Page 37 of Deep Down
Chapter 14
Alex
Alex left the room, wanting nothing more than to stay, but understanding Craig needed time to process whatever was discussed in the session. Heading to the nurses’ station, he said a quick goodbye to the staff there and strode towards the staff area where he collected his belongings and left the hospital. He desperately needed sleep. He now had two days off, which he would attempt to use to recuperate from the long hours he’d been putting in at the hospital.
Since Craig had arrived, he had been working twenty-four-seven. He couldn’t seem to leave him alone. Not in a creepy way, but in an “I want to help him and protect him” way. Amanda would have a field day with his personality, he was sure, and she would say it wasn’t healthy, given his attraction and Craig’s injuries. Both knew he wouldn’t cross any lines.
Arriving home, Alex stalked to the shower, relaxing when the hot water hit his tense muscles. Not bothering to dry off completely, he dropped on to his bed and crashed.
He sat upright in bed, sweat soaking his body, breathing hard. Alex rubbed a hand over his face, trying to dispel the fear streaming through his veins. Seeing Craig’s lifeless body on the ground was not an image he wanted to relive more than he had to.
Flicking the covers back, he stumbled to the bathroom for another shower, threw on his running gear and left the house.
Feet pounding the pavement, he concentrated on his rhythm instead of his thoughts. Mile after mile flew before him until he veered himself towards home, exhaustion flooding his system. Alex managed another quick shower before real-life interrupted in the form of a phone call from his sister, demanding his presence for lunch.
He entered the little bakery café five minutes later than Ella’s requested time and sauntered to the table. Alex kissed her cheek, then Danny’s and sat opposite them. There was already a coffee waiting on his side of the table.
He sipped the brew, eyes closing at the caffeine hit. “Thanks. I needed that.”
“You’re welcome.”
Alex could sense her gaze on him, although his eyes were fixed on his cup. “What?”
“I’m worried about you.”
“You don’t need to be.”
“I’m your sister. I’m always worried about you,” she retorted.
He chuckled. Alex watched as she wiped Danny’s face clean—the chocolate biscuit he’d had on his face more than in his stomach—and pinned him with her gaze.
“What’s going on, Alex?” She placed a few toys on the table in front of Danny before wrapping her hands around her mug.
Alex sighed. “Fuck it. I’m breaching all kinds of protocol here, but you’re right. I’m worn out and need someone to talk to. You’re it.” He pointed a finger towards her and slumped back in his seat, the fingers of one hand fiddling with a sugar packet.
“I’m fine with that. What’s happening?” Ella picked up a toy Danny had dropped on the floor.
“The case I’m working on…although technically I suppose I’m not working on it now. The guy, Craig, is a victim of domestic abuse.”
“Oh, Alex.”
“I know. I didn’t expect this to drop right in front of me, but Craig…he’s a nice guy. He doesn’t deserve what’s happened to him.”
“Most people don’t deserve it. Why is Craig different?”
“Who said he’s different?” He always forgot how astute she was.
“You didn’t need to. I could tell from your expression and your voice.” She leaned forward, covering his hand with hers. “Don’t get too attached, Alex. Remember what happened last time,” she added quietly.
Alex glanced out of the window, staring at memories long past before locking gazes with Ella again. “I know. Craig’s different.”
“Exactly. But why is he different? What makes him different from the ass…” she trailed off, glancing at Danny, “…guy who made your life hell before?” She sat back, crossing her arms.
Alex glanced at his hands. Ella asked a good question, and he was reminded of his earlier thought about Amanda having fun with his personality. It was natural for him to want to help people—he wouldn’t be a doctor if he didn’t want to. But occasionally, the assistance needed was beyond what he could provide, and it left a sour taste in his mouth. Grayson had been…a disaster, in all honesty.
“Craig has a strong personality.” At Ella’s raised eyebrows, he continued, “He has. From what the police have found out and from what Craig has described, the abuse seems to have come on slowly. Craig wholeheartedly loved this man, believing what happened to him was the best thing for him, that the man was showing him he cared.”
“And that makes him strong?”
