The Proposition
Page 24
Chapter 23
“Good morning, Abigail Moss?” the older man asked.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Good morning, Ms. Moss. My name is detective Michael Moyer and this is my partner, Alex Rodgers. We’re investigating the hit and run in which you were injured.”
They flashed their badges.
“Do you mind if we ask you a few questions?” Det. Rodgers asked.
“Sure,” I said, unsure if that was the right answer.
“We’ll step out for a few minutes,” Paul said. “They’ve already talked to us.”
Nick and Paul left the room, leaving me with the two detectives.
Det. Moyer took the chair that Nick had been sleeping in, while Det. Rodgers stood by the door. Each had a notebook and made notes while we talked.
“Do you remember anything that happened the night of the accident?” Detective Moyer asked.
“I was at my Godfather’s house and we were getting ready to go to dinner with his business associate, Merritt something.”
“Where were you going to dinner?” Det. Rodgers asked.
“Um, someplace called Antonio’s, I think. I don’t really remember.”
“What happened next?” Det. Moyer asked.
“Everyone got into separate cars. Merritt into his car, he had a driver. Paul in his car and Nick and I in his car.”
“You’re dating Nick?” Det. Moyer asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“I see,” Det. Moyer made some notes. “So, you were in the car with Nick, what happened next?”
“We were talking about something, I don’t remember, and I kept thinking what a waste it was to take three cars when we were going to dinner at the same place. Then there was this huge explosion or smash or something and all I could think of was that my dress was ruined.”
“Did you see the other car?” Det. Rodgers asked.
“I don't remember.”
“Do you remember anything after that?” Det. Moyer asked.
“Nothing, I’m sorry.”
“Thank you Ms. Moss. You’ve been very helpful. We’re investigating the hit and run. Someone hit you in a stolen car and left no trace of who they were. Do you have any enemies or anything we should know about?” Det. Moyer asked.
“Um, no. People usually like me,” I said. “If I do have anyone who’d want to hurt me, I don’t know about it.”
Det. Moyer stood up and pulled a card out of his jacket. “If you remember anything, please call, anytime. We’ll be talking again soon.”
Then they were gone.
Paul and Nick came back in with Nick taking his chair by my bed.
“What did you tell them?” Paul asked in what sounded like an accusatory tone.
“The same, exact thing I told you before they got here.”
Paul sighed. Nick looked at me and rolled his eyes so Paul wouldn’t see. I had to stifle a laugh.
“Well, Abbs, since Nick is back and the detectives are gone, I really need to run. I’ll try to stop again later tonight, if you're not released.”
“Thanks, Paul,” I said.
Paul left again. Nick came to sit beside me again. “Do you want to try going for a walk again?”
“Well, actually, I was thinking I would take a shower and put on clean pj’s before I went out to greet my public.”
Nick laughed, “Your public?”
“Oh, you know what I mean,” I said, swatting him with a pillow. “Besides, I think I found some dried blood in my hair and that’s kinda gross.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I think when I think of you. How nasty you are! Jesus, get in the shower before you make me puke on the floor.”
I slid carefully out of bed and playfully punched him in the arm. “Phewww, actually, I am pretty rank! I apologize to those that I’ve offended with my foul odor.”
Nick was still laughing when I shut the door to the bathroom. This was the first time I would get to look at my leg. I took the bandage off and saw that my leg was almost completely black. The bruises were still fresh and hadn't started to change color. I took a quick shower and I felt like a new woman. I didn’t dare to stand in the shower any longer than I needed to because I was starting to get dizzy and my leg was hurting.
“Ta-da!” I said, opening the door to the bathroom, wearing brand new sweat pants and a tee shirt.
Nick applauded, “I sure hope you’re wearing deodorant.”
“I applied twice, just to be sure,” I said. “Let me wrap my leg and then, let’s go for a walk!”
Nick helped me wrap my leg and then we left and walked all over the hospital. We even managed to get lost once. I felt like we were gone for a long time, but it was more like just a couple of hours. By the time we got back, I was leaning quite heavily on Nick and he was practically carrying me. I was panting and was covered in a sheen of cold sweat.
“Come on, Abby. Let’s get you back into the bed,” Nick said, helping me lie back down. “I’ll get you some water.”
I just nodded my thanks.
Nick poured some water from the pitcher that was in my room and handed me the glass. I drank as much as I could handle and felt a little better.
“Thank you, Nick.”
He brushed his hand against my cheek and smiled.