Road to Peace Page 8

  I smiled sleepily. “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “Sleep, baby.”

  I think I was out before he’d finished his sentence.

  * * *

  Hatch

  Maisie had been wheeled into the operating room close to three hours ago. Hatch had managed to catch a few hours of rest before her nine a.m. surgery, but he was still wiped. He shook his head. What the fuck was he doin’ with this woman? He should walk away. Leave her to her life. But he knew he never would. She was under his skin now and he felt more for her than he’d ever felt for anyone. As irrational as that might be, it was no less the truth. And now that he knew someone was after her, he was even more on alert. For the moment, she was safe, so he took that comfort and let it settle into his bones.

  He’d been at the hospital since two a.m. and he was pretty wiped, but couldn’t turn off his brain. He was convinced someone messed with Maisie’s car, but the cops had cleared it at the scene.

  Sipping coffee while he waited with Alison and Poppy, he thumbed his phone on, hoping to see a message from Ace, who’d gotten an early start this morning, pulling the mangled car apart one piece at a time. Ace’s brother, FBI agent, Jaxon Quinn, was documenting everything they found and dusting for fingerprints. Even though he wasn’t a fan of law enforcement, Hatch had asked Jaxon to assist. Jaxon had backed up the Dogs on several occasions, including his assistance in saving Ace’s woman, Cassidy from a psychopath.

  “You’re the family of Maisie Mann?” a woman’s voice asked.

  Hatch turned from the waiting room window as Poppy jumped up from her seat and rushed toward the nurse. “Is she awake?”

  “Yep. I can take you back if you like. One at a time, though.”

  Poppy nodded and walked with the nurse through the double doors. Hatch dragged his hands through his hair and sat in one of the chairs by the window.

  “What’s your deal?” Alison asked.

  He turned his head slowly toward her. “My deal?”

  “You know she lost her husband, right?”

  “Yeah, babe, I know.”

  “And that she’s never dated another man? Ever? Niall has been her world since she was five,” she continued. “She had dinner with you and then didn’t call you back for a reason. She didn’t want to see you again. Why are you here? Are you some kind of crazy stalker? Because if you are, my cop husband will deal with you.”

  “You’re lookin’ out for your girl,” Hatch said. “I get it. And I have no intention of doin’ anything other than gettin’ to know Maisie and sortin’ out what happened with her car. But since we don’t know each other, nothin’ I say’s gonna assure you… and it shouldn’t. You just gotta get to know me and make up your own mind.”

  She narrowed her eyes and then let out a sigh. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you?”

  Hatch chuckled. “More smart ass, but yeah, I’m not an idiot.”

  “Well, you’re on notice. If this goes somewhere, you’ll treat her right or I will cut you.”

  He grinned. “Maisie’s in safe hands with me.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Ali?” a nurse enquired as she walked up.

  Alison rose to her feet. “Yes, that’s me.”

  “You can go back if you like.” The nurse turned to Hatch. “She’s not feeling up to any other visitors just yet. She said she’d text when she was ready.”

  “No problem,” he said. “I’ll head out.”

  Disappointed, but understanding why she needed space, Hatch left the hospital and headed back to his shop rather than go home.

  Time for some answers.

  Maisie

  I AWOKE TO find Alison and Poppy still in my room, talking quietly by the window. They were sitting on the bench seat and had their heads together, focusing on Poppy’s phone.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “Mummy,” Poppy said excitedly, and jumped to her feet, rushing to my side. “We were just looking at horse videos. Are you okay?”

  I smiled. “Yes, darling? Why?”

  “You kept falling asleep in the middle of talking.”

  “I explained that your body is healing,” Ali said.

  I smiled and took Poppy’s hand. “I’m fine, love. I’m just really sleepy, but that’s normal. I’ll be home bossing you around in a couple of days, you’ll see.”

  She worried her bottom lip, looking wholly unconvinced. “Can we call Hatch?”

  “He’s been here most of the night, love.”

  “But we should call him anyway.”

  I frowned up at Ali, unsure what to say.

