Page 36 of One Little Memory
“I’ll go get Dr. Cahill. He’ll want to know you’re awake.” She smiled and squeezed his hand before she left the room.
He glanced around, but the room was empty except for Falcon. He’d been hoping Jo was there. Surely, they hadn’t arrested her, had they? He should check on her.
“She’s fine. Just went down to get coffee.” Falcon smiled. “I like her. You should keep her around.”
He squinted at his brother. “I’ll keep it in mind.” He’d like to keep her around as well, but who knew what she wanted?
“How are you?” he asked Falcon.
“You scared the shit out of me,” he said bluntly. “I saw you stagger out of the house with your gun and go into the apartment. There was nothing I could do that wouldn’t put you in more danger. I had no shot to take Marchand out.”
“Shot?”
“I got your spare gun from the gun locker.”
Phoenix nodded. “Remind me to change the combination.”
“Funny.” Falcon shook his head. “What I’m trying to tell you is I was terrified for you. Terrified that you would be dead, and I would be alone. It made me realize what you’ve been going through while I was waiting to hear my test results. I’ve been so caught up in my own world, I didn’t think about you. I’m sorry, Phoenix.”
He waved his brother off. “You’ve had a lot on your plate.”
“Still. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I would be devastated if anything happened to you.”
“The feeling is mutual, bro.” And it was. If Falcon had cancer, it would kill Phoenix. He’d get through it somehow for his brother, but it would absolutely kill him on the inside.
Falcon grabbed his brother’s hand, and they squeezed. “I should tell you I got the call. I don’t have cancer. I have some issues, but they are all manageable with medications and changes in diet and exercise.”
Phoenix swallowed the lump in his throat. “Thank God. Just thank fucking god.”
They hugged then. Phoenix squeezed his brother as hard as he could, and Falcon squeezed back.
“Turns out coffee is more my speed, but I have to say, I do like Earl Gray…” Jo’s voice faded out as she and Hazel entered the room.
Phoenix and Falcon parted, and he turned toward Jo. “You okay?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “Yeah, I’m great actually.”
Hazel smiled. “Dr. Cahill said he’d be in a bit. He also said not too many visitors.”
“I’m gonna head out anyway,” Falcon said. “I’ve got a TV to set up.” He smiled. “I’ll catch you later, bro.”
They clasped hands, and then he was gone.
Hazel glanced at her watch. “I’m heading out myself. Take care of yourself, Phoenix. I’ll be over to check on you when you get home.” She turned to Jo. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll set something up.”
“Thanks, Hazel.”
Jo pulled a chair over next to the bed and sat down. “Are you okay? How’s the head?”
“Hurts, but I’m okay.” He stared at her. There was a joy in her smile that hadn’t been there before.
“You look happy.”
She smiled. “I am.” She grabbed his hand. “I guess I owe you an explanation.”
“You don’t owe me anything, but I’d love to hear your story.”
“First things first,” she said and stuck out her right hand. “Hi, I’m Josie Grandville. It’s nice to meet you.”
