Torin (Hope City #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,76

his phone, he sent a text to Sean.

23

Torin looked up, hoping to see the doctor entering his room, ready to tell him he’d be discharged. He had a long recovery road in front of him, but as soon as he could get out of the hospital, he’d be happier. While he dreaded the idea of the stairs leading up to his apartment, he knew once there, he’d be able to rest more peacefully, and with his open floor plan, he’d be able to maneuver anywhere he needed.

Instead, much to his surprise, Sean stepped into his room. Erin being first and foremost on his mind, he skipped a greeting. “Is Erin okay?”

Sean nodded. “As far as I know, but I assumed she’d be here. Damn, I should’ve just called and that would have been easier.”

“What’s up?”

“The investigators are putting out a call for cell phones from people who were in the area of the detonation. I didn’t think anything about those of you in the race, but Caitlyn mentioned to Dad that Erin had taken a picture of them right before all hell broke loose.”

Torin nodded slowly, lifting his hand to gently rub his brow, making sure to keep his fingertips away from the stitches in his forehead.

Sean grimaced and shook his head. “Torin, I’m sorry to walk in and just blurt that out. How are you doing?”

“It’s okay, man. You’ve got a lot on your mind. And no one wants the fucker caught more than me. I’m okay. Mostly just banged up, other than the leg. The surgeon says the surgery went well. Just can’t put any weight on it for a while. But once the healing has taken place and I get through physical therapy, I should be good as new.”

Sean had walked over and stood near the foot of his bed, his eyes on Torin’s leg. Glancing down, Torin knew it looked bad. There was still post-surgical swelling, which the doctor said was normal. The edges of skin that had been brought together and stitched looked somewhat Frankenstein-ish.

“I’m sorry as hell that happened to you,” Sean said.

“Sometimes, we’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Sean nodded, then sighed heavily. “I know Erin knows that more than most of us, and maybe this is a dumbass time to bring this up. I confess I was slow to realize you two were together, but we’re all really glad that you’re with her.”

Torin heard the sincerity and Sean’s voice and knew enough about the man to know that insincere comments weren’t part of his personality. Smiling, he said, “That means a lot, Sean. I’ve got nothing but respect for all the McBrides, so that means a hell of a lot.”

“You helped her, Torin. And anything you need at any time, but especially during your recuperation, the McBrides are there for you.” Sean chuckled and shook his head again. “Just try to keep Mom away. She’ll battle your grandmother for getting chicken soup to you, and I have no doubt you’ll have a speedy recovery since she’ll be at the church saying her daily prayers.”

Torin couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll take whatever good wishes I can.”

“All right, well, I’ve gotta go find Erin. I guess she’s at home?”

“I booted her out of here this morning. She slept a little, but I know she needs to rest. I told her to go home, take a nap, and I’d let her know when I’m getting discharged.”

“Going to be today?”

“That’s what I’m hoping. But I know the surgeons and hospital staff are overworked right now, so I’m trying not to bother anybody.”

Sean offered a chin lift and started out of the room, then stopped and turned. “I know the investigators are interviewing witnesses. Has anyone officially been in to talk to you?”

Shaking his head, he said, “No. But Sean, I’ve been trying to think back, and it’s pretty much a blank. But if I think of anything, I’ll let you know. Will you be the one who’s talking to Erin?”

“It’s not my investigation, but as soon as someone shows up, I’ll let her know to give me a call. Either Kyle or I want to be with her.”

Saying goodbye, he watched Sean walk out, and Torin leaned his head back onto the pillow. He hated like hell the marathon ended the way it did. He also hated like hell that Erin had to go through another traumatic experience. And he wasn’t foolish enough to think that he could keep her from having pain,