Page 106 of Carver’s Craving

“He hasn’t been here that long. Everything takes time in a hospital unless it’s urgent. I haven’t gotten the sense from anyone—including Seth—that this is urgent. I choose to see that as a good sign.”

Styx grunted.

A moment later, a guy I recognized, but couldn’t place, stepped into the room. He grabbed a stool and wheeled over.

Finally, Styx sat.

“I’m Quinton. I’m Baxter’s nurse. His doctor’s been pulled in for a code, so I don’t know when she’ll be available to speak to you.”

“That sounds serious.” I tried to hold back any lingering panic. If Baxter was the reason for the code, then this nice Asian nurse wouldn’t be speaking to us calmly.

“Yes, for someone else. But she said I can give you a brief update.” He met my gaze. “Baxter was, uh, stunned when we told him that Carver was here.”

Styx burst out laughing. A grating, nervous laughter. “You have no idea. How is he?”

“He gave me permission to update both of you. Well, briefly.”

I almost asked what that meant, but decided I’d likely be enlightened in a moment anyway.

Quinton focused on Styx. “He was drugged and handcuffed when the police found him. We’ve cleaned his wrists and they’re bandaged. He needs to stay at least twelve hours until the drugs are out of his system. We’re running a full tox screen but it’s up to Baxter to tell you more. Corporals Colton and Dorrie are in with him now—”

“I should be there.” Styx tried to rise.

I put a hand on his arm and pulled him back down.

Quinton offered me a smile. Then refocused on Styx. “They need privacy to do this initial questioning. It’s…delicate. It always is.”

Pretty sure I don’t want to know. If I have to, though, I’ll listen. Whatever Baxter and Styx needed. “When he’s ready to come home, can we bring him with us? Or does he have somewhere else to go?” I couldn’t imagine…but then two hours ago I hadn’t imagined he’d be found so quickly. Ten minutes ago, I wouldn’t have believed he’d been found drugged and bound.

“He said you’d take care of him.” Quinton offered a wry smile. “I think he would say anything to get out of here. And he hasn’t even been here that long. Still, he came in as a priority, and if he doesn’t need a bed—and has somewhere safe to go—then we’ll happily discharge him once he’s stable.”

“My cabin north of Mission City. He’ll have his own bedroom—’

Quinton snapped his fingers. Then winced. “Sorry. I knew I recognized you. You’ve been in Fifties before.” He waved away the thought. “Right. We’ll give you a list of instructions to follow. Mostly about wound care and stuff like that. I’m also going to add a list of counselors in the Mission City area.”

Styx pressed a hand to his chest.

I laid my hand on his thigh. Offering silent support.

Quinton gazed between the two of us. “He might be fine. But I’d err on the side of caution with someone who has endured trauma.” He hesitated. “Any trauma.”

I nodded. “I’ve been seeing Justin up at Healing Horses.”

His eyes widened. Just a fraction—but I was waiting to see if he’d react. “Good choice. Justin’s amazing. All the counselors up there are. And they operate on a sliding scale.”

“We’ll find the money for Baxter. Whatever it takes.” I didn’t want to take over. On the other hand, I was the oldest. The most mature. Or at least I had been the last time I’d seen these guys. Even Baxter, after a couple years of marriage, hadn’t completely grown up. Frank’s death likely changed that. Well, it had for Styx, so maybe for Baxter as well. I just didn’t know.

“It’s great that he’s got people he can count on.” Quinton smiled. “Take care of yourselves as well. This won’t be easy.”

I squeezed Styx’s thigh. The bubble of happiness we’d been living in was about to burst. But Baxter was safe—and that was all that mattered.

“I’m going to leave you here. I’ll come get you when he’s ready to see you.” Quinton rose.

When I started to do the same, he waved me back. “All good.”

I grabbed the box of Timbits. “Will you take these? For you and the staff? For Baxter if he can have them? We ate earlier.” I hadn’t had this in mind when I grabbed them…but it felt right to offer them up to the people who worked so hard to ensure Baxter was cared for.

“Sure.” Quinton took the box from me. “He’s going to need support. He might claim he doesn’t—but he does.” With that, he left the room.