“Calm down, son,” Lincoln heard his dad’s voice. “Abel got to her just in time.”
Lincoln opened his eyes again and noticed he was in a hospital room. His arm was hooked up to an IV. He used his free hand to touch his forehead and felt the thick bandage. “I have to see her. Is she hurt? I heard her screaming.”
“She is fine. She sat in here with you for an hour. Mom convinced her to walk around a bit,” his dad explained. “She’s bruised and sore, but the doctor cleared her. That asshole Jagger didn’t even come here to get her. He sent his men for her. “
“You showed them not to underestimate small town cops, didn’t you, son?” Oscar Ramirez said proudly.
“They were told to bring her to him in New York,” Abel explained, his voice was filled with anger. “They thought it would be so simple to kidnap her under our noses. They will be going home with a few more bruises than they came with.”
“And Jagger?” Lincoln choked over his name.
“The detective in New York is trying to find Jagger right now to arrest his ass,” Abel replied. “Jessy is safe, worry about getting better.”
“Lily, too.” Lincoln wondered, wanting to get up and see Jessy for himself. “Protect Lily and Mel.”
“His men said Jagger wants just Jessy,” Abel informed him. “They’re sitting in a jail cell waiting for the US Marshalls to come get their asses.”
“You let your brother handle this, son. You worry about recovering. Your mama is frantic.”
Lincoln closed his eyes and let the darkness take over again. Jessy was safe. That’s all he cared about.
* * * *
Lily leaned against Jessy. Jessy had her arms wrapped tight around her sister. Tonight had been a terrifying experience. Jagger was smart to send two unknown men in to grab her. If it hadn’t been for Abel and Sam showing up just in time, who knew where she’d be right now. The thought sent a shudder of fear right to her soul.
The waiting room was mostly empty and very quiet. A TV played in the background. They were waiting to see what the doctor said about Lincoln’s head injury. Abel told her he came to for a few minutes, asked about her and passed out again. Jessy couldn’t help but be worried. She needed to hold him and make sure he was fine.
“I thought we finally left the past behind,” Lily murmured sadly.
“I know.” Jessy sighed, fe
eling achy. She had already been checked out in the ER room and given something for pain. Lincoln’s mom and sister were organizing coffee from the cafeteria. A lot of Abel’s men wandered around the halls, checking everything out. She felt safe at this moment.
“Abel got Jagger’s men. They said Jagger was in New York. He sent them to get just me. He must think I hit him over the head. You are safe, Lily,” she assured her sister.
Lily gasped and covered her mouth. “Oh no, Jessy. “
“Don’t you worry about a thing, young lady.” Oscar Ramirez came up behind them. He put his hand on Lily’s shoulders. “Abel is devising a plan with the New York police. Meanwhile, you girls will stay with us.”
“Oh no, sir. I can’t put your family in danger,” Jessy spoke up. She’d never forgive herself if Jagger or his men hurt any of Lincoln’s family.
“I may be an old man, but I can still shoot an asshole real good,” Oscar scoffed.
“We all know it, Dad.” Abel slapped his dad on the back with a smile. He looked at Jessy with compassion. She had been hysterical earlier knowing Lincoln had been hurt. “The doctor says Lincoln is resting. He will be just fine. Just a concussion.”
“I want to stay with him,” Jessy said stubbornly. No way was she going somewhere to hide while Lincoln was lying in a hospital bed because of her.
Abel nodded. “I’ll stay, too. Dad, take mom and the girls home. Sam will be driving by often, but keep your guard up. I don’t trust those asses sitting in my jail. They could be lying to catch us off guard.”
“I know, son. You keep an eye on your brother and this young lady,” he replied firmly as his wife and daughter passed coffee around. “I’ll take care of the women.”
Jessy hugged Lily. Lily was pale and scared but she trusted Mr. Ramirez. Lincoln told him his dad was a kick-ass sheriff and still kept in excellent shape. Lily would be safer with them than sitting in an empty hospital waiting room. “It will be okay, Sis. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Lily looked in to her eyes. “Promise?”
“I promise,” Jessy said firmly. They had a good life here in Brook Hollow. Jessy had finally found her soulmate and Jagger would not ruin it. This was going to end once and for all.
Chapter Fifteen