Chapter 33

Rick tried unsuccessfully to reach Jason but couldn’t. When he called at the station, he was told that Jason had left the country for a few days as part of his case. He left a message for Jason, telling him to get in contact with his as soon as possible.

The hospital also tried to contact Abigail’s sister, who was her only family, and failed. The BB decided to postpone the tour for a while until they found Rick’s stalker. All the guys retired to the hotel, while Rick and Tony, as well as a few officers, remained at the hospital.

A doctor came into the waiting room then and Rick stood up.

You can see Abigail now.” He said to him.

“What took so long? Is she okay?” Rick wrung his hands.

The doctor actually smiled.

“She’s going to be just fine.” He reassured Rick, “We took our time in examining her. She’s a very lucky lady.”

“Where did she get hit?” Rick asked.

“The bullet got lodged in her left arm. She lost a lot of blood but she’ll be okay.”

Rick’s relief was clearly visible in his expression.

“What room?” he asked the doctor as he, followed by Tony and the officers, headed to the door.

“Go through the blue doors, second door on your right, room 228.”

Rick nodded and as he was about to go through the blue doors, he paused and looked at his companions.

“Guys, do you mind giving me a few minutes alone with her.” He appealed to them, “I don’t think anyone’s going to try anything here.”

They nodded and stood outside the doors.

When Rick reached Abigail’s door, he stood in the doorway and looked at her. She was conscious now and arguing with a nurse that she could sit up on her own while she did just that. The nurse caught sight of Rick then, smiled and went her way.

“Hey.” He said walking up to her bed.

Rick noticed the distance in her expression as she looked at him.

“What are you doing here?”

Rick’s calm expression vanished.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice had taken on an edge, “I’m here to see you. You got yourself shot because of me. I feel responsible.”

“Don’t.” she countered firmly, “Besides, I was just doing my job.”

“Damnit Abby!” He was about to take her right hand, but she pulled away. Her left arm was bandaged close to her shoulder and even though she was in pain, she still managed to glare at him.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“I already told you, it wasn’t your fault.” She stated, then decided to change the subject, “Did you reach Jason? Does he know what’s going on?”

Rick shook his head.

“Jason left the country for a few days. Something to do with his case.” Rick explained.

Abigail nodded.

“The hospital tried to contact your sister.” He saw her eyes widen and continued, “But they couldn’t reach her.”

Abigail let out a sigh of relief.

“You don’t want her to know you’re in the hospital?” Rick guessed.

“No. She’ll worry about me unnecessarily. I’m fine.” Abigail said.

“You threw yourself in front of a God damn bullet. You’re not fine.” Rick returned stormily.

“Did they catch the person?” Abigail asked, ignoring his tone.

Rick shook his head.

“All the exits were blocked and everyone was searched. I don’t know how they could have escaped.”

Abigail sighed wearily.

“So we’re back to square one.”

Rick caught her expression.

“When did the doctor say you could leave?”

“Tomorrow.” Abigail told him, “They’re keeping me overnight for observation. I have a mild concussion from knocking into you.”

“You want me to get some things for you from the hotel?” Rick asked her.

“Now that you mention it, I have this craving for Chinese food.”

Rick raised an eyebrow.

“Actually I was thinking more along the lines of a toothbrush and a change of clothes.”

Abigail shrugged.

“That too. You owe me.”

Rick nodded. He leaned over, kissed her forehead and stood up.

“Get some rest.”

Abigail snorted.

He paused at the door and looked over his shoulder.

“Abby?”

When her eyes met his, he spoke.

“Thanks.”

For the first time since he walked into her room, he saw some warmth in her expression.

“You owe me big time.” She smiled.