Chapter 10

I don’t know how Kat managed to get some sleep that night, but she did. The painkiller helped her for sure. Also the fact that she was physically and emotionally exhausted.

I woke up early as usual. Old habits die hard. I was used to waking up with the sunrise.

I got out of bed slowly, to avoid waking her up. I decided not to go out for my usual run.

Tony was already making breakfast. He was an early bird too.

“How is she?” He asked, looking at me.

“She’s as good as she can be, considering.”

“She slept in your room last night?”

“Yes, she did. She didn’t want to be alone.”

Tony nodded, placing a cup of coffee in front of me.

“You and Kat were more than friends.” It wasn’t a question.

“When did my love life become your business?” I asked, smiling while taking a sip.

“I couldn’t care less about your love life. I’m thinking about that poor girl’s wellbeing.”

“What do you mean?” I frowned at him.

“She grew up with an abusive father. Trust doesn’t come easy for her.”

“We were good friends. I think I was the only person she opened up to.”

“Be careful not to jump into a relationship with her before she works out her issues. You’ll probably be tested continuously. She might expect you to let her down, so she’ll put barriers in the way and put you in situations where loyalty is more like a duty than a choice.”

I scratched the back of my head. “Do you really think so? We were really close back then. She even said she loved me before I went to college.”

“Wait and see, young padawan.”

I groaned.

“Kat is going to need clothes. I thought about calling Mary and ask her to lend her some outfits.” I said, changing the subject.

“Good idea. I’m making her breakfast.” He went back to the kitchen.

I called Mary and gave her a brief account of the situation. As usual, she was happy to help. Paul, Mary’s boyfriend, brought a bag with clothes to the restaurant before dropping Sabrina off at school.

“I thought about bringing her breakfast to bed.” Tony said to me once Paul left.

“Sounds good to me,” I said and followed him upstairs.

I gently knocked on my bedroom door.

“Kat? Are you awake? Are you presentable? Tony is here with me.”

“I am. Come on in,” she invited us inside.

“Good morning, Kat. We thought about bringing you breakfast.” Tony’s cheerful voice greeted her.

“Thank you, guys. You’re sweet. There was no need.”

“Well, it’s a welcome gesture to our ‘ohana’,” Tony said setting the tray down on the night table. “We like having you here with us.”

Kat let out a cry of pain as she pulled herself up. She took a toast from the tray and gave it a small bite.

I rolled my eyes. “You really need to stop quoting Disney movies, Tony. Kat probably doesn’t know what ‘ohana’ means.”

“It means family. It’s from Lilo and Stitch,” Kat said with her mouth full.

Tony clapped. “Bravo. Our family is little and broken but still good.” He said, probably quoting a movie again. “And you are welcome to join us.

“Awwwww, ‘mahalo’, Tony. That’s so sweet of you.”

“I know. I’m a sweet guy,” he replied with a smile.

Kat laughed, but suddenly stopped and grabbed her side.

“Careful. You were beaten up really bad.” I pointed out.

She took a deep breath.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked.

“Like a train wreck victim. Every inch of my body seems to be aching or sore, but I’ll be alright.”

“Take it easy. The doctor said you should rest.” I reminded her.

“I’m sure I’ll be almost completely back to normal after breakfast ... well, except for some aches and pains, but I’m used to them.”

She took the cup from the tray and sipped her coffee slowly.

“We need to go to the police station later, if you feel like it,” I said.

Kat clenched her teeth. “Of course I’ll go. I want that bastard in jail.” Her eyes were swirling with emotion. They were sad, but there was also shame, anger, hurt, and loneliness there.

“We’ll drive you there,” I told her. “Mary’s boyfriend brought some clothes for you to wear.”

I placed the bag on the bed and she inspected the contents.

“Ooh, a brush. I can brush my hair. And lipstick!” She exclaimed, delighted. “I’ll thank her, when I see her. I lost my duffel bag at the trailer. I don’t have a place to stay right now so I have to carry every possession I have with me.”

“We’ll ask the police if you can retrieve it from the trailer when we go to the station.” I said.

“I need to use the bathroom.” Kat shifted slightly, grabbing her ribs.

“Can you walk on your own, or shall I help you?” I offered.

“I can manage,” Kat assured me.

“Anything you need, just ring me. Use the phone on the night table. There is a list of the internal numbers.” I explained.

Kat nodded. She stood up very slowly refusing any help from Tony or me.

“Nothing is going to happen to you,” Tony said. “Red and I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Kat smiled at him softly. “I know. Thank you both.” She was still shaken, and it was obvious her mind was processing what had happened last night.

“You’re welcome. I guess we’ll leave you to it then,” Tony said, moving to the door.

Later that day, we went to the police station to sign our statements. Bert informed us that they were going to bring police dogs in from the city to help look for Kat’s mother’s body. They feared the worst.

In the afternoon, Kat felt strong enough to come down to the restaurant. Her damp hair was slicked back. She was wearing a pair of Mary’s jeans that fit her in the hips but were obviously too long. She’d rolled them up to keep from treading on the hems. She was also wearing a red t-shirt with a scooped neck that was a bit tight and emphasized her generous breasts. Her face was swollen and showed patches of blue and black, but she looked gorgeous to me.