Page 72 of Justified Lies

“You’ve been out of surgery for about thirty-six hours. It was a near thing.” He sighed. “I’m glad you survived.”

“That’s two of us.”

He shook his head. “Not sure you remember what happened when it all went down, but my sister… let’s just say she wouldn’t have been okay.”

The door opened. “Kap.”

He turned in the direction of the sweetest sound he had ever heard. She rushed to his side.

“Hey, babe.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t cry.”

She shook her head. “I’ve been so worried. The doctors said you were fine, and it was normal that you weren’t coherent for a few days, but I didn’t like it.”

He tried to reach out to take her hand, but he was already feeling exhausted. She took his hand and leaned down to kiss him. He could taste the salt of her tears before she pulled back.

“Well, that was gross.”

She shook her head and looked at her brother. “Thank you for watching him. Mom and Dad should be here soon. Do you mind meeting them downstairs?”

“Gladly, this was a disgusting display.”

But Kap heard the humor in her brother’s voice.

“Glad you’re not dead,” he said before he left the room, leaving them alone. Finally.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She smiled. “Yes. Thanks to you.”

Then her smile faded.

“What?”

“I’m sorry I lied to you before. Marv had threatened Ian if I told anyone. I tried my best to leave clues.”

Relief hit him. “Don’t. Sam got them easily. I’m not mad at you.”

She sighed and leaned against his bed.

“I have something I need to say to you, though.”

“What?”

The door opened as he opened his mouth. A doctor came in—or at least he assumed it was a doctor.

“Oh, I see we’re awake,” the older man said. He appeared to be in his fifties. From the haircut and the way he held himself, Kap realized he was at Tripler.

“I know I badgered you,” Eden said. “I’m sorry.”

The doctor’s expression softened. “No worries.” Then he looked at Kap again. “I’m Dr. Adams, one of the surgeons who fixed you up. If Eden will give us a moment?”

He knew she didn’t want to go, but she nodded. “I’ll be right outside,”

“That woman loves you,” Dr. Adams said. “Hope you don’t mind me telling you that. She came in with you and hasn’t left. We’ve tried to get her to go rest, but she’s refused.”