possible until the lesions on your vocal cords heal. Only time will tell. The mark on your ankle seems to be healing nicely. Try to avoid taking a bath until your next visit. Showers are fine.”
The doc looks in my direction.
“Well, it looks like your husband is ready to break you out of here,” the doc laughs as he leaves the room.
I watch as Jessa’s lips mouth the words, husband, with wide eyes.
“That’s right, wife,” I say, pushing the wheelchair to the bed. “Time to get you out of here.”
Her dad tries to help her stand, only to be glared at.
“By all means,” Coach laughs. “Do it yourself.”
With a firm nod, Jessa stands. I can’t help but chuckle at her height. Next to me, she looks like a child. Probably the same size as little Rose.
I watch with amusement as Jessa’s mouth falls open, and she slowly looks up until she’s looking into my eyes.
“Snap out of it, Mouse,” Coach says. “Turn around and sit down before you give the man a complex.”
Once seated, Jessa reaches for her notebook and writes before reaching behind and handing it to me.
You look much bigger up close.
“I do? As opposed to you laying in your bed?”
Using way too much sass for her tiny body, she jerks the notebook out of my hand. Coach sits and watches with amused eyes.
I grab the notebook when she reaches it back.
No, smartbutt! I mean when I saw you at my dad’s gym. You looked huge from far away, but you are massive up close.
“Darlin`, I’ve stood at the side of your bed every day for a week now,” I say, walking around to stand in front of her. “Did you not notice my abnormally large size then?”
I can’t help but tease her. Her face turns red as I hand her back her notebook. She turns the page before writing something and turning it in my direction.
The words, I want a divorce, are written across the entire sheet of paper causing me to laugh.
I grab her pen.
Not happening, little darlin’, I write.
“Everything’s ready, Brick,” Ink says, walking in the room. “Chains’ says that he’ll meet you at the safe house. He’s taking Bella and Sophia with him to help Jessa settle in. Thea also wants me to tell you, pretty Jessa, that she’s sorry she isn’t able to meet you yet. Once everything is settled, then you’re invited to her and Trigger’s place anytime.”
Jessa nods and smiles.
“Alright, little darlin’,” I say, kissing the top of Jessa’s head. “Is there anything else you need before we leave?”
She shakes her head.
“I’ll follow you down to your car,” Coach says. “I expect you to keep your word, son, and find a way to have her contact me.”
I nod my head in a promise. Time to get my little lady out of here.
Chapter Five
Jessa
This is really happening. I can’t believe I’m alone in a car with Brick. I wonder what his real name is? I write the question down in my notebook to remind myself to ask him later.
“How are your eyes?” His voice, though soft and kind, booms around his car.
I adjust the sunglasses he bought me and look in his direction. I still don’t want him to hear my voice. Even though my dad told me that I already talked to him when I first woke up, that will be the only time he hears me until I sound more human.
“I think it’s getting better. I no longer have to squint,” I want to say.
Instead, I just nod, hoping he will understand.
“Good. We need to talk about something before we arrive.”
We’ve been on the road for about thirty minutes so far. I’m not sure where this safe house is located, but he did tell me when we first drove away from the hospital that it wasn’t too far away.
“I didn’t tell your father where I was taking you for a few reasons,” he starts. “One is because you never know who’s listening. I couldn’t take the chance that someone would overhear me giving out details. Another is because when whoever took you comes looking, and they will, baby, I don’t want your father to have to lie. He has no idea where you’re going to be.”
Brick stops at a stoplight and looks at me.
“Don’t worry about Coach, Darlin’, he can take care of himself.”
I nod my head, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying.
“Now,” Brick continues. “This safe house is actually my parents' place. It’s out in the country and