  “Your mom needs a little time,” Ali said.

  “Hatch will keep you safe,” she whispered.

  “Do you think I’m unsafe, Poppet?” I asked.

  She nodded.

  “Mama’s in the hospital, sweetie,” Ali said. “There’s no safer place for her to be.”

  “I’m okay, Poppy,” I assured her.

  “We should go.” Ali wrapped her arm around her and gave her a squeeze. “Let your mom rest.”

  Poppy shook her head. “I don’t want to leave.”

  “You need to rest, too, Poppet.” I reached for her hand again. “Your body’s also trying to heal.”

  “Then I want to stay with you.”

  “It would be better if you’re in a real bed, Poppet,” I countered.

  “I can’t sleep there,” she admitted.

  “She’s having some nightmares,” Ali said.

  “Honey, why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I didn’t want to worry you.”

  I sighed. “Oh, sweetness, you’re safe at Ali’s.”

  “I’m not worried about me, Mummy.” Poppy frowned. “Someone could whack you while you sleep.”

  I snorted out a laugh and regretted it immediately. “Ow.”

  “No one’s going to “whack” your mom, Poppy,” Alison promised.

  “I’m safe here, love.”

  “Well, can we call Hatch?” Poppy asked.

  I let out a slow breath. “We can’t call Hatch, sweetheart.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because he’s busy. I know that some of this is grown-up stuff, but I think you’re old enough to understand that you don’t ask a person you don’t know to take on family responsibilities.”

  “But he likes us. He told me he does.”

  I forced back frustrated tears. I loved my daughter, but when she dug her heels in, I had a tough road ahead to change her mind, and right then, I was too tired to argue.

  “Poppet, I’m exhausted, so I’m pulling the Mummy card. Hatch doesn’t have time, and we don’t know him well enough to ask him to fuss over me. He’ll come when he can, okay? I’m safe here and you’re safe with Auntie Ali, and we’re going to keep it to us for the moment.”

  She nodded, but admittedly, I wavered a little when I saw the silent tears streaming down her face as she leaned forward to kiss my cheek.

  “I love you, Poppet.”

  “I love you too,” she whispered.

  “I’m gonna talk to your mom for a minute, okay?” Ali asked. “I’ll be right out.”

  Poppy hesitated for a moment before leaving the room. I knew she wanted to “overhear” what Ali and I would talk about, but she finally walked out and closed the door behind her.

  “What’s that all about?” I asked. “You’re not letting her watch mafia movies, are you?”

  Alison giggled. “No way!”

  “Where the hell did she get “whack” from?”

  “No clue.” Alison grimaced. “And what’s up with Hatch? She adores this man.”

  “She doesn’t know him. We don’t know him.”

  “I know, but she trusts him.” Alison smiled. “Obviously more than I originally thought.”

  “Which is weird. Poppy’s shy around adults. Kids she can talk to ad nauseam about anything, but when she gets around adults, she’s super skittish, especially men. With Hatch, it’s
like she’s known him forever… like he’s a knight in shining armor or something.” I sighed. “But she needs to understand that we don’t need a man. We can handle this ourselves.”

  Ali giggled. “Does that fall under the British stiff upper lip crap you spout?”

  “Absolutely.” I smiled. “And, if I’m being honest, I’d love Hatch to be here as well, but I look like a bowl of shite and I’m not ready to let him see me like this.”

  “You looked like this yesterday as well, hon,” Ali pointed out.

  “Well, yesterday I didn’t have a choice, he just showed up.”

  She rubbed my good arm. “Okay, babe. But don’t be a hero. Poppy’s right. Hatch does like you. Call him if you want to.”

  “Weren’t you just warning me away from him?”

  “I had to see where this guy stood,” she countered. “But he seems genuine, so if he can help, then great. Ryan’s going to check him out which will make me feel better. So, again, don’t be a hero. Got it?”

  “I won’t be a hero,” I promised.

  Alison leaned down and kissed my cheek then took Poppy home.

