“Two guys in suits came up to check the crash site for survivors,” Scott told them. “I had shifted by then and hid in the woods. They didn’t realize there had been a third person on board. They poured gasoline over the plane and lit it to hide the evidence.”
Armel swore under his breath. “Any idea who they were?”
“They worked for someone connected to the mine. I wondered if they were Mob,” Scott replied. Now that he was safe, he felt his injuries in every muscle and sinew, and exhaustion set in. Justin squeezed his hand and offered a comforting smile. Scott squeezed back, still amazed that he was safe and alive.
“I reached out to some friends with deep connections to see what they could find out about the new mine having Mob tiesand a dark witch,” Russ said. “I may have some answers by the time we get back to town.”
“Thank you.” Scott was utterly weary now that the adrenaline was fading. “I thought I was a goner.”
“We weren’t going to let that happen,” Brandon assured him. “Why don’t you rest? You’ve got some time before we get to the hospital.”
“Wake me when we get there.” Scott settled against Justin’s shoulder. Despite the cramped back seat, he fell asleep almost immediately.
The next thing Scott knew, they were pulling up to the emergency entrance of the Fox Hollow Hospital. A nurse was waiting with a wheelchair, ready to take Scott directly to Dr. Alton.
We’re going to the veterinarian?his coyote asked.
Not exactly. A doctor who knows about shifters,Justin replied.
“Do you want me to come with you, or wait in the waiting room?” Justin asked.
“I think I’ll be okay, but stay close,” Scott told him.
“Give me your keys.” Brandon turned to Justin. “I can bring your SUV here, and Russ can drive me back.”
Justin fished out his keys and handed them over. “Thank you. I hadn’t even thought that far.”
“Keep us posted,” Russ told them as both men got out of the SUV.
“I’ll let you know what I hear from law enforcement,” Armel said. “That might take a couple of days, but I’ll keep you in the loop.”
Justin thanked them all again and then followed as Scott was wheeled into the building.
Scott had been figuring out what to say about his ordeal. Dr. Alton understood about shifters and wouldn’t be surprised bythe physiological differences from a regular human. That would have been a problem going to a hospital in an area where shifters weren’t common.
How much should I say about the crash and the guys who came after me? I don’t want to put the medical team at risk. The shooters aren’t an issue. But I don’t want Dr. Alton to end up on a hit list for knowing too much.
“Sheriff Armel said you were in a plane crash,” Alton said once they were in a treatment room and Scott was on the exam table.
“Yeah. It was bad.” Scott began to shiver at the memory. “We had engine trouble and went down in the woods. The other two men didn’t make it. I shifted, but then I ran into poachers. I was lucky that the sheriff and the rescue team got there in time.”
He didn’t speculate on what caused the crash and left out the visit from the men in suits, or the real purpose of the shooters.
“I’ve got no patience with poachers,” Alton grumbled. “I’m not big on regular hunting, but I can respect someone who follows the law. Poachers are scum.”
“We caught them,” Scott said, a note of tired pride in his voice. “I don’t think they’ll be poaching again for a long time.”
“Good. One less problem in the world.” Alton checked Scott over thoroughly, then had him lie back as he ran one scan and test after another, checking for deeper injuries.
“Being a shifter gave you a big advantage,” Alton said. “Shifting sped up the healing. If you hadn’t been able to shift, you wouldn’t be as far along as you are.”
You’re welcome,Scott’s coyote snarked.
The doctor logged into a nearby computer. “I’m sending you prescriptions for pain and for anxiety. They’ll help you sleep, and when you rest well, you’ll heal even faster. Take the pills. There’s no valor in unnecessary suffering.” Dr. Alton gave him a stern look.
“In the meantime, don’t shift more than once every other day,” Alton continued. “Yes, shifting speeds healing, but it also drains your energy, which will cause more problems.” He paused. “Which I’m sure you’ve heard before, but sometimes patients forget.”
“You don’t have to convince me,” Scott told him, and then paused. “I’m worried about having bad dreams.”
