“Of course I can.” I tell her. “Be right back.”
Drew gets up. “Actually, let me get it. That way I can flash a badge and get it faster.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind getting it.”
“No. I don’t mind. You two talk while I go get some ice and water.”
Shit. I better not argue. The idea of losing time with Maddie has me sitting down next to her. As the door closes, Maddie stares at me.
“I heard you. What were you thinking?”
Knave issilent for far too long. I begin to fidget in my bed and glare at him. “I cannot believe you told him you’re The Mad Hatter. This is going to be a cluster fuck as it is. Now you are lying for me? Knave, dammit, I love you but that was stupid.”
Knave holds my hand for a moment and then lets go. He stands there visibly upset as his hands slide into his jean pockets.
“If they put the murders on me, you are free to live with Drew without him ever knowing.”
I don’t like the way he’s talking. I’d never let him take the fall for my crimes. “I should just tell Drew it’s me.”
Knave’s eyes get wide and he grabs hold of me again. “No, I’ve already told him I’m the one responsible. If he catches on that I've lied, I'm going to be in trouble either way. At least this plan is for a good cause.”
I shake my head. “Run. Right now. Leave the room, turn right and go to the stairs. All the way down to the basement and don't look back. Go to Gotham Valley or somewhere far from Wonderland.”
“What about you? You can’t tell Drew.” He bends down and kisses my forehead.
“Don’t worry about me, Knave. I’ve got to finish this bullshit, and then I can hang up The Mad Hatter for good.”
“I love you, Maddie.”
“I know you do. I love you too. You were always the brother I wished I would have ended up with.”
“Come find me when you can.”
“You know it.”
I feel a piece of my soul leaving when the door shuts behind him. A knock at the door is followed by a woman in a green suit and glasses three times too big for her face.
“Hi there.” She looks at the piece of paper then back at me. “Are you Maddie Hatterson?” She looks at me expectantly, which unnerves me.
I sit up straighter in my bed and nod. “Yeah, who are you?”
“I’m Monica Iverson, I work with Drew Vega. The hospital receptionist said Drew would be with you.”
“Oh, yeah, Donnie’s talked about you. You’re the IT guru.” Crap, what is she doing here, and why does she need Drew?
“That's me. Anyhow, I need to speak to Drew about something. Is he here?”
“Yes. He will be back soon. He stepped out to get some ice and water for me.”
“Perfect. I’ll step outside and wait for him.”
“Are you and Drew …” I leave it open-ended because the thought of her having anything to do with Drew makes me livid and I’d hate to have to kill her.
She laughs. “No, I’ve known him since we were five years old, and he moved in next door to my grandma.”
I can breathe a little easier now. “Oh, that’s good then. Have a seat, I could use the company.”
She smiles and sits down by my bed. “Whatever you discovered must be really important for you to have come all this way instead of calling Drew.”
