Contents
Chapter 26
Overview
In the aftermath of the shooting at The Eloise, Jasper realizes he’s been shot through the shoulder after shielding Eloise. Deputy Winn stabilizes the scene while Eloise applies pressure until EMTs arrive. Jasper and Eloise exchange raw confessions of love. He’s transported to the hospital, where she remains by his side.
Summary
Jasper, having tackled Eloise as five shots rang out in the hotel lobby, refuses to move until he’s sure she’s safe. As the chaos settles into footsteps, cries, and calls for help, he stays on top of Eloise, fearing Blaze might return.
Eloise feels Jasper’s blood and urges him to move. Pain clarifies that he’s been shot in the shoulder. Safe behind the counter, Jasper checks if Eloise is hurt. Deputy Winn arrives, composed and decisive, and instructs Eloise to apply pressure to both the entry and exit wounds.
Jasper focuses on Eloise’s safety and whispers that he loves her; Eloise, in tears, begs him to stay awake and confesses her love too. Shock and blood loss blur Jasper’s awareness as EMTs take over and transport him.
Later, Jasper awakens in a dark hospital room. Eloise is curled beside him on the narrow bed, still holding him close. He pulls her nearer, the immediate danger past, their bond strengthened by the ordeal.
Who Appears
- JasperNarrator; shields Eloise during the shooting, suffers a through-and-through shoulder wound, and reaffirms his love.
- EloiseFocal point of Jasper’s protection; applies pressure to his wound and professes love at the scene and hospital.
- Deputy WinnResponds with control, secures the scene, and instructs Eloise to stabilize Jasper’s shoulder wound.
- BlazeThe armed threat whose gunfire injures Jasper; presence off-page after shots, outcome unspecified.
- EMTsProvide emergency care and transport Jasper to the hospital.
- TaliaSeen briefly in hospital scrubs during Jasper’s blurred transport and treatment.