10. Chapter 10 - Regina
Chapter 10 - Regina
S omething about this town doctor is off.
Throughout the entire exam, I have been trying to figure out what it is. He has been nothing but professional, so that isn’t it. No, it is something else. The fog in my brain isn’t helping.
“All right, Ms. Chaney,” he says. “Everything looks okay. No concussions, but you do have a goose egg on your forehead,” he says in a pleasant but wary tone.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, his words fade away. Now it’s time to think about where I am going to stay and where my car is. I am thankful that I at least had the forethought to grab my purse and computer.
A business card getting pushed into my hand interrupts my thoughts. Heat floods my cheeks in embarrassment at getting caught not paying attention as he spoke.
“Call me if you start getting a headache or develop other symptoms,” the doctor says as if my odd behavior is normal, pointing to the card in my hand.
“Thank you, Doctor,” I say, slowly getting to my feet and putting my coat on.
Following the doctor into the office lobby, my steps falter, discovering the sheriff sitting there waiting, presumably for me.
“Thanks, Tavan,” the sheriff says as he rises to his feet.
The doctor disappears, leaving the two of us alone as awkward silence hangs in the air.
“Can you…” I start at the same time the sheriff says.
“Where are…”
We both chuckle as I hold my hand out. “You first, please.”
He clears his throat before speaking, “I was going to ask if you needed anything from your car.” Something tells me that isn’t what he was going to ask, but don’t push the issue.
“Yeah, that is probably a good idea.” My words trail off at the end, already feeling indebted to his kindness. “Uhm, do…”
“What do you need?” he asks, his words rushed, eager, almost as if he is trying to anticipate my question.
“A place to stay. Do you have a hotel or bed-and-breakfast around here?”
Chayce seems nervous all of a sudden. Before I can read too much into it, he answers my question.
“We don’t really have anything here. Not yet, at least,” he answers. The statement is a bit cryptic.
My shoulders sag as my mind races on where I can stay. If they don’t have a hotel, they probably don’t have a car service either. My mind is spinning when the sheriff’s deep voice interrupts my thoughts.
“You can stay above the Whiskey Genie. The owner has an empty place upstairs. I already contacted Gypsy. She said you are welcome to stay as long as you need to.”
Without realizing it, a burden of the unknown lifts off of my shoulder Look up, I find the sheriff is staring at me expectantly.
“Sorry!” I exclaim before lowering my volume to a normal speaking level. “Yes, that would be great, Sheriff Galloway,” I continue with a stiff smile.
“Please,” he says gently, “call me Chayce.”
I nod in response, but he misses the gesture, having already turned toward the door. The sheriff, Chayce, steps into the frigid weather, holding the door open for me. A strong gust of bitter cold wind has my feet moving. My sneakers have me sliding on the slippery sidewalk. Before I end up in the snow, a strong arm wraps around my torso, keeping me upright.
“Come on, let’s get you settled.”