Shattered: A Psychic Visions Novel Read Free Page B

happen without having to actually get onto your feet.”
    That startled a laugh out of Hannah.
    The nurse grinned. “That’s better. Now let’s get you to the bathroom and back again.” She flipped the blankets back off Hannah, letting a rush of cooler air in. In spite of herself, she shivered.
    “We’ll get you back under the covers again in a minute.”
    Hannah sat up then slowly slid to the floor. The nurse held up weird little slippers she hadn’t seen before and helped her stand up in them. Hannah took a deep breath, held onto the side of the bed and straightened. She schooled her features and took one step.
    “There, that’s not so bad, is it?”
    “No, it’s not.” It was way worse. But there was no way in hell she was going to tell Tammy that. “I can make it fine on my own.”
    “If you’re sure…”
    Hannah smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine.” And she walked to the bathroom. When she made it inside, and had the door securely closed behind her, she dropped the façade and a gasp of pain broke free. “Shit that hurts,” she whispered to the face in the mirror. The lips on the image moved to match the words coming out of her mouth, but it was hard to recognize the rest of the features. Except her hair. Long auburn ringlets. Yeah, those were hers.
    But the rest… There were long scratches on the sides of her face, dried blood on her forehead. Her hair had dried-on, thick clumps at her temple. She reached her hand up to the back of her head and winced.
    Her fingers touched more dried blood that poked her. She stared into the mirror. Had she been hit? Attacked? In a car accident? She leaned closer to see one eye bloody around the iris. She still had all her teeth, thank God. She did a quick search to find the ribs on her side turning colorful hues. She already knew her legs hurt like shit, but why? She had a bandage on one thigh and her other ankle was in a simple tensor bandage. All of her ached.
    She needed a shower in the worst way. But had she time? Or the energy to do so? There was a bathtub and shower in the room. One of those fancy sit down things. She could do it.
    “Hannah? Do you need help?”
    “No, I’m fine.” But she really had to go. She used the toilet then turned on the water to give herself a moment. Then using the washcloth soaked in warm water, she gently wiped her face. And saw her hands. As in really saw them.
    They were completely encrusted in dried blood that someone had attempted to wash off only to leave smears on her skin. She opened the door and smiled at the anxious nurse on the other side then continued to clean her hands and arms.
    “I’m fine. I just need to wash up.”
    The nurse smiled in sympathy, her shoulders relaxing. “Only your hands and face. We’ll try for a shower later. After the doctor has checked your stitches over.”
    Hannah couldn’t hold back her start of surprise. She hadn’t noticed any stitches. She took a quick glance in the mirror but couldn’t immediately understand what they’d stitched back together unless they were talking about her bandaged leg. That would make sense. Then again so would her head. Still, the nurse appeared agitated the longer she stayed in the bathroom. Not wanting to upset her further, Hannah let herself be led back to the bed and helped back under the covers.
    In truth there was a huge sense of relief when she could lie down and relax. With a wan smile, she said, “Thank you. That feels much better.”
    “You need to stay in bed,” Tammy scolded gently. “Don’t try to do too much. You need to stay off both those legs and rest.”
    “I will,” Hannah promised then confessed, “I’m really hungry.”
    “I’ll go see what I can find for you.” Tammy bustled around her, moving a glass of water closer and straightening the blankets. “Don’t forget your coffee on the table.”
    At the reminder Hanna brightened and tried to shift back so she was leaning against the headboard.
    “Wait, I’ll raise the