HELPING him take off his shirt, Maddie screwed up her mouth and groaned when she saw the large bruises across Cole’s ribs.
“Don’t fuss none,” he said through gritted teeth. He moved awkwardly; the kicks he’d received had done damage. He didn’t know how much.
“You need to see Doc Evans.”
“Doc Evans is dead.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my Lord, since when?”
“Since about nine months ago.” He shook his head but couldn’t resist smiling. “Have you been living in a cave, or what?”
She went to punch him light-heartedly, as she usually did in reply to his sarcasm, but stopped herself just in time. “Who’s his replacement? I mean, is there one?”
“Yes. Wycliffe. He seems a good man.” He tried to stretch out his back, only succeeding in buckling himself up with pain.
“I’ll run you a hot ba
