“Presley?” Kaitlyn called through the speaker on the wall in Nora’s room.
“Yes?”
“Room twelve is asking for something for pain.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there,” I replied and directed my next words to Nora. “I’ll be back to check on you shortly. If you need something before then press the call button.”
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine,” she said.
I spent the rest of my shift running from room to room dealing with patients. I barely had time to text Ariel and let her know I was going to go with Ink and help him get his mom settled before I would be home. I wasn’t going to, because I didn’t want to leave Ariel at home any longer than necessary,but Ink told me that Jake was watching the house—something I didn’t know.
Another thing I didn’t know was that Dice and Daphne were picking us up from the hospital and driving us to Nora’s house.
“I don’t know why y’all are making such a fuss over me,” Nora said as Ink helped her into her seat.
“Because we love you,” Dice said simply.
“And I love you, too, but I have what amounts to a bruised butt. It’s certainly not a big deal.”
“It’s more than a bruise, Mom,” Ink said. “Your tailbone is broken.”
“Yes, I’m aware. I have one of the most embarrassing injuries. I don’t need you to remind me,” she replied, though it was clear she was teasing.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Ink countered.
“Says the man who isn’t sitting on an inflatable donut. There’s no way I’m taking this thing to school. The students would have a field day with all the possible jokes.”
“There are much nicer tailbone cushions and pillows available online. Some of them look like they’re intended to correct posture. I’m sure we can find one that will work for you,” I said.
“Thank goodness. I’ll look into ordering one of those tomorrow,” she said, wrinkling her forehead. “Where are we going?”
“I placed an order for pickup with Irene,” Ink said.
Nora smiled. “Perfect. I’m hungry, and I’m sure Presley is, too. You seemed to have a busy day. Is it always like that?”
“No, not always. Sometimes it’s slow, and some days are crazy, but most days are somewhere in between.”
“Well, I appreciate you coming along with us. I’m sure you’re exhausted after the day you had.”
“I’ll be okay. Starting tomorrow, I have the next ten days off.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Do you have anything special planned?”
“We’ve got a few things planned with my parents, but nothing major.”
When we arrived at Nora’s house, Ink got out first to help his mother. I had just stepped out when Ink wordlessly transferred his mother to me and whispered, “Stay here.”
Before I could respond, Daphne moved back to stand with us.
“Can we help you with something?” Ink asked loudly, followed by the distinct sound of a bullet being chambered.
“I’m here to see Ms. Manning,” a man said.
“Silas?” Nora asked and tried to move forward.
“Mom, wait!” Ink shouted at the same time Silas said, “Yes, it’s me.”
“Stop right there!” Dice yelled.
