Rise(COMPLETED )

Chapter Nine

Pulling into the driveway Jordan was grateful that there weren't as many cars as their had been a few hours ago when he'd stopped to check on a few things that had caught his attention in the photos.

Jordan instructed Mattie in what was needed ,showing her exactly where the spot was in the picture.

Clearing his throat Jordan looked at the window directly above the spot.

His mother's old bedroom

Jordan began searching the area toward the back of the house where the hole they'd dug as kids.The one that had been recently reopened by whoever decided to torch his childhood home destroying everything but the memories.

He could still smell the citrusy ,vanilla flowered filled scent of his mother's favorite perfume Sweet Honesty one that she'd gotten from Avon for years. Closing his eyes Jordan could still see her sitting at the vanity as she watched him and his brothers play in the front yard.

"Mr Knight "Mattie said quietly and waited for Jordan to turn his attention on her.

Nothing

"Mr Knight I found something" She tried again

Jordan seemed lost in thought.Mattie could swear she saw a tear peeking from under his closed eyelid.

"Jordan ?" Mattie spoke softly as she tapped him lightly on the shoulder.

Startled Jordan jerked his head around his eyes narrowed.

"I thought I told you not to call me Jordan. And don't touch me "

"I-I'm sorry I tried several times, but you didn't answer me. I tapped your shoulder so you knew I was behind you .It won't happen again sir"

Dismissing the look on Mattie's face Jordan continued "What is it Miss Laren?"

"I-I found something. I'm not sure if it's of any importance but before I tossed it I figured I would ask you "Mattie explained extending the blackened piece to Jordan.

Jordan slid gloves on before taking the piece from her.

The horse figurine was charred but Jordan could still make out some of it's many details,

This was his mother's!

He'd made it for her in high school in his carpentry class.

Swallowing back the lump in his throat Jordan quietly looked at Mattie

"Where did you find this ?"

"Under that bedroom window you had me searching"

"Have you found anything else ?"

Mattie watched Jordan swallow again "Just some broken glass "

"This was a figurine that belonged to my mother. It had a rider on top of it " Jordan pointed to a small spot where it had clearly been broken.

Without a word Jordan began to walk toward the window , as he began to dig into the rubble Mattie stopped him

"Mr Knight it's full of glass. Let me do the digging I have proper clothing on that I will not get cut if I come into contact with any shards."

Jordan waved her off kneeling in the grass as he began digging for the missing piece.

After several minutes they were working side by side. Reaching into the pile of rubble the rider from the missing figurine caught Jordan's attention. His hands inches from a miniscule shard Mattie placed her hand on his but it was too late Jordan's hand had already made contact with the sharp piece .It was as if he didn't feel it cut his skin through his gloves.It was then that Mattie's eyes widened

"Did you find something Miss Laren?"

"No but you're bleeding "

"I'm what ?"Jordan demanded seemingly in yet another daze

"Jordan you're bleeding "Mattie spoke a little more forcefully as she grabbed his hand to inspect it.

"Fuck" Jordan muttered

"I-I said there was some glass right there. Didn't you hear me?"

"I did not .Shit "Jordan replied irritably.

Helping Jordan peel off his gloves Mattie got a bottle of water from her bag, opened it and dumped half over his hand.

"I'm not a doctor but that looks like you may need stitches. Does it feel like there is any glass still in there?"

Jordan shrugged unsure "I can't really feel anything "

Mattie ripped some cloth from her tee shirt and wrapped it around Jordan's hand

"Girl scout?" Jordan asked trying to lighten the mood

"My family owns a cattle farm in Montana. Not a lot of doctors close by so you learn a few things "

Jordan nodded as he watched her work

"You better drive "Jordan suggested looking at his hand,pissed he'd allowed himself to get cut.

It was a rookie move and he knew better.

Mattie took the keys extended in Jordan's non injured hand once they got into his truck.

After making two sharp rights Mattie pulled into the emergency room parking lot of Beth Israel Medical Center.

Two hours , half dozen stitches and mild pain killers they left the emergency room. Jordan irritably slid into the passenger seat

"How the fuck am I supposed to get work done this is my fucking dominant hand "Jordan grumbled

"That's what you have a team for Mr Knight "

The statement earned Mattie a glare

"When was the last time you've eaten ?"Mattie asked softly

"Last night I skipped breakfast this morning to get the reports on the fire "

It was well passed dinner and that meant Jordan hadn't eaten in almost twenty four hours .Not a good mix for pain killers.

After a quick stop at the drug store Mattie parked Jordan's truck in his designated spot .The pain killers from the hospital seemed to still be doing their job .

"I can make us a quick meal Mr Knight "

Jordan groggily eyed her but said nothing.

Aiden met them at the elevators to the private apartments

"Maddie go get cleaned up .I'll get Jordan in and settled "

Mattie didn't argue she needed to wash the grime of the day away.Slipping past them once the elevator reached her floor Mattie stepped out

"I'll be up to make some dinner "

Aiden breathed a sigh of relief "Good because I need to meet up with Aunt Mary and take Eman off her hands for a bit."

"Where's Jazzy?" Jordan demanded his words slow from the effects of the medication

"Uncle Jon's "

Jordan nodded once.

Mattie raced in her door stripping off her clothes as she made her way to the shower.

Ten minutes later feeling a lot more human Mattie rooted through her fridge and cabinets gathering everything she needed for her favorite comfort foods ,four cheese macaroni and cheese . Out the door and slipping into the elevator Mattie pressed the button for the penthouse.

Aiden waited for Mattie to return before leaving. Letting her into Jordan's apartment ,Aiden slipped out reminding her to call if she or Jordan needed anything.

Walking into the kitchen Mattie noticed Jordan sprawled in the oversize recliner sound asleep.