Luke came back shortly with a cup. “You can have ice chips.”
“Fuck.”
“When the anesthesia wears off, you can have something to eat.”
Saks reached to take the cup Luke offered and weakly dropped his arm. It felt like too much work to lift and hold. “Take it. I’ll get some later.”
“How do you feel?”
“I’m in no pain, and the colors are beautiful.”
“Smart ass.”
“I thought you had a business to run.”
“Rob’s watching the shop. He sends his best. Says the best way to beat a bullet is through.”
“Through what?”
“Like in ‘the best way out is through.’”
“He’s weird.”
“Yeah, but he should know. He’s been regaling me with stories of his DEA service. He was quite the cowboy, back in the day.”
“Gibs was like that, too. A grumpy old cowboy.”
Luke laughed. “He’d hit you on the head for that one.”
“I miss the guy.”
“Me, too.” Luke cleared his throat. “You’re looking tired.”
“Probably from the hit on the head, the bullet, and then the major surgery. Hand me an ice chip?”
Luke did as he asked. “They’ll be moving you to a room soon. One of the guys will stay through the night. We’re taking shifts to make sure no one takes any more shots at you. Still trying to figure out why those goons came after you.”
“No bloody idea.” He sucked on his ice and closed his eyes. He didn’t want to talk or think about Chrissy.
“The police will come to talk to you tomorrow.”
“You mean my cousin?” He sighed and opened his eyes.
“Maybe,” said Luke. “This investigation has become quite the thing. There’s even something about it on the news.”
“Really? I’m a freakin’ media star.” He made an arc with his good hand. “All rainbows and butterflies from over here.”
Luke chuckled. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“My family’s gonna be mortified. Did they come by?”
“Yeah, all of them.” He paused. “But the doctor told them to go home. There was too much of a ruckus between them and the Spawn.”
“And the Spawn won? I’m touched.”
“Hey. You’re our brother. Don’t forget that.”
“How’s Emily?”