Page 143 of Criminally Yours

He shrugged and folded his arms. “I’ve faced worse situations than this.”

“If you don’t go to the bathroom, I’ll ban you from my room,” Millie said, although, with her hoarse voice, it lost its threat.

“Fine and I’ll update everyone in the waiting room with your progress, but then I’m returning to be your private nurse,” he grumbled. She flared her nostrils. “Not like that.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t need to,” he added from the doorway as he left.

“He didn’t sleep all night,” her nurse said as a doctor joined them.

“Hello, Millie, how are you feeling?”

“Sore. My head hurts, and I ache everywhere.”

“I’m not surprised. Nurse Mackle and I will check you over. Hopefully, we can get you home in a few days.” The doctor helped Millie move her limbs as she answered questions about her vision and pain.

“What did Strike mean when he said everyone in the waiting room?”

“There are three very confident women from the town,” the nurse commented. “Strike’s parents, a group of huge men, and a woman who keeps telling them what to do are there as well.”

Liss.

“One of the massive men, the Irish guy, is cradling a baby. My ovaries exploded when he sang her a lullaby,” the doctor added.

“We’ll keep you here a couple of nights. Mr. Moorcroft paid for the best private care in Cornwall. It will give you time to recover away from everyone,” the doctor said. “You’ve got a head injury, and we suspect your left hand is broken.”

Millie stared at her hand.

“We waited for you to wake before X-raying it and putting it in plaster. Nurse Mackle will accompany you for your scan.”A cheer sounded from out the door. “I guess he’s told your visitors you’re awake.”

Millie’s mouth lifted tentatively.

Strike peeked around the door. “Can I come back?” He carried balloons and several bouquets. A teddy was tucked under his arm.

Millie nodded. “You didn’t have to buy all that. I won’t be here long.”

“These are from your friends. I’ve sent them away with a promise they can see you when you get home.”

“Do my family know?”

Strike winced.

“We’ll leave you two to it. I’ll be back in an hour to take you for your X-ray,” the nurse said. “Come on, Doctor. let’s get one last look at the hot dad before he goes. He’s single.”

“And young enough to be your son.” Their voices faded into the sounds of the hospital.

“Your brother’s flying in tomorrow, and your parents are returning from their cruise. I tried to keep it quiet, but you’re all over the news.” Strike sat on the edge of the bed. “I can handle your dad, but I’m not sure I’m ready for your mum. During our brief phone call, she blamed everything on me. She scares the shit out of me.”

“I got you, baby,” Millie said with a wink.

“Thank you, beautiful.” He stared at the bed.

“Do you want to join me under the blanket?”

“I won’t fit.”

“We’ll make you fit.”