“What’s your best guess?”
“We can hope for maybe ninety-five percent.”
Kit frowned. “That won’t be good enough.”
“You just got shot, Ranger Saunders. These things take time.”
“Don’t I know it,” he grumbled. “Can I have my cell phone back?”
“Not before tomorrow. We’ve turned the landline off in this room, too. After what you’ve been through, it’s vital you get your rest. Take some naps. Watch some TV.”
“That’s like watching paint dry.”
“Exactly. Best therapy in the world.” He started for the door.
“Doc?”
The man turned. “What is it?”
Kit knew he’d been rude. “
Thank you.”
“Just doing my job.”
Kit had used that phrase on Natalie several times. He’d never been on the receiving end of it. “Thanks, anyway.”
The doctor smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Left alone for the moment, the only thing that helped Kit handle this enforced bed rest was knowing Morales and his gang were dead or in jail. He was longing to debrief with Cy and Vic, but that would have to wait until tomorrow.
“Kit?” June peeked her head around the door. “Do you mind if we come in?”
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
She came into the room, followed by Brandon. They both walked over to the side of the bed that was free of IV drips and monitors. Kit’s brother grinned. “You’re looking good for somebody who took down Austin’s finest gang of felons. They all had rap sheets a mile long. The news said they came at you with guns blazing, including an AR-15. You’ve been labeled the new Elliott Ness. Dad’s probably upstairs grinning from ear to ear.”
“You think?”
His mother leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank God you’re alive.”
“I’ve been thanking Him.”
Brandon said, “I’ve been thanking Him this didn’t happen before my event in San Antonio. You’re the best damn hazer I ever worked with.”
“That’s a compliment I’ll remember, but I’m not dead yet. Mom, would you do me a favor and go over to my condo? Natalie’s staying there. She needs to know I’m all right and that the worry is over.”
“Your captain called me early this morning and I went right over to tell her what I knew. We had breakfast and took a walk with Amy. Natalie taught her my name. You’ve never seen anything so cute in your life.”
Kit could imagine it and felt his eyelids sting with emotion. He had to clear his throat. “How is Natalie?”
“Handling it all like a trooper. She reminded me how strong you are. I needed that. I love both you boys.”
Brandon eyed Kit and they exchanged a silent message. They knew this incident had brought their father’s death back to their mother. “We love you, too, Mom. Come on. I’ll take you out for a steak dinner, then we’ll come back to say good-night.”
“I’ll see you later,” Kit murmured, pleased that his mother had spoken to Natalie, but surprised the talking had made him so tired.
* * *