“Yeah, I was aiming for a bathroom and missed. Oh, well. At least it wasn’t the lobby and no one’s needing therapy from having seen us appear out of thin air. Remind me, I really need to get one of those flashy things they have in Men in Black. That could really come in handy for embarrassing mistakes.” Nick glanced down and smiled. “And look! I’m fully clothed this time! Awesome! I can be taught!”

Sobering from his rampant sarcasm, he opened the door and checked the hallway to make sure it was clear before he stepped out and motioned for them to follow. So far, it wasn’t too bad. They might survive to make it to dinner.

Nick hoped for the best, but prepared himself for the worst. Just in case. Pulling out his phone, he called Bubba, who answered immediately.

“Boy, where the devil are you?”

He looked about on the drab walls for their location. “Floor three. Where you at?”

“ER, looking for your sorry hide. I swear. You done worried me to death. Taken at least ten years off my life.”

“Aw, don’t worry, Bubba. I didn’t take them off the good end.”

“You ain’t funny. Now where are you?”

Nick headed for the elevators. “We’re on our way. How’s Mark doing?”

Bubba hesitated before he answered. “Why you asking about Mark?”

“I know about him and my mom.” Nick led them into the elevator. “We heard it on the radio in the ambulance, on the ride over.”

Bubba let out a tired breath. “I didn’t want you to find out like that, Nick. I’m sorry, son.”

“Thanks. So how’s Mark doing?”

“They busted him up pretty good, but as soon as they get the X-rays back, they’ll release him. Just want to make sure there’s no internal damage. What about you? I asked and they said you weren’t even here.”

“I’m fine. Just worried about my mom and Mark.”

Nick stepped out of the elevator and paused. “We’re here. Where are y’all?”

Bubba came out a few seconds later to lead them to Mark’s room, where he lay with one arm in a sling. His blond hair was brushed back, and one side of his face was swollen and red. Whatever had attacked him had gotten the best of him and then some.

He rubbed sheepishly at his injured arm. “I’m sorry, Nick. You know I wouldn’t have let nothing happen to Cherise if I could have stopped it.”

Nick inclined his head to him. “I know. So what happened to you two?”