“Oh, you’re awake. I left your sandwich on the table there.” Pulling her hand from Hailey’s pillow, she pointed at the rolling table. “I’m afraid your coffee probably isn’t hot anymore, but I didn't have the heart to wake you.”
“I didn't even realize I fell asleep.” His voice was thick and raspy so he cleared his throat. The clock on the far wall told him he’d slept for two hours. “You’ve been here the entire time?”
“Yes. Um, the nurses came in and took her vitals. Other than that, it’s been quiet in here.”
He could only blink again. She’d removed her blazer, but otherwise looked the same. “Thanks. I really needed some sleep.”
“It’s not a problem. Would you prefer if I left?”
Would he? He frowned, unsure of his answer. “I don’t guess it matters.”
With a smile, she turned her attention back to Hailey. Chloe stroked her fingers over Hailey’s temple and down her head, carefully touching the uninjured parts of her. She hummed something vaguely familiar, but Devon couldn't place it. Instead of eating, he found himself drifting back to sleep.
Chapter Nine
By the end of the thirdday after Hailey was found, Devon still hadn’t gone home. He wasn’t willing to miss out on sitting with her because there was no way to know when she might wake up. Lydia continued to insist he leave for at least a little while, but he refused each time. It wasn’t just because he couldn't stand the thought of her waking up alone; it was more the need to be the first face she saw when she opened her eyes. There was a constant rotation of visitors to ensure he was never alone. According to Don, the general public continued to shower his parents’ front porch with gifts. Vince had made the rounds to Devon’s house to pick up what was left there, and even the shop had a shrine set up out front. Devon thought the memorials were too much like a funeral, and since not being forced to have one was one thing he could be grateful for, he didn't appreciate the similarities. The flowers would die, the food go to waste, and they would donate the stuffed animals. The cards and letters he might keep so he could give them to Hailey one day, just so she would know how loved she was by the people in her city.
For most of day three, Don sat with him, bringing food to the hospital to encourage Devon to eat; usually, it was the donuts left on their porch. He had given much of what the well-wishers left to Caleb and Lori so they didn't have to cook as well as babysit Devon.
Since Devon looked like hell warmed over, it was easy to see he needed someone to look after him on a daily basis. “Devon, when did you sleep last?”
“I’ve been awake since four.”
Don sighed. “And when did you fall asleep?”
“Midnight.”
There had been nobody there that late. Other than the nurse coming in to check on Hailey, it was dark and quiet in the room. It should have been the perfect atmosphere for sleeping. Instead, images of a faceless man grabbing Hailey from the shop plagued his mind. There were no leads at that time, but he heard they’d narrowed down the make and model of the truck from the tire tracks. Unfortunately, it was a common brand and didn't help at the moment.
“When was the last time you ate anything substantial?”
It was Devon’s turn to sigh. “This morning when the nurse brought me breakfast.”
“Well, I brought a backpack full of food, clothes, and toiletries.” Devon used the ensuite bathroom to shower, but only when a family member was there to watch over Hailey.
As Devon sat next to his father, he realized he should have expressed his gratitude a long time ago. “Um, Dad, thanks. I know I’ve been a pain in the ass lately, but I do appreciate what you’ve done for me.”
