Page 140 of Contentious

“And they won’t let him out?” Ty asked.

“Doubtful, as he’s proven to be a flight risk.”

“What does that mean?”

“He was on the way to Mexico when they caught him, which means he intended to run from the law. They’ll probably deny him bail because of that and hold him in jail until his trial.”

“Oh, well, that’s good, then.”

“It’s very good. That’s where he belongs after what he’s done.”

“I’m sorry that he hurt you again.”

“I’m fine,” Carson said. “Don’t worry about me. All I care about is that you and your mommy are safe.”

“We care that you’re safe, too.”

“Thanks, buddy.”

The doctor came in a few minutes later, apologizing for keeping them waiting. He checked Carson’s healing incisions and cleaned up the seeping blood. “Good news that your staples are holding. How’s the pain?”

“Not great, but I can handle it.”

“We can give you something for that.”

“I can’t take narcotics.”

“Tylenol? Ibuprofen?”

“Yeah, sure. Tylenol would be good.”

“I’d like to keep an eye on you for a couple of hours just to be safe. Would that be all right?”

“That’s fine,” Cresley said. “We’ll stay as long as it takes to make sure Carson is good to go.”

“And you and your son are uninjured?”

“We’re fine,” Ty said for both of them.

“Other than our nerves being a bit rattled,” Cresley added.

“All right, then. I’ll ask the nurse to bring you some Tylenol, and how about something to eat, too?”

“I’m starving,” Ty said.

“That would be great,” Carson said. “Thank you.”

“Sure thing. We’re glad you’re all safe.”

“Come up here with me, you two,” Carson said.

Cresley straightened Carson’s hair and smoothed it back from his forehead. “We don’t want to hurt you.”

“It’ll hurt me more if you don’t.”

They moved carefully to join him on the bed.

He put an arm around each of them. “Everything is okay now. Take a deep breath and try to relax.”