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"What happened to the days when patients were allowed to rest and recover?" Sady complained to the nurse who was making her walk.
"They never recovered. They just stayed in their beds making the lives of their nurses miserable," Matt replied from her other side.
"I wasn't asking you. You're not the professional here."
"Maybe not, but I'm right, aren't I?" Matt leaned around Sady to ask.
"More or less. The quicker we can get you on your feet the faster your recovery," the nurse said.
"What she's not saying Morrow is the faster they can kick you out of here," Matt told her.
"Me? I bet when the hospital bill comes there's a charge for that chair you've adopted. And I haven't even used it."
Matt looked over to the nurse again, "Can you give her something for my pain?"
The nurse laughed as they took Sady back to her room and told them they made a cute couple. When she left Sady looked at Matt, "See what you started?"
He shrugged, "We are living together."
"That's not true and you know it." She stopped and was quiet for a minute. Matt knew the look.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not going back to that apartment. I'd rather have a permanent room at the Sinful Inn," she confessed.
"Maybe I should call the doctor back to check your head," he teased, then seriously, "I don't think anyone expects you to move back there. Morrow will be here soon. I'm sure he'll have some ideas."
"Can he get me out of here quicker?" she asked eagerly.
"That's a little out of his hands. If you behave, you should be able to leave tomorrow, provided you pass all the requirements." He was enjoying this! Sady narrowed her eyes.
"There's a test for getting out? Who makes up these stupid things?" She scowled at him.
"It's not hard. All you have to do is fill the cup, and... I'll let you figure out the rest for yourself." He was trying not to smile at the look on her face.
"Who's in charge? I want to know why they feed you jello, pudding, and mashed potatoes then expect you to provide something solid before they let you out of this place! Where's my cell phone?" Matt handed it to her, and she said, "You can leave... NOW! I have an important call to make."
After Matt left the room, she called Amanda. "I'm being held prisoner until I can prove I'm a big girl who can go potty. Bring me some laxatives. I need something that will work within about twelve hours."
A half hour later Amanda arrived with a bulging bag of laxatives. "Whoa, Amanda- I don't want them to keep me here! I'll turn myself inside out if I take all those," Sady said sitting on the edge of the bed with her legs dangling off.
"Just offering some options. Pick what you want and I'll pass the rest out to the other inmates," Amanda joked.
Sady grabbed a box. "This one was a favorite on the pageant route. Water pills, diet pills, laxatives- let me know if you ever need advice. I have more knowledge about them than the manufacturers. And don't tell anyone," Sady warned.
Amanda made a face. "Oh, I'm pretty sure they won't need to be told. What else do you need?"
"Another place to live. I can't stay at that apartment. Where are you at now?"
"I'm with my mom but that's not going to last long. She's way too bossy... and nosy! I haven't figured out yet what I'm going to do."
"How's your neck? Does it hurt?" Sady asked.
"No, the bandage just keeps it from getting infected while it heals. I like to tell people I cut myself shaving and watch their reaction," she chuckled.
Sady waved her box. "Wish me luck, just not too much!"
"You go, girl! Sorry, I couldn't help myself." Amanda snickered at the joke.
"That doesn't surprise me," Matt said from the doorway and Sady shoved the box under the covers. "Was that a half price drink special you were talking about?"
"There's my cue to leave," Amanda said. "Hey, Scruffy. You ever going to shave that thing off?"
"Why, do you like it?" Matt asked, feeling his face.
"No, I was just thinking I saw your picture down at the Post Office. Think I'll go give an anonymous tip. Bye Sady." Amanda sauntered out of the room as she used a finger to draw an imaginary tally mark in the air.
"How did you end up with her as a friend?" Matt asked.
Sady's eyes sparkled. "It was meant to be. Now, it's time for you to leave as well. Go home and get some real sleep. I think the chair and I can make it through the night just fine." Matt looked unsure, and she caught him off guard when she got off the bed and gave him a quick unexpected hug. "Matt, I don't know how to thank you for what you've done. I wouldn't even be here now..." she didn't finish the sentence.
"Take some credit for your rescue Sady. You had the presence of mind to use the safe word when you called. If you hadn't I might not have checked on you until it was too late."
"Aren't you glad I was with Amanda now? Even Leon bought it when I said Amanda wouldn't being crying a river. I wonder how much spying he did on her?"
"We'll probably never know, and that might be best for everyone, especially Amanda." Matt's look was grim.
"No one has told me yet how I got shot." He hesitated for a minute and she could tell it wasn't out of concern for her. He was doing some fast thinking.
Finally he said, "Leon's gun discharged as he was trying to shake you off and you got hit by the stray bullet."
"What exactly happened to Leon, Matt? And who was the other man with you?"
He looked up, startled at her question and she could see the gears turning again. "You're mistaken, Sady. There wasn't anyone else there with me. Whatever you saw or think you saw was just a product of your imagination, shock, and the drugs Leon gave you."
"So you shot Leon?" she persisted. He hesitated, then nodded. Sady eyed him cautiously. "I don't believe you. I finally remember the sound I heard at the very end. Someone fired a shot using a silencer... and it wasn't you."
He shook his head, and she continued, "It couldn't have been you. You were next to me on the floor when I heard it. I saw another pair of feet and they weren't Leon's."
She waited, and he massaged the back of his neck for a minute. He expelled a breath and said, "Sady, will you please let it rest? I wish I could give you the answers you want, but I can't." He looked torn, and she could see the unspoken plea in his eyes.
Whatever it was, she knew he wouldn't lie to her if he didn't have a good reason, so she nodded and he smiled with relief. "Thank you."