  I slept for several more hours, waking to find a text from Hatch.

  Checking in. Doing ok?

  I wasn’t doing okay actually. I was in pain, but I wanted to think for a minute before I loaded myself up with drugs.

  Tired. A little pain. But overall good, I think, I texted back.

  You due for drugs?

  Yes. Trying to wait a little, though.

  I jumped when my phone buzzed in my hand. Hatch was calling me now. “Hello?”

  “Babe, if you’re in pain, hit your pump,” he demanded.

  “Okay, okay.” I hit the button on my pump and sighed as the pain washed away.

  “Better?”

  “Much,” I whispered. “Did I wake you?”

  “I texted you, Sunshine.”

  I giggled. “Oh, right. I forgot.”

  “Those meds work quick.”

  “Yes, they do,” I agreed. “Poppy wanted me to ring you earlier.”

  “Yeah?” he asked. “Why didn’t you?”

  “Because.”

  “Because why?” he challenged.

  “Just because.”

  “Oh, because.” He chuckled.

  “I haven’t showered in almost forty-eight hours and I look like I’ve been hit by a bus.” I yawned. “You don’t start a relationship showing the worst of you. You ease into the horror.”

  “I like hearin’ that.”

  “That I want to ease you into the horror?”

  “That we’re startin’ a relationship.”

  “Oh,” I breathed out. “Are we?”

  “Yeah, Maisie, we are.”

  “Oh,” I said again. “Okay.”

  Hatch laughed. “I like these drugs, baby.”

  “Mmm, me too.” I don’t really remember what he said, but I was feeling no pain, so I decided I’d just agree.

  “I’m gonna let you go, Maisie. But I’m comin’ by later, yeah?”

  “Hatch it’s late.”

  “No shit?” he retorted. “Is that your only objection?”

  “Yes, I suppose.”

  “I’ll see you later, then. Go back to sleep, Sunshine.”

  He hung up before I could respond, so I set my phone on the table and let myself fall into oblivion.

  I wasn’t sure how long I slept, just that I came awake with a start as pain shot through my arm and my bladder screamed for relief.

  “I got you,” Hatch said, and I felt instant relief as he hit the pain pump button.

  “You’re here,” I breathed out, smacking my lips, my mouth dry.

  “I’m here,” he said, and handed me a cup of water.

  I took a long sip and sighed. “Can you get a nurse, please?”

  “You okay?”

  “Yep. I just need the nurse.”

  “Can I help?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “You sure?”

  “Hatch,” I breathed in frustration, then whispered, “I have to go to the loo.”

  “And I’m guessin’ that’s way too much for you if I take you.”

  I screwed up my face in horror. “You can’t be serious.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll get the nurse.”

  “Thank you.”

  Hatch left the room and a nurse walked in a few minutes later and helped me do my thing. I don’t know if Hatch came back because I fell asleep as soon as I was back in bed.

  I didn’t wake up again until the sun peeked in through the vertical blinds. Glancing around, I realized I was pain free… and alone. Frowning, I pressed the call button and waited for a nurse, who arrived a few minutes later.

  “Hi, Maisie. I’m Sally. I’m here with you all day today.” Sally was in her fifties, short dark hair, and kind brown eyes. “Let’s get some vitals.”

  “Do I have time to use the restroom first?” I asked.

  “Sure. I’ll help you.”

  “Did Hatch leave?”

  “Your husband?” Sally asked.

  “Um, sure.” It was easier to just agree rather than trying to explain.

  “He said he was going to the cafeteria.”

  “Oh, okay.” I was surprisingly glad he didn’t leave the hospital, but still wished he’d been there when I woke up.

  “I can’t believe I didn’t wake up during the night in pain. I must be healing faster than I thought,” I said, once I was back in bed.

  Sally checked the pain pump and smiled. “You got your pain dose every four hours, that’s probably why. The night nurse said she showed your husband how to dose you, so he must have set his alarm and taken care of it.”

  “Really?”

  She nodded with a smile. “You’ve got a good man there.”

