“I know.”
“Why did he do it this time?”
“I don’t know, Delaney. You said he was mad about the contest.” Her fingers stroked my head, smoothed my hair.
The pain meds crept out over my muscles, easing. The soft sheets, soft bed, and soft blankets worked their own unique magic on me.
“Sleep.” She sounded a hundred miles away. “And no sneaking out this time.”
I finally figured out the noise she had been making. She was booby-trapping the room so she’d hear me if I got up. The window was over in that corner. She was probably setting it up so I’d have to push a wind chime out of the way if I tried to open it.
“Paranoid,” I mumbled.
“Druggy. Sneaky. Prone to bar fights.”
“I don’t think Dan shot me.”
“It looked like Dan shot you.”
I thought that over for a while, my brain slowing and slowing.
“Yeah, but this is Ordinary.”
When I didn’t continue, she said, “And?”
“And nothing in Ordinary is ever how it really looks.”
Chapter 26
I REMEMBERED Myra waking me up for more pills. I told her to leave me alone, but most of my words got stuck in the pillow I’d dragged over half of my face.
When I finally woke enough to push the pillow away, it was hours later, and I decided a trip to the bathroom was a really good idea. A wide strip of bubble wrap was stapled outside the bedroom door, long enough I couldn’t just hop over it.
“Really?” I stepped on it, and half a dozen air chambers popped. I smiled at Myra’s alarm system. Took another step and set off another round of popping.
“Delaney, dear?” Pearl appeared in the hallway with a cup of tea. “I was just going to try to wake you up.”
“Hey, Pearl.” I shuffled toward the bathroom. “Did Myra make you babysit?”
“You know I’m always happy to help. I thought my medical background might be useful. I’ll change your bandage when you’re ready.”
“Hold on a sec. I’ll be right out.”
I made use of the facilities then stared at my reflection in the mirror while I washed my hands in warm water.
I tended to freckle, but my job kept me outdoors enough that I maintained a tan under all my spots. Right now I was sheet-white against medium brown hair that seemed too dark, my blue-green eyes gone almost gray.
If I had met me on the street, I’d say I’d had a couple of bad days. I’d also sit myself down and insist I eat a solid meal and get some sleep.
My stomach was twitchy at the very idea of food, but I’d probably have to take my meds again soon anyway, and I hadn’t eaten anything since the half peanut butter sandwich at the hospital.
I wanted a shower more than food, but I couldn’t remember if bathing was approved with the hole in my side.
There was a soft knock on the door. “Delaney?”
I opened the door. “Sorry. Moving kind of slow. What time is it?”
“Twelve thirty.”
