“I’m okay.” She took a fry with her good hand. It was nice and salty. Her body felt relaxed and warm. The sensations might be from the meds or it could be she enjoyed the captain’s company. He was intriguing and so different from anybody she’d ever met. The memory of him rushing in to keep her from getting shot by an armed lunatic kept running through her mind. “You know, we do work well together.”

“You make a good partner.” He reached over and patted the dog’s head. “Although I’d like it if we both stopped getting shot.”

She nodded; the room was still nicely fuzzy. “It’s a deal. No more getting shot.” She took another fry. “Did you check on Haylee Johnson?”

“Yeah. She was released last night with a little headache and was making noises about suing Abigail, but I don’t think she was serious. I think she’s freaking out because she was engaged to a serial killer. Poor thing.” He shook his head. “The woman had no idea.”

“Jason Abbott is a psychopath. He only fakes emotion but is quite convincing.” He was also charming and good looking, which were disarming attributes as well. “Has he been charged yet?”

“Not yet, but he’s in custody.” Huck leaned over and snagged a fry. “We searched his home and found the bloody ax, a journal listing all of his kills, and Sharon Lamber’s camera. That guy is nuts.”

Laurel settled back against the pillows. “Did you speak with him? About the study with Abigail?”

“I did, and he has a much different tale to tell than what we’ve found on her computer. There’s no way to prove whether any of what he says is true. He said he wasn’t violent until he worked with her.” Huck chewed thoughtfully and then petted the dog again. “When you’re out of here, let’s do something fun. Maybe see a movie like normal people.”

She opened the burger wrapper. “That sounds lovely to me. Although, I feel I should warn you that I’m terrible at dating.”

“Why’s that?” He took more of the fries.

She bit into the burger, and it was delicious. “I miss subtext, sarcasm, and subtlety. Also, I become obsessed with my work.”

“Ditto, and I like to be left alone usually. Plus, it’s just a movie. As partners, even.”

She smiled. “That’s acceptable.”

He cleared his throat. “I also talked to your boss this morning and assured him you were okay, probably before you talked to him because he didn’t mention your request. The guy seems to really respect you. He said to ask you how many people have worn red jewelry within three yards of you this last week.”

She chewed thoughtfully. “Eleven if you count maroon beads, which he would.”