Chanel lay in bed watching the scarred man sleeping. She had been surprised to wake up in the same room as him but there he lay, softly breathing.
She had been so sure he was Kirion. In her need for revenge against the man who’d taken her Isabelle she’d blinded herself to the truth. He was a good man. He’d saved her life the night before. Attacked a man with a knife armed only with his bare hands. While he’d inflicted injuries to Kirion he’d taken damage from that attack too. He’d pushed his sheets down to his waist and tugged the hospital gown off during the night and she saw the bandages on his arms, chest and face. She counted five she could see.
The woman. She was a crack shot. Put three into Kirion’s cold heart from quite a distance in the dark. Another surprise and a major difference from her Isabelle who’d refused to touch a gun. She knew the woman wasn’t her lover but she missed her so much.
“Good morning.”
Chanel jumped at the sound and looked over at the man again. His eyes were open and looking in her direction.
“Good morning,” she returned. “I owe you an apology. Perhaps many.”
“Accepted. Let’s move on. My name is Ben. How are you feeling?”
She smiled at him. He made it seem so easy. “Hello Ben. I’m Chanel. I’m sore but good. I believe we will get to leave today.”
“Great! I hate hospitals. They give me the willies!”
“Willies? What is that?” she asked.
“Nervous shivers.”
“Ah! I agree.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Ben said.
She looked at him closely. “Yes.”
“Why does looking at Catherine upset you so much? Does she remind you of someone?”
She froze and looked suspiciously at him but saw only honest interest and concern. She glanced towards the door.
“She looks like someone I… used to know. Someone Kirion killed.”
“Someone you loved,” he guessed.
Once more she looked suspiciously at him.
“Everyone is free to love who they wish. I bear no ill intentions to anyone. Sexual orientation is a private and personal matter and is no concern of mine. That said, your behavior has been rather erratic lately and I say again, you carry a weapon. Those two things are a bad combination. I think it would be a helpful thing for you to take some time to straighten out those issues before you go back to work.”
She looked down as she could not argue with his words. “Yes, I do have some time coming. A vacation might be a good idea.”
“Talk to someone. I’ve found group therapy to be an excellent release. And go spend some time on a beach. Relax.” He smiled at her and she returned it.
The nurse came in and removed Chanel’s IV and taped a bandage over the spot. She eyed Ben’s bare chest as she checked his bandages and saw he was good. She nodded and left.
Catherine poked her head in the door. “Good morning, Ben. Good morning, Detective Babineaux.”
“Please, call me Chanel. And I want to apologize-”
“Think no more of it! All is forgiven!” Catherine held up her hands to stop Chanel from continuing. She grinned at the detective. “Though you did cost me a night of mind blowing sex!”
“Catherine!” Ben gasped.
She smiled mischievously.
Chanel blushed and looked a little pained.
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” Cat asked seeing Chanel’s look.
“You bear a strong resemblance to someone Chanel was in love with and who Kirion killed.” Ben replied.
“Please don’t repeat that outside of this room. It would be bad for me if they found out I was in a relationship with one of his victims.” Chanel blurted.
“OH! I’m sorry!” Cat expressed.
“Chanel has indicated that she’s going to take some time off to work on those issues. Right?” he said looking at the detective.
“Yes! And go to the beach.”
“Good choice. We’re going to finish out two weeks in Cannes relaxing on the beach. I can’t wait! I got a new bikini too!”
Both Ben and Chanel got thoughtful looks on their faces as they contemplated that image. Then they glanced at each other and caught their similar expressions. Ben started to laugh and Chanel’s embarrassment at getting caught vanished with Ben’s accepting attitude.
The doctor came in and Ben signed his release form. Catherine gave him some clean clothes she brought from the hotel and Ben went into the washroom to change.
Catherine walked over to Chanel. “Are you going to be alright?”
Chanel nodded but tears pooled in her eyelashes. “I miss her so much!”
“The man who took her from you is dead. It’s time for you to move on! She wouldn’t want you to be unhappy would she?” Cat asked.
“No, Isabelle would be very angry with me for how I’m acting.” Chanel admitted with a gentle smile.
“I’m sorry I remind you so much of Isabelle but I’m not her. I’m Catherine McGovern. It will help if you say my name.”
“Hello Catherine McGovern.”
“Hello Chanel Babineaux. I hope you find peace and happiness soon.”
“Thank you!”
Catherine heard Ben come out and she walked to his side.
“Take care of yourself Chanel,” Ben said.
“Good bye!”
When they reached the hotel Ben went up to his room and removed the bandages. He took a careful shower and got himself clean. He put a few bandages over the larger wounds which might seep and then headed over to Tina’s room. No one answered the knock so he used his key to go in. The room was empty.