“When will you give her a new name? Her current one sucks,” Leo said as they picked up their maps and put away their dishes.
“She’s growing close with Hannah. I’m hoping she’ll name her,” he said as he rechecked his phone.
“How’s she doing at night?” Leo asked.
“I’m hoping she’ll rest better since I put her lights on the walls of her room. We’re working on food right now. She avoids certain things,” he admitted.
“Like what? It’s important we know and avoid any of her triggers,” Leo explained.
“She won’t eat bread. The rebels gave her moldy and old crap to eat. When we walk down the path, her head swivels nonstop. I don’t think she even knows she does it,” he said quietly, feeling like he betrayed her, but the team deserved to know for the reasons Leo gave.
“Shit, and Saint gave her the giant donut,” Leo cursed.
“We did get her to eat pancakes. Saint made them at the bakery. It’s a special memory with her mom. She tries something new every day,” he informed the men. “Hopefully, she’ll attempt it again soon.”
“Keep us posted. Make us a list of things she likes. We want her to feel comfortable here. Maybe take her to the trails in the evenings and start running with her. It’ll get her used to small groups of people and help clear her mind,” Leo suggested.
“It’s a good idea. I’ll add it to our routine. I have friends coming this weekend. You might know Cookie and his wife, Fiona.”
Leo grinned. “Yeah. We met Cookie once. He’s a good guy. If you have time, bring him over.”
“Will do,” he said, turning to Knight. “You ready?”
“Yeah. Let’s go. Patch doesn’t sound right. He’s worried about Claire,” Knight said as he texted his friend back.
Cole signaled for Brody, and they drove to the hospital following Knight in Patch’s truck.
They entered the hospital to find Patch pacing the floor.
“What’s wrong, man?” Knight asked him.
“I don’t know. They took her back for more tests. They haven’t returned yet. She’s got a lump the size of a baseball on her noggin. Maybe she’s got a concussion. Kassie’s not saying a word, which worries me even more,” Patch vented.
“You know she’s in good hands,” Knight reminded him. “And the lump didn’t resemble a baseball.” Knight rolled his eyes.
“I know they’ll take care of her. I don’t understand why I can’t go back. Gabby stayed with her until I arrived,” Patch said, glancing down the hallway.
“Why did Gabby come here? She didn’t say anything about taking the day off,” Knight said, appearing confused as he pulled out his phone and texted his wife.
“She found Claire in her office,” Patch informed him. “Thank goodness, she did.”
“Gabby hasn’t answered my last three texts. She always answers me.” Knight’s forehead scrunched as he grew concerned.
“I’m sure it’s nothing. Gabby probably went to keep an eye on Claire to report back to you,” Cole offered.
Patch swiped the scruff along his jaw. “It’s taking too long. Something’s wrong.”
“You don’t know for sure,” Knight chastised him. “You’re overthinking this.”
Cole noticed Kassie pushing Claire in a wheelchair and lightly patted Patch to catch his attention. Gabby walked beside her, holding her hand. Claire sniffed as she dabbed her eyes. Gabby passed her a tissue while she wiped her own.
“Oh, shit,” Patch whispered. “It must be bad. They must’ve found a brain tumor or something by the way they’re carrying on.”
“Whatever you do, don’t go off the deep end. I’m right here, buddy,” Knight consoled him.
“Me, too,” Cole chimed in as they walked to the room where Kassie wheeled Claire.
When they entered, Kassie helped Claire into bed.
