“Keep your voice down,” Dax warns.
“This is ridiculous,” Randall says. “We will talk to our daughter. We don’t have to clear anything with you, King. I don’t know who the hell you think you are.”
“How about I remind you who the fuck I am?”
He straightens at that, and I inch closer to him, but the doctor who has been treating Eden enters the waiting room.
He clears his throat, and everyone looks at him. I notice Cori, who was leaning against the wall, standing straight.
“Do you think you people can keep it down before I get security to escort you out?” He looks around.
“Dr. Logan, how’s my daughter?”
“She’s going home today, Mrs. Rose,” the doctor announces.
I pick up the bag, ready to give her the clothes so we can leave.
“Mr. King,” he says, his voice commanding, “Eden is requesting to see you and her parents, but I’ll tell you one thing: if you upset my patient, I will not discharge her today. She’s recovering from a concussion and does not need stress or any of this bullshit.” He stares at me and her parents. “I’ll take it a step further and call adult protective services.”
“The fuck?” I stare at him, confused. “Talk to them.” I point at her people. “They’re the ones—”
“Mr. King, you’re not helping,” Dr. Logan admonishes. “And you don’t intimidate me. Now, if you people can contain yourselves long enough for me to give you the discharge instructions …” He gestures for us to go.
Her parents rush down the hall.
“You can’t keep fighting with her family,” Dax whispers. “Go.”
I grab the bag and follow the doctor.
“Um, excuse me, Dr. Logan,” Cori says. “Do you mind if I come, too? Eden is like a sister to me.”
Dr. Logan drops his scowl and smiles at Cori. From across the room, I notice Dax narrow his eyes at the interaction.
“I don’t mind at all,” he says with a slow drawl.
“And maybe after, you can buy me a jello in the cafeteria?”
“I think I can do better than that.”
Cori smiles, and I roll my eyes. I walk past them, but I still hear their conversation.
“What do you think about dogs in the hospital?”
“I don’t like it,” Dr. Logan responds. “It’s unsanitary.”
I hear a whistle. Then Finch runs down the hall toward Cori and Dr. Logan. Cori screams when she notices the Doberman approaching her.
Chapter 65
Eden
Everyone seems tense as Dr. Logan gives us the discharge instructions. The doctor tells me to rest, avoid stress, and follow up with him in six weeks for another CT scan.
I smile at Rip, who smiles back, but he seems exhausted. I thought he’d be happier about me leaving, but ten days of not sleeping or eating well have taken their toll on him. I extend my hand out. He leaves his position against the wall, takes it, and I kiss the back of it.
The doctor leaves, and I’m left alone with my parents, Rip, and Cori.
“Dandy, we want to take you home,” Dad says. “I’m going to move the crib out—”
