Page 70 of Stolen Salvation

“Yeah, maybe refrain from moving your head too quickly as well. You’ve been through quite a trauma and it will take some time.”

Dr Decker proceeded to go through a bunch of questions as she checked Charlie’s reflexes and reactions. It was exhausting and felt like being given a shock exam you were desperate to pass with no clue as to the content of the paper.

“Well, everything looks good, and it seems you’re extremely lucky and should make a full recovery. It won’t happen overnight and you’ll need to rest and be patient, but I see no reason why you won’t be back to kicking asses and taking names very soon.”

Dr Decker cast a glance at Noah before turning back to her. “Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”

Charlie hated feeling so confused and groggy. “I can’t remember everything. There seem to be gaps in my memory.”

“Short- or long-term memory can be affected by a head injury of this magnitude. Do you remember Noah?”

His fingers brushed her arm and she felt safe, but she wasn’t sure if they’d fixed what was broken between them or if this was a reaction to her getting hurt. “Yes, I remember everything up until we left Longtown.”

“Short-term memory loss and especially around the incident where you were hurt is normal and should come back to you in a few days or weeks. Just be patient.”

“Can’t Noah tell me?”

“He can but I don’t want you to rush this. It’s better if you let things come back to you in increments. Forcing your brain to remember can be painful and frustrating.”

“Okay.” Charlie didn’t like the idea that others knew what had happened and she didn’t, but she was too tired to argue.

“I’ll let you get some rest and come back later. Perhaps this one will leave for his second shower in ten days now you’re awake.”

Charlie felt her lips tip into a smile even as her eyes fought to stay open. The door closed behind the doctor who’d saved her life and Charlie let sleep take her, safe in the knowledge she was safe while Noah watched over her. That was how he’d always made her feel—safe, cared for, worth the trouble.

When she opened her eyes again it was to see her sister and Noah chatting in the corner of the large room. The seats, more like armchairs, faced the drizzle of rain outside the window. “Hey.”

Noah grinned as he jumped up and rushed to her side, offering her some water for her parched throat. “How are you feeling?”

Charlie tested out her body for pain and found just the twinge in her hand and head, but otherwise a little better than the first time.

“Charlie.”

Her sister looked lost and vulnerable, as she crossed her arms over her middle as if to protect herself. “Andrea.” Charlie reached for her, and Andrea rushed to her, burying her head in Charlie’s chest as she sobbed. Charlie placed her uninjured hand over her sister’s head and let her cry as she cast a glance at Noah, who looked on with sadness and relief.

“How about I see if we can rustle up some soup while you two catch up?”

“Thank you.”

Noah dropped a light kiss on her forehead before backing out of the room. An emptiness in her gut had her wanting to call him back, fear that he’d leave her an ache she couldn’t pinpoint the reason for.

Andrea looked up through watery eyes, the once bright green a muted muddy colour now. “I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, no you don’t. You did nothing wrong.”

“I should have known he was bad news.”

Carter Cavendish, the man who had got her sister pregnant and then kidnapped her to be part of his fucked-up baby farm. She remembered that with clarity, so why not the days leading up to the shooting? “No, you shouldn’t. He was probably charming and sweet and told you everything you wanted to hear until he had you where he wanted you.”

“I still feel foolish.”

“I know but you’ll get through it.”

Charlie wanted to ask about the baby and again the word sent pain spiralling through her head.

“You okay?”

“Yeah just adjusting.” She’d never say she was in pain because they’d try and force more medication on her and she hated feeling so out of it.