Be With Me(8)

She glanced between Jeremy and the chief.

“Anything on our kil er?”

“We’re working on it. We’l need to take your statement as soon as you’re up to it. Wondered if you’d be up for some questions now.”

Regina looked nervously at Hutch and then at Sawyer and Cam. She didn’t want to go over the details of the attack in front of them. They’d just freak out on her some more.

“I could come by the station on my way home,” she offered.

Hutch tensed beside her, and Sawyer’s lips compressed into a thin line. She ignored their displeasure.

The chief frowned, and Jeremy looked at her in question.

“You sure you’re up to that?” Jeremy asked.

“No,” Cam interjected.

“Yes,” Regina said just as quickly. “I can’t think here. I hate hospitals. They make me feel more of an invalid than I am. I’l be better able to answer questions at the station. Whether I’m sitting there or lying here, I fail to see the difference.” She stared hard at Cam, daring him to disagree again.

“I’l ask Birdie to drive me over when I’m discharged,” she said to Jeremy and the chief.

“There’s no need,” Sawyer said smoothly. “We’l be happy to drive you where you need to go. And afterwards, you’re going home with us.” The chief nodded his approval. “That’s a good idea. I don’t think Regina should stay alone right now.

Not until we’ve got this nutjob behind bars. Who the hel knows what he was thinking? I don’t want to take chances with the safety of my police officers.” Regina’s mouth gaped open, but she held the protest dying to fly off her tongue. The last thing she needed was to make an ass of herself in front of the chief.

“We’l go now,” the chief said. “We’l see you in a little while, Regina.” As he turned to go, he cracked a smile. “It was nice to see you boys again. It’s been a while. Glad you’re giving an old man a break these days.”

Sawyer grinned while Cam nodded at the chief. “It was nice to see you too, sir,” Cam said. “We’l bring Reggie over later.”

Jeremy paused for a moment and laid his hand over Regina’s leg. “You sure you’re doing okay?” She smiled. “Yeah, feeling much better today. Just stiff and sore as hel , but as soon as I can get up and move around, that’l help.”

He nodded then turned to fol ow the chief out. “See you in a bit.”

She braced herself as the door closed. She stil stared straight ahead, but her eyes darted sideways to take in the frowns of Cam and Sawyer. She wouldn’t even bother looking up at Hutch, because she knew he wasn’t happy.

Not wil ing to give them the chance to flex their muscles, she drew back the sheet with her hand and slid her legs toward the side of the bed.

“Whoa, baby, where do you think you’re going?” Hutch asked even as Sawyer moved from the chair to the side of the bed, his hand out to push her back.

“I’m getting out of bed,” she said calmly. “I want a shower. I want some clean clothes. I want out of the goddamn hospital.”

Sawyer looked guiltily over at Cam. “Did you bring her any clothes?”

Cam shook his head. “I thought Hutch was getting them.”

“So which one of you is going to go get them?” Hutch asked.

Sawyer turned to glare at Hutch. “I’m thinking you can go get them. Cam and I have done enough running around this morning.”

He swore as soon as he said it, and he looked up at Regina. “That did not come out right.” She shrugged. “I’m not the moron sitting around here when I need to be working. I could get a ride to the station, and Birdie could drive me home. There is no reason for you guys to hang around here. I’m okay.”

Hutch uncurled his body from the bed and stood with a stretch. “I’m going to get you some clothes.

You can stay here and argue with the other two boneheads.”

She inched her feet toward the floor again, and this time, Sawyer reached for her arm to help. As annoyed as she was, when her feet hit the floor, she was grateful for his support. She weaved and bobbed like a newborn calf, and a groan worked from deep in her chest.

“Jesus,” she muttered.

“I told you that you looked like shit,” Hutch offered on his way out the door.

“Tel me again why I put up with him?” she asked wearily.

“I don’t know. That’s a good question,” Sawyer said as he pulled her against his side to steady her.

“Move,” Cam said simply as he appeared in front of Regina.

Sawyer stepped back in surprise, and Regina found herself enfolded in Cam’s arms. He was careful not to crush her, but she could feel the tension rol ing off his big body.

“Cam, I’m okay,” she whispered.

His hands ran up and down her back, and he kissed the top of her head.

“You scared me, Reggie,” he said. “Don’t do that again.”

The corner of her mouth lifted as he pulled away from her. “Believe me, I won’t make a habit of it if I can help it. Now can I take my shower?”

Chapter 4

Regina stood in the smal bathroom staring at her reflection in horror. Dark bruises marred her entire neck. In fact, there wasn’t much skin that wasn’t discolored.