Page 51 of Dead Man's Wish
“You seemed pretty afraid at the precinct.”
“It’s called acting.” Her rationale was weak and flat. I stepped forward again and as expected, she stepped back.
“Pretty shit acting then.” At that, her grip tightened around the handle. Her knuckles bleached as she held her arm higher.
“Your bitch missed out on my knife carving up her body, but you’ll do just fine in her place.” She screamed, charging forward and slashing the knife through the air, zeroing in on my chest.
I snapped my arm out, catching her wrist as the blade nicked my forearm. Fisting her shirt, I used her own momentum to lift her off the ground and throw her to the side. She landed in the bookcase, and it was a shame someone had the forethought to bolt the bitch to the wall. The prospect of it falling over and crushing her had me excited.
Hitting the floor, she yelped as shelves and books dropped onto her head. The impact knocked her breathless, and a wheeze escaped her instead of air flowing in smoothly. With her body shocked from the force, I pulled off my shirt and crouched over her. She gasped for air like a dying fish. I wrapped the blade in my T-shirt, picking it up and forcing Veronica’s hand over the handle.
I grabbed her throat, feeling a little sadistic for cutting off the oxygen she already couldn’t breathe. She kicked out at me, but there was no force behind them. I dropped the shirt and grabbed her hand. She tried to jerk away from me. I held her there as panic widened her eyes and constricted her pupils.
I said nothing. I made no threats, no promises. When I twisted her wrist, the tip of the knife caught on the fabric of her shirt. She shook her head, and I ignored it.
I plunged the blade into her chest as she struggled beneath me. She coughed as blood filled her lungs, her mouth, and poured out as I pushed the knife deeper. She stopped struggling after a minute and I released her. Veronica slumped over as the nonexistent light died in her eyes.
I picked up the shirt and wiped my hands, turning back to the others. Sliding my arms under Bexley, I picked her up and cradled her in my lap. The world felt right with her in my hold.
“Are you with us?” I asked when her eyes met mine. She nodded softly this time. My hand covered the center of her chest. Her heartbeat was steady and strong beneath my palm. “You’re going to be okay. Breathe with me as best you can.” She took shallow breaths at my instruction, but she was still breathing.
* * *
We satthat way for a while, me holding Bex and Kel holding Mari. Kel messed around with his phone, trying to see if he could manage to hold onto a signal. The smart thing to do was load everyone in his car and drive until we found a hospital, but no one wanted to move now that we were all together and safe. Bex managed to stay awake the entire time as well, and I was hopeful about what it meant for her prognosis.
“You’re so beautiful.” I slid my hand to the side of her neck, careful to not put pressure on the darkening bruises. “And strong. You kicked his ass, baby.” I massaged the back of her head and she relaxed into my body. “My brave little swallow,” I whispered, leaning in and kissing her cheek. “I was so scared. I thought I’d lost you forever. Never again, do you hear me? I’m never leaving you like that again.”
She closed her eyes, a soundless laugh passing her lips. Tears threatened to spill again as I held her to me. In my peripheral, Mari and Kel turned to look at the open door. I followed their gaze, focusing on something that wasn’t Bex.
Faint sounds of sirens echoed in the trees and the crunch of gravel grew louder. They were impossibly loud as the blue-and- white lights painted the wall. Relief melted the tension in my shoulders, and I saw the same happen with Kel and Mari. Multiple car doors opened and closed as we waited.
A familiar frame stepped inside, holstering his gun as his eyes landed on us. Bishop held a hand up for his team behind him as he walked over to us. He looked from Veronica to Jeffrey and then to Bexley folded in my arms.
“Is she . . .” His face was grave as he silently asked the worst question. I shook my head and leaned back so he could see her resting and breathing.
“She’s sleeping right now. Baby went through hell and backtwice,” I emphasized with pride.
“It was a duo after all?” He took in their dead bodies again. “I see . . .” Emotions warred within him on how to feel about it.
“You did promise that if I beat you to them . . . ,” I started, breaking the tension as he laughed. He rubbed a hand over his face, his calloused skin catching on his five o’clock shadow.
“I did, yeah. I’ll take care of it. The ambulance was right behind us,” he said as more cars pulled in. “One of those should be them. I’ll tell them she’s in here. When I called, they said she’ll go to a local hospital and once she’s stable, we can get her transferred closer to home.” Bishop looked over Bexley once more before walking out. His voice boomed as he gave orders and directed the EMTs to us.
I rubbed my thumb over Bexley’s cheek to rouse her. Blue eyes fluttered open. “Look at me, baby.” She focused on me then, her devastating gaze still as beautiful despite the damage. “Bishop arrived with the cavalry. The paramedics are here to take you to the hospital.” Boots moved across the floor with the squeak of wheels. A man and woman knelt beside us.
“Mrs. Wells?” the man asked first, getting her attention. “I’m Christopher and this is Mia. We’re gonna get you on this gurney and off to the hospital, okay?” She nodded and rolled into me farther. Christopher directed his questions to me now. “Mr. Wells, I presume, are you able to carry her?”
I nodded, standing with her and following the directions of where to position her. Mia acted quickly as she covered her in sheets and tightened down the straps to keep her from rolling out. She grabbed a thicker green blanket and laid it on top of the sheets.
“Mr. Wells,” Mia started.
“Jaiden, please.”
“Jaiden, we’re going to get her loaded up. Since she’s mostly alert, I’ll get the IV started before we take off. These roads are winding and bumpy, and I want to minimize her discomfort. It’ll be another five minutes at most. If you wish to ride with her, be sure you’re seated before we leave.” Mia and Christopher unlocked the wheels and started backing out.
“Yes, ma’am.” I turned to Kel.
“Don’t you dare, man. I’ll take care of your bike; Mari can drive the car back. That better have been obvious,” he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. I pulled him into a hug, feeling like I could take full breaths again for the first time today.
