Page 50 of Trapped Truth

“Ax,” I scold. “You’ll heal when you’re ready. It can’t be rushed.”

Ignoring me, he stares up at the popcorn ceiling while the doc redresses his wound. “I have to be able to do my job.”

“And you will. Until then, let us look after you.”

Doctor Holiwell’s head swivels between us, wearing an empathising smile underneath his thick silver moustache. He disposes of his latex gloves then moves to depart the room.

“I’ll step outside to order Axel’s prescription and book his follow-up appointment. Please wait here.”

“Thanks, doc.” I attempt to source a thin smile.

“Of course. Be patient with yourself, Mr Slaughter. You’re doing well.”

“Thanks,” Axel grits out.

In the doctor’s wake, we lapse into silence, broken by the off-key hum of distant medical machines and conversing voices. I lean my head on the wall, sighing at the despondent look on Axel’s face.

“Are you sulking?”

“Yes.” He’s literally pouting.

“Come on, this is good news. You’re making progress.”

“Not quick enough. This is all my fucking brother’s fault!”

“No arguments there, but playing the blame game isn’t going to speed this process up.”

He grabs a handful of crisp hospital sheets then tugs, rumpling the white material. “I should be in that detention cell doing my job. That’s what our team relies on me for. Not sat at home twiddling my thumbs.”

“Well… maybe you can.”

“Huh?”

“Do some light work, I mean.” I push off the wall to approach the bed. “Nothing physical or strenuous, but watching interrogation feeds or coordinating interviews from the other side of the glass can’t hurt.”

“You think the others would go for that?” He meets my eyes fretfully.

“With some convincing, perhaps. I’m pretty good at getting them to do what I want, you know.”

His bee-stung lips quirk in a slight grin. “That you are.”

“If you agree to rest when needed and give yourself real time to heal up, then I’ll speak to Warner. But the minute we think you’re pushing too hard, that’s it. We’ll pull the plug.”

“I won’t, I swear.” He accepts my hand to help him sit upright.

“There’s a good chance that Gunnar will be given a deal soon. If that happens, I want you to stay away from him. Until you’re better, at least. You don’t need any more stress.”

“Em.” Axel exhales loudly, gripping the skin between his eyes.

“I know you want to hash it out, but that can wait. He isn’t going anywhere.”

“So what? I’m supposed to work with the psycho?”

“I don’t know, Ax. I’m not sure any of us know what we’re doing. But if he’s given clemency, there’s a very good chance we could all end up working together to eliminate Madden and his associates.”

It’s not exactly a comfortable thought to me either. But it is our reality.

“Ugh, fine.” Axel tugs his T-shirt back down to cover his re-bandaged torso. “But he better stay out of my way.”