“Vine owns Quartz.”
“Yes, so we tried to get a hold of him,” Shea said, “and we can’t locate him.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was. He’s off the grid. Not sure if he left the country. We have the Feds checking into that. The only real good news is that the DA was able to put no bail holds on them both. Maybe if they realize Vine—or Quartz—can’t get them out, they’ll decide to talk.”
Lainie sighed. “I won’t hold my breath.”
“Humph. How’s your sister doing?”
“I’m on my way to the hospital now. I’m optimistic she’ll wake up soon.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Any chance I can have my gun back?”
“We’re way ahead of you.” Collins handed her a bag. “Already examined. You just need to reload.”
Lainie made it to the hospital around noon. She and her father drove together and brought Mom a change of clothes. Before they’d left, Mom had called and updated them with the news that Evie had regained consciousness in the early morning hours and that she’d been moved to a normal room.
Lainie took the stairs two at a time; she didn’t want to wait for the elevator. She beat her dad to the room, and when she got to the door, she stopped. An officer in uniform sat outside the door, and she nodded to him. “Thanks for hanging out.”
“Not a problem. Glad to hear that she’s improving.”
“Me too.” Lainie took one step into the room and stopped again. It felt as if her heart would burst. Her mom sat on the edge of the bed,holding Evie’s hand. The bed was elevated slightly. Evie was sitting up and there was a healthy color in her cheeks and a smile on her face. Her father stepped in behind her.
Wiping the tears that suddenly formed, Lainie continued into the room. “Evie!”
Her sister’s face brightened. “Lainie.”
With her father there as well, the reunion was tearful. Evie sounded weak but good, a little muted maybe, but she didn’t appear confused or disoriented at all.
“How do you feel?” Lainie asked.
Evie sipped some water from a straw. “I feel tired, but Mom tells me I’ve been sleeping for a week.”
“Not quite a week.” Mom patted her hand.
“I’m a little stiff and sore. And I itch a bit. The doctor said he would raise my head slowly. I’d kind of like to stand and go to the bathroom by myself, but they tell me to take it slow.” Evie frowned.
“What’s the matter?”
“I only just realized: Where’s Stan?”
“You don’t remember the crash?” Lainie asked.
“Crash? Was Stan hurt?” Evie got agitated.
“Oh no, honey, no.” Mom patted her hand again. “Stan is fine. He’s...”
“He’s taking care of business,” Dad finished for Mom.
Evie yawned. “I’m so tired. The doctor said I might be in and out.”
“You can rest, Evie. We’ll be here when you wake up.”
Evie’s eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep.
