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“We were able to repair the damage and retrieve the bullet. She’s a lucky woman and barring any complications, she should heal and be okay.”
“Oh, thank God,” Brandy said, and Dex pulled her against him. She’d been through so much tonight. They all had. Dex had almost lost his better half and it was time he let her know how he felt.
“When can we see her?” Ian asked.
The older man cleared his throat. “She’s in recovery. Once she’s settled, we’ll let you see her, one person at a time.”
Everyone let out another sigh of relief.
Dex was so fucking relieved she’d be okay, he sat down and dipped his head, letting himself breathe.
Ian tilted his head, indicating he wanted to talk, and they stepped to a private corner of the room. “Why the fuck would Jeremy shoot her?”
Brandy, who’d been standing since the doctor left, walked over. “I heard you talking. Samantha had a meeting with her lawyer this morning. We were going to talk over dinner. She didn’t want to discuss it at the office, but I think he might know more?”
Ian nodded. “Thanks. I’ll go leave him an urgent message.”
“Thanks, Brandy. Are you okay? Can I get you something to eat or drink?” Dex offered.
She shook her head. “I think since you’re all here and going to want to see her, I’ll go home. Will you keep in touch?”
Dex touched her shoulder. “Of course. I’ll walk you out and wait with you until the car comes. You’ve had a rough evening. You don’t need to stand outside alone.”
She treated him to a smile. “Thanks, Dex. I appreciate it.”
“Let’s go.” Dex stopped by where Ian, Riley, and Emma were sitting. “I’ll be back after I get Brandy safely into a car. Did you reach the attorney?” he asked Samantha’s brother.
Ian shook his head. “Left a message.”
Dex let out a long breath. Now that they knew Samantha would be okay, he wanted to know what the hell had tipped Jeremy into insanity, where the son of a bitch had disappeared to, and when the cops would find him.
“But the minute I find out, I want a conversation with that bastard,” Ian said, his face turning red with anger.
Riley put a hand on his forearm. “Calm down. Today’s been stressful enough. I don’t need you having a heart attack on me.”
“I’m young and healthy,” he told her and she merely rolled her eyes.
Dex laughed, appreciating the lightness breaking up the painful mood of earlier. He glanced at Ian, his lips firming before he spoke, much more serious this time. “Once you have answers, I want in on that conversation with Jeremy,” Dex said and Ian nodded without an argument.
Progress with Samantha’s brother and his old friend, Dex assumed. Not that he thought the police would let them anywhere near Jeremy once they found him, but it was worth trying.
He escorted Brandy to her car downstairs, then joined the family as they all settled in to wait for permission to see Samantha.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Samantha’s entire body hurt. She came in and out of consciousness, the pain drawing her back under, an escape she was eager to give in to.
She woke to her mother’s voice, which seemed odd. Her mom was in Florida. The next time consciousness came, she heard Ian, too, but he hadn’t mentioned flying up anytime soon. Just as the thought occurred, she sunk back into the darkness calling her.
She wasn’t certain how much time had passed when she opened her eyes and felt more clearheaded. She blinked into the lights above her. A nurse was there to check her vitals and give her ice chips, and she fell back to sleep.
The next time she woke up, she was in her own hospital room and she felt a heavy weight at her side. She glanced down to see Dex had fallen asleep, his head on the mattress beside her.
She threaded her fingers through his hair and let her nails lightly scrape along his scalp. All the while, she searched her memory for what had brought her here. Her head hurt, not to mention her left side throbbed with pain.
She remembered being outside with Brandy, going back for her phone and… “Jeremy!” she exclaimed. “He shot me.”
“You’re awake. Thank God,” Dex said, relief in his tone, as he raised his head and her hand fell to her side. “You scared the hell out of me.” His eyes were bloodshot and a scruff of beard was on his face, telling her he’d been here all night.
