Straight Flushed (Hot Pursuit #1)(53)

“You’ll be fine.” I patted his leg. “So, no stitches?”

“No, they said they don’t do that for gunshots.”

“Does it hurt still?”

“Nope.” He moved his other arm which had a line of clear fluid dripping into it. “They gave me some good stuff. Man, oh, man, am I flying high. I don’t feel a thing.”

I smiled. “I’m glad it doesn’t hurt. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t scare me like that again.”

“Sorry, I swear I didn’t mean to get shot.” He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I can’t believe I got shot.” He strained against his heavy lids.

My stomach clenched as I thought back to the scene. “What happened?”

He shook his head. “We were wrestling and I tried to get him down, but my damn elbow caught on the rack of clothes next to me. I got tangled in a shirt.” He smirked and cocked an eyebrow. “And hold your smartass remark.”

“What?” I asked, but he knew me well. A comment about him dressing in women’s clothes had been on the tip of my tongue.

“I read your mind by the look on your face.” He smirked. “By the time we got to the ground, he lifted his weapon and fired a round. I’m glad it didn’t hit anyone else.”

“You were incredibly lucky.”

“You’re telling me. He had the gun pointed at my forehead and somehow I knocked it lower so it only hit my shoulder.”

I covered my eyes. “Jesus, Vance.”

“Hey, I’m fine.” He squeezed my hand.

It was part of our training to put our bodies in front of a bullet, to protect those we protected. The possibility of having to do it was always there, but until that day neither of us had physically done it. It was an eye opening experience.

“What the hell is going on, Di?” Vance asked in a whisper.

I kept my eyes covered. “I don’t know.” I couldn’t look at him knowing what I knew. “I wish I did.”

“What did he say to you? I saw him talking into your ear.”

“He told me not to move. He’d taken my gun and tossed it then you showed up.” I ran my finger behind my ear and rubbed the spot where leftover shampoo liked to hide.

He studied my face. “That’s it?” I nodded. He was silent for a beat then took a deep breath. “Damn.” He sighed. “Whatever is going on, this shit is getting old.”

“I know.”

I heard the approach of heavy soles. The curtain was pulled back, and Cavanaugh stepped into the room. Wrinkles creased tightly around the corners of his eyes with concern, but he smiled when he saw Vance sitting up and talking.

“Glad you’re okay, DeLuca. How’s it going?” he asked. “You and Cain here are giving me a run for my money lately. I don’t like hearing about one of my people getting shot.”

“I didn’t care much for getting shot, sir.” Vance forced a smile.

“I bet you didn’t. What’s the word?” Cavanaugh asked.

“We’re waiting on the X-ray results. They think it was a clean shot, in and out. If that’s what it is then they need to pack it and tape me up. That’s it,” Vance said, rubbing his shoulder.

Cavanaugh faced me. “How’re you holding up, Cain? You look a little rattled,” he said, giving me a firm slap on the back.

“It was a rattling experience. Finding him unconscious, not breathing, and covered in blood isn’t something I want to relive.” My phone vibrated in my pocket. I had one guess who it was. I needed to answer Stephen since I didn’t know when I’d return. “I’ll let you guys catch up for a sec. I need to go to the restroom,” I said.

“We’ll be here,” Vance said, raising his brows.

Inside the bathroom, I pulled out my phone and read the text from Stephen.

How long can one woman shop? You almost done for the day?

There was an incident in the store. My partner was shot. He’s ok but I’m at the hospital now.

Oh god.

He’s fine. I might not be back until late. Going to wait here then take him home.

Don’t worry about me. I’ll be here. Take care of your partner.

You have to get to the bottom of this. Too many people are getting hurt.

I’ve been working on some things today. We’ll talk when you get back.

Good. There’s a stack of takeout menus in the drawer next to the dishwasher if you want a hot meal.

I might look into that. I’ve already eaten to the bottom of a bag of Cheetos.

I smiled. Take it easy on my junk food. Be home as soon as I can. I shut my phone off and slid it into my pocket.

I grabbed a drink from the water fountain and rejoined Vance and Cavanaugh in his room. A nurse and a doctor were bandaging his wound. We lingered at the hospital for a little longer while prescriptions were written and discharge papers were signed. We gathered Vance’s things and walked out the double doors together.

Vance’s arm draped clumsily over my shoulder as we went to the car.

“It’s my shoulder, Di. I still know how to walk,” Vance said.

“Oh, shut up.”

“You better not say anything to the guys about this.”

I laughed. “Okay, macho man, our secret.”