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“It was pretty distracting at first, now it’s more of a dull thud. As for the dizziness, it’s better as long as I don’t move. If I turn my head too fast and keep my eyes open while the bed moves, everything starts to spin again.”

Bones nodded. “That tracks. With the slight concussion the CT showed, you might be dizzy as long as tomorrow. If it lasts any longer, let me know. As for the rest, if they did use chloroform, that could be risky, both for you and the pregnancy, depending on how much made it into your bloodstream.”

Cypher watched Lauren’s face, trying to judge her reaction to Bone’s words.

“But from what I’m seeing I don’t think it was too bad. We’ll keep an eye on things just in case.”

A knock sounded and a nurse stepped inside.

“I’ve got the oral meds and the lidocaine for you,” a young man in scrubs said as he moved in a computer cart. “I’ve just got to scan you real quick,” he used a scanner gun much like Cypher saw them using in stores to scan the bar code on Lauren’s wrist, the he handed her a small cup with two pills inside, then a small cup of water.

“What is this?”

“Just Tylenol,” Cypher put in. “We have to be careful about what we give you, not only because of the pregnancy but in case of bleeding. We don’t want anything that might thin your blood in case there’s as small brain bleed the CT didn’t pick up.”

She took the meds then handed the little cup back.

“Are you ready for me to set that nose or do you want to give that a chance to kick in?” Bones asked.

Lauren shook her head. “Do it now. I want out of here as soon as I can be. I’m looking forward to going home and going to bed. You said the concussion is slight right? Can I sleep or should I not?”

“You can sleep, in fact, it’s recommended.” Bones talked while he moved, he picked up a large swab and moved to the far side of the bed. “I’m going to swab inside your nose for a second. It likely won’t be comfortable, but I’ll do my best not to hurt you.” He tilted the bed up until she was almost sitting up right and used the swab on both nostrils. “Remember you’re not just concussed. You were drugged and beaten. We want to treat this like your whole body deserves a quite night. The pregnancy is another drain on your system, so let’s make that a quiet week. Speaking of, I assume since you didn’t know, that you’ve had no symptoms?”

Lauren shook her head then winced and brought one hand up to clutch her head. “I’ve been more tired than usual, I just assumed it was the heat. The summer’s here are a bit humid and oppressive.”

“It was probably a combination of both. I want you to start taking a prenatal, I’ll write you a script for one. As for the head. I’m going to have you rest at least through the weekend. Since you’re not in a physical profession, I’d say you can likely return to work on Monday, but I’ll check you Sunday to be sure.” He went to the computer tray and picked up a small syringe. “Now, are you read for the nose?”

“Might as well get it done.”

“You’re not going to lay her down?” Cypher asked.

“Nope. Not while she’s bruised and bleeding like this. Upright is easier on her. You’ll feel a little pinch,” he warned before he inserted the needle.

Cypher watched, keeping her hand in his, as Bones made several injections.

“Now, take a breath and let it out slowly,” Bones instructed. “There will be pressure, but it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Lauren’s squeezed his hand tight as Bones covered her nose with one hand, and he saw her other fisted in the sheet beneath her. Cypher heard a gritty pop as her hand clenched around his and he watched as her eyes filled with tears. Cypher had to fight the urge to knock his brother out for hurting her again, even though he knew it needed to be done.

“All done. I need to check a few things, then I’d like to give it a few minutes to make sure we didn’t aggravate anything and you don’t have any reactions, then we can cut you loose.” He looked up at Cypher. “You’re taking her back to the compound?”

Cypher glanced at Lauren. She closed her eyes and nodded once, slowly. “We are. We’ll probably stay in my room tonight, but Hex has offered us one of the houses near the back. We’ll probably get things set up in there and move over there tomorrow.”

“Good. I like keeping her close but remember, she’s taking it easy. She’s not to be moving anything. She can sit on the couch or in a recliner and give instructions.” Bones cut his gaze to Lauren. “Do you hear me? Pushing too hard and doing too much will make things worse.”

“I hear you. Right now I’m not sure I could even try. All I want to do is climb in to bed and sleep for a week.”

“That’s your body telling you to rest. Listen to it.” He asked several questions, checking on her breathing, taped the bridge of her nose and told her no blowing her nose before he handed her a small ice pack the nurse had brought in. “Keep this on it for about twenty minutes, then take it off, you can alternate twenty on, twenty off for as long as there’s swelling. I’ll check on you tomorrow and we’ll see how things go.” He looked up at Cypher. “You’re staying with her, right?”

“Try to tear me away.”

Bones smirked, then gave him a list of things to watch for. “You see any of those, call me and bring her back here right away, got me?”

“Will do.”

“Good. I’m going to go do the paperwork to send you home.” He turned back to Lauren. “You have any questions, about this, or anything, you know where to find me. If you want to call or text, get my number from you’re old man. If I’m here, I may not answer right away, just so you know.”

“I know how it works. If it’s urgent, I’ll come in or have someone bring me in.”