Witness by Piper Davenport Read Free Book Online Page A

stepped back into the hallway.
    “How’s the arm?” Dr. Stone asked as he washed his hands.
    “Good. No more pain,” she said.
    “What about the ribs?”
    “Not quite as good.”
    He smiled. “Okay, let’s get that cast off and we’ll see where we’re at.”
    She nodded and Dr. Stone buzzed his assistant into the room. She arrived with a chainsaw. Okay, maybe not quite a chainsaw, but it made a similar noise as the doctor scored one side of her cast and then the other. He popped the cuts with a prying instrument and then cut the padding, pulling the cast open so she could remove her arm.
    Bailey grimaced as she pulled her arm out.
    “Did that hurt?”
    Bailey shook her head.
    “Why the grimace?” he asked.
    “Probably because I was expecting it to hurt, so I preemptively made it.”
    Dr. Stone chuckled. His assistant left the room and the doctor did some range of motion work on her arm and smiled. “It looks great, Bailey. The ribs might take a little more time, but overall, you’ve healed a lot faster than expected.”
    “Thanks, Dr. Stone. I appreciate it.”
    Dr. Stone nodded. “Anytime. You can wash up in the sink and, of course, you’re free to shower normally now.”
    “Thanks,” she said with a grin and made her way to the sink. “Showering with a plastic bag’s a bitch.”
    “I know it.” He smiled and leaned against the counter. “Do you have any questions or concerns?”
    Bailey shook her head. “No. I feel great.”
    “Good. You have my number, so feel free to call me. But if you have any medically-related questions, you should call the main number.”
    “Oh, okay.” She frowned over her shoulder as she washed her arm. “Wait. What else would I call you for?”
    “Dinner, maybe?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “I’d like to take you out. Dinner. Tomorrow maybe?”
    She grabbed paper towels and faced him again as she dried her hands. “I…I don’t really know what to say, Dr. Stone.”
    He smiled. “Alec.”
    “Ah. Okay. Alec.”
    “Look, I know it might seem sudden, but I’d like to get to know you.”
    “I…um…I don’t know what to say.”
    “Say yes to dinner. No strings.”
    The image of Brock fought for space in her mind and she bit her lip. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
    “We’ll stay close to home, so to speak, and one of the guys can drive you.”
    “You want Brock or Dallas to drive me to and from a date with you?”
    He shrugged. “Why not?”
    “Because I’m kind of house bound right now. They let me come here because it’s necessary. I don’t think they’ll let me go out on any dates until this mess is over.”
    Alec smiled. “You’ve got a point. I didn’t think about that. I’ve never dated a material witness before.”
    “I think we should just hold off for a while.”
    “I can wait, Bailey. You name the time; I’ll find the place and make it special.”
    “Can I think about it?”
    “Of course. But not too long.”
    She blushed. “Okay.”
    Alec pulled open the door and held it for her and she stepped into the hallway to see Brock push away from the wall. “All good?” he asked.
    “She’s perfect,” Alec said.
    “Thanks, Doc,” Brock said.
    “No problem.” Alec headed down the hall and Bailey watched him go.
    “You okay?” Brock asked.
    “Yep,” she said.
    Brock guided her to the elevators, finding one open and they stepped inside. The doors closed and Brock smiled. “It’s gonna be okay.”
    “I know,” she said. “Sorry. I’m just tired. Are you with me tonight or is Dallas?”
    “Me tonight, Dallas tomorrow,” he said. “Is that okay?”
    “Of course,” she said.
    “Are you hungry?”
    “No, I’m good.”
    For the most part, Brock left her to her thoughts as they drove from the medical offices at the hospital back to the safe house. Brock was on constant alert, scanning the road and rearview mirror, watching for tails. This meant Bailey had a few precious moments to think without him invading her space.