* * *
They did take X-rays of Cappie’s face. Marquez got his photos and left. The doctor treating her came back into the cubicle where she and Bentley were waiting in the busy emergency room.
“There are two small broken bones,” he said. “I want you to take these X-rays to your primary physician and let him refer you to a good plastic surgeon. Meanwhile, I’m going to write you something for pain. Keep ice on the swelling. Nothing is going to disguise the bruises, I’m afraid.” He glanced curiously at Bentley.
“I didn’t do it,” Bentley said easily. “The man who did was taken away in a squad car, with his accomplices, and he’s going to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Those X-rays we asked for a copy of are going to help put him away.”
The young resident nodded somberly. “I see far too many injuries like this. A boyfriend?” he queried.
“No,” Cappie said heavily. “An ex-boyfriend who spent six months in jail for breaking my arm,” she added. “He got out and came looking for me. This time, I hope he’ll stay as a guest of the state for much longer.”
“I’ll be happy to testify,” the resident said. He pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it to her. “That happens too often, you know, a brutal man seeking revenge. We had a young woman killed a few weeks ago for the same thing.”
Cappie felt sick to her stomach.
Bentley put his arm around her. “Nobody’s killing you,” he said.
She leaned her head against him. “Thanks.”
They took the extra X-ray in its envelope, paid the bill and left the emergency room, hand-in-hand.
“Do you want to go and see Kell tonight?” Bentley asked.
She shook her head, wincing, because it hurt. “I’m too sick. I just want to lie down.” She looked up. “Will you go with me to Marquez’s office in the morning?”
“You’d better believe I will.”
“Thanks.”
His arm contracted around her. “Not necessary. Let’s get you back to your room. It’s been a long day.”
“Tell me about it,” she mused. At least, she thought, her ordeal was over for the moment. Tomorrow she could worry about the details, including telling poor Kell what had happened.
CHAPTER TEN
Cappie groaned at her own reflection in the hotel mirror when she climbed out of bed the next morning. One whole side of her face was a brilliant purple, and swollen to boot.
“You okay in there?”
She smiled. Bentley had insisted on sleeping on the sofa in the suite, just in case. Rourke and Chet were already up and packing their things for the trip back to Jacobsville. Cappie and Bentley were staying for another day or two, while she gave statements to the police and looked after Kell.
“I think so,” she said. “I just can’t bear to look at myself.”
“I’ll bet Chet knows exactly how that feels!” Rourke called from the doorway of the room he and Chet had shared.
“Will you shut up?” Chet muttered.
“Now, that’s a good example of how much work your diplomatic skills need,” Rourke admonished.
“I’m through trying to be diplomatic,” Chet said curtly. “I’m going back to the company and let them send me off on lone assignments, all by myself. Anywhere I don’t have to try to be nice to people!”
“Yes, and you can take those smokes with you,” Rourke added. “Having to share a room with you is punishment enough for any lawbreaker! Man, you reek!”
“Cigarette smoke is beneficial,” Chet told him.
“It is not!”
“If your quarry smokes, you can smell him from five hundred meters,” Chet returned, and he actually smiled.