She dressed slowly, and the weight of the evening made her feel sluggish. Scarlett returned to the room and Kassie took her hand, leadingher to the bed.
“I sent one of the aides to pack your things. They’re cleaning the cabin, and Leo asked me to find you a place to stay. Until they find Jeremy, they want you safe. I’m sorry you’ve experienced such a stay with us,” Kassie said, distressed.
“It’s not a total loss,” Scarlett said, attempting to make her feel better. “I have a sweet dog, met some wonderful friends, and you’re teaching me how to navigate this world.”
“I don’t understand how Jeremy made it on the mountain. We have a security system in place. The team has followed him discreetly. Michael said his truck never left the driveway. He only noticed Ben doing all the farmwork. I’m sure once he turns eighteen, this town will never see him again,” Kassie said, pushing a wheelchair out from the corner.
“I’m having you sit, while I give you the pain meds, rewrap your hands, and take you to X-ray. While they do the slides, I’ll check on Sledge,” she informed her.
Kassie must’ve set up the supplies while she waited for Scarlett, because she gave her something before working on her injury. She snapped a few more photos, added ointment to the burns, and then pushed her down the hallway.
“Where will I go? Do I need to return home?” Scarlett asked.
“I’ve found the perfect place. We’re working on the details now. I’ll know more soon,” Kassie assured her as they entered the radiology department. A young woman greeted Kassie and Scarlett before pushing Scarlett into the room. The technician took the images and wheeled her out into the waiting room.
Kassie knelt before her. “Sledge will be in surgery for quite a while. The bullet pierced his spleen and Doc will have to remove it to control the bleeding. Because he received prompt medical attention, he’s doing better than expected. Now, I have someone who will keep you safe until the teamor the sheriff has Jeremy in custody. Kim will arrive early in the morning, and we have a cabin ready for her and her parents. Your X-ray shows no damage, but you might experience some pain, and as the swelling continues, you might lose your voice.”
“Rocker and Sledge will pay good money for me to be unable to talk,” Scarlett snorted. “Where am I going if I can’t stay on the mountain? Will you call me with any updates on Sledge?”
“You’re listed on his HIPAA, along with Kim and Rocker. I can give you updates. Right now, please go and get some sleep before you fall over,” Kassie pleaded.
“I don’t know if I can sleep right now,” Scarlett said, her voice cracking.
Kassie patted her hand and stood. Ty’s scent filled her nose.
“Hey, Sparky,” he said, taking Kassie’s place before her. “Leo thinks it’s a good idea if you stay on the ranch with me. Since they don’t know how Jeremy breached the mountain, you’ll stay with me until he’s arrested.”
“Ty,” she uttered, unable to say anything else.
His thumb stroked her cheek. “Remember what I said about wanting to be your safe space? Let’s get you home and comfortable.”
She nodded as she held his wrist. He kissed her forehead, rose, and pushed her from the room.
“Thank you, Kassie,” she said as he rolled her away.
“She left once I arrived,” Ty informed her. He stopped at the emergency doors and covered her with his jacket. Taking her to his truck, he helped her into the seat.
“What about Ice?” she asked.
“We’re picking him up now,” Ty reassured her. “We can’t go home without him.”
Scarlett lay her head against the headrest,and Ty took her hand as he drove out of the parking lot. The weariness started to take hold, but with him beside her, she stopped fighting it. Thinking of Ty as her safe place filled her with a sense of peace, and she wondered if, when he said it, Ty included her heart. Her eyes drifted shut, praying he’d protect it, too.
CHAPTER 27
Scarlett walkedinto Ty’s home with Ice at her side. She crossed her arms in front of her as if soothing herself.
“Why don’t you take a seat on the sofa, and I’ll make you something hot to drink. You’re shivering,” Ty said, pulling items from the fridge. A few minutes later, he handed her a cup.
Recalling her mentioning her love for cinnamon, Ty made her hot apple cider.
She sniffed the warm concoction, her eyes widened, and she sipped.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome,” he said, placing a blanket around her. Ty sat beside her, giving her time to process everything.
“How did you know where to find me?” she asked.
