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I’m here because of him. Alive.
With a swipe of his hand on his leg, Riggs lifts his head off the bed and moves to sit at attention to the left of Paxton, staring up at him.
My eyes widen in surprise. “Wow. You did that with just a swipe?”
He chuckles. “He’s just trying to impress you. It takes me slapping my leg a few times to get him to listen.”
I know that’s a lie. But it makes me laugh.
He points at his card and says, “Anything.” Without waiting for a response, he strolls out, Riggs glued to his side.
The spot where Riggs’s head was turns cold and is a cruel reminder of how alone I am when I miss the comfort of a dog. I stare at the business card. What am I going to do next? I don’t have a phone, a license, or money. Nothing. I can’t even claim the lottery money until I get a new license. I thought I had the strength to start over. Now, I’m not even sure where to start.
CHAPTER 13
Kali
Early the next morning, Martinez strides into my room without a courtesy knock, followed by Dr. Betty, irritation written all over her face at his brusque entrance. I sit up, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.
Maybe they found who did this to me.
He positions himself at the foot of the bed, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. “Dr. Betty filled me in on your situation.”
My brows furrow. He’s fully aware of my situation.
“We wanted to station an officer at your home, but considering you don’t have one, we’ve come up with an alternative.”
Oh. That situation.
Dr. Betty steps forward, casting a sidelong glance at the guy. “I work with an incredible facility that specializes in helping people who have been through severe trauma. I highly recommend you stay there to receive the help you need. It’s located just outside Austin, so not far,” she explains.
Panic sets in as my gaze darts between her and Martinez. “Will I still have protection?”
“The owner’s husband is a retired police officer, and there will be another officer assigned to you at all times,” he assures me.
A fear I’ve never known creeps up. “Will I be safe?” Given the circumstances, it’s not an unreasonable question.
“Yes,” he states with certainty, but it doesn’t quell the fear clenching my chest. He reaches into his jacket pocket and presents a brand-new phone. “It has a tracker in it,” he informs me as he sets it on the table, next to my breakfast plates. “And you have a new number.” More like the only number I’ve ever had.
“Thank you for everything.” With a tight nod, he then turns to leave. I wait until he’s gone before asking Dr. Betty to help me set it up, as it’s the first phone I’ve ever had. It’s the same one Pearl has, so at least I’m a little familiar with it.
“How do the clothes fit?” she asks, picking up the phone. She brought a bag of clothes for me yesterday.
“They feel like butter against my skin. You didn’t have to get such nice stuff.”
She waves me off with a slight huff. “You needed something that was light, so it didn’t rub against your healing skin.” She skips the part about it needing to be easy to pull down for whoever is helping me go to the bathroom.
“That’s very sweet of you. I really appreciate it.” As she sets up my phone, I ask, “Do you really think this place will help me?”
She glances up, and her lips curve. “I do. It’s a wonderful place. They incorporate animals into your therapy.” Animals? Can I request Riggs? “And I’ll be with you throughout your healing. You’ll also have a nurse to help you with anything you need.”
“I’m scared,” I admit. I wanted to live. I wished for it. I begged for it. But how? How will I ever heal from this nightmare?
“It’s completely normal to feel scared. Healing alone can be a difficult journey. We’ll take it one day at a time. Remember, it’s okay to feel vulnerable. That’s part of the process and a sign of your strength and courage to face it.”
She thinks I have strength and courage left.
I’m not so sure.
