Page 35 of Playing the Game
I dream of Dori and me. The images are strange because they combine our past interactions with new events that have yet to happen.
One minute, we’re hiking like we used to, and the next, we’re walking on a beach. They feel real. I cling to them to help me get through the misery of my wound.
I wake to Hunter standing over me. My right side seizes up in searing agony, causing a groan to escape my lips.
His forehead wrinkles. “Is your pain because of me, or do you need me to get a nurse?”
“It’s due to my injury, but you don’t need to get the nurse.” I adjust myself to find a better position. “Where’s Dori?”
“Good question. I thought I’d find her with you, but it seems she’s not around.” He glances over his shoulder at the door.
Unexplained unease causes my throat to tighten. “Well, in that case, don’t let me keep you.”
His unreadable gaze comes back to me. “She’s not answering her phone. I’m wondering if you’ve seen her.”
I take a moment to study him, noticing the subtle twitch in his eye and how he shifts his weight. He’s trying to wear a shield, but his energy tells me to take notice.
“What’s this about, Hunter?”
He gestures to my wound. “You won’t believe me, but this isn’t what I wanted to happen.”
An icy dread settles over me as my brows furrow into a tight line. I haven’t considered it could’ve been Hunter who had me shot.
Could he be behind this?
My blood pumps stronger. “Who else would want me out of the picture?”
He shifts from one leg to the other and folds his arms over his chest. “I wasn’t behind this, Jamison.”
“But you have an idea who was.”
He hesitantly nods. “I tried to warn you when you gave me that betting chip, but you wouldn’t listen.”
I try to sit straighter, but the discomfort stops me mid-motion. I grunt. “Fuck, that hurts.”
“Should I get someone?”
I grimace and force myself to relax. “No, but you should tell me who you think did this because I doubt you mean Ava.”
He sighs. “No, I didn’t mean Ava. Although I can’t be sure who did this to you.”
“You have an idea, though.”
He shakes his head. “I have suspicions I can’t piece together.”
“Just tell me what you suspect or leave. I’m tired and need to rest.”
He runs his hand over his neck. “Have you talked with the police?”
I groan in pain. “No, Hunter, but I’m going to.”
“Can I ask you a favor?”
This guy has a lot of nerves.
I glare in his direction. “What?”
“Don’t tell them anything about the chip or our feud.”
