Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Maxx—”
He held up his hand. “Charly is right. We’ll hurt a bit, but we’ll recover. You are more important than the money, Chase. Why don’t you know that by now?” he demanded gruffly.
I blinked. “I just got it.”
“Well, don’t forget it.” He stood. “We’re taking you to the hospital. Then to the station. Stefano and Dom will head to the garage and make sure everything is good there. Tomorrow, you are back, broken hand or not. You can work with one.” He met my gaze. “Your resignation is not accepted. You understand?”
I nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
I had two broken knuckles. The doctor decided surgery wasn’t needed but put me in splint and gave me painkillers. I was instructed to keep my arm immobile and above my heart as much as possible for the next forty-eight hours. Charly informed me I was off the rest of the week, refusing my objections. I was pissed. I couldn’t work, I wouldn’t be able to help with the deck, and I was feeling slightly ill from the whiskey I had gulped down earlier. The effects from the liquor were gone, leaving only the lingering aftermath.
Hannah stood beside me, stroking my head, her touch light and gentle. I leaned into her caresses. “What a shit day,” I muttered.
“I know.”
“Fucking OD.”
“I know.”
“Wish I’d kicked his ass a little more.”
“It wasn’t his ass you punched, Chase. Might have been softer.”
I laughed, opening my eyes and meeting her amused gaze. “I’m sorry, Hannah.”
She cupped my face. “You were defending me. Protecting your family. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I still have to talk to your boss.”
“And Mr. Albright.”
I sighed. “Yeah. Him.”
“Will you accept his apology?”
I shrugged. “He was out of line, but I get it. Wes did a lot of damage to people. The fact that Dan decided to add me into the scenario is on him. Not Jim. It brought up a lot of bad memories for him, and he reacted. I don’t want Maxx to lose his business. I’ll talk to him.”
There was a knock on the door, and I looked up, seeing Chief Harper standing in the doorway. He looked serious, and I felt my nerves kick in. “Come in,” I said. “Are you here to arrest me?”
He shook his head. “No charges will be laid on you or Mr. Reynolds. I came to assure you Officer Meyers will no longer bother you. He will be transferring out of the station, effective immediately.”
“So he can become someone else’s problem?”
The chief shook his head. “I don’t work that way. I get enough misfits sent here that I would never pass along someone who is a problem. I had a long, frank discussion with Dan. I will tell you this in confidence. He will be getting some therapy. He is taking some personal time to reflect on a new choice of career. We agreed that policing is not what is best for him.”
“That’s good,” Hannah murmured.
“Let’s hope it helps. Not sure he knows how to reflect,” I muttered, still upset but relieved he wouldn’t be around to bother us anymore.
“Chase,” Hannah admonished.
“He would like to make restitution for your truck.”
“He admitted to it?” I asked, surprised.
The chief was silent. I waved him off. “No. I will pay to fix it. I don’t want his fucking blood money. I just want him to stay away from us.”
“Noted. He will not bother you again. I would like to talk to you, Chase. One-on-one, but perhaps on a day you are feeling a little less angry.”
I barked a laugh. “Probably a good idea.”
He stepped forward. “You got a second chance, son. You ran with it, and you have a good life now. I am trying to do the same for Mr. Meyers.” He met my eyes. “We all have demons.”
I nodded, his words somehow deflating my anger. He was right. “Tell Dan I don’t need the money. I hope he finds what he needs.”
He nodded. “I can do that.” He glanced at Hannah. “Martha has tendered her notice. Effective the end of the month. Think it over.” Then he left, passing Maxx and Charly coming in.
“You almost ready to go?” Maxx asked.
I nodded. “Just waiting for the prescription.”
“Okay. We’ll take you home then head to the garage.”
“I could—”
Maxx cut me off with a glare. “No.”
“Fine. I’ll be in tomorrow.”
“Next week,” Charly huffed. “Don’t make me mad again.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”
They left, and the doctor walked in. I blew out a breath. “Holy shit, it never stops.”
He laughed, handing me the prescription. “Remember, up in the air over your heart as much as possible for the next forty-eight hours. It will reduce swelling. Keep it in the splint as long as you can.”
“Can I take it off for a shower?”
“After forty-eight hours. Don’t try to use it. Here’s a follow-up appointment at the fracture clinic.”