Keep Her Safe(29)

I hesitate. “Yeah. But it’ll have to wait.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s not something I can give you right here.”

Her gaze narrows, and I’m beginning to think that whatever trust I earned by helping her earlier has already dwindled.

I’m saved from more uncomfortable questions when a male calls out, “Grace Richards.” Not Wilkes, I note. She’s on her feet and moving toward the desk where a man wearing a salmon-colored shirt and a stethoscope around his neck waits for her. I follow closely. She glances over her shoulder at me once, spearing me with a strange expression, but she doesn’t send me away.

Dina is going to make it. The Narcan worked, reversing the deadly effects of the heroin she injected. They’re running additional tests to determine if the drug was mixed with something else that could cause organ damage or other complications.

A heavy sigh of relief sails from Gracie’s lips. “So what now? The usual?”

The doctor offers her a sympathetic smile. “We don’t have a bed available in our rehab program today. I can get her in as a regular inpatient to help her detox. We’ll start her on Subutex and switch her over to Suboxone once she’s stable. That would be best given her history.”

“Great. Thanks.”

“None of it is going to be enough for her,” he says gently. “Have you looked into those programs that we talked about?” Obviously this isn’t the first time he himself has treated Dina.

She gives him a flat look. “We live in a trailer park.”

“And you’re sure there are no family members who could help with the cost?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Her icy tone leaves no invitation for more questions about that.

“Okay, Grace. I’m just trying to help.” He pauses. “You know, some people are able to get the services they need while serving time.”

She bows her head and remains silent. Seeing as Gracie had the focus to destroy the syringe her mom used to shoot up even with the trailer burning down around her, I don’t think she’s willing to consider jail as an option for her mother.

“Do you want to see her?”

She shakes her head.

His answering look is one of sympathy. “Then go home and come back tomorrow during visiting hours. I’m sure seeing you, even for a few minutes, would help her through the worst of it.”

“She burned down our trailer today.”

“Jesus.” The doctor sighs with defeat. “Let’s wait a few days to tell her about that.” His gaze flickers to me, and I instantly see the question in them.

I’ll take care of her, I mouth. Because I have a feeling that saying it out loud would earn me a verbal flaying.

With a slight nod, the doctor pats her on the shoulder, repeating, “Try and get some rest.”

She watches him as he disappears behind doors and then abruptly spins on her heels and wanders back toward the waiting area to sink into the same chair, a lost look in her eyes. “I should have left that syringe there. I shouldn’t cover for her,” she mumbles.

“Do you think they would have found it?”

“Probably not, unless I handed it to the cops myself. But he’s right. Jail is better than the alternative.”

Dead. I have to agree.

“You seriously have no family out here?”

“Nope.”

“Does your dad’s family know what’s going on with her?” I never met them, but I have to believe Abe’s family was decent.

She studies her short, plain fingernails for a long moment. “My father’s parents are both dead. There’s no one else.”

For the first time since I found this money, I’m actually happy to have it. I couldn’t be giving it to her at a better time. I just have to figure out exactly how to give it to her, and it’s not going to be in the hospital waiting room.

The sound of her stomach growling gives me an idea.

“I was thinking of grabbing a burger. Do you want to come with me?”

“I’m not hungry.” Her face remains stony, even as she gives me a sideways glance.

“Well, I am. And tired. And filthy.” I can’t wait to wash the stench of smoke off me.

She leans back until her head is resting against the wall. She folds her arms over her chest and closes her eyes.

This is not going to be simple, but she seems smart enough to listen to reason. “Look, you heard the doctor—you should get some sleep.”

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. If you’d stop talking . . .” she mutters.

As if the girl who carries a switchblade around in her purse will fall asleep surrounded by a bunch of strangers in a waiting room. “There’s a motel down the street, about a mile. I’m gonna grab a room for the night. Why don’t you come with me?”

Now she cracks an eyelid, to give me a scathing look. “You think because your mom and my dad knew each other fourteen years ago that I’m going to follow you to your motel room?” She snorts, like it’s the most absurd idea ever. I guess under normal circumstances, it would be.

“I don’t . . . That’s not . . .” I sigh, the implication behind her words thick. I can’t help but let out a soft chuckle. The thought of getting laid right now is laughable. “I’m trying to help you. And I’ll get you your own room, seeing as I don’t trust that you won’t stab me in my sleep.”