Under Illusion: Day 19

Word Count: 114,044

Summary of Events:

Bentley arranged for Trace to be taken to hospital, with Dallis accompanying him, where his hand was determined to have been quite damaged owing to the bullet's angle of entry, requiring several surgeries that kept Trace in hospital and under the influence of painkillers for a few days before he was lucid enough that Dallis could explain what had happened since to him, starting from when the shooting had all happened…

Excerpt of the Day:

“Oh,” Trace said. “Then what happened?”

“The two men holding you were loyal to Bentley, so they moved Litton and Pancho out, as well as bringing you and Bentley down to the main floor,” Journey replied. “You and I were then taken to an alley and an ambulance and police were called.”

“What?” Trace asked. “Taken to an alley?”

“Yes,” Journey replied. “Bentley doesn’t want his gang to get found out, so he had two of his men feign a gunfight and I told the police that you and I had been innocent bystanders who’d fled into the alley for refuge from the shooting, but you’d accidentally been hit by a stray bullet. As far as they know we’re boyfriend and girlfriend, just so you’re aware of that.”

Trace nodded. He liked that thought.

“Outside of that you’ve been in surgery,” Journey replied.

“What about your brothers?” Trace asked. “You said they were in Tucson.”

“I did tell them to come as we were taken up to where we found Bentley,” Journey replied. “They ended up being hit by somebody who’d run a red light up in Tucson and their car got wrapped around a tree, but they’re fine, the rear of the car was hit, so they got another car and came down.”

“Wow,” Trace said. “They’re all conspiring together to get the load?”

“No,” Journey replied.

“But, why not?” Trace asked.

“Bentley isn’t interested in forging the alliances Litton wanted to forge with the cargo,” Journey replied. “He’s got a man lined up to drive you and your load to Spokane once you’re released.”

Trace couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Seriously?”

“Yes,” Journey replied.

“But didn’t he give you the orders?” Trace asked.

“He made the arrangements with us in St. Louis,” Journey replied. “But only because Pancho — who was with him — would’ve killed him if he didn’t. He chose us because he hoped we’d be able to help him get free of Litton, and we have, so he’s giving us extra money.”

“Oh,” Trace said. That had to be nice.

“Trace,” Journey said, reaching a gentle hand up to turn his face to look at her. “I’m not keeping mine.”

“What are you going to do with it?” Trace asked.

“I’m going to pay your medical bills,” Journey replied. “Not only here, but if you need anything further done in Spokane.”

Tears came to Trace’s eyes unbidden. He had no words. He looked away.

“It’s the least I can do,” Journey said, sounding emotional for herself. “I mean, I got you into this mess, after all. And, like I’ve said before, I don’t need it. Besides, I know you’re trying to get ahead, and you’ll probably have lost your job because of me anyways, so I might as well try to make up for it if I can.”

Trace nodded, turning to look back toward Journey, whose face was blurred in his tears. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Journey whispered softly.