CHAPTER 1
Simon
“Look at him lying there like a baby,” I heard Sam’s voice in the distance.
“Yeah. He’d do anything to get attention. He always has.” Stefan’s voice filtered through the soft beeps of the monitor I was hooked up to.
“Right? He just couldn’t stand that all the attention was on my restaurant tonight,” Sebastian spoke.
“I can hear you, douchebags,” I moaned as I slowly opened my eyes.
“Hey, bro.” Sam smiled as he leaned over me. “It’s about time you woke up.”
Looking to my left, I noticed the sling that kept my shoulder and my arm stabilized, and I felt nothing. Not even a hint a pain except in my back when my body hit the concrete after that motherfucker fired his gun at me. I was still dazed and in a state of confusion.
“The doctor said the surgery went well. He removed the bullet from your shoulder and from what he could tell there isn’t any permanent damage,” Sebastian said as he sat on the edge of the bed.
“You’re lucky, bro, and you scared the shit out of us,” Stefan walked over and placed his hand on mine.
“What the hell were you thinking going after that guy without any backup?” Sam asked.
“I was just checking out a tip I received. I didn’t see the asshole. His shot came out of nowhere.”
“Well, you’re lucky he’s a shitty shot.” A smirk crossed Stefan’s lips. “It could have been way worse.”
“Mom and Dad were in here for a while. They went to go grab some coffee,” Sam said.
“And Roman?”
“Roman was here while you were in surgery. He had to leave, and said he’ll be back.”
The door to my room opened and an older man wearing light blue scrubs walked in.
“You’re awake.” He smiled. “I’m Dr. Kata, and I dug that nasty bullet out of your shoulder and repaired some artery damage.”
“You did an excellent job because I don’t feel any pain.” I managed a weak smile.
“That’s because we have you pumped up on pain meds and a nerve block. Trust me, once it wears off, you’ll be cussing me up and down. That sling is to stay on for two weeks. The only time you’re allowed to take it off is when you shower. Do you understand me, detective?” His brow arched.
“Yes.”
“Also, you are to sleep in a semi-upright position for the next couple of weeks. Do you have an adjustable bed or a recliner?”
“I have a recliner.”
“Good. Sleep in that and keep a pillow under that shoulder for comfort. I’ve prescribed you some pain medication I’m sending home with you, and an antibiotic. Take the pain meds only if you can’t take the pain and finish the round of antibiotics. You’re going to need physical therapy which you will start in a couple of weeks. I’m not going to lie to you, it’s going to take time to get your arm and shoulder functioning again. But you’re in great shape and you’re strong, so I do expect a shorter recovery than your average joe.”
“What about work?”
He chuckled. “You’ll be off at least a month, per me. When your captain decides to let you come back, that’s up to him. And when you do go back, it’s nothing but light desk duties for a while.”
All three of my brothers snickered because they knew me all too well.
“When can I get out of here?”
“In a couple of days. I’ll come back in the morning and see how you’re doing, check your vitals, and we’ll take it from there. In the meantime, you need your rest. You’re a lucky man, Detective Kind. The damage could have been much, much worse.” He patted my arm before leaving the room.
As soon as the doctor left, my partner, Roman walked in.
“You’re awake. Now, I’m going to knock you out for pulling this shit.”
“Did you find him?”
“No. Not yet. We checked all his usual hangouts, and he isn’t anywhere to be found. He’s most likely in hiding.”
“Good. Because I want to be the one to find him, and when I do—”
“Relax, partner. We’ll get him. Until then, you just focus on getting better.”
“Asshole,” I heard a whisper in my ear.
Opening my eyes, I saw Jenni hovering over me, and a smile crossed my lips.
“Hello to you too.”
“Are you an idiot? You could have been killed and then what?”
“I guess you would have to call someone else for a booty call.” I gave her a smirk.
Her eyes steadily narrowed at me as her face was mere inches from mine.
“Very funny. Anyway, I’m happy you’re okay. I brought you some get-well flowers.” She smiled as she pointed to the arrangement sitting on the small table next to the chair.
“Thank you, Jen. That was really sweet of you.”
The door to my room opened and Sam and Julia walked in.
“Hey, Simon.” Julia walked over and kissed my cheek. “I made you some apple turnovers.” She set the container on my tray.
“Thanks, Julia.”
“Hey, bro.” Sam walked over and held out his fist. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Not too bad as long as I keep pushing this button to the pain pump.”
“You better watch how often you do that.” Emilia smiled as she walked in. “It’ll run out before you know it, and you won’t get another one.” She walked over and kissed my cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m good, Emilia. Where’s Sebastian?”
“He’s on his way with breakfast for you. I have to get to the office, but I wanted to stop by and check on you first.” She grabbed hold of my hand.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Sure, I did.” A smile crossed her lips. “And just so you know, I will be helping you clean that wound and change your bandages when you get home.”
“You can be my doctor anytime.” I gave her a wink.
“I heard that, douchebag.” Sebastian walked into the room. “Say something like that to my girlfriend again, and I’ll shoot you in the other arm.”
“Ouch, bro. You’d really do that to an already wounded man?”
“You bet I would. I brought you breakfast so you don’t have to eat the ungodly stuff they call food in this place.”
“You’re the best. I love you man.”
“Love you too, bro.” He grabbed my hand and leaned in for a light hug.
“I need to head out and get ready for a shoot.” Jenni smiled as she leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’ll call you later.”
“Thanks, Jenni.”
As Emilia and Jenni both walked out of the room, Stefan walked in.
“Good morning.” He grinned. “Oh hey, did Sebastian make that?” He pointed to my plate.
“Yes.”
“Bro?” He cocked his head at our brother.
“Really, Stefan? I cook for you all the time. Are you laying in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound and recovering from surgery?”
“Is that what it’s going to take?” Stefan’s brow raised.