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He wiped the water from her face. “Maybethat’s enough.”
“You don’t have to take care of me.” Rarity licked her dry lips. The water had felt good. She wondered if it was the hospital air or the pain meds that had made her lips dry. Or maybe she’d been asleep longer than she’d thought. “It’s stillMonday, right?”
Jonathon chuckled. “Barely. It’s eleven. I sent Archer and Sam away at ten. I’m sure they’ll be back soon. Edith wanted to come up, but I told her that you had enough people taking care of you. She sends her love.”
“Tell her thanks.” Rarity moved the glass closer and took another small sip. “I can’t believe this happened. I went to Sam’s shop to give her a card from a customer, and the next thing I know, I’m here.”
“Did you see the guy?” Jonathon asked, his voice now all cop.
“No, he hit me from behind. I walked into the back because I’d heard a noise and thought Sam was grabbing stock or working on a piece. She has a bell that rings in the back when someone comes in, but sometimes she has music going. When I walked into the back, it was quiet and Sam wasn’t there. I could see where she’d been working, and I walked toward the bench, but then my head exploded.” She pushed the cup away. “Killer’s all right, isn’t he?”
“Shirley called me about thirty minutes ago to check on you. Killer’s curled up on her couch watchingHarry Potterwith her.”
Rarity smiled and leaned back on her pillow. “He does lovethose movies.”
“Don’t we all.” Jonathon chuckled. Then the door flew open, and Sam, Drew, and Archer came into the room. Jonathon stepped away from the bed.“She’s awake.”
Sam ran over to one side, Archer to the other. Drew followed Sam.
Rarity looked up at the three. “Sorry I messed up your day.”
“You need to stop saying you’re sorry.” Archer squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here. I was out on the last hike with my corporate client, so I didn’t get the call until I dropped them off at the hotel and turned on my phone.”
“You had work. What would you have done, left those guys out on the trail?” Rarity turned toward Sam and Drew. “Any luck finding out who likes cracking my skull?”
“No, but I’ve got Holly going through street cams to see what we can find.” Drew squeezed her foot that was under the covers. “You don’t worry about that. Just get better.”
A voice came from the back of the room. “I’m sorry, but visiting hours are long over. And you’re over the two person per room max anyway. Decide who’s staying, and the rest of you say good night.”
Jonathon smiled at Rarity. “I’m out. I’ll seeyou tomorrow.”
“I’ll stay with her.” Archer looked at Drew and Sam. “I know you guys have some things to talkabout anyway.”
Drew glanced at Sam. “Can I get a ride back to Sedona with you? I rode in with one of the guys from the station, and he’s alreadyback in town.”
“Sure.” Sam bit her lip. She gave Rarity a hug. “I’ll seeyou tomorrow.”
“From what the doctor told me, you might be released sometime tomorrow. The nurse pushed a cart close and started hooking up Rarity to a machine to check her vitals. She met Rarity’s gaze. “You’re a lucky girl. The blow didn’t hit square. You must have surprised your attacker, because he didn’t trya second time.”
“I don’t know. I’m feeling like he hit me pretty hard.” Rarity shrugged. “Now you’re telling me it could have been worse.”
“That’s always good news, right?” The nurse turned on the machine, and it took her blood pressure. She wrote something down and then took off the finger monitor as well. “You’re looking good. I’d like for you to get some more sleep.”
“We get the hint.” Drew stepped toward the door. “We’ll talk soon. Hopefully Holly has found something.”
“See you soon.” Jonathon squeezed her hand again and stepped out of the room.
Samstayed behind.
Archer nodded toward the doorway. “Drew’s waiting.”
Sam sighed and gave Rarity a kiss on the forehead. “That’s what I’m worried about. Call me if you need a ride home or if I need to subin for Archer.”
Rarity waved at her friend, who moved toward the door and Drew like she was going to a firing squad. She turned to Archer. “Sure, it takes me being in the hospital for those two tofinally talk.”
“They’re both stubborn. Not like us. We’re very pliable. A feature that might have saved your life.” He moved a chair closer to the bed. “The only place we could find to eat was a Burger King down the street. So I don’t have any food-related stories to tell you.”
“Right now, that sounds amazing. I haven’t had food since my protein shake this morning.” She studied his face. He looked tired. “Why don’t you go home too?I’ll be fine.”
