A Tribe United Again

Chapter 30

"You're fully healthy." Marcy said. "You can leave whenever you like. Do you want to be discharged?"

Charlene pouted. "No."

"Why not?"

Charlene didn't know how to admit this. "I don't like New York."

"Because it's filthy?"

Charlene was startled into laughing. "No."

"Because of the rats?"

"No."

"Because of the weather?"

"No."

"Because of the high cost of living?"

"No."

"Because of the people?"

"N- yes."

Marcy loved New York and still had a laundry list of reasons for why it sucked. "I understand."

"My son tried to kill me." Charlene struggled to say.

Marcy understood now. "You don't feel safe."

Charlene nodded. "I feel so hated. So unloved. None of my other children have come to see me since I've been here. Since the news broke. They all hate me."

Marcy felt pity. "Do you have another place in mind? Maybe you can move to Florida? Those people suck, too but at least you'll be safe."

Charlene's face wrinkled. "Florida?"

Marcy grinned. "I know. I'm just throwing it out there."

"Stop throwing things."

Marcy laughed. "Too bad you can't live with us. You're hilarious."

Charlene's hazel eyes widened. Then she smiled winsomely.

Marcy finished erasing the patient stats on the dry erase board and turned around. "What?"

"Perhaps I could live with you?"

Marcy's mouth fell open.

"You do not want me." Charlene bowed her head.

Marcy sighed. "I have a husband. I have to check with him."

Charlene tried not to get her hopes up.

ATUA

Mal's brows lifted. "Really?"

"Apparently she doesn't feel safe in New York." Marcy rubbed her belly as she swiveled in her spinning chair.

Mal looked around her office, trying to catch his thoughts. "I'd understand why not."

"Granddad would not like this."

"He gave his brother up to the police to save her life. He may not like it but he'd understand."

"Then why doesn't she go to live in Italy with him?"

"Because their relationship is going to take a lot to mend. Just because he doesn't want her dead doesn't mean he forgives her."

"I should be the first person to get that but I don't know. Something tells me something fucky is going on."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. My intuition is screaming."

"Like it did on tour?"

"Yup."

He shook his head. She was always right about these things. He turned to face her again. "I love you."