She was my rock tonight.
The only thing that kept me from falling into a downward spiral.
Once the torture was over, and I knew all three women were safe, the pain that followed was excruciating. The shock of adrenaline left my body, and the misery set in. Deep cuts, swollen lumps, and bruises covered every inch of my torso and face. I felt every wound in high-def. It hurt in real time as he beat me, but my mind had other things to focus on. The county officers insisted on the ambulance ride to the hospital. Daisy rode with me, and one of my officer friends drove Mom and Livvy to meet us there.
Deputies took our statements at the hospital. We were there for hours while they tended to my contusions and stitched up myface, head, and back. It seemed like days passed as they sewed me up. They told the girls how many stitches it took, but I don’t care to know. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we all made it through and that prick is in custody. I’d take a thousand stitches if that’s what it took.
Smith was also at the hospital. He escaped with a broken leg and some scratches, but luckily, he’s going to be okay. The thug who caused his accident didn’t fare so well at the end of Smith’s gun. He’s at the morgue.
Sharon, Cal, Knox, and Angus showed up shortly after we did and stayed until I was released. Knox agreed to go get Maui and keep her at the cabin with her brother Rocky until Daisy and I are back home, because even though we haven't discussed it, Daisy is home. For the first time since I purchased my house, it’s finally a home. I refuse to give that up.
The doctors cleaned up my face as best they could but said I should wait a minimum of twenty-four hours before showering. When we got to Mom’s, Daisy used warm washcloths and cleaned me from head to toe, her touch delicate as she worked her way over my body. While she wiped away the misery of the night, I thought about how grateful I was to have her in my life. That it washercaring for me. There’s no one else I would have let into such an intimate moment.
Only her.
It was tough to find a comfortable position. Lying on my back is neither recommended nor pleasant. With one side of my face as swollen as it is, I’m really only left with the option to lie on the other side. Daisy was patient and adjusted my pillows and gave me my pain pills. Now, she’s next to me, her hand on my arm, one of the few places on my upper body not damaged. The warmth of her skin against mine and her beautiful chocolate gaze are the last thing I see as the medication sets in, and sleep finally comes.
“Well, there he is,” Mom says, doing her best not to flinch when she catches sight of me.
There is nothing pretty about her son right now. I had a hard time looking at myself in the bathroom a couple of minutes ago. Not because only one eye is functioning, but because I don’t even recognize myself. Welts and bruises, along with cuts and the imprint of Madden’s brass knuckles have made a mess of my face. Stitches that will probably scar do their best to knit my flesh together.
I made the mistake of rolling onto my back, and the pain woke me up. Considering the sun was rising when I drifted off, waking alone in the dark took me by surprise. When I checked the time on my phone, I saw I had likely missed breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What happened last night is clearly public knowledge because I have endless texts and missed calls. Unfortunately, in my state, I can’t read any of them. I also have no desire to talk to anybody not in this house.
With my head pounding, my muscles aching, and my skin stiff from all the stitches, it took me far too long to get out of bed and pull a T-shirt over my head. I’m embarrassed to say how hard it was to get down the hall to the kitchen.
“Hey, Mom. Sorry I was out so long.”
Where the hell is Daisy?
“Nonsense. You needed your sleep.” She meets me in the middle of the room, reaching for my hand instead of hugging me. “How are you feeling? What can I get you?”
“I’ve been better, but I’m okay. How are you?”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m just fine.”
She wouldn’t tell me if she weren’t, though.
“I have good news.”
“Was last night a nightmare?”
“No, I’m afraid not. But I’m gonna be a mama!”
“Excuse me?”
“Basco is finally coming home.”
Oh, thank God.
She’s been waiting for Basco, her retired police K-9 from the Portland area. He retired months back but needed some medical attention before he could make the move to the ranch. Basco and his handler are legends in the Portland metro area. It’s a relief to know she’s going to have protection here at the house. It’s a win-win for both of them. Basco will get spoiled rotten as he should be, and my mother and sister will have someone to look after them when I can’t.
“Perfect timing. You could use a furry friend with teeth.”
“Yes, it is. But the important thing is that he gets to live a life of luxury in his final years.”
“He’s a lucky boy. But are you sure you can handle him? He has quite the badass reputation.”
She knows I don’t really mean it. Mom is a renowned horse trainer and working dog trainer. She’s been taking in retired police dogs for decades. Although Basco is truly a legend in his field. He and his handler hold the record for the most captures by a dog team in the state. He’s going to be a lot of dog for her to handle.
