Chapter Twenty-Nine

Upon the insistence of the police, Alison and Vanessa were taken to the hospital to stitch Alison’s thumb and to be checked out for broken bones or other serious injuries. Nick, Martin, and Dennis paced the waiting room until the girls were released to their care.

Nick insisted on carrying Alison from the wheel chair that took her to the exit door of the hospital into the seat of his SUV.  Rather than argue, she snuggled close while apologizing for her appearance.

“Vanessa and I spent hours getting our hair done, our brows waxed, and our nails done so we’d look good when you came back.  I even bought this dress,” she wept into his neck. “Now, look at me.”

“I am,” Nick whispered huskily as he positioned her onto the front seat of his SUV and fastened the seat belt across her torso.  “What I see is the most beautiful and courageous woman in the world.  I’m proud to call you mine.&rdquo