Page 68 of Hostile Witness
“They’re cautiously optimistic about a full recovery, but it will take time. The orthopedic doctor said she doesn’t expect him to be back at work until at least the fall.”
Tia’s heart sank. “Oh, wow. That was really hard on him last time.”
Mac’s voice perked up. “He told you about that, huh?”
“Yes, it was difficult for him.”
“Well, his marriage to that narcissist was rocky back then. He’ll be okay this time, and they don’t prescribe painkillers as freely nowadays. He’s got a lot to live for, you know?”
“He’d better. I’m counting on him.”
Mac chuckled. “I’ll tell him you said that.”
“Did you call his grandmother?”
“Yes. Right before I called you. She knows everything.”
“Okay. I’ll stop by and check on her tomorrow. When can I see him again?”
“If Ethan said when he was up and moving around, then he meant it. I’ll send the chopper back for you, because he’ll stay in Baltimore until he’s able to fend for himself with most things.”
Tia pulled the scrunchie from her ponytail and set her hair free, the way Ethan liked it. “Okay, I’ll text you for updates?”
“That’s fine. I’m planning on catching a few winks, so wait until the morning if you can.”
“Thanks, Mac. I appreciate you keeping me in the loop.”
“No problem, you’re family, T.” He disconnected the call.
Tia sank down onto the freshly made bed, smiling with relief.He’s gonna be okay.She’d help him if he let her. The previous exhaustion rolled over her tired mind and body once again. It would feel so good to crash right here. Closing her eyes, she stretched out her fingers and pulled a clean pillow under her head.He’s all right. I can rest now.
But the house alarm wailed as a rush of refreshing cool air skimmed over her shoulder.Damn security system.It was thesame problem she’d had after they’d installed it. The system was so sensitive, especially during windy weather. Groaning, she forced herself to move and padded down the hallway.
Once she caught a few hours’ sleep, she’d explore the security app on her phone and get comfortable with it. After installation two days ago, she hadn’t had any time to familiarize herself with the usage options. As of right now, she wasn’t sure she could even reset the thing remotely. And Ethan’s yard cameras were gone in favor of the bells-and-whistles system they’d just put in.
Halfway down the stairs, her bedroom door slammed shut.Oh, to hell with it.After resetting the security system, she’d close the windows and turn on the air-conditioning. The fresh breeze wasn’t worth the trouble it was causing. Sure, it was windy outside, but most seaside towns experienced stiff winds. Why couldn’t they make a security system that knew the difference between wind and a break-in?Ridiculous.And yeah, she was grumpy.
Overtired.
Freaking exhausted.
She’d damn near lost the man she loved and hadn’t slept.
Her fingers skimmed across the keypad, resetting the system.
When a rope cinched tightly around her neck.
Tia’s handsflew to her airway. He walked backward, choking her and dragging her with him. As she struggled to get her feet situated for a strike, she pulled at the rope, hoping for a quick breath.
He laughed. “Thanks for resetting the alarm. Now we won’t be disturbed by the cops or a nosy neighbor.”
Where was Flynn?Her heart plummeted when she remembered. He was trapped upstairs in her bedroom, along with the gun and her phone. Terror sprinted through her veins. She held onto a bookcase, hoping to slow the guy down, and pulled it over on the way to the kitchen. Books cascaded across the floor, and the crack of splintering wood reverberated as the unit crashed to the tile.
“You like it noisy, huh? I can do noise. But I really like mess. You saw what I did to old Margie, didn’t you? I messed her up real good.”
Tia forced one finger under the rope and dragged in a shaky half breath. The man stopped in the kitchen, and she collapsed against the countertop, eyeing the knife block. Lightheaded as she was, she still recognized that if she pulled a knife, he’d likely use it on her. But if he faced her straight on, she could take him down.
Pulling in as much air as possible, Tia wheeled around to face him.Omigosh.Covered in infected, oozing black stitches, his face resembled a patchwork quilt. He must’ve performed a self-stitch job after Flynn had bitten him in the video she’d seen.Ugh, gross.His stench permeated the air around them.