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Police officers crouched down in front of me. They asked me questions, staring at me like I was a three-year-old. All I could do was shake my head and squint, the ringing in my ears so loud I thought my head would split open.
Hank and Tyrese stationed themselves on either side of me. After a while I managed to limp to the office and check on Charley, bent over and holding my aching belly. He was barking, the whites of his eyes too big and streaked with red. I started crying then, putting a hand on the glass door and then leaning my forehead against it.
“It’s okay now, buddy,” I said.
Hank wrapped his arms around me and got us onto the ground with my head against his shoulder. His arms held me too tightly for a moment and he kissed my head.
Paramedics bustled in at that point, shining bright lights on to my face and firing questions at Hank and Tyrese. Once I was on the stretcher, I closed my eyes and just breathed, keeping my hands over my ears.
The rest of that day was an endlessly terrifying experience of wondering if I’d permanently lost my hearing and also undergoing all kinds of examinations. Luckily, my phone had survived and stayed in my back pocket. When Hank sat in the chair next to my hospital bed, my head had cleared enough to get some answers.
Sally: What happened when Miller jumped?
Hank: His foot slipped. But with ten feet to clear to the pool he wouldn’t have made it anyway. He landed on one leg on the concrete patio and then on his hand. He’s broken but alive.
Sally: What did he throw through my window?
Hank: A stun grenade. Loud bang and a bright flash. Most people have short-term hearing loss after.
Sally: I texted Hazel—did you see her there with Charley?
Hank: Yes. And Tyrese took him outside before she arrived.
Sally: Okay.
Sally: Back to Miller. What do you think happens now?
Hank: He’s in the hospital but he won’t get away. Going to be locked up for a long time.
Hank: Hazel called your contractor and she got the window boarded up today. You’ll be home in your bed before much longer.
Sally: Thanks.
Sally: How did you know to come?
Hank: You gave me security clearance so I have access to the app. I wasn’t far away.
Sally: Okay.
Hank: You’re closing your eyes again. Are you okay? Should I grab a nurse?
Sally: No.
Sally: Dizzy.
Hank: Rest now.
They didn’t find anything wrong with me that staying in the hospital would help. I was sent home with painkillers and icepacks, and follow-up appointments for my still ringing ears.
Hank and Tyrese got me home. Then Amber showed up, her eyebrows drawn together and tears running down her face. I squinted up at her and patted her hand.
“Got him,” I mumbled.
She put a hand over her face and whacked my foot, gently. Luckily for me, I couldn’t understand the tirade she mouthed at me.
Hazel had found a home-visit vet that had been able to stop by and exam Charley. His hearing was damaged, but the vet was hopeful that he’d recover soon. Hazel offered to stay the night to look after him and I gratefully agreed.
I sent Tyrese home via text message while he was standing in front of me. He nodded, shook my hand, smiling a little, then disappeared out of the door. I planned on thanking him properly once I was feeling better. Hopefully, I wouldn’t need a bodyguard again.
