Page 149 of Here With Me

“But I’m still confused about their head injuries. Are they from the explosion, or was there a fight between them?”

“I’m curious about that, too. Also wonderin’ why Fisher was here before the crack of dawn.” His tone isn’t harsh, but he’s suspicious.

“I guess he was sleepin’ in his truck. He mentioned he was worried Craig would break into my house after he made bail,” I explain.

He nods, and although I can tell he wants to ask more questions, he holds back.

“You should let Jase know,” he suggests.

Another person I’ll have to explain to why Fisher was here.

When I call, his phone goes to voicemail, which isn’t surprising since it’s after three in the morning. I send him a text so he sees it first thing when he wakes up.

As we get close to the hospital, I get a message, but it’s not from Jase.

“Oh my God,” I gasp when I read Landen’s text.

“What is it?”

I look at him in shock. “They found a body.”

ChapterThirty-One

Noah

As soon as we get to the ER, Tripp sits with Dad and me until we get an update on Fisher’s condition. Tears fall down my cheeks as a doctor explains his injuries and the process of treatment. When I ask to go back and see him, they have me wait until they move him into a room, which takes another hour.

Neither has commented on why I’m so distraught about Fisher’s condition—well, more than one would be for an employee or friend. If they’re suspicious, they don’t voice it.

When I don’t get a response from Jase, I send him another message with Fisher’s room number so he can find it as soon as he arrives.

Dad drives Tripp home and returns after he checks on Landen. Between waiting, the chief of police calls, and Sheriff Wagner stops by to discuss Craig’s participation and the body found. Dad gives them access to all the security camera footage so they can add it to their investigation. It’s suspected whoever it is was close to the explosion and flew out of the barn. They were unrecognizable at the scene and transferred to the morgue.

Seeing Fisher with a bandage on his head and an oxygen tube across his face has me sick to my stomach with worry. They put him under anesthesia to perform a bronchoscopy to examine the level of damage in his throat and lungs since we couldn’t know how long he was in the barn or if he was exposed to the explosion. After the procedure, they suctioned out secretions and debris in his throat and lungs due to smoke inhalation, but the next twenty-four hours are crucial to see if it gets worse.

Burns to his airway could become a problem, but since they’re trying to be the least invasive, they’ll continue monitoring before determining if more treatment is needed.

He had a CT scan to check for internal bleeding. Thankfully, there wasn’t any at the time, but they’re watching for possible swelling. Based on the size of the wound, whatever hit him was hard and solid.

They say he’s lucky he didn’t withstand any extreme burns and is only battling minor internal injuries. He’ll fully recover with rest and oxygen as long as no more issues arise.

“Hey,” Magnolia says softly, carrying two cups. “Brought ya some coffee. You have to be exhausted.”

I take one. “Thanks.”

“Any updates?” She takes the chair next to mine at Fisher’s bedside. I haven’t let go of his hand since they let me in here and have been quietly pleading and begging him to be okay.

“Not really. Just a waitin’ game, they say.”

The medication makes him drowsy as they keep him comfortable from the pain and discomfort.

“Let me take ya home for a bit so you can rest. Fisher’s not goin’ anywhere, and you—”

“I’m not leavin’ him.” I stare at his motionless body as I struggle to breathe. “He risked his life to get my horses out of that barn, and if he dies...”

“He’s not gonna die,” she reassures me, but I won’t be convinced until I see his eyes open and hear his voice.

“His body is healin’, and that takes time. You’re no good just sittin’ here worryin’,” she adds.