Chasing Dreams by A.L. Brooks

Author:A.L. Brooks
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2022-02-17T19:12:58+00:00

Chapter 14

“What the hell happened to your hand?” Ruby rushed across the kitchen to Ned, who stood in the doorway clutching his left hand with a bloody rag.

Ned growled and pushed past her toward the sink. “Stupid screwdriver.”

She followed him and switched on the cold water. “Let me see.”

He grumbled but let her pull the rag away.

“Oh my God!” She stared at the hole in his hand in the web of skin where his thumb joined the rest of his digits. “Ned, this is going to need stitching.”

“Don’t worry, angel, it’s—”

“No! You listen to me. I’m going to wrap this as best I can, then I’m going to drive to you Dr. Harvey’s office. No arguments.”

Jesus, talk about coming down from a high with a bump—less than thirty minutes ago she’d been making out with Claire. Still, at least looking after her grandpa would give her a good distraction from remembering that kiss—and the woman who’d delivered it.

Ned met her glare with one of his own.

The battle of wills lasted all of ten seconds, then he wilted before her eyes. “All right. Whatever you say.”

Her heart cracked; he sounded so broken, so despondent, and she didn’t know what she could say to make it better. “Okay. Good. Hold it under the cold water. I’ll be right back.”

She shot across the room to the cupboard where they stored one of the first aid kits.

Ten minutes later Ned rode beside her in the truck, his left hand held up, the big swathe of bandage she’d wrapped it in tied securely around his wrist.

Dr. Harvey’s office was busy this late on a Monday afternoon, but Ned was ushered in almost immediately.

Ruby sat in the waiting room, her foot tapping an urgent rhythm on the floor as she typed out a text message to Wayne. We need to revisit that chat with Ned soon. He put a screwdriver through his hand. We’re at Doc Harvey’s now getting him stitched up.

Wayne’s reply was almost instant. Oh shit! Okay, agreed. Saturday afternoon? Emma’s taking Eddie to a birthday party.

Perfect. Can you meet me at the diner on Thursday to plan our approach? I’ve been doing some thinking.

Sounds good. Lunchtime?

Cool. See you then.

Dr. Harvey appeared a couple minutes later. “Ruby, do you have a minute?”

She leaped out of her seat and followed the doctor down the hallway. They didn’t head to her office, which was a surprise, and instead ended up in what looked like a small staff break room.

“Forgive the unofficial surroundings,” Dr. Harvey said, her eyes kind. “But I just wanted a brief word with you out of Ned’s earshot, and he’s still in my office finishing up his paperwork.”

Ruby’s heart rate rocketed. “Is he okay?”

“He is.” Dr. Harvey patted her hand. “Don’t be alarmed. But we do need to talk about his capabilities. Has he slowed down at all since my last meeting with him?”

Ruby hung her head. “No. I’m sorry. I’m trying but—”

“Hey.” Dr. Harvey squeezed Ruby’s hand and held on to it. “This is not on you.

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