Free Gator Bait by Jana DeLeon

seem overly friendly.”
    The nurse’s face cleared in understanding. “No, they’re definitely not friendly. I won’t file a report, but do you think you can get your great-aunt out of those scrubs and back into the clothes she was wearing when she came in? There’s liability and all.”
    “Of course.” I put my arm around Gertie’s shoulder and headed for the storeroom to retrieve her clothes and handbag. “Get changed and meet us in the car.”
    Gertie started to protest, but Ida Belle pointed to the bathroom, then tugged on my sleeve. “Hurry or we’ll miss the questions.”
    Ida Belle pushed open the door to Carter’s room just as the dripping Feds stepped up to Carter’s bed.  
    “Ma’am,” Fed One said, “we’re going to have to ask you to leave.” He looked back at us. “All of you.”
    Carter gave them both an up-and-down, frowning at their disheveled appearance. When he glanced over at me, I mouthed “Gertie.” His bottom lip quivered, but he managed to hold in the grin I knew was straining to break out.  
    “It’s okay,” Carter said and motioned his mother to the door.
    Emmaline wagged her finger at the Feds. “If you boys compromise his condition, you’ll answer to me. And trust me, you don’t want to answer to me.” She gave Carter a kiss on the forehead, then whirled around and followed us into the hallway.
    Gertie popped out of the restroom and drew up short when she saw us all standing there. “What happened?” she asked.
    “They kicked us out,” I said.
    “Crap,” Gertie said. “They didn’t talk in the waiting room, but when they were complaining to the nurse, I heard one of them say ATF.”
    I nudged Ida Belle in the ribs. “Maybe they got wind of Sinful Ladies cough syrup.”
    “I don’t think we’re big enough to draw the attention of the ATF,” Gertie said.
    “She’s joking,” Ida Belle said, and frowned. “They wouldn’t be here unless they think whoever they’re after could have attacked Carter.”
    I nodded. “The question is, who are they after and why did they attack?”
    “Exactly,” Ida Belle said. “They’re not going to be happy when they find out Carter can’t remember anything.”
    Gertie’s eyes widened. “He’s brain damaged?”
    “No!” I said. “It’s probably temporary, but those two goons aren’t going to want to hear that. They’ll be hounding Carter until he remembers.”
    “Over my dead body they will,” Emmaline said.
    I smiled. I really, really liked Carter’s mom.  
    The door to Carter’s room flew open and slammed right into Gertie, who grunted. Fed Two stuck his head out. “Who’s behind the door?”
    “No one,” I said. “Just one of those laundry carts.” If he looked behind the door and saw Gertie standing there, the gig was up.
    “Then who made that noise?” he asked.
    Gertie, who was holding in position lest the door open any wider, held up one hand behind the door, middle finger extended.
    “Me,” I said. “You startled me throwing the door open that way.”
    “Whatever,” he said. “You’re the girlfriend, right? Get inside.”
    I raised my eyebrows. “Please?”
    “Please, what?” he asked.
    “Ask me politely, and include the word ‘please.’ I’m a lady, not your employee.”
    I glanced over at Ida Belle, who was giving me a thumbs-up and struggling to hold in a laugh. Playing the Southern belle might not be as horrid as I’d originally thought.
    He blushed and I could tell he was hacked. Finally, he sputtered, “Can you step inside, please?”
    “I can , and you’re in luck. I will.”  
    I gave him a smile and stepped inside the room. Then I stopped short and drew in a breath so hard, it made my chest hurt. Thank God, Fed Two was mostly blocking me from view and neither Carter nor Fed One had seen my reaction. Fed One had taken off his sunglasses.
    And I knew him.
    You look completely different. You don’t even recognize yourself.  
    I drew in a breath and slowly blew it