Page 19 of Stone Coast

"What did you dream about?"

"It's hard to explain. It's not really coherent. One scene blends into the next, and I'm lost in a place that I can't get out of." I looked at the clock on the wall. "Is it really 4:00 AM?"

Tyson nodded.

"I should let you get some sleep," I said.

“If you want to talk, we’ll talk. If you want to sleep, that’s okay, too.”

“You’re a kind man,” I said.

I left him alone and managed to doze off again.

In the blink of an eye, the morning sun beamed through the blinds, and the activity picked up around the hospital.

A nurse brought in a breakfast tray, and I tried my hand at applesauce, yogurt, and fruit juice.

Grayson arrived not long after. There was a look of surprise on his face and maybe a little jealousy when he saw Tyson. His eyes darted between the two of us. In a tentative tone, he said, "I just thought I'd stop by to check on you."

"Grayson, this is Tyson Wild. He's a…"

"Old friend," Tyson said, standing up and extending a hand.

The two shook.

"He's a sheriff's deputy with Coconut County," I said.

That seemed to set Grayson somewhat at ease.

"I went through my contacts list, like you suggested. I called Tyson. He came right away."

"And you spent the night?" Grayson asked, confused.

"It was no trouble," Tyson said.

"Well, I appreciate you looking after her," Grayson said, trying to mark his territory. His brow knitted, still not sure what to make of this new development. "How do you two know each other?"

I didn't have the words.

Tyson was quick to answer. “She was close friends with my sister, Madison. Seems like ages ago."

"Do you live here in town?"

"Coconut Key."

He nodded, processing everything.

Tyson's phone buzzed with a call. He pulled it from his pocket and swiped the screen. "What's up?"

A gruff voice barked through the phone.

Tyson listened intently for a moment, then frowned. "I'll be right there." He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket. "Gotta run. Duty calls. You gonna be okay?"

I nodded.

"You call if you need anything. I’ll check back with you this evening." He shook Grayson's hand again. "It was nice to meet you."

"You as well."