a cop. Until I have all the facts, I’m treating her as a protected witness. I’m staying.”
The other man muttered a curse, and said, “If you get in the way, I’ll have security remove you.”
Owen’s lip curled. He’d like to see security try it. They’d fail. “Just do your job, Doc, and I’ll do mine.” He moved back a few steps and kept an eye on the doctor and nurse as they examined Gigi.
Five minutes later, she moaned.
Owen’s heart kicked. “Gigi?” He came closer.
The doctor scowled at him and pointed to a place near her head. “You can stand there.”
“Owen,” Gigi murmured.
Thank God. “I’m right here, G.” He stroked her forehead. “You’re in the ER. You were in an accident.”
“Accident?” Her breath caught. “Is Toni all right?”
Owen stilled. “Toni Webster was with you?”
“Didn’t you see her?”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “The doc has questions for you. I need to make a call.”
“You’ll come back?”
“Try and keep me away,” he murmured. “I’ll be in the hall. If you need me, call out. I’ll hear you.” Owen sent a pointed look at the doctor who scowled in response. “I’ll return in a minute.”
Owen stepped into the hall. “Gigi’s awake,” he told Caleb. “She said Toni was in the SUV with her, but I didn’t see her.” He grabbed his phone and called David.
“I just arrived on scene,” his brother said dryly. “I don’t know anything yet.”
“Gigi woke up. She said Toni Webster was with her in the SUV. Toni wasn’t in the vehicle, bro.”
“We’ll search the area. She might have been thrown from the vehicle if she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Was Gigi able to tell you what happened?”
“The doctor is still examining her, and I wanted to tell you about Toni. I’ll question G as soon as I can. I need to go back. Keep me updated. Gigi will ask about Toni before long. I need answers.”
“Copy that.”
“If the doc admits her, Gigi will need someone to cover for her at the B & B.”
“Already have that taken care of. Elliot is driving Emma to the B & B. He’ll stay with her until I get there.”
Owen flinched. He hoped Gigi’s guests were tucked into their beds for the night. Elliot wasn’t known for his personality. He had little patience for people on a good day. “Later.” He ended the call and returned to the exam room.
Gigi’s relief at seeing him did funny things to Owen’s heart. When he returned to his place near her head, he laid his hand on her shoulder and continued his vigil while the doctor finished his exam.
Finally, the doctor eased back and said, “I’m sending you for a CT scan, Ms. Warren, then admitting you for observation. If all goes well, I’ll release you tomorrow morning.”
“I have to go home, Dr. Overton. I run a B & B and have a house full of guests.”
“Emma and David are covering for you,” Owen said. He left out the hours where Elliot would be in the house. His brother could be civil for a few hours. Probably.
“Owen, I need to go home.”
“Your health is more important. You scared me, G. Stay for my peace of mind. Please.”
“Dirty pool, Owen.” Gigi sighed. When she gave a slight nod of agreement without further argument, Owen realized how terrible she felt. His G wouldn’t give in that easily unless she was in a great deal of pain.
His attention shifted to the doctor. “What’s the verdict, Doc?”
“The EMTs were correct in their assessment. No broken bones and no internal injuries. It’s a good thing Ms. Warren was wearing her seatbelt.”
“What about the head injury?”
“She needs stitches. An intern will be in shortly to take care of that. Ms. Warren has a concussion and shouldn’t drive for at least 48 hours. She also shouldn’t be alone when she’s released.”
“She won’t be.”
After a nod, the doctor walked toward the door. “I hope you feel better soon, Ms. Warren.” With that, he was gone.
The nurse patted Gigi’s hand. “Don’t mind him. Dr. Overton’s bedside manner is lacking, but he’s the best ER doctor I’ve worked with. We’ll take good care of you. Since you’ll be our guest for the night, I’ll bring you a hospital gown to change into. Your clothes are stained with blood.”
When Gigi grimaced at the mention of the gown, Owen said, “What about a set of scrubs instead? We’re still examining the scene of her accident. If there’s trouble, we might have to move Gigi quickly.”
The nurse studied