Page 93 of Storm Warning
“Good. I’ll give you the medical recap, and then I’ll leave you to these three gentlemen to help with the rest. Still following me?”
Kate nodded obediently, not wanting to admit her struggle to focus on the doctor’s words. They seemed to slip through her thoughts like water through a sieve.
“You were given two doses of GHB, as far as we can determine,” Dr. Hampton began. “That’s a drug that causes sedation, confusion, and even memory loss. That’s why your mind is so disoriented right now.”
She checked Kate’s pulse as she continued. “The lingering effects will wear off rapidly now that you’re awake. However,...”—her tone softened—“you are unlikely to recover all yourmemories of the time you were under the drug. Most people do not.”
Dr. Hampton met Kate’s eyes, her voice calm but firm. “I can reassure you that you were not assaulted in any way.”
She paused, letting the words sink in. Kate looked at her blankly for a moment before understanding dawned, the realization tightening her chest like a vise. Her pulse spiked, and her skin went cold.
“Oh! GHB—that’s a date rape drug.” Horror slid through Kate’s veins like ice water, her muscles tensing. What had happened to her? What had almost happened?
“Yes. You are fine, though. The drug was apparently used to contain you.” Dr. Hampton patted her hand briefly. “Now, I’ll leave the rest of the explanations to these gentlemen. They’ve been worried about you.”
Kate’s eyes followed the doctor as she picked up her bag and crossed to the door before pausing and peering back at Kate.
“Please call me if you need anything at all. They have my number.” She smiled at Kate before leaving.
Kate shifted her attention back to the men, glancing from one to another. The weight of their stares made her feel exposed, vulnerable in a way she hated. “I want to hear everything, but first, can I get up? I don’t like lying here in bed like an invalid. Can we move this discussion downstairs?”
Zach and David silently nodded and strode out, leaving her with Nick smiling down at her—that soft, gentle smile that made her heart do stupid things.
“Of course. Let’s see how you do standing and walking, though. I don’t think you are ready to handle that on your own yet. Let me come around before you try to stand.”
He rounded the bed, reaching to help her before she’d even swung her legs over the side. He grasped her under her elbows and helped her up, supporting her when she swayed. Thefloor shifted under her feet, and she gripped his forearms, appreciating the corded muscle beneath his shirt.
“Yeah, my legs feel like wet noodles. Can you help me to the bathroom? And find me some PJs? I want to change. They should be in the dresser, second drawer.”
Kate shuffled her way across the room with Nick’s support, her bare feet whispering across the cool hardwood floor. Each step a challenge, like learning to walk all over again. She closed the bathroom door in his face, needing at least this small measure of independence.
She managed to do her business and wash her hands without help, the cold water shocking her skin. Yay! Small victories. Nick waited outside the door, the requested PJs in hand, his expression patient and concerned.
“Don’t get too used to wearing these,” he smirked at her.
Startled laughter burst from Kate, bright and unexpected, cutting through the fog in her mind. She pretended to smack him. “Nick!”
He helped her change into her jammies, his touch careful and respectful, and then wrapped her robe around her. The soft fabric draped like heaven against her skin—plush and warm without being stifling. She adored this robe—another of Callie’s purchases. Soft and cuddly, but not too warm for the Florida weather.
She shook her head to dislodge the aimless thought. Her mind was wandering again, skittering from one thing to another like a stone skipping across water. She turned to shuffle to the door, determined to make it on her own, but the world spun as Nick swept her up in his arms, laughing down at her. The sudden movement made her stomach swoop, but his arms wrapped solid and secure around her.
“Katie mine, if we wait for you, we won’t make itdownstairs until next week, and David made some food for you. We don’t want it to get cold.”
Kate smiled and rested her head against Nick’s chest as he carried her, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat beneath her ear. The rhythm soothed her. He moved smoothly despite carrying her, his strength evident in the easy way he descended the stairs. He sat on the sofa, with her still in his lap, and she found herself reluctant to leave the warmth and safety of his embrace.
She tried to slide off, but Nick’s rough voice stopped her. “Please stay here. I need you in my arms, feel that you are safe.”
She paused and searched his features. The echoes of fear and loss were written there—in the tightness around his eyes, the tension in his jaw—something in her chest cracked open. She settled back into his arms with a sigh of contentment. She hadn’t wanted to leave him anyway. Nothing felt better than his arms around her—solid and protective, like a fortress that would never fall.
David approached, plate in hand, the scent of buttered eggs making her stomach rumble weakly. “The drug could bother you a bit, so we’re keeping it simple. Scrambled eggs and a bagel.” She smiled her thanks and took the plate, the ceramic warm against her palms.
“So, while I nibble on this, you guys need to tell me what happened.” Kate tried to sound commanding but failed miserably, even to her own ears. Her voice came out thin and uncertain.
Zach smirked, laughing at her, no doubt. “First, you tell us what you remember. You ate breakfast at the Pavilion. Do you remember that?”
Kate cast her mind back through the fog, searching her memories. It was like trying to peer through frosted glass—shapes and shadows, but nothing clear.
“Yes. I talked to Lena. I think I left then to take a walk? I remember starting down the trail, but nothing after that. Although...” She hesitated, her heart beating faster as she tried to remember. A wave of terror flashed through her, cold and visceral, making her pulse spike and her breath catch. Images flashed—dark, fragmented, terrifying.