CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

Nicole knocked gently on the door, then walked in. Rick slowly moved his head, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.

" Damn. You're okay? "

She nodded and managed a smile.

" I'm sorry, Nicole. He got me from behind."

" It's okay. I'm fine."

He looked behind her. " Where's Jake? "

Nicole moved closer, finally taking his hand, needing some physical contact. " She is... she's here, actually."

" Here? Admitted? "

" Yes, here."

Nicole closed her weary eyes for a second. She and Steven had taken Cheyenne to Jake's duplex, and she'd showered and changed, but she still felt totally exhausted.

" Is she... okay? "

" She's in surgery. She was shot... oh, damn Ricky, in her leg again."

" Oh no. Same leg? "

" Yes. Almost the same spot, about an inch higher. She lost a lot of blood." Nicole raised her hand to her right shoulder. " She also got hit here, but they said it was clean, no bone damage."

" Did she get the bastard? "

Nicole nodded. " She and Steven, yeah, they got your lieutenant."

" Steven? The lieutenant? " He squeezed her hand. " What about the son? "

Nicole shook her head. " He wasn't the killer. He was... a victim. But he's dead, too. His father shot him in the chest, " she said matter-of-factly, somewhat pleased that she was able to keep her emotions in check. She'd broken down earlier in front of Steven, and he'd wrapped his long arms around her without hesitation.

" Jesus Christ, Nicole."

Nicole nodded. " So how are you feeling? " she asked, changing the subject.

" They tell me I have a super-duper concussion. If I keep still, I can't feel my brain moving from side to side."

She smiled. " I can't believe you let them buzz your head."

" They shaved around the wound first. I looked ridiculous."

Nicole touched the fine hair on Rick's head. " I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried."

" Yeah. I'm going to be fine. Say, where's Cheyenne? "

" She's at home. I think Steven is going to get her tonight. He lives in an apartment though, so we'll need to make some arrangements."

" No, it's okay. I'm getting out tomorrow. I'll take care of her."

" Are you sure? "

" Yeah. I'll just bunk at Jake's place." He shifted on the bed. " How long before we can see her? "

" They're going to keep her sedated. If this surgery goes well, they're going to do her shoulder tomorrow. I'm guessing Tuesday before she's awake enough for us to see her."

" Damn. Being laid up the first time just about killed her."

" At least she won't have the haunting image of a little boy this time, " Nicole said quietly.

" She told you about that? "

" Yes." Nicole finally let go of his hand and moved away. " There's a patient of mine in here that I want to go visit. Do you mind? "

" No, of course not. Is it someone--"

" Yes. She was involved." Nicole swallowed. " She was to be the next victim, " she whispered. " I just want to check on her."

Nicole knocked lightly on the door then pushed it opened. Joni lay curled on her bed, covers pulled to her chin. Her eyes blinked several times as Nicole walked into the light.

" Joni? Feel like talking? "

Joni sat up and nodded, but still, pulled the covers up with her. " Dr. Westbrook, are you okay? "

" I'm fine, Joni. But I was worried about you."

She shrugged. " A few bruises. Nothing I ain't used to." She pointed to Nicole's face. " Your cheek is swollen."

Nicole raised a hand to her face, lightly touching her bruised cheek. " Yes. It's nothing compared to what others suffered."

" That policewoman, did she live? "

Nicole closed her eyes for a moment and nodded. " Yes, she did. She's in surgery."

" I felt like I was on a movie set."

Nicole smiled. " But a lot scarier."

" Yes. I was scared. I knew for sure he was going to kill me. He told me so. But when I saw you, I felt... hope."

Nicole took her hand, feeling the need to explain. " Joni, the man who did this, he had killed others. Other patients of mine."

" Why? "

" He was trying to kill his wife. He was trying to kill her again and again."

" I don't understand."

" He murdered his wife years ago. She was a patient of mine before that." Nicole shrugged. " I'm not sure of his reasoning. I don't know what triggered him to start again." She released Joni's hand. " But I want you to know, if you'd like a referral to another doctor, I wouldn't blame you. It's your choice."

" Leave the group session? "

" Yes."

" No, Dr. Westbrook. I like the group. I feel good when we meet. I don't want to stop."

" Okay. I just wanted to give you the option."

" This guy is dead right? He won't hurt us anymore? "

Nicole nodded. " Yes, he's dead."

" Then I want to stay with you."