When the Heart Falls(83)

Cade turns toward the window, his face in his hands.

I pull him to me, not wanting him to retreat into himself, or worse, blame himself for what happened.

Cade relents and moves close enough to hold me. I rest my head on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a comfort to me.

When the doctor comes in I’m nearly asleep again. He’s holding a chart and Cade moves so he can check my pupil dilation with his light. His English is flawless, with only a faint French accent, and I wonder if he studied in the States. "There's no permanent damage, but you have a concussion. We’d like to keep you overnight for observation.”

“Doctor, please, I just want to get out of here. It’s too bright and too loud, and I’ll heal better in my own bed.” Or in Cade’s.

He nods. “I understand. As long as there’s someone who can stay with you and wake you every few hours to make sure you’re okay.”

Cade responds before I can. “I won’t let her out of my sight.”

The doctor tears off a sheet of paper. “Here are instructions. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring her back in immediately.” He scribbles something else on a small pad and hands that to Cade. “Some medication for her pain. She’ll need it for a few days.” He turns to talk to me. “I’m going to keep you for observation today. If you’re able to keep food down and walk without falling, you can go home tonight. An officer will be in here shortly to take your statement. I’m sorry your stay in our country has been so tragic. I hope it doesn’t sour you to France."

I smile and switch to French. “It’s not anything to do with this beautiful country. My own past followed me here, but my time in Paris has brought me love, joy and a deeper understanding of life.”

He pats my hand. “I’m happy to hear this.”

The doctor leaves and Cade sits back down with me. "Rodney's been arrested. The crowd heard your recording."

When the officer comes in, a short man with a paunch belly and a kind smile, I give him my full statement. They already have my phone, which sucks, because it was a really nice phone, but it’s now considered evidence. “What will happen to Rodney?” I ask.

He puts his notepad back into his pocket. "He go to jail, charged with assault, attempted rape and attempted murder. His trial happen in a few weeks most likely."

"Will I have to testify?"

"Of course."

"Good. I'm ready."

Cade’s hand flexes around mine. “Will he get out on bail before the trial?”

I hadn’t thought about that, and I shudder. I don’t like the idea of running into him or having him come after me.

The officer shakes his head. “We do not have bail here. He stays in until trial.”

The rest of the day moves slowly. I take short catnaps, but with the nurses waking me every 30 minutes, it’s not very restful. My head still hurts too much to read or even watch television, so mostly I just talk with Cade or cuddle with him, which, all things considered, isn’t the worst thing ever.

Just before I’m discharged I get two unexpected visitors. Daring and Autumn.

“Oh my God, what are you doing here?” I’m so happy to see them I’m nearly in tears.

“Cade called us.” Autumn hugs me. "I'm so sorry, honey."

Autumn moves on to hug Cade, and she thanks him for calling while Daring leans in for a hug. She sees my necklace and smiles. "I see you've found your key."

I glance at Cade. "We found each other."

She gives me a look that says she’ll want details later. “I hope my little gift helped?”

I’d forgotten about the condoms and lingerie and turn bright red at her words as Cade laughs. Time for a change of subject, because I’m not talking about my sex life right now. "How'd you guys get here so fast?"

"I was in the UK for an exhibit," Autumn says.

"And I was already in France, checking out Mont Saint-Michel,” Daring says. “I wrote an article on some ghost hunter there."

"Very famous ghost hunter,” Cade says, and we both laugh, though mine is cut short by pain.

Autumn looks back and forth between us. "What's so funny?"

"Just a joke." I have inside jokes too now.

We leave the hospital together. Daring has a car and drives us back to the dorm. I’m healing fast, though Cade takes his job seriously and never lets me out of his sight. When I insist that I can at least use the bathroom alone, he raises an eyebrow. “That seems to be the most dangerous place for you!”

Touché.

I don’t mind his hovering, though. It makes me feel safe, and there’s no one I’d rather spend every minute with. Through all this drama I’d nearly forgotten about my book, but I’m excited to see that a few well-placed ads gave The Ice Queen a nice launch, and I’m actually making decent sales. I can’t believe I’ve actually made real money as an author. It’s a heady experience.

When my parents arrive my mom hugs me and doesn’t want to let me go. "We're so proud of you, honey.”

My dad pats my knee. "I heard how you kicked Rodney's ass.”

Cade, who’s sitting with his arm around me, squeezes my shoulder. “She was amazing, sir.”