Page 65 of Gin & Jewels

“How long do I need to be here?” I did feel good. I wasn’t sore or in pain anymore, and I felt as though I was ready to go home.

“I’m not sure. We’ll ask the doctor when he stops by.”

I nodded. “And Keith?”

“Don’t panic because he’s okay.” Brad sighed. “But he was shot too.”

My eyes widened. “He was?”

“Yes, but he’ll be fine. He was shot in the leg.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s in another part of the hospital recovering. He was also arrested.”

“He was?”

Brad nodded. “They’re still checking with the pawnshops you told me about, but they were able to get info from one of them, connecting him to the robbery.”

“Does he know it was me?”

“No, I don’t think he does.”

“And Micky? Is he in jail?”

He closed his eyes briefly and sighed. “No. During everything, I shot him, and he died.”

My eyes widened again, and I whispered, “You killed him?”

“I did.”

“Are you in trouble?”

Brad shook his head. “No. A neighbor saw everything and confirmed it was self-defense. Plus, Micky took a loaded gun on private property and shot two people. I did what needed to be done.”

I thought about what he said. Did he mean that he’d killed Micky on purpose? I wasn’t sure how I should feel in that moment. I was happy that Micky wouldn’t hurt me again, but was I glad he was dead? He’d shot Keith and me. Was he trying to kill us?

Breakfast was brought in a few moments later, but I had no appetite. “You can have it,” I said to Brad.

“You need to eat something.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“It’s because of all the pain meds in your system. I was the same way. How about I make you a deal?”

“What kind of deal?”

“You eat the yogurt, and I’ll eat everything else?”

I looked back at the tray and agreed. “Okay, but only because it’s cherry.”

He grinned. “Whatever works.”

About an hour later, there was a light knock on the door. “Cassie, I’m Dr. Watson. How are you feeling?”

“Good,” I replied.

He stepped over to the bed and shook Brad’s hand. “How was the couch?”