Page 96 of Abandoned

AJ’s shoulders slumped.

Will reached out and gripped her upper arm. He searched for words, but there were none for his hurting friend.

She smiled at him and mouthed, Thank you. After a deep inhale, she said, “I should get back to work. Keep me updated about Wyatt.”

Zara nodded and gave AJ a quick hug.

Will and Zara followed Logan into the waiting room. Doug was already there, as was Jared Johnson, the detective’s sergeant.

Will asked, “Any word on Wyatt?”

Jared shook his head. “Nothing yet.”

As if on cue, the door that led back to the emergency room opened, and a dark-haired female doctor emerged.

“Madison Baker?” Will hadn’t seen Captain Keith Baker’s younger sister in years. While they hadn’t been as close as their brothers, Madison had been friends with Will’s sister Mary.

“Well, if it isn’t the little Cooper turned copper, I see.” She extended her hand.

He shook it. “Surprised to see you back in town.”

“You aren’t the only one. I’m guessing you all are the ones who want the update on Wyatt Remington?”

He nodded, and the others gathered around.

Madison said, “He’s gonna be fine. The bullet went clean through and did minimal damage to his shoulder—well, as minimal as a bullet can. Thankfully, it wasn’t a hollow point. But somehow it missed the bone, so we’re stitching him up under local because he refused anesthesia.” She shook her head. “He’ll be released in a few hours, although he won’t be using that arm for quite a while.”

Jared snorted. “Desk duty. Wyatt’s favorite.” He broke into a full laugh.

Doug joined him.

Will didn’t know Wyatt very well, but it didn’t take much to know that Wyatt Remington didn’t let the grass grow beneath him.

Will, Zara, and Logan didn’t stick around but headed back to the police station. Reports needed to be given and gear exchanged for street clothes.

After they all gave their reports, Logan and Will got out of their uniforms. They were headed out of the station when a sergeant found Zara and told her that the family whose baby she had saved two weeks ago wanted to speak to her.

Will said, “Zara’s voice is gone, but if we have an address, we could go visit them.” He glanced at his watch. It was already 8:30. “Maybe we can stop by tomorrow if that’s better.”

The sergeant handed Will a sticky note. “Why don’t you call them and coordinate that?”

“I can do that. Thank you.”

He met Zara’s eyes. She was tired.

She signed, I’d like to go tonight.

“But you’ve been through a lot and need rest.”

I’m not going to be able to sleep. She stared off to the side.

Healing from all that she’d been through would take more time than a good night’s sleep.

“We can see. Let me call.”

He called the number and talked to the father of the baby. He expressed his appreciation of Zara and wanted to give her a hug. Will asked, “When would be a good time for us to come over? I will come with Zara since her voice is out of commission from the smoke inhalation.” He left out the being choked and screaming for her life parts.

“Our schedule is all out of whack from the hospital stay, if it isn’t too late for you all tonight.”