Page 66 of Help Wanted

“It is.”

“Will I still go home with you on Saturday?”

“Yep.”

“Two days.”

“You got it.”

Another woman walked out carrying crutches.

“Okay, Hunter. Can you try these? Keep your left foot off the floor if possible. Use the crutches to hold yourself up.”

“Brady, I get to have crutches.” To see the excitement on his face, you would have thought he’d won the lottery.

“I see that. Maybe don’t climb any more trees.”

“But the nest fell on the ground, and the bird would come home and it wouldn’t be there.”

The other woman stepped closer and held out her hand.

“I’m Dr. Walker. I just took over as director two weeks ago.” He recognized her voice as the person who had called him.

“And how many of your patients have fallen out of trees in the last two weeks?”

* * *

“Do you have a moment to discuss your brother’s care?” Michaela asked, as she ignored his jab and tried to stand tall. She was on the short side, but she knew backing down from this huge man who was trying his best to intimidate her would get her nowhere.

“Yes.” He turned to his brother and smiled. For a moment she wished he would have smiled at her. But of course he wouldn’t. He was angry. She needed to diffuse the situation. “I’ll be right back. Keep your foot up, okay?”

“You’ll be back?”

“Yes. Right back.”

“How many minutes?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll let you know when I come out.”

“Okay.”

Michaela led the giant to her office and gestured to the chairs in front of her desk.

“So what’s up?” Brady took possession of the room the minute he sat. He looked completely in control as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I wanted to discuss some options with you.”

“Options?”

“Yes. I guess I wondered why Hunter was here.”

“Why?” Brady looked at her like she was nuts. “Because when he was eleven he was thrown through a windshield and ended up in a coma for nearly two months before he woke up with brain damage.”

“I’ve read his chart. I understand the injury. I’m just wondering why you haven’t looked into assisted living or group homes.”

“That’s what this place is.”

“No. This is a complete care center. It’s for people who need more extensive care and rehabilitation.”