Body Shot (Last Shot)(64)
“Aunt Gina is my dad’s sister. Gina and Colin Strong.”
He pulled up in front of a gorgeous, two-story stucco house in Mira Mesa, with a lush landscaped front yard, flower beds full of color and greenery. “How old are your aunt and uncle?” he asked as he followed her quick steps up the sidewalk.
“Seventy-four and seventy-eight.”
“Wow. And they’re still living in this huge house?”
“I know, right?” She used a key to enter the house. “Hello! I’m here.”
He stepped inside and glanced around as Hayden hurried through the spacious foyer and into a carpeted living room. He tagged along, taking in the curvy sofa and love seat upholstered in blue velvet, the carved dark wood furniture—including a piano against one wall—and flowery drapes and cushions.
Hayden knelt beside a recliner where a woman sat, the chair laid back. A man—Hayden’s uncle no doubt—sat on the nearby love seat. Their faces were both pale and lined with worry, and in the case of the aunt, pain.
“Are you okay, Aunt Gina?”
“I think so.”
“How much pain are you in? Should we take you to the hospital for X-rays?”
“I don’t want to go back to the hospital. I hate that place.”
“I know you do. But if you broke something, or knocked your pin out of place, they need to fix it.”
“I don’t think it’s that bad. Really.”
“Can you walk?”
The woman swallowed. “Yes.”
“Let me see.”
Beck smiled. At that moment everyone noticed his presence and he took a couple more steps into the room.
“Aunt Gina and Uncle Colin, this is Beck Whitcomb. He was at my place when you called so he drove me here.”
Gina regarded him with interest, Colin with a frown. Beck stepped forward again and extended a hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Strong.” He gave him a firm handshake, registering the older man’s assessment of his hair, beard, and tattoos.
His presence did seem to distract Gina from her pain, as she smiled at him. “Well, hello, Beck. It’s lovely to meet you. Hayden hasn’t mentioned you.” She glanced at her niece. “We keep telling her she needs to get out more.”
Beck grinned. “No, really?”
“Here.” Hayden frowned at him, but arranged Gina’s walker near the chair for her. “Let me help you stand, Aunt Gina.”
The woman managed to get to her feet and moved across the carpet with the walker. Eliminating the thick carpet would likely be a good idea. But hell, getting them out of this house would be even better. Trained to assess details rapidly, Beck took in the staircase to the second story, the big kitchen and dining room, the sliding doors onto a large patio covered with a pergola, and beyond that what appeared to be a huge lawn with a stone-edged pond and fountain. Jesus.
“There,” Gina said to Hayden through gritted teeth. “See? I’m fine.”
Hayden nodded, her forehead still furrowed. “Okay, that is good. When is your next doctor appointment?”
“Wednesday.”
“Good.” Hayden bit her lip. “Well, if you think you’re okay, we won’t go to the hospital, but make sure you mention to the doctor that you fell so he can check things out.”
“I will.”
Hayden turned to her uncle. “You’re taking her to the doctor?”
“Of course.”
Should the old guy be driving? Eh, he did seem pretty sharp, and physically fit.
“Make sure she tells the doctor,” Hayden said.
“I will.”
She glanced around. “Did you eat dinner?”
“I was trying to make some soup,” Gina said. “That’s when I fell.”
“You weren’t using your walker, were you?”
Gina sighed. “No. I was just in the kitchen and it’s hard to cook and get things out of cupboards with it. It’s in the way.”
Hayden sighed and looked at her uncle. “Uncle Colin, you need to help out more. Let Aunt Gina sit in a chair and tell you what to do.”
Her uncle nodded, his face tight. “You’re right, I know. I was busy outside and…hell. I’m sorry, Gina honey. This is my fault.”
“It’s not your fault.” Gina smiled at him. Their love for each other was evident, which was pretty damn cool considering how long they must have been together. “I’ll be more careful.”
Beck watched Hayden’s expression as she clearly struggled with something. “I’ll make you some soup and a sandwich,” she said, rising.
“I can help,” Beck offered.
She shot him a smile. “Thanks.” She got her aunt back into her recliner. “Did you take any pain medication, Aunt Gina?”