Page 82 of Mountain Shadow

Tess laughed, and the laughter, together with the crying, made her snort.

“Jens was here …”

“He’s been here the whole time. The doctors finally convinced him to go downstairs and get an X-Ray.”

“He’s hurt?” The thought made Sarah’s heart hurt.

“He’s going to be fine. Just a couple of cracked ribs,” Tess said lightly.

“You’re no longer angry at him.”

Tess shrugged. “He didn’t give up on you. He risked his life to save you.”

“I don’t remember everything that happened.” Just the blood—so much blood—but the memory was hazy.

”How are you feeling, Sarah?”

Sarah looked at the IV dripping steadily into her arm. “Weak. Fuzzy.”

“You’re not in pain? I can call the nurse in.”

Sarah shook her head, then wished she hadn’t done that as the pain reverberated all the way down her neck and into her chest.

“Where’s Kat?”

“She was discharged earlier today. Luc took her home.”

“The babies are okay?”

Tess nodded.

Sarah cleared her throat. It hurt, getting the next words out, but she had to know.

“And where is … he?”

“He’s dead.”

Sarah and Kat both turned as Jens walked into the room. He looked like hell. Sarah understood the scratchiness now—it looked like he hadn’t shaved in days. Dark smudges circled his warm brown eyes.

How long have I been here?

“Dead …” Sarah repeated. “Are you sure?”

Jens nodded darkly. “I killed him.”

Sarah nodded, closing her eyes. “Good.”

“Go home, Tess. I’ll stay with her.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” He settled down next to her, not saying anything for the longest time.

“Thank you for … staying,” Sarah croaked. Just knowing he was there made her feel safe.

His reply was barely a whisper. “I love you, Sarah.”

Sarah wanted to open her eyes and tell Jens that his words were warming her inside, but already the drugs were pulling her back into a dreamless sleep.