Page 5 of Spock’s Snare

For the first time in weeks, I feel lighter. I didn’t realize how much I’d been stressing about the vandalism until just now. Knowing that I’m no longer alone allows me to breathe.

“Thank you,” I whisper, wiping an errant tear.

Spock reaches over and rubs his thumbs over my cheeks. I guess more than one tear fell. He kisses my forehead before drawing me in for a hug.

“I wish you had told us sooner what was happening, but now that we know, we’ll find out who is responsible and put a stop to it. Why don’t you go to the hospital and check on your dad.”

I glance at the building.

"The site—"

"We've got it," Puma assures me.

Spock opens my driver's door.

"We'll stay here. We'll help your crew clean up the damage."

I swallow hard.

"Thank you."

Spock gives me a reassuring nod.

"Your dad comes first."

As I climb into the truck, I look at the two Demon Dawgs standing in the middle of the construction site. Their presence gives me strength and tremendous relief. For the first time in months, I feel like maybe I don't have to face this nightmare by myself.

Once I arrive at the hospital, it doesn’t take long before someone leads me to my father.

He's sitting upright on the examination bed, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face that tells me he's already driving the staff crazy. The nurse next to him offers me a bemused smile as she piles the bloody gauze and torn packaging onto a metal tray.

A fresh white bandage covers the back of Dad's head.

"Hey," I say softly.

Dad glances up.

"About time."

I roll my eyes and move closer.

The nurse smiles. "Mr. Davenport just finished getting eight stitches. I'll let the doctor know you're here."

She slips out of the room carrying the tray.

The second she's gone, I turn back to Dad.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Dad."

"I'm serious." He uses his knuckles to knock the side of his head. "Got a hard head."

A laugh escapes me despite everything.

“Oh, I’m well aware.”