“That’s okay. You don’t have to talk about anything that makes you uncomfortable. But we do have a psychologist on staff. She could come and visit you. Most women, after an ordeal like you've been through, need counseling as well as medication to recover.”
He wanted to shrink her? “Listen, Doc, I'm good. Couple of cuts, couple of bruises. Other than that, I think I'll make a full recovery.”
Dr. Klein dropped his chin, studying her from lowered lids, and she got the uncomfortable feeling he could see beneath her carefully crafted act. Should she have accepted his offer for a psychologist? Is that what Caroline would've done?
“Yes, I think you'll be okay. Your father seems to think you're easily breakable, but I've seen all kinds of people come in and out of my hospital. You're a lot stronger than he gives you credit for.”
His unexpected praise sent another wave of heat to her cheeks, and Nightshade shifted uncomfortably on the bed. “Thanks. So when can I see Merc?”
“Whenever you're ready. He's been giving my nurse fits, refusing to stay in bed. She could use a break.” Dr. Klein grabbed his clipboard and headed to the door. “Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. You’ve got your own wing, privately monitored with nurses, and I'm on call twenty-four hours a day. If you need anything – anything at all – call me. All you have to do is press the button on the remote hooked up to your bed.”
Again with the special treatment – is this what Caroline's life was like all the time? This hyper-microscopic focus was beginning to chafe. “Sure. Thanks again.”
When the door opened, Cotter slid past Dr. Klein into her room. Hands shoved in his pockets, he paced nervously. “So, what did he say?”
Nightshade crossed her arms over her chest and hunched her shoulders. “He said I'm fine.”
Hovering – the Senator was hovering. And his constant pacing grated on her nerves.
“Caro, honey, tell me what happened. What did Mr. J put you through these past weeks? I can't stand the not knowing another minute.”
“Really, he left me alone most of the time, locked up in my room. I wasn't really sure where I was or anything.” She’d covered this part in her training; she knew how she should comport herself based on the multiple videos she’d watched of her twin.
He sliced his hand in the air. “Don't sugarcoat it for me. He is a monster hell-bent on destroying my family. I don't believe for one second that you were well cared for.”
Nightshade had to bite back the angry retort that sprang to her lips in defense against her real father. “It wasn't like he catered to me. He kept me locked up so I couldn't escape and would be fully isolated. The one servant who attended me didn't speak English.”
“Dammit, Caroline, the man wouldn't just kidnap you and not do everything in his power to use you to hurt me!”
“Why not? Why does he want to hurt you so bad that he went to the extreme of kidnapping me?” Nightshade’s voice rose in response.
Cotter took a deep breath, visibly trying to keep calm. “It's nothing for you to worry about. It's something that happened before you were born.”
“But you've made it my business now, haven't you? I didn't ask to be thrown into the middle of this mess.”
Cotter stopped pacing and dropped into the chair directly to her left, snatching up her hand before she could jerk it away. “You're right, I shouldn't have yelled at you. I've just been so worried, so upset, thinking about all the terrible things you must be suffering… all because of me.”
Nightshade heard more than just the hurt and worry in his voice, though, she heard the heavy dose of guilt lurking there. But guilt over what? Over what he’d done twenty-seven years ago or something more recent, like the wedding?
Nightshade purposefully softened her voice, hoping to coax more intel out of Cotter. “How exactly is this your fault?”
“I forced you into a marriage with the General. I should've known J would pull something to prevent that kind of alliance. Please know I only did it to protect you.”
“Protect me from what?”
“From that monster, who else?” Cotter said.
“But why do I need protection from Jack Mankel?” Nightshade uttered the question quietly.
Cotter refused to meet her gaze and instead settled on patting her leg like he’d pet a dog. “Like I said, honey, it was before you were born. I might tell you one day when you're better, but not now. Not until you've healed completely.”
Nightshade carefully withdrew her hand from his, recognizing the political two-step Cotter was so innately familiar with. She wouldn't get any answers today, none that would be the truth, anyway. “I'd like to rest now, if you don't mind.”
“Caro, I – ” Cotter pressed his lips into a thin line, disappointment clear on his face. “Of course. You're exhausted. I'll let you get some sleep. We can talk more tomorrow.”
He'd be pressing her for more info on her father while avoiding her questions is exactly what he'd be doing.
