Page 31 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
“What are you doing?” Parker didn’t like his younger brothers fussing over him.
“Here.” Belle handed Colin some fresh napkins. “This is all I havebecauseParker won’t let me back in the house.”
Colin immediately grabbed the napkins. He dabbed at the wound.
“Ow…” Parker jerked away from him.
Colin frowned. “I forgot what a wimp you can be.”
Parker glared at him. Now was not the time for one of their juvenile spats, especially when his deputies were close by, and Belle was looking on.
Parker swallowed hard and attempted to keep the frustration out of his voice. “Maybe you should get a gentler touch. Just put a bandage on it. I have work to do.”
Colin shook his head. “A bandage isn’t going to be enough. You need stitches, some ice, and to be checked for a concussion.”
Parker’s jaw clenched. He didn’t have time for this. The suspect evaded him this time, but next time would be different. He lowered his head and noticed the blood that had dripped onto his coat. He supposed his brother was right.
He lifted his gaze to meet Colin’s. “Then just do it.”
“Do what?”
“Put in the stitches.”
Colin shook his head as he held up his palms. “Oh, no. I’m not doing that.”
“Come on.” Parker really needed to have his head taken care of so he could get back to work.
“No.” Colin’s voice was firm as he straightened. “I’m an animal doctor, not a human one.”
Belle spoke up. “And it’s your face. You want a specialist to do the stitches so there’s minimal scarring.” She glanced over at Colin. “Sorry. I don’t mean that you aren’t a great vet—especially since you’re Odie’s vet.” The mention of her missing dog immediately brought a frown to her lips.
Colin nodded. “You’re right.” He turned his attention to Parker. “I just have one question: what hit you?”
“A book.”
Justin arched a brow. “That must be some book.”
“It is huge,” Belle said. “It’s a copy ofWar and Peace.”
Justin let out a whistle. “You’re lucky your head is still attached.”
“Tell me about it,” Parker muttered.
“Wait till Mom hears about this.” Michael reached for his phone.
Parker frowned. “Don’t call her.”
“I have to. I promised I would after I checked on you. Of course, I don’t have to call, and then she can drive over here to see you for herself.”
Parker hesitated. “Fine. Call her.”
Just then Parker’s phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket to find it was Deputy Williams. Parker pressed the phone to his ear. “What did you find?”
“There’s an abandoned ATV just off of Dancer Lane. The engine is still warm.”
This was the break he’d been waiting for. Parker took the napkins from his brother. He dabbed at his head and then lowered his arm. He went to get to his feet, but Belle reached out and pushed him back into the seat. He frowned at her. At the same time, he felt a cool trickle make its way down the side of his face.
Belle lifted his arm and pressed his hand with the napkins back against his temple. “We need to get to the hospital.”
