Soon, an ambulance speeds down the street with its sirens blasting.
“Sassy,” Dax mumbles.
The officer leans over him. “What was that, son?”
Happiness floods my body. “He’s talking to me.” I brush my hand through his mop of hair. “I’m here, baby. You’re going to be okay.”
Twenty-Nine
“Hereallyshould’vecomein for treatment sooner,” Dr. Harris states after Dax is wheeled into his recovery room. “His kidneys were shutting down. Another day or two without medical care, and he’d be in a coma.”
I gulp for air. “Will he be okay?”
“We got to him in time,” Dr. Harris says with cautious positivity. “His failing health is a result of his abnormal blood cell count. We will pump him full of fluids to flush his system and get him on a course of medication. Once he’s up for it, we’ll recommend an improved diet, which will help his body pull through.”
“Can I see him?” I ask eagerly.
“Just give the nurses’ a few minutes to ensure the monitors are set up,” Dr. Harris replies. “He’ll be out, but you can sit with him.”
“Thank you, Dr. Harris.”
As I turn to move onto Dax’s room, Sheriff Lennon approaches. “Miss Ashworth, can I have a word?”
I bundle my sleeves over my hands. “Of course.”
“First, I wanted to say, I’m sorry for the ordeal you’ve gone through. It must’ve been frightening.”
“I think adrenaline got me through it.”
“Before my team arrived at The Scorpions Clubhouse, we were given information by your housekeeper.”
My heart jitters, and Dax’s pendant swings from the heave of my chest.
“Apparently, Claudia Ramas broke down after your parents were alerted to your disappearance. When I met her on the property, she said she knew it was The Scorpions that entered the manor because your boyfriend was on the scene.” Sheriff Lennon pauses for a beat. “That’s Dax Malone, correct?”
I press my lips together, unsure how to answer.
“Ms. Ramas, quite passionately, declared Dax Malone’s innocence.”
My heart swells. “She did?”
“We’re using Ms. Ramas testimony to keep Lance Malone and his associates behind bars. When Dax wakes up, we’d like to get his story to build the case.”
My gut quivers. “Dr. Harris said it might take some time.”
Sheriff Lennon nods. “I understand. In the meantime, I’d like to take your statement. The officers already took photos of your wrists, correct?”
I nod, pulling my bandaged wrists from my sleeves. “Yeah, before the nurse treated the broken skin and burn marks.”
His breath hitches. “Burns?”
“I told the other officers everything while they were documenting my injuries,” I explain. “I can’t go through it all again. Not when I haven’t seen Dax yet.”
“It’s really best if we talk while it’s all fresh in your mind.”
“Can’t I see Dax first?”
“Okay, Miss Ashworth.” Officer Lennon nods, his eyes shining with kindness. “I hope you’re aware there are professionals you can talk with about the trauma you’ve experienced.”
