Page 53 of Ozzie

His phone buzzes again, and he glances at it. “Got it. We can head there as soon as we get a rental car.”

Both our phones buzz. “Dammit!” he yells. “Another delay. There’s no way we’ll make our connection.”

“We’ll find a new flight. Hell, we’ll charter a private plane from there if we have to,” I say.

CHAPTER 16

Piper

“Well,I’d like to see her.”

“She’s still sleeping. It was a long drive.”

“I’ll say. You drove back fast? Why aren’t you tired?”

Mom? My mom is here?

John chuckles. “I don’t need sleep. I’m so happy she’s back in my life. But seriously, why don’t you come by later when she’s awake?” John asks.

A door opens, and I try to open my eyes, but they’re heavy.

“See, I told you she’s sleeping.”

“Oh, Piper, are you all right?”

I try to mumble something. Finally, I get my eyes open.

My mom’s hand goes to my forehead. “Is she sick?”

John sighs. “I didn’t want to have to tell you this, but she’s high.”

My mom whips around to him. “High? What are you talking about?”

He leans against the wall. “That’s how I found her in New York. She has track marks on her arms. I don’t know who she’s been hanging out with, but clearly, it has not been good for her. I’m just glad I got there in time.”

My mom turns back to me. “I want to see those track marks.”

John is there, immediately resetting the covers up under my chin. “Not now. Later. She needs calm and rest.”

I open my eyes a little, and there is concern in my mom’s eyes I haven’t seen in years. John steps out of the room.

My mom glances back, then leans down and whispers in my ear. “I’ll be back with your dad in a few hours to check on you. I don’t believe for a moment you are doing drugs.” She stands up and speaks loud for John to hear. “I’ll let her rest for now, but I will be back.”

The door closes, and the two continue to talk.

“I really appreciate all that you are doing for us,” John says.

“Well, I’m glad she’s back in Montana so I can keep an eye on her. If anything happens to her, I’m holding you responsible.”

I must drift off because when I open my eyes again, the room is dark and silent.

It’s too dark to make out anything, so I try to sit up. I can’t. My hands are bound to the sides of the bed. I tug on my feet. They, too, are bound to the sides of the bed.

“John!” I yell.

The door opens. “You’re awake. I thought you were going to sleep all day.”

“I really need to go to the bathroom. And I’m thirsty.” I have a hell of a lot to say to him, but until I get my bearings, I need to take it easy.

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