“This is all because of your husband, Michael Granito. No wife of his will get the common hospital treatment,” Sandy said, sneering as she spoke. “Can I say he’s a fucking bastard?”
“What is he doing here?”
“Kelsey, you almost died. You tried to kill yourself. Killer found you in water tainted with your own fucking blood. This is a big fucking deal.” Sandy’s voice rose.
Wincing, she glanced at the other woman. “Is Killer okay?”
“My God, what is with you? You can’t leave here, Kels. You’ve got to be evaluated. Your wrists were fucking sliced open, and you even did it properly going up the vein rather than across.” Sandy stood leaning over her.
“I’m sorry.” The tears that filled her eyes finally spilled over. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
The lie poured out of her mouth. She was feeling trapped. Michael turning back up awakened all of her memories of her parents. Her mother’s cruel words finally got through to her and hurt her more than ever before.
“Don’t cry, Kels. You’re loved, and everyone is worried about you.”
“Look at me, Sandy. We barely know each other, and yet you’re the only one here. I’m tied to my bed, and I’m scared.” She couldn’t admit to the other woman that she regretted slitting her wrists the moment she did it.
“They can’t see you. Michael won’t let them, and he’s down as your next of kin. He’s also paying the hospital a lot of money to keep them away. Tate, Killer, and the others are all here, waiting to see you. Killer left earlier to shower and change. He had to. He stank and was covered in blood.” Sandy stopped, looking toward the window.
“Michael won’t let them in?”
“No, he won’t.”
“How are you here?” Kelsey asked. Out of all of The Skulls Sandy was the last person she knew. She would expect Murphy or Lash to be here before Sandy.
“I work here, and he can’t keep me away. I’m your assigned doctor.”
Nodding, Kelsey tried to sit up and failed. Sandy helped her to sit up. “Can the restraints come off?”
“Not yet. We’re worried about you.”
Gritting her teeth Kelsey turned her head to look toward the window. It was night, and she’d been in hospital an entire day. Kelsey couldn’t believe how quickly her life had changed. What would Sandy say if she told her the truth about regretting her decision to end her life?
She felt so fucking stupid, and now she was bound to a bed until someone decided she wouldn’t kill herself.
“Once the doctor comes around to do his final assessment of your injuries you’ll be moved up to the psych ward where you’ll be analyzed. Your treatment will be decided from there.”
Kelsey glanced back to see Sandy still stood over her. “I thought you were my doctor.”
“I was. Your sweet little husband got me kicked off your case. It doesn’t stop me from coming to see you.” Sandy gave her a wink. “I imagine he’ll be back to see you soon, and I’ll be kicked out.”
“I don’t want you to go.” Being forced to deal with Michael while tied down scared the life out of her.
“It’s not my decision, honey. I’ll talk with some people and make sure you get the best care.”
“What the fuck are you doing in here?” Michael’s voice boomed through the spacious room.
Closing her eyes, Kelsey tried to cut out the pain of hearing his voice.
“I’m talking with my friend. Back the fuck off. You may shout and get people to do your bidding, but I’m not most fucking people.” Sandy had her hands on her hips facing Michael.
“Don’t, please,” Kelsey said. She wanted some peace and quiet to deal with what had happened to her.
“She’s awake?” Michael asked.
“Yeah, dick-wad, she’s a-fucking-wake.”
“Please, stop fighting. I can’t deal with this.” Kelsey would have rubbed her temple if she could lift her hand all the way to her head. Everything was closing in around her.
“Don’t stress, Kels. I’ll tell Killer you’re doing fine.” Sandy touched her arm and walked off. Panicking at being left alone with her husband, Kelsey called back to the only woman connected to The Skulls. “What’s the matter, honey?”
“Tell him I’m sorry.”
“I will. Take care and get well. You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ll tell him.” Sandy left.
Alone with Michael, Kelsey struggled to look at him. After a few minutes passed he walked up beside the bed. She finally looked up at him.