Chosen by a Killer by Laurie Nave (read e book txt) 📗

driving home, and I tried to slow down on the way down a hill,” Celia began. “My brakes locked up or something, and I couldn’t stop. I swerved onto the shoulder, but I overestimated, and I went down the embankment and into the ditch. I hit a pretty big bump, and the car turned on its side.”

The doctor stepped forward and took Celia’s head in his hands, gently moving it from side to side. “Any pain?” Celia shook her head no. He performed the basic neurological tests as the nurse had, and then he did some writing.

“Ms. Brockwell, I’m going to send you to radiology for a couple of tests and some imaging. We’ll take a look at those. No doubt you’ll be pretty sore for the next few days, but if the images don’t show injury, you should be fine. Are you feeling any nausea or dizziness?”

“No, none.”

“Alright, then. The nurse will be back in soon to take you down to radiology. I’ll also write you a prescription for pain. It isn’t unusual to have a bruised sternum in these kinds of accidents, and those are painful.”

After the doctor left, Keith studied Celia. “You sure you aren’t nauseated, being tough for the doctor?”

Celia laughed. “I’m fine. If I did hit my head, it couldn’t have been very hard. The car didn’t actually roll. I figure my neck will be the sorest.”

He rubbed it for a few minutes, and Celia winced. It was already getting tender.

“I’ll wait up here while you get x-rays. Then we can head to your house, by way of takeout, of course.” He grinned.

“Oh yeah, our supper is all over my car, isn’t it?”

“Too bad. I was really in the mood for pizza.”

When Celia returned from radiology, Keith was on the phone, arguing with someone. “I don’t care what you have to do. Get some footage, find out what happened to that car. You and I both know it was Bart. He’s crazy, and if you guys don’t stop him, I will.” Celia stepped backward to listen. “Yeah, thanks. Sorry, you’re right. Yeah, I know she’s not my sister. Just try to find something out, and soon.”

Celia made some noise as she walked in, and Keith hung up the phone. “They said the doctor should be back up here in half an hour. Apparently, I’m a VIP.”

“Celia Brockwell, rising star editor-in-chief,” Keith smiled.

“Yeah right. More like Celia who? Friend of assertive cops.”

The doctor walked in carrying a clipboard. “Well, Ms. Brockwell, it looks like you have a mild concussion. I’m not seeing any fractures or dislocations, but, as I said, you’ll be sore, especially your sternum. I have a prescription here for some pain medication, and you need to be monitored for the next 48 hours.”

“I can do that at home, correct?” Celia was not about to stay in the hospital overnight if she didn’t have to stay. She was not a fan of hospitals.

“I wouldn’t be comfortable with that if you live alone.”

“I’ll be staying with her for as long as necessary,” Keith said. He nodded when Celia mouthed a thank-you.

“In that case, be sure to avoid sleeping for the next several hours. If you experience any severe nausea, dizziness, or vomiting, you need to come back in immediately. A concussion is not something to ignore. I would also avoid driving for several days.”

Celia was about to protest, but Keith spoke up first. “She won’t be going to work for a couple of days, and when she goes back, I’ll be driving her.”

The doctor nodded, gave some final instructions, and then he left them to prepare to go home.

“Thanks, Dad,” Celia said as she gathered her things.

“Just following doctor’s orders. And I’ll be making sure you do too.”

“So am I grounded?”

“You will be if you don’t behave.”

Celia rolled her eyes, and Keith laughed. They left the hospital and climbed into Keith’s Jeep. Celia winced a bit as she pulled the seatbelt across her body. Okay, so maybe the doctor had a point. Her head was throbbing, and so she asked Keith if they could drop off the prescription on their way back to her house. He agreed and said he’d get back out to pick it up later. Celia wasn’t used to being taken care of by someone else, but she was grateful for Keith. The whole event had rattled her, and she didn’t want to be alone. It was a strange feeling, depending on someone besides herself.

“Go rest. I’ll wake you with some food and your medicine in 45 minutes. Don’t go to sleep.”

“Yes, Dad.” Celia rolled her eyes at Keith. Ugh, note to self, eye-rolling hurts.

“Don’t make me ground you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Celia closed her bedroom door. She kicked off her shoes and climbed into the bed fully clothed. Thank goodness for blackout shades. Surely closing her eyes would ease the pain.

“Wake up, sleepy. I thought I told you sleeping was out.” Keith was nudging her gently.

“What the –“Celia rolled over. “Oh god, my head.”

“I’ve got the stuff for that. Sit up.” He pulled back the covers and lifted her into a sitting position.

“This is the worst hangover I’ve ever had.”

“Funny,” Keith chuckled. “I made you a sandwich. Grilled cheese.”

“Aw, mom, my favorite.”

He shrugged. “My mom made it for us when we were sick. Plus I hate to cook on short notice. Especially when there’s nothing in your fridge.”

“It tastes amazing,” Celia pointed at him with the sandwich. “I had cheese?”

“Well, no. I got a few things when I picked up your medicine.”

“What’s in this?”

“Provolone, cheddar, swiss, and Colby. With lots of butter.”

“Heaven help us,” Celia took another bite. “How are you not married with three kids?”

“Just lucky, I guess. Here’s some water. Once you’ve had a few more bites, you need to take this. It’ll help with the headache. Then you probably need a shower. No offense.”

“Well, that killed the mood,” Celia snorted.

Keith left the room, and she heard him washing the skillet he’d used to cook. Lots of butter? Celia wondered how