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“It’s already healing. The doctor said so.”
“We’ll see.” His brow was set. He wasn’t going to budge on this. “Remember when you were hurt in Salt Lake City, and I was taking you home? We were in line for food or something like that. You said you were going to the bathroom while I wasin line, and you split out the back and went to see the victim’s husband.”
She bit the inside of her lip.
“I’m not saying you havezerocredibility. I’m saying I have reasonable expectations for what you may or may not do based on what you think needs to be done. I’maskingyou to delegate to your team so you can focus on healing.”
Kenna’s head might not be pounding anymore, but it also didn’t feel great. She didn’t have the energy to think of an argument, much less use it and actually succeed.
“You have people to help you now. You don’t need to do everything by yourself, even just to keep people safe.” He came over, moving slowly so he could sit on the side of the hospital bed.
“I don’t like it here.”
“That’s why I’m taking you home.”
“I don’t like people being in danger when I can do something about it, but I’m stuck like this.” That doctor guy had a lot to answer for, thinking he was doing her a favor but arguably making her more breakable. Nothing had happened to the man who headbutted her, while Kenna ended up with a fractured skull. This sucked.
Jax smiled gently. “I know. That’s why everyone is on board to help you. Bruce and Ramon are going to meet us at the house.”
She said nothing.
“I need you to agree.”
He was going to make her promise, knowing she wouldn’t go back on her word. She ground her teeth.
“Kenna.”
“Fine,” she said. “They can do all the work, and I’ll rest.”
He leaned down and kissed her. “It’s the smart play. Rest. Heal. Later, we’ll find the bad guys and kick butt.”
It took a couple of hours to get released from the hospital, hit the pharmacy for some prescriptions she wasn’t going to take, and get back to the house. Kenna pushed open the door from the garage to the house, realizing she hadn’t driven her own car in days. “Jolene, we’re home!”
“Are you talking to a cat?” Bruce stepped into view, holding one of Jax’s beer bottles. He took a sip, then said, “You don’t look so good.”
“This conversation is quick, then you’re going out looking for those kids. You can have one beer and no more because you’re driving.”
Bruce eyed her for a second, then gave her a short nod.
“Where’s Ramon?”
“Making coffee!” her friend called out from the kitchen. “And talking to Maizie.”
Jax slid his arm around Kenna from behind and held onto her waist. “Couch?”
She wouldn’t have to keep herself upright like on a bar stool. “Sure.”
He led her to the sofa and helped her sit. Ramon came in with a cup of coffee and handed it to her. “You look terrible.”
“There are two kids who need finding.” But still… “How is Forrest?”
Her friend in Wisconsin was an author, a widow, and a solitary person. In a lot of ways, she fit Ramon, but there were also ways they might not mesh. Kenna would need to see them together for real to assess if she thought they could go the distance. Which, most likely, both of them would consider none of her business.
“Don’t ask me about my love life, and I won’t ask you about yours.” He stood over by the TV unit, looking tired, as if he’d driven for hours. Maybe even a whole day. Racing down here to help her.
“Thanks for coming.”
He shot her a look, like he wanted to roll his eyes. “You should’ve called me days ago.”