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"No, not yet. However, you must know there is DNA evidence connecting you and Chelsea. Agent Carter discovered that, but up until now, it would easily have been explained away the reason why your DNA was in Chelsea's car. You were friends. Even though the recording of your session can't be used in court, it becomes very clear that Chelsea was the person who kidnapped you."
I nodded. "So, again, you don't know who put Chelsea up to it?"
"Nope. That is yet to be figured out,” Chase answered.
"Her heartbeat is back to normal," Dr. Blackburn announced after taking my pulse. "In a day or two, you will probably remember more, but it shouldn’t cause you to be anxious. However, since you know what happened to you and are already dealing with the truth, your anxiety should be much less,” Dr. Blackburn explained.
"When can I take her home?" Chase asked, rubbing my arm.
"She is free to go now." Dr. Blackburn replied.
As Chase helped me out of the recliner, I remembered another question to ask the doctor. "Do I still need my medication? It would be great if I could stop taking that one that prevents seizures — not being able to drive is a real pain."
Dr. Blackburn put his arm around my shoulder and answered, "I'm sorry, not yet. It will be a while before we can start weaning you off the Keppra, and you’ll need to take the anxiety meds for a few more months. Especially, since you have added stress from another attempted…. accident this past weekend. Also, I understand from Joyce that you’re taking an online course for grant writing. Tell me a bit about it? How are you managing the added responsibility?”
“I’m doing okay, I guess you could say. Eventually, I explained my situation to my instructors. They’ve been very supportive and are allowing me to work at my own pace. I’m only about halfway through, though. I hope to finish in the next six months.”
“That’s amazing, Meagan. After reading your medical history, you’re a very fortunate young lady,” Dr. Blackburn smiled and gave my shoulder another squeeze before letting go. “We'll talk about your anxiety level at your follow-up appointment. It's important to note you may have some strange dreams as your brain begins to fill in the gaps in your memory."
"That's okay," I said. "I'm just glad I'm getting better and eventually I’ll have a way to support myself in the controlled environment of my own home instead of working in an office.”
Chase grabbed my hand and stroked it with his thumb. "Let's get you home, Megs.” As he drove the Escalade into the bustling traffic, I spotted a Dairy Queen sign which caused my saliva glands to come to life.
With a hopeful glint in my eye, I gestured to the sign and asked, "May I please have a chocolate shake?"
"Oh man, you're speaking my language. There's nothing like a good chocolate shake and some crispy chicken tenders. That's the kind of meal that makes life worth living,” Chase winked.
I rolled my eyes, "Oh sure, because a chocolate shake and chicken tenders are definitely the key to a healthy and balanced diet. But who needs health when you can have deliciousness, right?"
“Your idea not mine,” Chase snarked.
As we sipped our shakes and nibbled on the food, I noticed Chase curiously watching me, prompting me to wonder if the doctor had shared something with him while I was in a hypnotic state that I didn't register. Chase must have sensed my thoughts because he leaned over and kissed my cheek, his lips lingering behind.
"You took the news about Chelsea much better than I would have, Megs."
"It's still a bit fuzzy. And right now, all I feel is sad... Sad that she's gone and sad about what she must have gone through."
"Are you sure you didn't get a hint of who was threatening her? I mean, it seems Carter has no idea who it might be either. And you’ve never mentioned Alex. Have you heard from him?” Chase asked me.
“Huh, Alex who?”
“He was the person I thought you had been dating. I saw him at your birthday party a few days before you got abducted.” He studied my face, waiting for my reaction.
“Chase, I don’t remember anyone named Alex,” I shook my head and bit my lip, wondering who else I’d forgotten. “And to answer the rest of your question… No, I don't believe there is anything else. But if something comes to mind later on, you'll be the first to know,” I said, sighing.
"Don't worry, Megs. You got this. Everything will be just fine," Chase consoled me as he pulled up to the guest house, radiating assurance with his broad grin.
"Only if you spend the night...."
"Hmm, I don't know. I think you can handle the boogie man on your own," Chase teased. "But maybe I can protect you from other things that go bump in the night."
Chapter Eleven
Chase
One Week Later
With our hearing protection securely in position, Mitch and I were side by side at the Red Wood Gun Club, aiming downrange. "Keep your stance firm and stay focused on the objective," I murmured to Mitch with a quiet voice.
