Jamie-5 Read Free Page B

and Jamie came around the curtain too.
    “You found her, good. I was wondering where you’d gone off to. So this is the woman who saved my brother’s life. I’m Spencer Grant. And you would be...?”
    “Leaving.” Dane grabbed the bed when she stood, dizziness overwhelming her for a moment. “I’m glad you’re all right, Mr. Grant, but I’ve just remembered I have somewhere else to be. And if you all don’t mind, I’d like to change.”
    “Dane, please don’t go. I’m not here under any official business. I’m just—” Cait started to say.
    “Frankly, Detective O’Malley, I don’t give two good shits why you’re here. You just are.
    I’m leaving and if you try and contact me, I swear to you that I’ll sue you so fast your head will spin. Either you leave or I dress in front of you. Your choice.” No one moved. Cait knew she would do it and was not surprised when Dane shrugged and pulled the gown up over her head. Luckily, her back was to them, or unluckily. When she took off her shirt, it gave them all a view of her bare, scarred, and bruised back. Cait had seen her back before, but there had been open wounds back then. The bruise was new.
    “Holy Mother of God. Who did that to you?” Jamie cried out just as Spencer moved forward.
    It was too late to stop him. He touched Dane on the shoulders with both his bare hands and Dane screamed. Dropping to the floor, she screamed again as her body jerked and convulsed.
    Cait rushed to her husband and pulled him away from her. But the damage was done.
    “Get out. All of you get out and leave me alone. I beg you, please get out.” Dane tried to stand, but staggered, and when she moved to hold on to the bed, Cait moved her brother-in-law and husband out and called for Damon to come quick. Most of the staff in the emergency department had come running when Dane screamed. Cait moved back beside Dane, careful not to touch her, and told everyone but Damon to get out.
    “Damon, help her up, but don’t touch her skin. Wrap her gown around her shoulders if you have to, but don’t touch her. Jamie, I said to—”
    “I’m not leaving. What can I do to help?” Cait looked at the woman still huddled on the floor and wished that she knew. “Don’t touch her.”
    “Yeah, I got that part. Are you going to let my brother take a look at your back, miss? He’s a good doctor, one of the best.” Cait looked at Jamie and wondered at his anger, but didn’t comment.

    “No. I want you all to get out. And take her with you. I’m leaving as soon as my friend gets back.” Dane was standing now, not very well, but she was off the floor and had her gown over her breasts.
    Cait reached under the bed and pulled out the bag that the staff had put her clothes in when Dane was brought in. Cait dumped the contents on the bed and picked up the shirt.
    “I wouldn’t put the bra back on, not with that injury. If you need help with changing, I can get you a nurse. I do need to get a statement from you about what happened. I know you don’t like me, but—”
    “I loathe you. I’ll give my statement to anyone but you. Not that I figure anyone connected to you will get it right, but I’ll give it to them.”
    “Now see here, that’s no way to talk to my wife. I’ll have—”
    “Wife? Christ, could this get any more surreal? And this man, he’s your brother-in-law? I don’t believe it. You know, on second thought, I don’t remember a damned thing that happened.
    I just remember waking up here and nothing more. I guess you’ll have to—”
    “Dane, that’s enough,” Cait finally snapped. “My family didn’t have anything to do with what happened between you and me. Let Damon look at your back and I’ll take your statement.
    Once we’re through, you can leave.”
    Cait was not sure she was going to cooperate, but after several tense seconds, she turned so that Damon could examine her back. It did not get any better with a second look.
    The board, or whatever they