Something Missing_ A Novel - Matthew Dicks [122]
“How did you get home?”
“My father. I tried my sister but she didn’t pick up the phone. It was late.”
“You could’ve called me. You know that, right?”
Martin would’ve never thought of calling Laura, but her assurances sent his heart soaring. “Of course. Calling my dad just seemed like the right thing to do.”
“Good. Does this mean you’re not going to make it to your parents’ anniversary party either?”
“I’m afraid so,” Martin answered, trying to sound disappointed.
“Does your sister know?”
“Yeah. I called her about fifteen minutes ago. She wanted to come over and check on me, but I convinced her that I’m fine. She has a lot to do today, especially with me stuck here at home.”
“I could drive you to the party,” Laura offered. “Just to make an appearance.”
“No,” Martin answered, ready for the offer. “The doctor wants me as immobile as possible for the first seventy-two hours. It’s best that I stay right here.”
“Okay. So what are we going to do about you?”
“Me?” Martin asked. “I’m going to be stuck on this couch all day. But you’ve got a busy day ahead of you. Don’t let me ruin it.”
“Martin, don’t be a moron. I’m going to spend the day with you.”
“You can’t…”
“Shut up. Okay? I can’t just leave you on this couch all day. Alone. You have a broken leg, for Christ’s sake. And broken ribs. Someone’s got to take care of you, and I want the job.”
“Honestly, Laura. I’ll be fine. The pain medication is starting to kick in. And I know how much you’ve been looking forward to the party.”
“Listen to me, you idiot. It wasn’t the party. I was excited about spending the day with you. I don’t care if we’re at a party or stuck on this couch. I just wanted to be with you. Okay?”
Martin couldn’t remember the last time he had been so happy.
When the knock on the door finally came, Martin was more surprised than he had ever been in his life. Though he had never seriously considered the possibility of being caught, he had envisioned the arrival of the police at his front door from time to time, and had even rehearsed his possible responses to their questions. Though he knew that his skill, planning, and precision protected him from the possibility of detection, there was no harm in mentally preparing for all possible circumstances, and though he would never admit it, the prospect of discovery was fun to imagine. Without the constant danger inherent in his occupation, Martin’s skills and the pride that he took in them would be meaningless. It was exhilarating to remind himself about the risks of his profession. It kept him focused on and engaged in the work at hand. Nevertheless, when he opened his front door, sixteen memorable days after his encounter with Clive Darrow, he was speechless.
While the prospect of spending a month at home hadn’t appealed to Martin, his careful planning and willingness to save had placed him in a secure financial position. Realistically, Martin could miss more than a year of work without much concern. He owned his home, free and clear, and he was judicious in his spending. And as long as he returned to his job at Starbucks (he was currently on medical leave), the health insurance that the company provided would pay for any future medical bills like the ones he faced after his fall down the stairs. Even though he genuinely missed his clients and his work, his temporary immobility left him with little in the way of financial concern.
In fact, the previous two weeks had proved to be especially satisfying to Martin. Laura had stopped by the house nearly every day since the accident, sometimes for an hour or two but more often for most of the evening. Though they had yet to be intimate, the two had become close, with their first real kiss taking place at 8:04 on the night following his accident. After picking up his prescriptions earlier in the day and cooking them an elaborate lobster dinner, Laura had sat down on the couch, toasted to Martin’s health, leaned over, and kissed him. Though her embrace had caused his ribs to flare up in pain, Martin managed to ignore it long enough to enjoy the kiss and