The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,7

under the handle.” Her hand freezes on my arm. “I believe someone did this to you on purpose,” I continue. “Do you have any idea who would want to have you killed?” I ask, jumping straight to the point.

“No,” she says, her voice shaky. “I have no idea. Life has been so much easier since…” she trails off, and I know that she means: Since Michael’s incarceration.

“Are you okay?” she asks uncertain, holding her hand up and moving it back and forth in front of my face slowly.

“I can still see,” I say with a small smile, reaching my hand up and taking hers. “It’s just blurry. I’m told that it will get better.”

“I’m so sorry, Jake,” she whispers, and I wonder if she’s crying.

“It’s alright. It’s not your fault. I’m just glad that I could get to you in time. I thought you were dying Diana,” I say.

“I thought I was too,” she sniffles.

“How’s your daughter?” I ask, feeling my heart sink in my chest. Was she there, and I didn’t know? I didn’t even bother to check for the teenage girl.

“She wasn’t home; thank goodness. She was at a friend’s house, which is where she’s staying now― until I can go home.”

“There’s not much of a home left for you I’m afraid,” I say, remembering the flames that engulfed the brick house.

“Yes, that’s what I hear, but home is wherever Holly is,” she whispers.

“Sir,” the nurse calls. I hear her squeaking across the floor behind me. “Sir, I’m afraid I have to insist you come with me now― Doctor’s orders. He wants to check you out immediately.

“Go ahead,” Diana whispers, running smooth fingers along my forearm, sending the hair standing. “I’ll come by and see you in a little while.”

“Sounds good,” I reply with a nod.

“Okay, Jake, I’m going to have you sit in this wheelchair. I’ll guide you over, and then I’ll push you back to your room. Sound okay?”

“Okay,” I whisper, rising up from the bed. This is humiliating. I don’t like feeling weak or injured. I don’t want to have someone take care of me. Watching as I seem to fly down the hall, I hear familiar voices.

“Jake,” Lucy calls, and I gasp in pain as her body collides into mine.

“Lucy, be careful,” Abbie snaps, a little panicked.

“Ma’am, please get off of him,” the nurse demands, removing Lucy’s arms from around my neck. “He has several burns, and we need to be careful with him.”

The thought of someone having to be careful with me has me grimacing.

“Oh, Jake, I’m so sorry,” Lucy whispers. “I’m so glad you’re alive. I was so worried when Dad told me. I came here right away, but of course you were unconscious.”

“We’ve been here every day,” Abbie agrees, as a nurse helps me out of the chair and guides me back to the bed.

“God, Jake. You look awful,” Lucy says.

“Thanks Luce,” I say, a little irritated and then panic. How badly am I burned?

“Don’t listen to her,” Abbie says. “You don’t look awful, you just look tired― and like you got a really bad sunburn.”

“That’s great, thanks girls,” I say while getting in the bed, trying not to groan in pain. I would like to maintain some level of dignity.

“Jake,” a low voice calls, and immediately, I feel my back stiffen as Kenton Traverses’ familiar boots walk into the hospital room. I roll my eyes at the ceiling. Great; just what I want right now, the fucking chief of police.

“Jake, you got a moment? I’ve got some questions for you,” Kenton says.

“Come on, seriously? He nearly died in a fire. He just woke up. Do you need a statement right now?” Lucy asks.

I thank God for her saying what I was thinking. But the sooner he knows what happens the better.

“Well, it’s just that the sooner I have the information, the better,” Kenton says.

“Can’t it wait 24 hours?” she asks, her voice impatient.

“I guess,” he says, a little irritated to be challenged.

He shouldn’t be surprised; Lucy has always been bold, especially when in the wrong.

“He really needs to rest now, babe,” Lucy says, her voice full of pity.

“Fine,” he says, and I can imagine the grimace on his hard face.

“Can we get you anything Jake?” Abbie asks, stepping closer to the bed.

“No, I’m okay, thank you. Have you spoken with Diana?” I wonder.

“She’s already given her statement,” Kenton responds.

“Good. Where’s she going to stay since the house is burned?” I ask, turning to face him, trying to clear my vision.

“Not