Viper watched closely as he came out the door and sat down silently next to him, his hat in his hand.
“She wants you to leave, I told her I would get you to.”
“I am not leaving.”
“I know, but I am telling you now it’s a wasted effort.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes you do. You’re not going to earn her forgiveness sitting outside her closed door. Go home, get some rest, take care of business. Winter has a long road ahead of her. When she gets out of here, she’ll need you then. You won’t be any help if you’re burned out before she’s even released. Right now she has good care, you’ve seen to that. Reserve your strength for when you’ll need it the most.
“I can’t leave until I see her.”
“You’ll go home if I let you in for a minute?”
“Yes.” He couldn’t leave until he assured himself it was her living and breathing behind that door.
“Ok I shouldn’t be doing this so make sure you don’t wake her. She’s still pissed about the last time.”
The sheriff went to the door telling the security guard he would keep an eye on the door while he went and got a cup of coffee. He motioned to Viper as soon as the guard turned the corner; he opened the door for Viper to enter after checking to make sure she was still sleeping.
“One minute,” he warned.
Viper gave him a nod and entered the room. A few minutes later he quietly closed the door behind him with a grim nod, he kept his word.
***
“Do you understand these instructions?” The nurse waited patiently for Winter to sign the release papers.
“Yes.”
“I will send someone in to help you to your ride.”
“Wait, they aren’t here yet.” Winter tried to keep the worry out of her voice.
“Yes, I am.” Beth smiled brightly as she pushed opened the door.
Winter released a relieved breath. She had broken down a week ago and called Beth to work for her until she was back on her feet again. It was either hire Beth or a convalescence home. Beth had helped when her mother was ill and Winter, not knowing where else to turn called her. Beth had immediately accepted.
“I was outside talking to your doctor. I also found a physical therapist that is going to start tomorrow.” It always amazed Winter how Beth could be a little oblivious about what was happening around her but when it came to her job, the woman was completely OCD.
“Thanks Beth, I don’t know what I would do without you. The thought of having to stay even longer in this rehab center is getting to me.” The hospital in Treepoint had released her to a rehab center in Lexington where she was gradually learning to walk again after six weeks but Winter wanted to go home. While it would be a long time before she could return to work, she would be able to go home with certain conditions. Someone would have to stay with her until she was a little more mobile. The doctors had assured her she would fully recover but in the meantime she had to use a wheelchair as she regained her strength. She would also need physical therapy if she was going to continue to progress in her recovery.
“I plan to have you back on your feet in no time Winter. I just hope you don’t hate me for my methods.”
“You get me back on my feet, I will be grateful.” She assured her.
“I am going to hold you to that.” Beth replied. “Let’s hit the road. We have a long drive home.” Beth grasped Winter’s suitcases and followed as the nurse pushed her outside to the waiting car. Once they were situated inside, they were on their way.
The drive home took several hours. Winter fell asleep in the backseat where Beth had made her comfortable with several pillows and a blanket. She woke up when they pulled up in front of a drive-thru twenty minutes from home.
“I was hungry, I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I’m starving myself.” They ate burgers and fries and it was the best meal Winter had ever tasted.
“I need to use the restroom. Will you be alright for a few minutes?” Beth turned around in her seat to ask Winter.
“Of course, I’ll wait here.” Beth smiled at Winter’s show of humor, as she left the car to go to the restroom. It didn’t take long before she was sliding back into the car.
The rest of the ride didn’t take long. Winter stared out the window as they drove through the town. Nothing had changed since her attack. The same businesses and signs were there, the same potholes, even the same regulars going into the diner for a meal. Everything was the same except her.
Winter noticed that Beth had quit talking, her fingers tight on the wheel. Thinking she had something on her mind and wasn’t paying attention, Winter casually reminded her when she drove past the street her house was on.