Margo
Go away and let me sleep, she insisted, turning her head away from him and closing her eyes.
The next time Margo opened her eyes, the sun was shining through the long narrow windows draped in sheer panels of pale yellow. She blinked out of her sound sleep, her gaze going straight to the occupied chair, a big, round, tufted half-circle in a yellow paisley on navy-blue.
Good morning.
Margo moaned and slowly pulled herself upward to lean against the headboard. Her head spun, her arm throbbed. She screwed up her face. It feels like a dozen marbles are rolling around in my head.
And your arm?
Like you cut it off with a razor blade.
Thats what happens when you get yourself shot, then drink whiskey like a fish in a drought.
And this is something I volunteered for, right? Margo leaned her head against the headboard and closed her eyes.
Im not going to apologize for the booze. It got you through the night.
Margo opened her eyes, then her mouth, to offer a witty comeback. Thinking better of it, she fell silent and averted her eyes. She had already taken a quick inventory, noting that Ry was no longer bare above the waist. He looked refreshed and put togetherno doubt hed showered while she slept. Hed shaved, too. His clothes were a simple gray T-shirt and scruffy jeans. The rugged look suited him right down to his brown, street-scuffed Texas boots.
I drank too much, too, he admitted. I need some head pills. You, too, by the sounds of it.
Margo turned in time to see him grip the back of his neck and vigorously massage it. I dont want any of your pills, thank you.
He stopped rubbing his neck and looked at her. Ive been shot before. The day after is the worst. Trust me, you need
Trust you? Margo sniffed and rolled her eyes heavenward. I wouldnt trust you with my library card.
What was that last night, then? I seem to remember you trusting me with a needle and thread. Drunk, no less.
You were the only cop that owed me a favor, Margo reasoned. I didnt want to worry Mama. I told you that.
He relaxed back in the chair and crossed his leg over his knee. Still as stubborn as ever. Your mama always
Complained about that flaw. Yes, I know. But where does she think I got it? Shes twice as stubborn as my father ever was. And Blu Well, he isnt exactly a docile kitten, now, is he?
It had been a slip of the tongue to mention Blu. Margo saw Rys jaw jerk, and she decided that his opinion of her brother hadnt changed. Ry still thought Blu was irresponsible and selfish. What he didnt know was that Blu thought much the same thing about him.
Speaking of the Blu Devil, have you seen him lately?
Margo shook her head. No, not for a few days.
He still docked at River Bay, living on the Nightwing?
You know he is, Ry. You were there a few weeks ago harassing him about some nonsense.
I was just doing my job, Margo.
I might be young, but Im not stupid. Youre a homicide detective, remember? You dont investigate assault charges.
Okay, so I volunteered for that one. Blus temper being what it is, most of the guys down at the precinct would prefer tangling with a copperbelly.
Margo brushed the covers aside and slid her long, bare legs over the side of the bed. I would really like to stay and chat about my brothers faults with you, but I dont have time. Would you mind getting my clothes for me?
You think youre leaving?
I dont think Im leaving, I know Im leaving.
Last night Margo had made a decision to head back to the Nightwing if Blu hadnt rescued her from Rys home first thing in the morning. Yes, this was the perfect place to hidethat is, if she could keep her mind off the past. But shed been trying and it wasnt working. Staying here would be emotional suicide.
She saw Rys stubborn jaw lock. Well, you didnt think I was going to stay, did you?
Actually, I did. Most people take a few days to recuperate after being shot.
And I will.
He stood. Youve got nine stitches in your arm. You live alone. Whos going to look out for you?
Brodie.
But you cant reach him.
I havent tried yet today, Margo argued. Now, Im grateful for your doctoring skills, Ry. If I forgot to mention that, it was an oversight. But now I have to go. Ill call a cab, and
Forget it. Youre not leaving.
Margo inched her backside to the edge of the bed and stood. She didnt feel the best, but well enough to make it out the door. She hoped. You cant keep me here against my will, Ry.
Cant I? Look at you, you can hardly stand up straight. And since no one knows youre here I control the situation. The way I see it, youre a gunshot victim. A criminal is still at large. Its my duty to protect you.
This is ridiculous. Do you think I wont be missed? If I dont show up for work tonight, or at least call, Tony will send someone out to look for me. I have friends and family who really care about me, you know. You cant just lock me up and think no one will notice. Margo circled back to the crux of the matter. Keeping someone against their will is called kidnapping, Detective Archard, and thats illegal.
He pulled a pair of handcuffs from his back pocket. Right now the best thing for you is plenty of bedrest.