Page 42 of Aviator
“Jamie? No way. He’s as straight as they come. From the looks of the cabin, I don’t think he’s been there in a while. If I had to guess, I’d say he surprised whatever operation was going down, and they got spooked and left.”
More notes. “Can you describe the other gunmen?”
I try to think back, but it’s all been such a blur that I don’t have much to give them.
“Thank you for this. We appreciate your time. You’d better have that leg looked at,” the other officer says.
I glance down at my feet and realize I’ve completely forgotten about my injuries. “Thanks.”
“We’ll be in touch.”
A nurse waiting in the wings ushers me to a room where they have me strip to assess my injuries. I’m sent off for X-rays and blood work, and goddammit, if they don’t let me see Kenna soon, I’m going to start breaking down doors.
My leg is wrapped in a cast when they finally wheel me to her room. I’m scowling at the lot of them and planning how to torture everyone when I see her lying in the bed. Her shoulder is wrapped in bandages, and she’s sleeping. I abandon the wheelchair, much to the displeasure of the nurses, and hover over the bed, hesitant to touch her because I don’t want to hurt her.
I glance at the nurse, who says, “The shot went straight through. We stitched her up, and she’s on painkillers and antibiotics. She shouldn’t have any lasting issues and will be just fine.”
When I grunt, Kenna begins to stir. Her eyes crack open, and she says, “Pookie, say thank you,” like she’s talking to a child.
Damn woman. If she doesn’t stop calling me that, I’m going to hide her pain meds. “Thank you,” I say begrudgingly.
The nurses hide their smiles as they leave us, and I scoot a chair over to her side. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been shot. I don’t recommend.”
I huff out a laugh. “Yeah, no, I don’t think so.”
“Have you ever been shot?”
“Actually, I can’t say that I have.”
At this, she brightens. “So what you’re saying is that I’m tougher than you are.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Big bad tough Dean Tyler has never been shot.”
“Well, why don’t you trek through the mountains on a broken leg. Then you can argue who is tougher.”
She frowns. “Yeah, you’re probably right. That sounds way worse. Plus, I’ve got the good pain meds.” After a jaw-breaking yawn, she says, “Have you heard anything about Felix?”
I shake my head. “No, not yet. He’s still in surgery, last I heard.”
“I’m so sorry, Dean. Do they have any idea who the other guy is?”
“Not yet, but I talked to the cops earlier. They’ll figure out who’s responsible for everything. You just worry about resting right now.”
Her eyes slip closed and then shoot open. “Have you heard from Riley or my sisters yet?”
“I’m sorry, not yet. You want me to call from here?”
“Yeah, please.” Another yawn. “I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.” She rattles off the numbers and dozes off.
I try the numbers she gave me, but there’s no answer. I leave another message updating them on Kenna’s status and give them the hospital room number.
With Kenna’s hand in mine, I bow my head over her bed and sleep for what feels like the first time in days.
* * *
