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“Shows how smart you people are,” the nurse hissed. “Samms is her maiden name. According to her husband, his insurance is picking up the tab. So if the insurance company is agreeing to pay, she goes by McCoy as far as we’re concerned.”
Markie forced a smile and pecked on the glass again. “Miss Samms? May I come in, hon?”
“Yes,” a weak voice called out to him.
Markie entered the examining room without exchanging another word with the nurse on duty. He was immediately taken aback by what he saw.
Eyes widened by terror but filled with sorrow stared back at him. A small hand trembled in front of a battered, but not quite broken, body. “I’m Sable Samms. The nurse is my hus—my ex-husband’s aunt.”
“Markie.” He shook gently, afraid to grip too tig
htly. Whoever beat up on this poor creature wanted to make an impression—bruises, swelling, and cuts proved they’d accomplished what they’d set out to do. Markie teared up but quickly dabbed the corners of his eyes and said, “The McCall brothers will be here shortly. I was in the area and offered to stop by and sit with you until they arrive.”
She seemingly forced a smile and the effort proved painful. A slight whimper fell from her lips.
“I’m not here to hurt you,” Markie assured her.
“I can see that,” she said. “You have kind eyes and a gentle touch.”
Markie pointed at a nearby chair. “May I?”
“Please.” She struggled to turn on her side. “Most of his family is here, you know.”
“Your ex’s family?”
“Yes.” She stared at the clock on the otherwise bare wall before she added, “I had the dates mixed up. I thought my divorce was final today. It’s been rescheduled more times than I can count now. Tony took my word for it, apparently.” Her lips quivered. “The only justice here is that he’s responsible for the medical bill. Another sixteen hours and I would’ve had the pain, bruises, and the hospital tab.” A distant look washed across her face. “Still have the pain and bruises.” A half laugh, half cry filled the room. “Really makes no difference though. Whole world knows what he is now. Even his family.”
Given the way the aunt had behaved, Markie wasn’t sure how much the family’s awareness mattered. He’d never been one to probe the innocent in hopes of gaining quick information, particularly when they were so vulnerable, but he couldn’t help but notice Sable’s youthful qualities. Her wrinkleless face and perky breasts—not that boobs interested him but he wasn’t blind—and her willingness to welcome a stranger seemed more youthful than mature.
All things considered and given her current condition, Sable apparently wasn’t jaded and yet she had every reason to be world-weary in light of her obvious recent past. She’d been abused, battered by someone close to her, someone she’d apparently loved enough to call out as a husband, if only for a short period of time.
“How old are you?” So much for saving painful questions for the McCall brothers.
“How old do I look?”
Oh God, this was worse than he’d first thought. Trouble, Tennessee had been founded on a specific goal—to harbor abused women. They didn’t have any guidelines pertaining to child brides. He cleared his throat and popped his knuckles. Leaning forward, he lowered his voice and said, “Sable, you’ll have to lie to the McCalls if you’re under eighteen.”
“For the love of God, Markie.” Draegan entered without knocking. “Do you honestly think I’d send you out here if I didn’t know this woman’s age?”
“’Bout time you arrived, sugar.” Markie winked at Draegan. He loved taunting him, particularly in public. They’d been friends for three-quarters of their lives so Draegan took it all in stride.
Sable’s cheeks blushed as Draegan did what he did best—gaze groped. The man had no couth when it came to processing Trouble’s new residents. Why some of the women didn’t run the other way as soon as they met up with the likes of Draegan was anyone’s guess.
“Draegan McCall, meet Sable…” Markie paused and shot the young miss a quick wink. “Meet Sable Samms.”
“Sable?” Draegan took her hand in his and gently shook. “Sable Samms?”
“Yes,” she replied quietly.
“Sable, do you know—”
“Not now, Drae,” Markie interrupted as quickly as possible. “You know better than to start off with a bunch of ridiculous questions. Everything will come out in its own time.” He patted Sable’s hand. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
“I have nothing to hide.”
“That’s good to know,” Draegan bit out. “But I have a sneaking suspicion not everyone would agree with your statement.”
Markie’s anger surfaced. He stood immediately and swung his arm at the door. Shaking his finger at the same time, he said, “Draegan. I need a word with you.”
