“It’s taken care of,” Calvin insisted.
“I heard it. I thought—Oh boy, it’s sort of hard to remember.”
“Try,” he pressed.
“I went over there because I was angry. I wanted to kick that punk’s ass, but then it got bright.”
“I think he means someone turned the lights on,” Dad said. “It’s like whitewash to him. He can’t see anything.”
“It hurt,” I added. “But my head hurts more. What happened?”
“Someone knocked you out,” Calvin said.
“Whoa.” I slowly turned my head to look at him. “Who?”
“Good question.”
“Why are you here?” I asked next.
“You called me.”
“Shut up.”
He sounded slightly amused when he said, “You did.”
“I don’t remember.”
“You weren’t making much sense,” he agreed quietly. “But I heard the alarm going off, and your speech was slurred. I knew something was wrong, so I got over there before the security company had a patrol stop by.”
“You should get another medal.”
Calvin was quiet for a beat. “I have enough,” he finally said.
“Do I have a concussion?”
“Yes,” Calvin answered. “Your doctor wants to keep you overnight for observation.”
“I have to go home,” I replied.
“You’re staying, kiddo,” my dad said.
“But I have to work.”
“Work can wait,” Pop said sternly. “I already called Max. If you want him to run the shop, let me know, but otherwise the Emporium can stay dark for a day.” He stepped away from the bed. “I’m going to get your doctor now that you’re awake. Detective Winter, could you stay for another moment and watch him?”
“Sure.”
I closed my eyes, listening to my dad’s footsteps leave the room. “Are you watching me?”
“Yes.”
“I won’t die, I don’t think. You can leave.”
“I’ll stay,” he said quietly.
I gripped the blankets lightly, taking deep breaths because the world still felt like it was spinning, even with my eyes closed.
“You scared me,” Calvin said quietly.
