Page 30 of Stolen Wife

“Still, they’re loading him. We’ll treat you on the way.” I jump in the back with both of our briefcases.

I try to avoid listening to them talk as they work on him because I’m not ready to deal with the news that he died. The ride is short, thankfully. They rush him into the emergency room and drag me into a triage area to patch up my wound without the bumpy road.

“Hello, Mr. Marchetti. Let me have you fill this out while we wait for the police to come.”

“How’s my friend?” I’m not too damn concerned about myself, but it’s Dimitri who has me worried.

“He’s in surgery. I can’t say what’s going to happen. Gunshot wounds aren’t always as clean as yours.”

I wince from the slight pain of the syringe he injected in my arm. “What’s that?”

“It’s an anesthetic for the stitches.”

“Shit, you could have stitched me up without the extra pain,” I grumble.

He laughs at me like it’s funny. “You say that until I’m halfway done.” He doesn’t bother to look up at me as he works on my arm. After a minute, he raises his head. “You’re all done. It should heal pretty nicely.” I’m surprised that he finished, and I didn’t feel a damn thing except the first prick of the needle.

He tosses his gloves out and then washes his hands in the sink. “I’ve prescribed an antibiotic for you. Take the full dosage even if you feel well.” He then goes to the computer and makes notes in my file.

“Why? Is it infected?” I look down at my arm like I’d know the real difference. Frankly, it just looks like a large cut.

“No, but it could be. Trust me; you don’t want one to seep in.”

“Thanks.” He’s got a point. I don’t want anything, or anyone, in the way when I go to claim Giada.

“Take care, Mr. Marchetti. The nurse will be in here with your discharge papers and prescriptions.”

“Thanks again.” We shake hands and he leaves the room. I hop off the more comfortable version of a prison mattress and adjust my clothes. Both my shirt and jacket are ruined, so I slip my undershirt back on and toss my dress shirt over my shoulder, giving no fucks if anyone has a problem with it.