The Arrangement

Chapter 12

I hurt all over. I can hardly move, I try to open my eyes but they refuse to cooperate. Panic rises up in me. I try again and manage to open them but I shut them immediately. It’s too bright, finally they adjust and I look around the room. I’m in the hospital, to my right, Michael is asleep in a chair, and he looks devastated, like he is having a bad dream. My head is buzzing. I try to sit up and knock over a bottle on the table next to me. s**t!

“Jen!” He exclaims jumping up, “How are you feeling?”

“Like a train hit me. What happened?” I ask

“You were shot.” He says regarding me intently.

“Shot.” I say in disbelief. “By who?”

“We don’t know but we are going to find out.” He says angry. I feel the rage radiating from him. There’s a knock on the door, it opens and a small man with a mustache enters, “Good morning Mrs Wellington. I’m Detective Frank James and I have a few questions about the incident.”

“She just woke up, can’t it wait.” He replies pissed.

“I’m afraid not, I have to get some details while it is still fresh in your wife’s memory.” Detective James says.

Before I could correct the detective that I’m not married yet. Michael throws his hands up in the air in defeat and mumbles, “Fine.”

Damn he is really mad but it’s sweet that he cares.

“Mrs Wellington, do you remember who shot you?”

“Please call me Jennifer and no I didn’t see anything.”

“Do you know of anyone that would want to harm you?”

“No.”

“Any death threats?”

“No.”

“Okay well thank you for your time, Jennifer. I’ll be in touch.” He says handing me his card, he smiles then nods at Michael who nods back and leaves.

The moment the detective closes the door Michael takes my hand, “I thought I lost you.”

“I’m right here.”

“You could have died.”

“But I didn’t.”

“I’m so sorry.” He says running his hands through his hair and walking over to the window.

“It’s not your fault.”

“I’m the one that took you out there in the first place.”

“Michael, listen to me, Ow.” I say trying to sit up.

“What are you doing?” Michael asks worried.

I put my hand up and continue, “Look what happened, Ow, is not your fault, Ow, stop blaming yourself for something that you can’t control, Ow, dammit.” I manage to finally sit up; I try to ignore the screeching pain shooting through my entire body. There! Suck it hole in me. Anger helps.

“You’ll tear your wound.” He whispers walking back to me.

“I don’t care.” I reply. I’m too pissed to care. Who would want to shoot me? I’ve never done anything to anyone.

“Hey. Lie back down please.” He says gently. I let him help me back down. It feels better. Lying down is good but I hope I made my point.

“I’m sorry; I’ve just been so worried.” He says stroking a stray lock out of my face and tucks it behind my ear. It’s soothing.

“I get it.” I smile up at him.

He returns my smile but it doesn’t reach his eyes, at least he is calmer and that makes me happy.

There is a soft knock on the door and we look up to see who it is. It’s a doctor, she is tall and slender with pale skin and bright green eyes, and she has a warm smile on her face. Her name tag reads S. Marshall.

“Mrs Wellington, you should be resting.” She says, giving Michael a cold stare. I smile, she is immune to his charm.

“Please call me, Jennifer.” I tell her.

She nods her acknowledgement and continues, “Jennifer, you should experience some pain over the next few weeks, the bullet was successfully removed and I expect you make a full recovery.”

Good news. “Thank you doctor. When can I go home?” I’m not a fan of hospitals. They creep me out.

“I would prefer you to stay here for the duration of your recovery, just so we can keep an eye on you.”

No thank you. “I really want to go home.” I sulk.

“Jenn…” Doctor Marshall starts to say but is interrupted by Michael, shocking both the doctor and me, “Doctor please get the discharge papers ready, because I’m taking my fiance home.”

“Yes, Mr Wellington.” She says turning on her heel then she turns around. “Jennifer can be discharged in a four days.” With that she stomps out of the room. I think she is angry at him and maybe me too. Oops.

I’m stuck in the hospital but I’ve made my peace with it. Michael reluctantly leaves. I get it I wouldn’t want to leave either if the roles were reversed. Detective James posted a guard outside my door just in case. It feels strange. I’m wishing the days away I’d really like to be in my own bed.