Setting my towel on the end of the bed, I gingerly sit down. The pain pills the doctor prescribed me call my name, but I push the need away. I pick up my phone and check my notifications.
There’s a missed call from JW.
Pressing his name, I lie back against the pillows as it begins to ring.
“We have a situation,” he says by way of answering.
“What do you have?”
“You remember my buddy Patrick Donahay?”
“He was the guy you were in the academy with. Yeah, I remember him.”
“I just got off the phone with him. A janitor at one of the local elementary schools near you was arrested a couple of days ago for molesting some of the handicapped kids. He was released this morning on bail.”
“How in the fuck did he make bail?” I growl.
“Apparently, the guy has some big-time lawyer as an uncle. Patrick seems to think the janitor won’t get much time, if any at all. The uncle is ruthless in the courtroom. He’s already gotten off several suspected sexual offenders.”
A growl rumbles in my throat, but I muffle the sound. “You said he’s local?”
“Yes.” He pauses. “I know you just had surgery, so you handling it is out, but I wanted to let you know I’ll be sending Emo.”
“No,” I bark. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Judge, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re still recovering, and Emo’s due.”
“I don’t give a fuck. There’s no sense sending him when I’m already out here. Is the guy a flight risk?”
JW blows out a breath that crackles across the line. “Patrick doesn’t think so. The guy is staying with his uncle so he can keep an eye on him until his court appearance in a few days.”
“That gives me time. I’ll be fine by then. I’ll make it quick to avoid any problems from him.”
“Shit, Judge, I don’t like this. I wish you’d let me send Emo.”
“I’ll be fine. Call me with any updates.”
“How’s Maisy?”
“She’s fine. She had some tests done today and they came back with great results. She should be able to come home in a few days. Once she’s settled here, I’ll be coming back to Malus.”
“You sure you’re going to be able to leave her?”
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Will I be able to leave Maisy to go back home? Do I really have a choice? Too many people depend on me in Malus. It’s my home. It’s the only place that’s felt like home. Besides, she and Ellie will be joining me soon, so I’ll only be leaving her temporarily.
“Yes,” I answer. “It doesn’t matter anyway. She’ll be there soon enough.”
“All right. Let me know when you’re headed back here. And keep me apprised of the situation with the janitor. I’ll email over the information I have on him.”
After I hang up, I toss my phone on the bed and slink down further on the mattress, fatigue weighing my body down like a ton of bricks. My mind drifts to the janitor who’s hurting innocent and helpless children. Children who more than likely can’t even ask for help.
Taking that bastard out is what I need. I’ve been strung tight since I found out what happened to Ellie. The rage I feel won’t burn out until the two in prison are taken care of and I get my hands on the remaining one, but maybe this will help contain the fire for the time being.
Chapter Eleven
ELLIE
TODAY IS THE DAY. Maisy gets to come home after twelve days in the hospital, and Lord willing, start her road to recovery. So far, her ACR and GFR test results have come back great. There’s been no signs of her body rejecting her new kidney. I know Maisy’s been in pain from her surgery, but her demeanor has changed greatly. She almost seems like a new girl. She smiles more, laughs more, the color on her face has gone from pale to rosy, she moves easier, and her spirit has rejuvenated. Even though she’s been confined to the bed, she has more energy. She’s already talking about visiting her friends. It’ll be a while before she can do all that though. I want to make sure she has no setbacks first.