Page 19 of Fire in My Blood
I’m lying in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. I had almost succeeded in convincing the ambulance personnel I was okay, when David showed up and demanded they take me to the hospital for observation overnight.
I only stopped protesting when I realized I would be safer in the hospital than in my apartment. It’s highly unlikely my attacker will try to get to me here with so many people milling around.
The paramedics didn’t discover the marks on my neck from my attacker’s fingernails. My hair was down, and I made sure the marks stayed hidden beneath it while they examined the lump on my head. Once I explained I felt fine, they didn’t seem too concerned.
But I showed David after we arrived at the hospital and the nurses left the room. He wanted to know everything, and I gave him all the details I could remember, including a description of my attacker.
My brother was furious, but he managed to keep his temper in check not to alert the nurses at the nurses’ station down the hall. He practically ordered me to take a few days off work, but I eventually convinced him that work is the best place for me to be.
Too much time to think is my worst enemy; I already know that. And that’s not even taking into account the fact that I’m much safer at the base than in my apartment.
I fist my hands tightly on top of the covers as a mix of anger and fear sends my blood rushing through my veins. How did the asshole get into my apartment without breaking the locks?I clearly remember securing all three locks on my door, but the door was unlocked when Sharon arrived. Either he picked all three locks, something the locksmith claimed was impossible when he installed them, or he entered through a window and unlocked the door before he surprised me in the kitchen.
Perhaps I’ll get an answer when David arrives in the morning to pick me up. He said he was going to bring a friend with him to check my apartment tonight. If there are any signs of a break-in, he will tell me.
I eventually fall asleep, but my sleep is fitful, not in the least due to the nurses checking on me regularly throughout the night. But I still feel reasonably well rested when I open my eyes at dawn.
Surprisingly, I didn’t have any nightmares, but then the details of what happened are enough of a horror story to last me a lifetime while I’m fully awake.
My headache is gone, but my shoulder is still sore. It’s nothing I can’t handle, though, and much better than a serious head injury.
The door opens, and a nurse walks in. She smiles when she sees me sitting up in bed. “Oh, good. You’re awake. How are you feeling?”
“Good.” I nod and return her smile.
“Do you want some breakfast?”
“Breakfast would be perfect.” I nod again.
“Great. I’ll be right back.” The nurse disappears out the door, and her footsteps fade as she walks down the hall.
I use the opportunity to get out of bed. The adjoining bathroom is quite small, but there is a narrow shower stall in the corner. After a quick shower, I dry off with one of the hospital towels.
The nail scratches on my neck are still clearly visible, so I brush out my hair and leave it down to dry to hide the marks. I packed an overnight bag before I went to the hospital last night. I even brought my work clothes, so I don’t have to return to my apartment before work.
By the time I’m done, my breakfast has arrived and is sitting on my bedside table. I devour the food and have just taken a sip of my coffee when David walks in.
“How are you feeling this morning?” There’s a smile on my brother’s face, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I can see he’s trying, but his anger at what happened to me is still there in the tension of his jaw.
I give him the most confident smile I can muster. He cares about me, and I know he’s doing his best to be supportive and positive even though he’s angry. “I’m feeling well. Please don’t worry about me.”
He gives me a short nod, but there’s a hardness in his eyes I don’t like. “Are you ready to go? I’ll drop you off at the house before I go to work. Mina has the evening shift, so she won’t leave the house until I get home from work tonight.”
My brows push together in a frown. “David, I know you want me to stay with your family for a few days, but I can’t put you in danger like that. He will be back, and I won’t be responsible for him targeting your family.”
He opens his mouth, but I continue before he can protest. “I won’t risk the kids. He found me at my home, David. I refuse to go anywhere near your house until he’s gone.”
He throws his hands in the air in obvious frustration. “But you won’t even report him to the police. He’s not just going to disappear, Erica.” His eyes are dark with rage, and I can’t blame him. But I don’t believe going to the police will do any good.
I shake my head. “You’re right. But if the police start investigating, he’ll retaliate. And he already threatened my family, even if he doesn’t know who you are yet.”
“Fuck!” David closes his eyes and lets out a deep sigh.
Studying his face, I notice the black shadows under his eyes. He looks like he hasn’t slept at all.
When he finally opens his eyes, his expression is one of resignation. “What are you planning to do, then? You can’t stay at your apartment. I checked it last night, and there are no signs of a forced entry. All the windows are locked and secure, and none of the locks on your door are broken. Are you one hundred percent sure you locked the door behind you when you got home last night?”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I nod firmly. “Yes, I locked the door. Like I already told you, I was spooked from seeing the man in the parking garage and made sure to lock the door properly as soon as I walked in.”