Book Snippets; This one from To Protect the Innocent (Boo...

Book Snippets; This one from To Protect the Innocent (Book 7)
(Mark and brother Joey go to see young Eric,[their sister's son] hospitalized after getting into a brawl in a parking lot the night before. JoJo is Mark's son, Eric's cousin and best friend.)

"Hey, Kiddo," Mark said when Eric opened his eyes.

Eric blinked. "Hey, Uncle Mark, Hey JoJo."

"How ya feelin'?"

"A little dizzy." He closed his eyes again. "They said it would pass." His eyes searched the room. "Where's Mom and Dad?"

"You were sleeping pretty good so they stepped out to grab a bite to eat."

"So, did my Dad tell you he's pissed at me or anything like that?" Eric asked.

Mark smiled at him. "Well, not in so many words. I'm sure he's waiting for you to get better before he lowers the boom."

"It was my fault," Eric said. "I mean, I sort of wanted to show off, you know, big tough guy, watch me kick this guy's ass."

"You did show him, for a second, anyway," JoJo said.

"Don't encourage him," Mark said. "Look, we're all feeling a little guilty. I should've stuck a little closer to you guys, JoJo thinks he should've seen it coming, you shouldn't have run your mouth. Even your mom and dad think they should've done a better job of teaching you the consequences of your actions. We'll all learn, we'll make adjustments and we'll let it go."

Eric nodded. "Earlier this morning when the doctor came in, he said I might be able to go home by Wednesday."

"That would be great," JoJo said.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Eric smiled as his other uncle came through the door. "Hey, Uncle Joey."

"Hey, bud. What the hell have you gone and done, huh?"

"I'm sure you've heard the story."

"Yeah, I have," Joey said. He reached out, ruffled JoJo's hair in greeting, then offered his hand to his brother. "Mark, you doin' okay?"

"I guess, considering."

Joey smiled up at his big brother. "Feeling guilty?"

"You know me too well."

Grinning in agreement, Joey turned back to his nephew, leaned over the bed, ran his hand gently over the young man's forehead. "You gave us all a scare."

"Yes sir, I'm sorry."

"Save the apologies for your mom. For me, you just get healthy."

"Got it. Thanks, Uncle Joey."

"Sorry I wasn't here for ya, last night."

"It's okay."

"Jason said you were on assignment last night," Mark asked.

"Yeah, actually, while I'm here I'd like to talk to you about it."

"Really? That's a new one. Usually, I can't pry the information out of you."

"Yeah, well, I have a feeling you're gonna be part of all this. It's about Bella Landow."

Mark came to attention. "She's okay?"

"For now, yeah. Step outside and we'll talk. Besides, these guys probably have lies they want to get straight."

"Funny, Uncle Joey," JoJo said.