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Her face puckered, and he could see she wanted to say something unpleasant. If she were Maddy, she would have blurted it out by now. Maddy didn’t hold anything back.
“Was there something else?” he said.
“I don’t mean to sound rude, but she said you should have been there when she was hurt.”
“I was on another case and had my phone off.”
“Oh. I don’t think she knew that.”
“No.”
“It makes sense you would run more than one case at a time. Although, if it were me, I don’t think I could keep them straight in my head.”
He tipped his head to the side. It was strange talking to someone who looked exactly like Maddy and yet was so different in a hundred small ways. “It can be tricky sometimes. But she should have waited.”
“What if she couldn’t?”
“You’re saying I should have been there for her.” He said it as a statement, not a question. He already knew he should have.
“As her sister, yes, I guess I do wish you’d been there. But I don’t know the particulars of how this all works. I’m going on pure emotion, so you should feel free not to take it too personally.”
“You’ll be pleased to know I’m already beating myself up about it.”
“Good.” She smiled, breaking the tension. “I’m not usually this direct.”
“You’re not that direct. You forget I work with your sister.”
“Yes. And I know how stubborn she can be. You won’t stop her once she’s set her mind to something, so don’t be too hard on yourself.”
“Recovery won’t be easy for her.”
“The goading sister in me is enjoying it a little. It will do her some good to learn patience.”
He laughed. “Yes. She could definitely learn a bit of patience. She’s also too used to getting her own way, so I’m glad you’re here to keep her in line.”
“I don’t know about that. But I’ll do what I can. I’m going to go grab a bite to eat from the cafeteria. You want anything?”
“No. I’m good.”
“Then I’ll see you back in the room, I guess.”
Will nodded and watched her go. She walked differently from Maddy too. Her stride was confident but less determined. He watched her until she turned the corner, then headed back to the room to give Maddy the bad news.
* * *
“Are you resting for real?” Will said to Maddy from the door. “Or trying to get rid of your sister? ’Cause she thinks she’s staying.”
Maddy opened one eye. “Both. But you’re not allowed to have a problem with her. Only I can. If you have issues with Charlie, you answer to me.”
“I don’t have a problem with her. I like her. She’s a nice balance to you.”
“Good. I asked her to stay.”
“So it’s true then? You do have a soft spot under that stony façade?”
“Careful, or you’ll make me change my mind.”
“Don’t go blaming your decisions on me. You asked her to stay, and she’s staying. Maybe this is a chance for you to mend fences. Bring some good out of the bad.”
