Page 102 of Tide and Seek
Awareness returned in fragments.A monotonous beep in the distance.The bite of chemicals in the air.I tried to open my eyes but my eyelids felt fused.When I finally managed it, fluorescent lights assaulted my vision and I had to blink several times before the room came into focus.
White ceiling tiles.Pale green walls.An IV pole beside the bed with a bag of clear fluid dripping steadily into the line taped to my left arm.A blood pressure cuff was wrapped around my right bicep, connected to a monitor that explained the beeping.The numbers on the screen meant nothing to my still-foggy brain, but they were apparently acceptable because no alarms were going off.
I turned my head, slowly, because even that small movement made the room tilt, and saw Max slumped in a chair beside my bed.He looked rough.His clothes were wrinkled, his usually immaculate hair standing up in messy tufts.Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and there was a bandage wrapped around his left hand.But he was there, just like I’d known he’d be.The sight of him made my eyes tear up.
“Max,” I croaked, my throat raw and painful.
His head snapped up, his blue eyes going wide.“Royce.”He was out of the chair and at my bedside in an instant, his unbandaged hand reaching for mine.“Oh thank God.How do you feel?”
“Like I died,” I managed, which made him scowl.“Too soon?”
“That’s not funny,” he chided gently, his thumb trailing my jaw.“That was way too close.At least save those jokes for once you’re out of the hospital.”
“Yeah, you’re right.Sorry.”I shivered, remembering how little hope I’d had toward the end.
Down the hallway, a voice over the intercom called for a doctor to report to the nurse’s station.A cart rattled past my door, probably someone delivering breakfast trays.Normal hospital sounds that meant I was alive, safe, out of that goddamn cave.
“How long have I been asleep?”I asked.
“You’ve been out for about twelve hours,” Max said, his voice hoarse.“They admitted you for observation.Possible aspiration pneumonia, hypothermia, and the fentanyl.The doctors wanted to make sure your lungs are clear and there aren’t any complications from the drug.”
“You hurt your hand?”I nodded toward the bandage.
He glanced down like he’d forgotten about it.“It’s nothing serious, just cuts that needed cleaning and bandaging.”He sighed.“I could have done a better job myself.The nurse who did it was so obviously new, she was almost hyperventilating.”
I smiled.“I’m sure she did her best.”
He shrugged, looking unconvinced.
His stubborn expression brought back the memory of him coming into that dark, horrible cave after me.He’d put himself in danger just to save me.My chest squeezed as I remembered his strength in the water, his refusal to let go even when the current tried to tear us apart.
“Thank you for saving my life, Max,” I said quietly.
His jaw tightened and he leaned closer, his eyes almost feverishly blue.“You’d have done the same for me.”
“Absolutely.”I cupped his face and we smiled at each other.
He kissed me tenderly and then said softly, “That was probably the one time I had better skills for the situation than you.Thank goodness my hobby is swimming and not cross-stitching.”
I laughed and then winced as my sore ribs protested.“Ouch.Try not to be funny right now.”
“I’ll try.But you know how naturally hilarious I am.”
There was a soft knock on the door and Detective Hartley stepped into the room, looking apologetic.“Sheriff Callum, I’m sorry to intrude.”
I blinked at him, still feeling hazy.I remembered who he was, but wasn’t sure why he was here.
Max straightened, leaning on the hospital bed.“Royce just woke up.Maybe you could come back later?He’s still very tired and groggy.”
Ignoring Max, Hartley came further into the room.“I know my timing sucks, but I need to get his statement while the events are still fresh in his mind.”
“I’m sure that’s true, but he literally just woke up.”Max sounded annoyed.“This isn’t a good time.”
Hartley’s gray eyes settled on me.“It won’t take long.”
Max exhaled impatiently.“Surely this can wait?”
“It’s okay, Max.I can talk to him,” I said, even though my throat felt like I’d swallowed broken glass.“I’ve been asleep for twelve hours.It’s probably best I tell the police what I remember while it’s still fresh in my mind.”
