Chapter Seventeen #2
He opened the nightstand drawer to reveal a shattered cell phone, a crushed monocular, and what looked like a few pieces of her radio.
“Nora said they pretty much cut everything off you in the ambulance. But I bet we could get a volunteer to come get us if you asked.” He checked his phone. “I happen to have Caden’s number.”
Fallon kept her expression neutral. “Okay. Uh…what day is it?”
“Saturday. So tomorrow will be a day off, right?” he asked. She nodded. “Can you stick it out the rest of today?”
She took stock. Her shoulder hurt, and her hip ached from just that short walk. The idea of seeing Nora again made her want to be as functional as possible. “Tomorrow it is. But I want to know what’s going on with your dad as soon as you hear.”
“Deal.”
* * *
Fallon inhaled deeply, thrilled to be free from the scents and sounds and sights of the hospital.
Nora had called with the news that their father needed more tests, telling Tyler she’d be staying for a few more days at least and to come when he could.
Fallon found herself eager to accompany him.
Caden had picked them up and seemed especially thrilled to share the information that Ranger Dick had been called to the forest supervisor’s office.
His absence was especially convenient since everyone else acted like her return was the second coming.
Tyler had to run point to keep Maris from hugging her, but everyone else understood the sling and gave her room.
There wasn’t very much to pack, it turned out.
Fallon left Ranger Dick a note saying she’d return after her convalescence, but a small part of her wondered if that would really happen. Either way, she felt strangely calm.
After they stopped to replace her cell phone, Fallon watched Tyler drive for a while.
He was good and careful behind the wheel, and the activities of the day were killing her shoulder and hip, so she swallowed half a pain pill.
She hadn’t expected to be completely knocked out, and it wasn’t until Tyler called her name that she realized they’d parked.
“We’re about an hour and a half away,” he said. “But I need a break. Are you hungry?”
“Sure,” she said, thinking that standing and stretching might be even better.
She’d almost mastered the art of one-handed eating, and a burger and fries did the trick.
Tyler had a grilled cheese sandwich and a salad.
“I have a question,” she said as they finished.
“But it’s probably none of my business, and you’re free to say so, and we’ll leave it at that. ”
“Okay,” he said, drawing the word out.
“I got the impression that Nora—and maybe you—aren’t particularly close to your father. It just surprises me that she’s there now.”
“Ah.” He paused, seeming lost in thought. “Let’s just say, I think Nora is doing penance.” Before Fallon could inquire further, he added, “But it’s her story to tell.”
She nodded and dropped a few bills for the check.
In the restroom, she spent way too much time struggling with pulling down her jeans and getting them up again.
She hadn’t thought about her wardrobe choices when the nurse had been there to help her this morning.
Clearly, some basic things in life were going to be challenging for the next few weeks.
And knowing she would see Nora soon prompted a once-over in the mirror.
The scratches on her face were beginning to heal, and she was glad the nurse had helped wash her hair before she’d left the hospital, but she was still a mess.
Oh well, take it or leave it, she thought, wondering which Nora would choose.
It was late afternoon when they reached the house. A woman Fallon didn’t recognize came onto the porch as they pulled up. “My cousin Anita,” Tyler murmured, shutting off the engine and waving as he opened the door. Anita called something back into the house and disappeared.
In the dusky light, the Palmer place looked different from the tidy, well-kept home Fallon remembered.
The small front yard needed cutting, and the flower beds near the porch were overgrown.
One of the decorative shutters hung slightly askew, and the whole house could have done with a coat of paint.
As she stood, moving gingerly to accommodate the ache in her left side, she wondered how long Mr. Palmer had been ill.
Tyler was at the front door, and she heard Nora saying something in a questioning tone. He gestured toward the truck, and Nora stepped onto the porch. Fallon sketched a wave, uncertain as to her welcome.
Nora held a hand to her mouth for a few seconds before rushing down the stairs. “You’re here,” she breathed. “And you’re feeling all right?”
Fallon grinned. “Better than I look.”
Nora glanced at the sling. “Oh, Fallon, I want to hug you, but I know I can’t.”
“Yeah, not the best move for a little while.” Nora’s eyes filled with tears, and Fallon moved closer, holding out her good arm. “But I can do this if you want.”
Nora leaned carefully into the right side of her chest, and Fallon draped a hand over her back. Her left side protested, but she ignored it. “I hate it that you got hurt.” Nora’s voice wavered. “But it was worse when I thought…oh God, I couldn’t stand it when I thought—”
Fallon felt dampness on her shirt, and she tightened her hold as much as she could. “Hey,. I’m fine. Or I will be. But I’m not too clear on exactly what happened.”
“Could we…” Nora took in a breath that was part sob. “Could we talk about it later? I need to, uh, to get used to you being here.”
Fallon frowned. “Is it okay? I told Tyler I’d stay at the hotel, but that would entail someone carting me back and forth, so…”