Page 58 of Devil's Work: Dark

Once the nurse has come and gone, and Rae has the shit to ease her headache, I’m able to relax some. Seeing the woman in pain does a number on me. Eventually, the ER doctor makes his way into the room to tell us what we both already figured, that Rae has a concussion. No driving for forty-eight hours. No exercise. No sex. No using the computer or phone. No reading, texting, or watching TV because it’ll tax her brain. What the fuck is she supposed to do then? No coffee, pop, or energy drinks. Rae doesn’t allow energy drinks in the house because they’re bad for people, but she’s about to lose her mind when I tell her no coffee.

And she’s only allowed Tylenol for her head. Like that’ll do shit.

We’re in for a fun night.

With all the waiting, by the time the doctor gets around to discharging us, I have enough time to help Rae out to my truck and get her home. Lacy raises her hands like she wants Rae to pick her up. I intercede. Green and Dela have done a credible job taking care of her today.

“So we can get out of here now?” Green asks.

“Sorry, brother. I’ll take Baby Girl with me, but I need you to stay while I go get Ty from school.”

He glares at me. “Who are you and what have you done with Dark?”

“You want my foot up your ass? You’re off duty when I get back. Rae needs rest, but we’re not leaving her without a guard.”

I get the pillows from the bed and an extra blanket, then get her situated on the sofa, fill a glass with ice water, and set it on the table, then Baby Girl and I get ready to leave. Before going I ask Rae, “Want anything from the store?”

“Maybe some ice cream?”

“Got it.” I bend in to kiss her. Lacy kisses her. “Love you,” I whisper.

She smiles. “I know I’m supposed to wait, but I love you, too.”

Lacy gets buckled in her car seat and we head to Ty’s school. I park and go up to the building where the other parents of kindergarteners are waiting. Damn good thing I showed up for that parents’ meet up.

And speaking of parents’ meet up, that—what was her name? Tiffany? Stephanie? Hell if I can remember—the bitch who sat down at our table that night walks up to me.

“Dark, right?” she asks.

I nod.

“We all heard what happened to Rae this morning. How is she?”

“Spent most of the day at the hospital. She has a concussion.”

“Most of the day?” the woman asks, and again, to her credit, she sounds sincere with her concern.

“You have no idea how long it takes a damn doctor to come around with discharge papers. I thought we were gonna have to officially change our residency to the hospital, they kept us waiting so long.”

She laughs. “Well, thank goodness she has you.”

Damn right.

“Does she need anything? Do you need me to pick up Ty tomorrow morning?”

“Nah—I got him. But thanks.”

“Okay. Well, she has my number in her phone should you change your mind.” The woman turns toward the set of double doors when the bell rings and a teacher props them open.

“Single file.” The teacher directs the kids. Some of the parents get carded. She gasps when she gets to me. A young thing, hot, would’ve fucked her before Rae.

“Dark,” Ty says as he rushes me with his arms outstretched. I bend down to scoop him into a hug. Lacy leans forward to hug him too. “Where’s Mumma?”

“She got hurt on the head this morning. I had to take her to the doctor, but she’s okay. She’s lying down at home.”

The teacher saunters over to me, holding her hand out. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Miss Holland, Ty’s teacher.”

“Dark,” I tell her, shaking her hand.

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