Page 12 of Storm Warning

Figuring the boy deserved the truth and could handle it, Riley said, “He took a bullet in the arm. Violet is working on it right now.” She studied him for a beat. “Do you want to help me?”

Christopher sat up straighter. “Sure. What do I need to do?”

“Come to the galley with me. You can help me put together a plate of food for Andre. He’ll eat after Violet finishes working on his arm.”

The boy hopped up and followed Riley down the aisle. Within minutes, they had prepared two plates of food and grabbed two bottles of water. Christopher carried the water and trailed Riley to the bedroom.

She paused at the door. “Leave the bottles at the door.”

The boy raised his chin. “I don’t mind seeing blood and stuff.”

Although that was unexpected, she had to take him at his word. “All right. Let’s deliver the food.

Andre looked at them when they entered the bedroom. He smiled. “Hey, Chris. Did Grant get you something to eat?”

He nodded. “He and Rayne got me food and a soft drink.”

“Good.”

“Can I stay in here with you?”

“Are you sure you want to stick around? My arm is a mess.”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind a little blood.”

Riley set the plates on the table positioned against the wall. “Chris made your food.”

Andre ruffled the boy’s hair. “Thanks, buddy. I appreciate that.”

Christopher beamed.

“Since Violet’s working on me at the moment, why don’t you sit at the table with Riley and make sure she eats.”

“I can do that. Come on, Riley. Andre says you should eat.”

Andre chuckled as Christopher grabbed Riley’s hand and led her to the table. “Good job, Chris.”

Amused, Riley took a bite of her sandwich to satisfy both males in the room.

Noah returned with plates heaped high with food and two water bottles shoved into cargo pockets. “Looks like I’m just in time for the party. Did you forget to invite me, Chris?”

The boy laughed.

Between them, Riley and Noah kept Christopher busy while Violet worked on Andre. Although she longed to sit beside Andre so she could see for herself the progress Violet was making, she made herself stay in place. Christopher had been traumatized enough. The boy needed nothing else to remember.

Finally, Violet sat back, dropped the bullet into a plastic container, and closed the lid. She stripped off her gloves. “You need antibiotics and pain medicine, Andre.” When he opened his mouth to reply, she waggled her pointer finger at him. “No. Don’t argue. You need both, so suck it up and deal.”

The operative sighed. “Yes, ma’am. Thanks for patching me up.”

“No problem.”

Andre glanced at Christopher, then turned back to Violet with a twinkle in his eyes. “Is this a significant enough injury to merit two suckers?”

Violet grinned. “You know, I think it is.” She dug into her Go bag, grabbed two suckers, and handed the treats to Andre.

He handed one sucker to Christopher. “Thanks for fixing my plate, buddy.”

“You’re welcome.” The boy ripped the paper covering off the sucker and stuck the treat in his mouth.