Page 25 of Barbed Wire and Burglary
“A.J. Pike.” He pulled out his wallet and flashed his driver’s license and military ID at her.
She glanced doubtfully at them.
“Her fiancé,” he added. It wasn’t true…yet. Lord willing, it would be soon. It was something he’d been praying about a lot lately, even more since their heart-to-heart yesterday.
The woman’s expression didn’t change, so he tried a different tactic. “I’m supposed to pick up a cat.”
“Oh, thank goodness!” Without any further ado, she mashed the button that opened the silver door to his left. “We don’t normally allow animals in the ER. Well, other than service animals. You’ll find Miss Cannon in the third bay.” Her gaze moved to the person standing in line behind him.
A.J. started walking before she changed her mind anddidn’t stop until he reached the third bay. “Aurora?” He called her name softly.
“Back here!” She sounded overjoyed to hear his voice. “Come in!”
He parted the curtain and stepped around it, relieved to find her sitting up in the bed. “Hey, you. Are you feeling any better?”
“Much.” She gave him a wry smile. “This precious little guy is too, thanks to you.” Bandit was sprawled across her lap. He cracked his eyes open to peer at A.J. Then he settled his head more comfortably between his paws and closed them again.
“Glad I could help.” He stepped closer to her bed. “How’s your brother?”
Her eyes filled with tears. “The EMT said the cut on his wrist looked infected. They’re giving him antibiotics and fluids.” The despair in her voice was palpable. “I’m really worried about him, A.J. He’s still recovering from his bullet wound, and now this.”
He hated the necessity of grilling her for more information while she was in a hospital bed, but his sense of justice demanded it. “I take it the cut on his wrist is new?”
She nodded sheepishly. “It’s his story to tell, not mine. I hope he shares it with you soon. I’ve asked him to.”
Unfortunately, her answer didn’t give him much to go on. He reached for her hand. “I have something to get off my chest, as well.”
Her cheeks turned an enchanting shade of pink. “Should I be worried?”
“It depends on how you feel about what I’m about to tell you.” He toyed with her fingers. “My ticket through the door a few minutes ago was telling the front desk I’m yourfiancé.”
“Oh.” The pink in her cheeks blossomed to a rosier hue. “Well, it worked,” she said lightly.
“Yeah, it did.” He trailed his other hand down Bandit’s back and felt the rumble of a purr. “I also promised to take this guy off your hands if you’re going to be here much longer.”
“Not if you help spring me out of this joint.” She gave him an imploring look. “They offered to keep me overnight for observation, but I’d rather go home.” Her voice abruptly dwindled. “If that’s even possible with the gas leak.” She sniffed. “It might be better if you take me to a hotel.”
He carefully considered her words. “Yes, I’ll spring you out of here, but I’d rather you crash at my place while we get to the bottom of the gas leak.” Until they figured out whether it was an accident or something more concerning, it might not be safe for her to be alone. “My place isn’t fancy, but I’ve got extra blankets and a couch. Or you can have my room, and I’ll take the couch. Your choice.”
“Do I get a vote?” Aaron Cannon’s voice carried weakly through the curtain.
A.J. and Aurora stared at each other in surprise. Then he gently released her hand to tug the curtain open.
Aaron waved two fingers at him. He was strapped to an assortment of machines—a heart monitor, multiple IV cords, and oxygen. A much thicker bandage than before circled his wrist.
Seeing A.J.’s gaze on the bandage, Aaron moved it beneath the blanket to hide it from view.
“Yes, you get a vote on where Bandit spends the night, as long as it’s with me.” Aurora’s musical voice broke through the rising tension between the two men.
When neither of them answered, she trilled out a chuckle. “I tried to convince them he’s my emotionalsupport pet, but I don’t think they bought it.” She hugged Bandit closer, making him purr louder.
Aaron’s expression softened as he watched her. “Sounds like the Cannons owe you a bunch of thanks, Pike.”
A.J. waved away his thanks. “Sorry about the gas leak.”
Despite his weariness, Aaron sat up straighter. “The sheriff is checking it out as we speak. We’ll know more soon.”
A.J. found the anger simmering in the deputy’s eyes telling. “You don’t think it was an accident?”
