She nodded. “Yes. The doctor already checked me out, and my head is okay. Slight concussion and several contusions down my ribs and sternum from the impact of my vehicle with the tree. Plus seventeen stitches from a knife wound, but I’m happy to be alive. I just require some rest. But thank you for asking.” Her entire body hurt and she needed time off to heal, but right now, she was grateful to be coherent.
She patted his shoulder and looked again at the closed door to the right that led to the operating rooms. Was Huck okay? She hadn’t been able to see how badly he’d been hurt. “He saved my life,” she murmured.
“That’s what he does,” Monty said, lines by the sides of his eyes. “Huck’s always the first to jump into any danger. I’m just getting used to having him around—he’d better be okay.”
Laurel forced a smile. Apparently whatever distance had once existed between the officers had now narrowed.
The sliding door to the exit opened and snow billowed inside. Three girls ran in with Deidre on their heels.
Laurel stood and hugged her mom. She turned to the girls. “Your mom is fine. I’ll take you to her.”
All three of them leaped for her, careful of her many bandages and bruises. She gingerly held them tight. “Mom? I’ll be right back. Sit with Monty, would you?”
Monty stood and then waited for Deidre to claim Laurel’s seat before sitting back down. Two of the girls grabbed Laurel’s hands, and she looked down, startled. They were so open and friendly.
Catching herself, she drew them to the doorway and flashed her badge at the receptionist. “We need to see Kate Vuittron. The doctor said she’d be in a room soon. Which room?”
The receptionist typed onto a keyboard and read the screen. “She’s in room one-twelve but can only have two visitors at a time.”
Laurel tucked her badge away. “Sorry. This is official FBI business. We all work for the agency.” Without waiting for a reply, she pushed open the door to the left and ushered the girls through. They went down a long hallway and past various rooms until reaching the correct one. The girls released her and ran inside before she could stop them.
Kate laughed and hugged all three of them as they barreled onto the bed with her. She was sitting up with an IV in her arm, watching television. “I’m fine, gang. Seriously. You didn’t think one little serial killer could get me, did you?” She winked at Laurel.
Viv sat up and sniffed. “We were so scared.”
Val nodded and hugged her mom. “I’m never sleeping in the dark again.”
Vida rolled her eyes. “Oh, man. Are we going to therapy again? Come on. I thought we figured everything out when Dad left us.”
Kate kissed the top of Vida’s head. “Therapy never hurt anybody, and I have a feeling we might end up there again for a bit. It’s okay. I like talking with the three of you.” She smiled at Laurel over the girls’ heads. “Thank you for taking care of them and for finding me. You’re a good friend.”
Laurel rocked back. Friend? They were friends? She smiled, her heart warming. “You’re welcome. Anytime. They’re strong girls, and you’re amazing.” She chuckled. “You three should’ve seen her jump out and attack poor Huck Rivers. The guy is huge, and even he didn’t know what to do.” Then she sobered.
Kate caught her expression. “Any news on Huck?”
“No.” Laurel looked over her shoulder at the empty hallway. “What did the doctor say about you?”
“I have to stay the night here, but I can go home tomorrow. I’m fine, really. Just dehydrated with a small bump on my head.” Kate looked at her girls, her brow furrowing.
“Well then, I guess it’s slumber party time at our place,” Laurel said. “I’m sure my mom would love to try out a couple of new cookie recipes on the girls, if they’re game.”
Kate smiled, her eyes glowing. “Like I said, you’re a good friend. Go find out how Huck is doing. We’ll be here waiting for you.”
Laurel nodded and turned, hurrying back down the hallway. As she emerged into the waiting area, she nearly ran Abigail over. “Oh. Hi.”
Abigail grasped her arm to keep her from falling back. “Hi. I wanted to check on you. Are you all right?”
“Yes. Just waiting to hear about Huck.” Laurel stared at the woman who looked so much like her. “I don’t know what to say about Robert. No matter what else he was or did, he grew up as your brother, and I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry you had to shoot him to save me.”
“Thank you for saying that.” Abigail pulled her in for a quick hug and then stepped back. “I need to go stay with Jasmine and help her with the arrangements after the police are finished tearing apart her house. It’s the least I can do.” Her dual-colored eyes focused intently on Laurel. “I’ll be in touch, sister.” She turned on her heel and strode out the side door.
Laurel watched her go, took a deep breath, and then continued across the waiting area, where the doctor was emerging from the other side of the hospital, still in scrubs.
Monty jumped to his feet. “Huck?”
The young doctor nodded. “Captain Rivers is going to be fine. He was shot in the upper shoulder, and I had to remove the bullet. He’s in recovery now, and you should be able to see him in about an hour.”
Laurel’s legs gave out, and she sank into the nearest chair.