  “Apparently so,” I agreed. “Is it possible to get a toothbrush?”

  “Oh, sure, hon.” She opened a cabinet and pulled down everything I needed, then helped me put paste on the brush. It was tough to clean my teeth with my left hand, but I soldiered on, then I fell back into bed relieved that my teeth were no long wearing fuzzy jumpers.

  Sally went through my vitals and deemed I could eat if I was hungry. My stomach rumbled in response.

  “What can I get you?” she asked.

  “Pudding would be amazing,” I said, my mouth watering.

  “Chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch?”

  “Um, all of them?” I asked, hopefully.

  Sally chuckled. “Coming right up.”

  Hatch walked in just as Sally was leaving.

  “You’re awake,” he said, and smiled as he made his way over to me. “How do you feel?”

  “Like I need a shower.”

  He chuckled. “I bet.”

  “But really well-rested. Thank you for monitoring my pump,” I said, and reached for his hand. “Did you get any sleep?”

  “Yeah, baby, I slept.” He smiled. “But more importantly, I’m glad you did.”

  “You don’t have to stay here all day, Hatch.”

  “I don’t actually plan to.”

  “Okay, good.” I said it, but I was actually disappointed he would be leaving.

  “But I’m not leavin’ for a while, so get that devastated look off your face, Sunshine.”

  I gasped, releasing his hand with a frown. “I’m not devastated.”

  “You look pretty devastated.”

  “I’m not even a little bit sad.”

  He chuckled. “Just messin’ with you.”

  “How rude.” I straightened my bedding. “Have you forgotten that I’m infirm, sir?”

  His smile widened. “You’re fuckin’ sexy when you’re speakin’ all hoity toity,” he whispered.

  “So I’m sexy all the time, then?” I challenged.

  Hatch leaned down and kissed my cheek, whispering, “Yeah, Sunshine. All the fuckin’ time.”

  I shivered, closing my eyes briefly, but our moment was interrupted by Sally returning
with pudding cups.

  “Behave,” I ordered.

  “No promises.” Hatch sat in the chair next to the bed.

  “Which one would you like first?” Sally asked.

  “Chocolate, please.”

  The nurse opened the pudding and handed me a spoon.

  “Do you need some help?” she asked.

  “No, I’m good, thanks, love.”

  She nodded and then left the room and I tried to dig into my pudding. Failing miserably. I quickly discovered it was really difficult to eat pudding (well anything, really) when your dominant hand was useless.

  Before I managed to dump chocolate all over myself, the cup was taken from me as Hatch sat on the edge of the bed. “Let me help.”

  I hated being so vulnerable, but the fact I was starving trumped my pride. Hatch lifted the spoon to my mouth and I wrapped my mouth around it, sighing as I swallowed the sweetness.

  “I think I can feed myself, Hatch, if you just hold it for me.”

  He smiled. “I like this better.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “This seems like a big jump forward in our getting to know each other.”

  “Feeling a little exposed?”

  “More than a little, yes.”

  “You’ve been alone a long time, Maisie. It’s gonna take a minute to get used to having a partner again. We’ll get there.”

  I turned my head away from the spoon coming at me. “I don’t want to rush things, Hatch. I know nothing about you.”

  “I get it, Sunshine, and we’ll go slow, but the fact you’re laid up won’t last forever. Plus, this gives me brownie points towards our first fight.”

  “If you do everything I tell you to do and don’t piss me off, we won’t fight.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Now eat your pudding.”

  I giggled.

  “What now?” he asked.

  “Pudding’s just a funny word,” I admitted.

  “Yeah, I guess it is.” He grinned and shoved the spoon in my mouth again. “Did they say when you could go home?”

  “Tomorrow I think.” I pushed his hand away when I’d enough to eat. “Do you need to go?”

  “Soon. We’re almost done with your car and I’m not likin’ what we’re findin’.”

  I frowned. “What are you finding?”

  “Can we wait until you’re feelin’ better?”

  “No. I’m fine, Hatch. Just tell me the truth.”