Page 125 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
“You’re more than welcome. We’re just glad you’re back safe and sound,” Gigi said.
“These flowers are from us,” Sara said, pointing to the roses.
“And these are from your class,” Gigi said, nodding to the daisies. She dug around again in her purse and produced a bright orange card. “They wrote you a card this morning. And because I always take opportunities to brag about my baby girl, Rowen’s penmanship is by far the best.”
“She’s very talented.” I smiled. “Who is teaching while I’m in the hospital?”
“Garcia,” Nick said. “I called him at home yesterday and told him you were out for the week. Maybe next week too. He said he’d take your class and not to worry.”
I let out a sigh of relief that my students wouldn’t be negatively impacted by my absence. Rich was not only a good school administrator, he was also a remarkable teacher. My kids were in good hands.
“Do you need anything, Emmeline?” Sara asked.
“No, thank you.”
“Okay. Well, I’m working up here today, so if you do, just ring the call button and I’ll be right in.”
“And if she doesn’t answer fast enough, press the emergency call button behind you and I’ll come up from the ER.” Gigi winked.
More hugs, more banter and more good-byes followed until my friends finally shuffled out. A few minutes after they left, Dr. Peterson came in to assess my injuries.
“You’re improving,” he said.
“Can I still take her home tomorrow?” Nick asked.
At the word “home,” I closed my eyes and grimaced. How was I ever going to walk into my house again?
Nick saw the wince and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly.
“Tomorrow should be fine,” Dr. Peterson said. “Call if the pain gets worse, Emmeline.”
“How are you doing?” Nick asked after the doctor left.
“It’s been a busy morning. I’m getting tired.”
“Jess needs to come over and get your statement. He said he would bring us some lunch. How about you sleep for an hour before he gets here? I’ll keep all the visitors out.”
“Okay,” I said, relaxing into my pillow and closing my eyes.
I felt his warm breath before his lips pressed against the tip of my nose. “Sleep well, Emmy.”
An hour later, Jess and Nick were sitting in chairs next to my bed. My nap had been short but I felt rested.
“Sorry to bother you,” Jess said, “but I’ve got to get your statement.”
“It’s no problem.”
“We’ll make it quick,” he promised.
For the next twenty minutes, I walked Jess and Nick through the events at my house. Nick got so angry when I told them about Wrecker’s and Jinx’s physical assaults that we had to take a break so he could walk the hall and cool down.
“You got anything to add?” Jess asked Nick. “Like who those men were? Your dad and brother seemed to have a pretty good idea when we were talking on Saturday.”
“On the record,” Nick said, “I have no clue.”
“Off the record,” Jess said.
“It’s a long story,” Nick sighed.
