Page 72 of Road to Absolution

“Do you have a mirror at home?”

“Don’t need one when this edible.”

“Scorch, you look like an unstable Irish caveman who loves Harleys.”

“Exactly. Why fix what ain’t broke?”

Once I’d finally recovered from a bout of laughter, I kindly said, “Thanks for being honest about Lilah. I really appreciate not being in the dark.”

“You handling it so well,” he tapped his temple, “will be remembered.”

Then he stared at me.

Oh, he’s trying to tell me something. Umm…

He rolled his eyes. “Damn, Pup. Do I need to spell it out for you?”

“No.” I pouted, but still clueless, I finally admitted, “Yes.”

“Maturity can carry you far when it comes to the club.”

Oh.

I wasn’t having my most “mature” moment the next day, sitting at the foot of my hospital bed, my legs impatiently swung like a child. Since every time I closed my eyes I was either seeing a gun barrel, fire, or two men searching for my IV, sleep deprivation was kicking in. Plus, a nurse had told me my doc would be by this afternoon, so I planned on explaining to him that it was time to send me packin’. Staring at the clock on the wall, it read 5 PM. That fucker better get here soon.

Had I not had my first shower, I would’ve been impossible for anyone but Lilah to deal with.

The other subject making me twitchy was Art. As much as I empathized with Diesel’s situation, it didn’t change the fact that Art kissed my wife, and according to Viola and Diesel, he was still in love with her. A developing paranoia had me suspicious that Art was moving in on my wife. If I were in love with a woman, I would. I had the balls to try. And, if this guy was anything like his father, I was betting he had the balls, too.

When a different doctor entered my room, it took a second or two for my tired brain, but I recognized her bright red hair. “Hey! I know you. The girl doc who’s a boxing fan.”

She was very pretty and had a clean, crisp feel to her, like a tall, slender glass of cold water. “You remember! How are you?”

“Hoping I get to go home. Is that possibly why you’re here?” I literally crossed my fingers that were gripping the edge of the bed. Another not “mature” moment.

She was scanning my face. “Well, I do want to speak to you about being released.”

Now we’re talkin’. “All ears.”

After a pause to think, she quickly said, “You’re going to be asked to sign a form when it happens.”

My legs stilled. I hadn’t thought of that.

“A little birdy mentioned this may be an issue for you.”

I looked to the door, expecting to see Scorch.

“He didn’t tell me.” She shook her head. “A birdy that flies, umm, higher, did.”

Diesel. How he knew, I wasn’t sure, but it was a lesson. That President paid attention and was trusted. His men told him things to make sure he always had the upper hand.

The doc admitted, “I could lose my job, Maverick.”

Fuck. “Then I can’t ask you to be a part of my problem. I’ll figure it out.”

She ignored me. “It would have to stay—”

I guess I’m officially a Ryder now. “A secret?”