Where the Grass Grows Blue by Hope Gibbs

Author:Hope Gibbs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, Southern, second chances, divorce, family
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Published: 2023-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

“Just the person I wanted to talk to,” Dr. Woodward said, motioning for Bradley to come into Penny’s room. “Were you able to get ahold of Penny’s kin while you waited?”

Clearing his throat, Bradley said, “I called her grandparents. They’re on their way.” Bradley looked at Penny. “My parents are coming too.”

“That’s good,” Dr. Woodward said. “Family is important in a time like this.”

Bradley nodded.

“Did you get something to eat as well?” she asked. “Our cafeteria isn’t all that bad.”

“I wasn’t exactly hungry.”

“I suppose not, after all your heroics tonight. Penny was just telling me how you searched for her when she didn’t show up for your study date. She’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

Bradley nodded again.

“She also told me how she slipped on some gravel and fell into a ditch, landing on a rather large rock. Is that right?” Dr. Woodward asked, turning toward her.

“Yes, ma’am,” Penny lied.

“Is that right, Bradley?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he repeated.

“Here’s the thing, though.” Dr. Woodward narrowed her eyes. “Penny has several broken ribs. Four, in fact. On both her left and right sides. Just how many times did you land on that rock, Penny?”

“I-I don’t know. M-Maybe I rolled on it a couple of times.” Penny’s pulse quickened. She hadn’t thought that part of her story through.

“Must have been one hell of a rock to inflict this much damage. And your face. You have multiple lacerations on your forehead and one on your left lip, which I’m afraid is going to leave a pretty nasty scar. Not to mention the large hematoma forming around your jaw, and your torso is covered in bruises. Yet there’re no cuts or scrapes on your legs. Or arms. Nothing on your hands, knees, or elbows. No dirt or mud from the ditch. How do you explain this?”

“I don’t know. It all happened so fast,” Penny said, her voice cracking.

“And did I mention you’ve ruptured your eardrum?” The doctor continued her interrogation. “Are you telling me a rock did that?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I see.” Dr. Woodward pursed her lips, staring a hole through Penny. “And, Bradley, how did you know where to look in the first place? Why that particular ditch? I mean, there’re hundreds of ditches she could’ve fallen into. How did you even spot her? Especially at dusk?”

“I guess I was lucky.”

“Lucky?” the doctor repeated incredulously. “Come on. We all know you’re both lying. Penny’s injuries are more in line with being beaten up rather than falling into a ditch. Look, I’ve known you both all your lives. You’re good kids. I know that, but it’s time to come clean. Tell me what really happened tonight.” Genuine concern filled her voice.

The room was still, and Penny held her breath out of fear of discovery. The truth was about to come out. She was an attempted murderess being exposed under the glare of the cold fluorescent lights.

“We already did,” Bradley said, breaking the silence. “It’s simple. Penny was out on a training run. She’s been pushing hard for State next month.

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