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The detective said, “You are making a mistake.” He then stood up and walked out of the room without looking back.
Dr. Cole, whom I had forgotten was even in the room, tried to use a cough to cover a chuckle. “Sorry, that was unprofessional of me. Also, I’m sorry we never offered you the chance to call anyone.”
I waved him off. “It’s no problem, Doc. Really. I hadn’t even thought about it until the detective pissed me off, and Conrad’s name and position became a tool to put an end to the detective’s asinine questions.”
Looking puzzled, the doctor asked, “Conrad?”
“He’s my dad,” Katie said softly. She hadn’t spoken much, at least not spontaneously, since we arrived at the hospital.
“Hey, sugar. Do you want to talk to Conrad, or do you want me to?” I wasn’t sure I could speak to the man without losing my shit.
I watched Katie’s eyes widen, taking on a scared, doll-like appearance. “I can’t, Jackson. Can you do it? I don’t think I can. I wanna sleep.”
“Of course, baby girl. I’ll handle it.”
Dr. Cole approached Katie slowly. “Katie, I can give you a mild sedative to help you sleep if you’d like?” When she nodded, he typed something on the iPad he’d been holding before continuing. “I’m also going to admit you for observation due to that hip and shoulder.” Then he looked up at me. “You as well, Jackson.”
“No thanks, Doc. Just discharge me.”
Dr. Cole started shaking his head, but I cut him off. “I’m sure, Doc. I’m fine. Just bring the papers to sign so I can stay with Katie.”
He sighed deeply. I could see he was completely exasperated with me. “Fine. I’ll get the paperwork started to admit Katie and discharge you.” Pointing to a phone hanging on the wall that I’d not noticed, he offered. “You can use that phone. Just dial 9 to get a line out.”
After the doctor left, I helped Katie get comfortable and sat until she closed her eyes. Once she seemed to be asleep, I moved my chair to the phone to make the call that I dreaded, even though I was glad we were alive to be able to do so.
Since I didn’t have my phone, I called the only number I could remember. I called Olivia. Figuring she’d be with Mom, Dad, and Evan, who would be with his mom, who’d be with Conrad. I felt confident I’d reach everyone at once.
The phone barely rang after I dialed the last number. “Hello.” I nearly broke down at the sound of Livvy’s voice. To anyone else, her voice was calm, but I could hear the anxiety, fear, and hope.
“Hey, sis,” I said, my voice low and rough as exhaustion set in.
“OH MY GOD! JACKSON!”She cried out.
The cacophony of sounds behind her told me her screams had alerted those around her to who she was talking with.
“Hey, calm down. Let me talk. I’m tired.”
“Yeah, sure. Sorry.”
“No problem. Are Dad and Conrad there?” I asked. Leaning forward, I put my elbows on my knees and propped my head with one of my hands.
“I’m going to the living room. I’ll put you on speaker. We’ve all been gathered at Mom and Dad’s.”
“Thanks, Livvy.”
“God. I’m so happy to hear from you. I’ve been so worried.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
I heard her pull the phone from her ear. Her earring and hair created static and scraping sounds as she moved the receiver. I could also hear her steps moving across the hardwood floors.
When she spoke again, her voice started sounding like she was down a well as she said,“It’s Jackson.”
My mom shouted my name as my dad exhaled an“Oh, thank god.”I could hear the emotion clogging his throat and the sound of my mom crying in the background.
Conrad asked,“What about Katie? Is she with you, Jackson?” His voice was rough and thick with emotion as well.
“She is. She’s asleep. We’re at a hospital outside of Johnson City, Tennessee,” I explained. “The police here are pissed off, Conrad. I expect you will be getting a call at the station shortly.”
