The answer I want to give is he’s a police officer, so he can’t just rough someone in custody up. There is enough of that all over TV. Instead, I reply with, “Because you had to do your job. That’s what matters. Remember that.”
He looks at me like I’m crazy. People sometimes make little sense, hell, the world even. That is one of the most substantial reasons I stayed to myself for so long.
I start toward the man in scrubs. “I’m her brother-in-law.” The doctor looks straight past me to the large group huddling behind me.
“Lacey has a fractured cheekbone, cracked ribs, and several stab wounds. Fortunately, it missed all vital organs.” He goes on describing other things, most of which are very minute. All of us are waiting to hear the four most important words that come from a doctor. “She will be fine. She’s in her room now.”
At this point, I’m furious. Why can’t he say that in the first place? Leo put his head in his hands, and I can hear him praying.
“Doctor, what about Laurel?” I ask eagerly.
He put his finger up and walks to the receptionist desk to ask her. “She’s in a room. Would you like me to take you to her?”
I nod as he escorts me to her room and opens the door. Seeing her lying there so helpless is the last thing I ever expected. I rush over, put my hand in hers, and move the hair out of her face to plant a kiss on her forehead.
A couple of hours later, I feel movement and look up to see her awake.
“Hudson?”
I smile. “Yes, I’m right here, baby. You need to rest. Go back to sleep.” She tries to sit up, but winces. “You have broken ribs. Don’t try to sit up.”
“Where’s Lacey? Is she okay?” she asks nervously.
I look at her intently and reply, “She’s out of surgery. The doctors are just waiting for her to wake up.”
I can see the relief on her face. It’s sweet to know the first thing she thinks about is her sister.
“Could you get some things for me? I need a hairbrush, Chapstick, underwear, and socks. Heck, if you feel up to it, I’d love to have pajama pants and a t-shirt too. This gown is hideous,” she says, looking at herself.
I laugh because who thinks about fashion at a time like this? Laurel. Of course, I would do anything she asks right now.