Chapter 19
Lorna and Eleanor arrived only a few minutes before the detectives. Dakota awoke to their voices—more arguing—with Terrell trying to mediate. But pain caused him to regain consciousness. His last dose of morphine came and went hours ago, and the nurses just let him sleep it off. Now, his respiratory system burned, his hand hurt, and his whole body felt awful. He groaned. Though he squeezed the button to summon a medical professional, several minutes passed without anyone noticing him. Eventually, a brave nurse pushed through the fighting to provide his medication.
All three of the family members drifted over to him after the nurse finished. None asked how he was doing, though at least Lorna seemed to acknowledge his poor health. “How long?” she asked her nephew.
“They think w
