Chapter 24

The next time Jace opened his eyes, a bright light was shining in his face. "Ah good, you're awake." A blurry face came into focus. At first he thought it was Trey, but the man was older and lacked Trey's long bangs and face piercings.

"Doctor Mills?"

"I don't usually do house calls."

Well, of course not. He was a frickin' plastic surgeon. What in the hell was he doing here anyway?

"Your friends think you're on death's door, but you're just healing. No signs of infection. You are anemic and dehydrated, but you'll recover."

"I feel like shit."

"Not that any of you kids ever listen to me, but you really need a blood transfusion and a month of uninterrupted bed rest. Preferably in a hospital, in case there are complications with your recovery."

"Can Aggie take care of my complications?" He chuckled.

"This is no joking matter," Aggie said from the opposite side of the room. He might have watched what he said if he'd known she was there. "He will stay in bed and rest, Doctor. You have my guarantee. I know fifteen ways to tie a man."

Doctor Mills chuckled. "I bet you do."

"I can't spend a month in bed. We have three shows next week. In Canada."

"Then you'll be playing your bass from your bed," Aggie said.

"Don't worry," Eric said. "I've got the perfect solution."

Eric? Just how many people were in the room?

Jace lifted his head, his eyes scanning the room. Aggie, Brian, Trey, Sed, Eric, and Doctor Mills. Okay, all the guys were there witnessing firsthand how pathetic and helpless he was. Jace lowered his head to the pillow with a groan.

"What kind of perfect solution?" Sed asked.

"I asked Jon to stand in for Jace for a few shows," Eric said cheerfully. "He said it wouldn't be a problem."

Jon? Jon Mallory? Sinners' previous bassist, the sun rises and sets over his fingers, the only bassist who could ever properly fill Eric's drum progressions, Jon Mallory?

"Yeah, that'll work," Sed said. "Good thinking, Eric."

Fuckin' A. Shoot me now.

Jace lifted a hand to cover his eyes. A burst of pain stabbed the back of his shoulder and snaked down his right arm, reminding him he'd already been shot.

Well then… shoot me again.

"You rest up, and we'll see how you are when we get back from Canada," Sed said.

"Fuck that. I'm coming with you," Jace said. There was no way in hell he was letting Jon Mallory tour in his place without him there.

"Are you sure you're up for it, little man?" Eric said.

Aggie took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "He'll have me to take care of him until he gets better. If he's going, then I'm going."