“Let’s get her to the couch in the back,” Beckett said. “Addie, can you find a blanket?”
“Of course.”
I became aware of Boden lifting me, settling me on his lap again on the couch. Someone wrapped a blanket around me.
“Laiken, I need you to try to focus on me.”
I only shook harder.
Boden held me tighter, pressing his face to the side of mine. “Come on, Laiken. You can do this. Just breathe and focus. Please.”
It was the pleading in his tone that broke through my haze. I blinked a few times. Slowly, Beckett’s face came into focus.
“There you go.” He pressed his fingers to my wrist. “Can someone get me some juice? If you don’t have that, anything sugary.”
“I have apple juice here,” Addie said, hurrying to the fridge.
A moment later, she pushed a cup into my hand.
“Nice and easy sips,” Beckett instructed.
The cold liquid was a balm to my abused throat. After a few, I set it down on the side table. “Thanks. Sorry about the freak-out.”
Boden’s arms tightened around me. “It’s natural,” he gritted out.
I shifted in his lap so I could take in his face. There was only one word to describe it:ravaged. I lifted my hands to his cheeks, feeling the scruff prick my palms. “I’m okay.”
“We don’t know that yet.” His gaze went to Beckett.
I sighed and turned around so that Beckett could examine me. He gently prodded my neck. “Tender?”
“A little.” I had a feeling I’d have a few bruises to show for my encounter.
“What about when you swallow?”
I made the motion. “Just a little. Not too bad.”
“Did you black out for any period of time?”
“No.”
Beckett straightened. “I think you’ll be fine. Come in with Boden for his checkup, and I’ll give you both an exam. And for the love of all that’s holy, will you two rest like I told you to?”
Addie slipped her hand into his and squeezed. “He can be bossy when he’s worried about people he cares about.”
Beckett dropped a kiss to her lips. “Speaking of worrying. Have you eaten enough today?”
She grinned. “Told you.”
Hayes moved into the back room, Deputy Young on his heels. “You doing okay, Laiken?”
I nodded as I tried to slide off Boden’s lap, but he held firm. “I’m fine. Promise. Just shocked me, is all.”
Boden growled something I couldn’t make out.
Hayes pulled up a chair and sat. “I’ve got all my officers looking for Eli. We’ll find him.”
This time, I forced myself off Boden’s lap but took his hand in mine, squeezing hard.