Minutes passed in silence, and she started to slip into a peaceful slumber. The shifting of the mattress awoke Gretchen, but she didn’t open her eyes, wanting desperately to hold on to sleep. She heard Jax say that visiting hours were over and she had to leave. She listened to Jax’s footsteps, and the sound of her slipping on her jacket was like a lullaby. She started to dream of their mornings together, when Jax would be rushing out the door on Gretchen’s day off. Jax would never want to go because leaving her beautiful wife in bed alone was a sin—at least that was what she’d say.

“It’s not fair, you know?” Jax’s voice cut through the silence, but she was speaking so quietly, like she didn’t really want to be heard.

Gretchen kept her eyes closed.

Jax sighed heavily. “You better remember, because I can’t be the only one who does.” Jax’s words were nearly silent, but their bite was painful. The next sound was the door opening and closing.

Gretchen opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Whatever Jax was talking about left a weight of foreboding in her gut. She shifted in the hospital bed, and the first moment she had to herself filled her with fear. Every twinge of pain was stronger. She could only handle concentrating for so long before she closed her eyes and willed herself to focus on sleeping. She’d get answers in the morning.

Chapter Ten

15 days, 12 hours, 12 minutes

Gretchen was sitting up a little by the time Dr. Melendez entered her room. She managed enough words to get an update on her injuries and what procedures had been done. The idea of a small hole being drilled into her skull freaked her out for a good fifteen minutes, but she declined a dose of sedatives. Talking to Jax was next on her list. Gretchen had high hopes for visiting hours, and when her door opened, she expected to see Jax. Her disappointment must’ve been apparent when Amanda walked into the room.

“Well, good morning to you, too.” Amanda placed a large shopping bag on the chair and took off her heavy coat. “I wanted to come last night when you woke up, but visiting hours were almost over. How are you?”

Gretchen eyed Amanda. Her hair was shorter and darker than Gretchen remembered. She leaned forward in bed as far as she could without pain to look at the door.

“She’ll be here a little later. She had to drop Caleb off at school and then head to the office for a bit. That douchey boss of hers insisted she be present at a meeting.” She unpacked the bag. “I brought some rice and beans for you, if you’re feeling up to it.”

Gretchen tapped the bed to get Amanda’s attention. “Mom?”

Amanda froze. “Holy shit. Jax wasn’t fucking with me.” She wiped her forehead and took a seat. She took Gretchen’s hand in a firm hold. Very sweetly she said, “I’m sorry, sis, Mom died two years ago.” Amanda’s face was pure sadness.