Page 28 of Hearts & Embers

"A roster for what?"

Jasper then turned his attention to me. “Ingrid’s in charge of keeping our butts organized.”

"Checking on you," Cody answered when he’d finished explaining.

"That's not necessary."

"It wasn't a suggestion."

The response arrived so quickly that it was obvious the discussion had already taken place and decisions made.

"Cole, Ingrid, me, probably half the station. Nobody's interested in leaving you alone to start lifting furniture with one arm because you got bored."

"Why on earth would I start lifting furniture?"

Cody gave him a look.

"Because sitting still has never been one of your strengths."

"That's a ridiculous example."

"Pick your own then. The point stays the same."

Neither of them spoke for several seconds.

"Fine," Jasper admitted.

"That's what I thought."

Cody shook his head.

"You're going to follow the doctor's instructions, stay off duty until they clear you, and you're going to let people help when you need it."

"You've become very bossy."

"I work with you. Experience has made it necessary."

"I'll let everyone know you're out of surgery and awake before Ingrid starts threatening hospital staff for information."

"Tell her I'm fine."

"I'll tell her you're complaining already. That'll reassure everybody."

The conversation continued for another minute before Cody glanced toward me.

"I should get back to the station."

Jasper nodded.

"Thanks for staying."

"There wasn't anywhere else I was going."

The sincerity behind the response was obvious.

Cody looked toward me.

"Thanks for coming."