She went to the bathroom, relieved herself, brushed her hair and teeth using the toiletries she’d had in her backpack, then took a deep breath before heading back into the main room. When it was light enough, she needed to check on the dog, get him—and herself—something to eat, bring in more logs from the front porch.
But first, she’d see if she could get Riggs to drink something and take more Tylenol. Then she’d tackle everything else before maybe reading one of the many books Riggs had on the shelves in the corner of the room.
Anything to keep her mind off the surreal situation she’d found herself in.
Chappy hurt.
All over.
There was only one other time he could remember being this miserable.
For a moment, he wondered if he was back there. In that cell. Chained to the wall with his buddies hurting all around him.
“Cal?” he called out.
But got no answer.
Agitated now, Chappy tried to open his eyes, but they were so heavy. He couldn’t do it.
“JJ? Bob?”
“Shhhhh, they’re fine,” a quiet voice soothed from nearby.
Chappy froze. That was new. There hadn’t been any women around that hellhole that he could remember.
The mattress dipped as if someone had sat beside him. A soft hand touched his face, and he turned into it. When was the last time he’d been touched? He couldn’t remember. And by a woman? It had been years.
“Drink this,” the melodic voice ordered. Chappy wanted to ask what it was, but he didn’t get the chance before he felt his head being propped up and something touch his lips.
He was leery until she said, “It’s just water, Riggs. I promise.”
He trusted her. He didn’t know why, but he did. So he opened his mouth and drank.
The water was cool, soothing his throat, which felt as if it were on fire.
“Easy. Don’t drink too fast or it’ll make you sick.”
Chappy felt as weak as a newborn, and he hated it. Again, the only other time he’d felt so helpless was when he’d been a hostage.
And just like that, he stiffened at the memory.
“No, you’re okay. You’re here in Maine, in your cabin. You’re safe, Riggs. I swear.”
He was still worried and on edge, but that instinctive trust filled him once more. A name left his lips without thought. “Carlise.”
“That’s right. I’m Carlise, and you’re safe. I’ll be right back.” The mattress shifted as she stood, and his hand shot out, grabbing her arm and keeping her from leaving.
“Stay,” he croaked.
“I need to put some more wood on the fire. I’m not going anywhere. Not that I could, even if I wanted to.”
“Stay! Please!” he begged once more.
“I’ll be right back, Riggs.”
“Promise?” he asked.
“I promise. You’re okay. Your friends are okay. You’re just sick, Riggs. You’ll be better soon . . . I hope.”
Confusion swam in his veins, but Chappy let go of her arm. She said she’d be back, and he trusted her to keep her word.
He didn’t know how much time had passed before he felt the mattress next to him sag again.
“I’m here,” she said.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
He thought he heard her chuckle before she said, “Yes. You’re the one who’s sick.”
“Did you eat? Are you cold? I can . . .” He made a move to get up, but she stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder.
“I’m good, Riggs. Promise.”
Chappy frowned. He didn’t like feeling so helpless. He was confused about where he was and what was happening, but deep down he knew something wasn’t right. He couldn’t put his finger on what might be wrong, but he wanted to protect Carlise. Make sure she was warm, fed, comfortable. At the moment, however, he couldn’t even sit up.
Needing to be closer to the woman, to keep her by his side and make sure nothing happened to her, that she wouldn’t get lost again, Chappy turned and threw his arm out . . . over her lap? It felt like she was sitting on the bed right beside him. He tightened his hold and snuggled against her leg.
He felt gentle fingers running through his hair, and he sighed in contentment. He felt like shit, his body hurt, but with the woman next to him, somehow his discomfort faded away.
A couple of hours later, Carlise could feel her panic building. Riggs managed short bouts of sleep, but every time she tried to move, he’d start calling for his friends and thrashing on the bed. The only way he seemed to remain calm was if she stayed right where she was, letting him hold her.