m stabilized? Gallatin County Hospital, maybe?”

---