Grateful

Left alone for a few minutes, uncuffed, Aaron looked down at his hands, down at the floor, and out into the hall. If only. She’d actually left him like this? Was she just that sure that he couldn’t get anywhere with his leg, or that trusting? Either one was rather naïve. For some reason though…he really didn’t feel like trying to run today.

As she came back, he looked at what she’d brought, then just nodded. If she really wanted to do this, then he’d let her. It couldn’t be worse than how he looked now. Besides, who would see him, since he was cooped up in here anyway? “Okay. Sounds good. My life is in your hands.”

It took a little doing to get out of bed and into a chair. His knee had gotten very stiff, and any movement hurt. He did it anyway though, and didn’t fight Sam. Once seated, he just let her work, closing his eyes as he felt the comb, scissors and her fingers run through his hair. She had a gentle touch for someone in her line of work, and for having been raised with that many brothers. In spite of it all…she was still a woman, no doubt.

Holding up the mirror to see how it had turned out, he smiled a little. “You’re not half bad,” he admitted. “Your brothers must have wound up with pretty good looking hair.” He glanced up at her before handing her the mirror. “My turn.”

Working on his beard was a bit awkward without the trimmer he was used to, but he managed with the scissors first to get it all cut down to a reasonable length before shaping it. He needed help at the sink to use the razor as he cleaned up the edges, but again, didn’t fight. It was worth it to finally feel his face again and be reminded he was still human. Back in the chair he finished up with the scissors until he was satisfied. Turning his head a little, he reached out to take Sam’s hand and adjust the angle of the mirror. Leaving his fingers there, his eyes looked up at her. He wanted to stay mad, but in this moment, he was finding it rather difficult. All that showed in his gaze was gratefulness. “Thanks…”


Eli’s shoulders sank a little as Ryan told him what happened. She’d been doing better the last couple days. Maybe this was just a temporary setback? He hoped so.

“It’s okay,” he assured. “Maybe you needed the rest anyway.” He tried to smile for her sake.

“I, um… talked with Hunter today. He’s…willing to take you to Texas if you still want to go. He’s not sure yet when he’s going, but it will probably be soon. I…think you can trust him. He’s an honorable guy.” He cocked his head as he chewed a piece of beef. “What do you think?”