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“It’s my fault,” Drake said, sounding embarrassed. “I shouldn’t have left the front entrance and walked to where George was. He was held up by some traffic and I figured I could just walk the two blocks to where he was. I could see him from where I was waiting and thought it was no big deal. I had no idea that someone would be waiting outside the hospital…”
“Thank God for your colleague. Dane.”
“Yes, that’s for sure. I’m going to take him and George out for some food and a drink as soon as we’re done at the police station. I hope you don’t mind but I want to reward them both for what they’ve done for me.”
“Of course you should,” I said. “You should, definitely. We’ll see you when you get home.”
With that, I ended the call and sat for a moment, trying to take it in. I thought I was the target of the threat, not Drake, but apparently, they wanted to hurt him.
A sense of relief washed over me at the thought that they had the man in custody. Now, they’d have to find the accomplice — the driver of the van. Then, maybe, we’d be safe.
* * *
Drake arrivedhome later that night, and I could tell he’d had a drink or two. His forehead was stitched up and covered with a new bandage.
“Oh, Drake,” I said and put my arms around him, pulling him closer. “Are you okay? You were really hurt.”
“I’m fine,” he said and kissed me. The aroma of beer was apparent on his breath as we kissed.
“Beer?” I said with a smile. “You usually drink vodka.”
“It was Dane. He insisted I try some imported beer from Norway. Since he saved me from being abducted, and took down my assailant, I felt I owed it to him to try. Pretty decent. Stuff called pilsner. I had a few…”
“I hope so,” I said and smiled. “It’ll help you sleep tonight. Come in. Can I run you a bath?”
“A bath would be wonderful. Then, I think I’ll really have to crash. I’m feeling a bit wonky.”
“Wonky?” I frowned. “Is it your head?”
“Oh, it’s definitely my head,” he said with a grin. “My head as affected by the pilsner.” He laughed at himself, and I couldn’t help but laugh with him, relieved that he was fine. “Don’t worry. This neurosurgeon I know thinks I’m okay. No concussion or anything to worry about.”
“Good,” I said and kissed him again. “I’ll go run you a bath. If you want me to kiss you again, you have to brush your teeth. That, or I’ll have to have a few pilsner myself.”
He laughed at that and nodded. “Understood. Lead the way.”
I ran him a bath and he undressed and slipped inside, sighing with relief once he was in. “Ahh, that feels very good. Very good.”
He leaned back, closing his eyes, his body submerged to his neck, bubbles surrounding him.
“Do you want a cup of tea or anything?”
He shook his head. “No, I think I’ll just hit the sack as soon as I’m done.”
“Okay, I’m going to make one for myself.”
He nodded, his eyes still closed. “Come back and check to make sure I haven’t drowned myself by accident.”
“Oh, Drake, I won’t leave you alone if you’re that impaired. I’ll stay here…”
“I’m just kidding,” he said, opening his eyes, a half-smile on his lips. “I’m fine. Go. Make yourself some tea. I’m not losing consciousness. At least, not until I’m in bed and the lights are out.”
“Okay, if you’re sure…”
“I’m sure,” he said with a heavy sigh. “This is so nice…”
I left him and went to the kitchen area, turning on the kettle and making myself a cup of hot tea. I poked my head around the divider between our bed and Sophie’s and saw that she was asleep. Then, I went back to the bathroom and sat on the toilet, watching Drake as he relaxed in the tub.
We talked about the attack and the time he spent at the hospital and then the police station afterward.