She waved her hand like she was brushing crumbs off a table. "Okay, time for you to go home... or if you'd prefer you can stay and answer more questions."
"I'm gone." He pulled her close and held her tight for a minute, then he released her and left without another word. Sady sat down on the chair in surprise. Hers wasn't the only heart revved up and racing during that embrace. She'd better put it on the back burner until she was on an even keel.
Putting first things first meant getting out of this place. She checked the clock and grabbed the laxative box, knowing how much to take and when. What did it say about her life that she was an expert on laxatives? Best not to dwell on that depressing thought. On the positive side the doctor had no reason to hold her, so she was released the following day. Amanda insisted on being the one to pick up Sady. She drove her to the Knight's house and Harry came out to help her up the stairs. Sady laughed when the door was opened. There were balloons, a cake, and a banner that read "Welcome Home."
Sady looked to CJ, and she scowled, "They made me do it," pretending to maintain her crusty reputation, but she winked. Sady was surprised to see her uncle sitting in the corner of the room. He stood when she entered and she hugged him tightly. He looked beyond uncomfortable. Emotional scenes weren't part of his training. Give him an agent gone off the rails and he could have it under control without a second thought.
CJ peeled Sady off Morrow, with a smirk at him. So this was how to rattle his stalwart facade. The look of relief on his face was almost comical. CJ parked Sady in a chair while Matt handed her a piece of cake. Not willing to let up the pressure, CJ shoved one at Morrow ignoring his look of displeasure. "It's Sady's favorite. You wouldn't want to disappoint her, would you?"
Morrow took it with a look that told CJ he wouldn't forget her traitorous act. Sady was smiling at him so he took a bite and choked it down, covering his mouth with a napkin. He had been planning to wait for a bit before discussing Sady's future, but CJ was eyeing his half empty plate with malicious glee. He casually kicked the piece of cake that had fallen under a side table.
He headed CJ off before she could give him a refill. Turning to Sady he said, "I'm glad you won't have to deal with Leon any more. Everyone'," he said with a glare around the room, "has told me you need to be in a more secure building so I've looked over what's available and come up with a list. You can check them and let me know which one you prefer."
"What about Amanda?" Sady asked.
He had a puzzled look on his face. "Amanda? What do you mean?"
"You aren't going to just leave her in that apartment where we were nearly killed, and a lunatic died, are you?" She stared at him as she waited for an answer.
Morrow grew uncomfortable again. Now Amanda was waiting expectantly as well. "Uhm, well, I haven't checked into that yet." He looked at the Knight's and Matt, but they were no help. Sady's comment was as surprising to them as it was to him. "Honestly, I hadn't really planned on moving Amanda out of her apartment." He cleared his throat and hoped if he put his foot down she'd shut up and let it go.
Sady narrowed her eyes, but he held his ground so she turned away and asked, "Harry, do you know a good realtor? I've a sudden desire to sell my estate in Louisiana... and fast." She looked back at her uncle with a raised brow.
The onlookers enjoyed the irony of seeing them face to face in a battle of wills. No one in the room imagined Morrow and his beauty queen niece were so alike.
"If you don't want to help me, Harry, then Amanda and I can go to Sinful and take care of things ourselves." She wasn't letting go of her bone and Morrow knew it.
"Fine. You let me know which place suits you and Amanda." He fought off another hug from Sady, then one from Amanda. He lost the battle with Amanda.
Amanda felt his biceps and turned to Sady, "Impressive. He might be old but he keeps in shape." Morrow turned red with embarrassment. Amanda was still inspecting him. "He's a little stuffy but if he learned to loosen up and maybe let some wind blow through that hair." She reached up and ruffled his hair while CJ and the guys tried not to laugh. Morrow was outraged. "What's wrong? Don't you date women of color?" Amanda demanded, and he then had trouble with his breathing.
"Don't worry, Uncle Sam. I was just rearranging your alphabet." Amanda grabbed his tie and yanked him close, narrowing her eyes. "But that might change if I ever get audited." She let go and patted his tie into place. Morrow jumped back, anticipating another attack.
Desperately, he turned to Sady and held out the list of apartments. That was enough to distract Amanda and Morrow saw his chance to escape. He ran for the door with Matt close behind him. Before he got into his rental car he said, "She's not the sweet young lady I remember. When did my niece become so bossy and demanding?"
Matt snorted and said, "About 29 years ago I'd say."
"At any other time I'd have your head for that comment, but not today. Just make sure she stays safe... and out of Sinful... and especially out of my hair. Her friend scares me."
"Amanda has that effect on people," Matt agreed. "I'll be in touch."
Morrow closed his eyes when the front door opened and Sady waved. "Can I pretend I didn't see her?" he asked.
"Too late," Matt grinned. "Let me go help her before Amanda does."
"Hurry up, man!"
When Sady got to the car, she dropped another bomb on Marrow. "Can you find a way for me to sign over my estate in Louisiana- to you?" He looked at her suspiciously and Sady smiled. "I can't repay you for everything you've done and you might be able to do something with the place." She bit her lip and waited for his answer.
Morrow sent Matt a look that said, "This is the sweet girl I remember."
"We'll work it out," he said with a smile at Sady. "If you need anything in the meantime let Matt know." Sady leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Morrow nodded, then gave Matt a look that bordered on sympathy and sped out of the neighborhood.
"Oh, good," Sady said. "Amanda and I need to see the apartments before we decide. We're ready to look at them right now. Can you take us? Or would you rather have Amanda drive? I'll see if Harry and CJ want to come too. Won't that be fun?"
Ignoring his look she yelled toward the house. "Hey everyone, let's go. Amanda and I are ready to move on."