Page 159 of Cautious Love

Instead of radioing back and forth, I call Sidney directly. “Sidney, call whoever is on call and send them to the location. I have the tenant with me. She’s okay, but have someone document the break-in, and take me off duty. I have to take care of something,” I say, staring at Shiloh.

“Um, okay, are you alright?” Sidney asks.

“I will be,” I mutter, and hang up.

The notification of the missed phone call sits there, but I ignore it, facing Shiloh.

“Do I need to take you to the clinic first?”

She sniffles, wiping the back of her hand across her nose. “I don’t know.”

I gently grab her chin, hating the busted lip and bruise forming on her cheek. Whoever did this will regret it.

“I’m taking you to the clinic to check you out.”

“No, Ledger, please just … take me home.”

I grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. “Please, for once, let me take care of my wife. Don’t argue,please,” I beg.

She searches my eyes and finally nods.

I head to the clinic, and when we get there, the night shift jumps up, helping us. They don’t tell me to wait in the waiting room, probably because of the don’t mess with me look on my face.

Standing in the corner of the room, I watch the nurses and doctor on staff inspect her.

My gut is churning like a washing machine while I listen to my voicemail.

“Hi there sheriff, I wanted to let you know I saw our …friendarrive home. I’ll let you know if anything changes.”

I know that voice, Ms. Maisie. Grey must be back. The voicemail stops, and I immediately dial my brothers.

This night is about to get worse.

“Hey Ledge, are you okay?” Fletcher says in a sleepy voice. I glance at the clock on the wall. I didn’t even consider what time it was.

“I need your help. I can’t explain why, and it’s … outside the rules,” I mutter.

“What is it?” he asks, his voice dropping into a serious tone.

I try to find the words to say it.

Fletcher whispers something to Tatum.

“Get Cooper and meet me on the corner of Horses Way and Pine.”

“You got it,” he says and hangs up.

Then I dial Sterling.

“Hey man, late night, you alright?” Sterling asks.

“I need your help.”

“Tell me when and where,” he says, sensing my tone.

I tell him where to meet me and hang up.

“Shy, I need you to stay here while they check you out, okay? I’ll be right back.”