Page 27 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
Levi sighed.He wasn’t sure how much her cousin knew about what Missy said in the car about someone pushing her.Or if Declan had noticed how skittish she could be.He didn’t even know who it was, so he decided he better not say anything.
Declan looked at his watch.
“If you need to get back to your boys I can call you once Dalton’s done.”
Declan sighed.“I appreciate that, but I’m the only family Missy has left.And she’s all I have besides my boys.”
Before Levi could respond Dalton walked in.“She’s doing great.Luckily only a second-degree burn, but it is severe.I cleaned it and treated it, and it’s going to be painful for a few days while the skin rejuvenates.”
“Is she still in a lot of pain?”Levi asked, unable to be silent.
“I numbed her hand to clean it, and we’ve just given her an IV with pain reliever and a sleeping aid,” Dalton said, directed to Declan.
“Can she come home with me?”Declan asked.
“Not tonight.I need to keep her here overnight, so we can help her keep her hand immobilized, and increase her pain reliever if needed.I’ll clean her hand again in the morning, and I can easily do house visits for the week.Keeping it clean is essential,” Dalton said.
“I can stay,” Levi said.
Dalton and Declan both looked at him.
“I feel like this is my fault and Gran just texted me to say I better not let Missy out of my sight.”
“The neighbor is with the boys, and I’d bet my life’s savings they’re running circles around her instead of getting ready for bed,” Declan said.
“I’ve got at least another hour of paperwork to do, and usually the attending stays overnight with a patient.So I’ll be here either way.”
“Can I see her before I go?”Declan asked.
“Of course, go ahead back,” Dalton said.
Levi watched Declan head back to the surgery suite, but as soon as they were alone Dalton crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes on him.
“Why are you acting like Missy is yours to worry about and volunteering to stay here with her?”
“It was my fault.I noticed how jumpy she can be earlier this week.I shouldn’t have been so abrupt when I returned to Gran’s.I knew she was holding something back.Then in the car she confided something to me and I’m not going to repeat what she said, so don’t ask.But maybe you and Wesley already know.”
“So you’re worried about her and you’re going to stay here tonight no matter what I say?”
“Yes.”
“Levi, I can’t let you see her.You’re not her next of kin, and she didn’t request for you to have access.In fact I get the feeling she’d prefer you not stay.”
“I’ll feel better if I stay, then if she gets hungry or needs anything you can send me out for it.”
Dalton sighed but before he could try to lecture him any further, Wesley walked into the hospital with their grandmother and a large cooler bag.
“Are we having a family reunion?”Dalton asked.
“Gran wanted to check on Missy and packed up some of the soup Missy made,” Wesley said, holding up a bag.
“I also packed a change of clothes and a toothbrush for our girl,” Gran said.
Declan walked back in and Levi could see the large man looked shaken.
“She looks so tiny and alone in there.Maybe I can get my boys to sleep and head back to sit with her,” Declan said.
Dalton patted his shoulder.“She’s going to be fine, and I can almost guarantee she won’t wake up for hours.”
