Page 38 of Mine

“Can you hear me?”

“Kinda. Speak up.” David lifted his hand and brought it to his forehead.

“I’m practically yelling.”

“Oh.” Well, that wasn’t good. He wanted to close his eyes and go to sleep, but his partner wouldn’t stop yammering.

“Lie still. Your body took abuse from that explosion. Paramedics will be here soon.”

“Explosion?”

Brandon glared at him. “Are you serious? Or are you being Mr. Funny Man?”

“What exploded?”

“Your truck, dude.”

A groan rumbled from his chest. He’d just made the last payment. Good thing for insurance. But would it cover an explosion? A sudden spark of memory hit him. He’d used the remote starter an instant before he’d found himself flat on his back. He blinked. Why on Earth was he concerned with insurance when someone had tried to kill him?

“Brandon?”

“We’re on it. You just take it easy. I want my partner back in working order and soon.”

David’s stomach twisted. Who wanted him dead?

***

The Emergency Department had finally emptied after a busy morning. The fact no one sat in the waiting room was a miracle. Jennie leaned her shoulder against the wall and closed her eyes. Except for the short time she’d chatted with David, she hadn’t relaxed last night. The eerie sensation had never left, and she hadn’t slept much, if at all.

“You don’t look so good.”

Jennie glanced over to discover Tammy’s concerned gaze.

“Long night?” Her friend waggled her eyebrows.

“Not a chance.” She didn’t date, and Tammy knew it. Her coworker had never asked, but Jennie had a feeling the woman had the basic idea why. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“I’d imagine you haven’t had a good night’s rest since this thing with Zoey started.”

No, she hadn’t. But that wasn’t the reason she’d watched the clock change every hour last night. She shivered.

“Since it’s eased up, why don’t we hit the report room and take a break.”

Jennie plodded behind Tammy to the other side of the main desk and into the small area they used for shift reports and a makeshift breakroom. Due to the crazy schedule of the Emergency Department, the hospital administrator had splurged for a single cup coffee maker, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

“Sit. I’ll get you a cup of coffee. You look like you need it.” Tammy shooed her toward a chair.

Jennie plopped onto the hard plastic seat. She rested her head on the wall behind her and closed her eyes. “Thanks. The stress is catching up with me.”

A hand gripped her shoulder.

“Jennie?”

Her shoulder shook.

“Jennie?”

She pried her eyes open and blinked. “Tammy?”