Hey! Sorry for the long absence! But physical therapy plus researching so I can buy a car (yay!) took up most of my writing time. Anyways, this chapter is short only because it was getting too long and I needed to split it up. So double chapter update! Yay!

Um, just a reminder that I am not in the medical field or proficient in anything really. And remember that it is FICTION written by a FAN, not a professional writer. Sorry, I'm starting to get evil/stupid troll comments that are trying to dissuade me but they won't. I will finish this story and keep going with my other stories...Sorry, rambling...

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 35

It was just after 7pm when Juliet showed up. "Hey, how's he doing?"

Beth shrugged, "The doctor seems satisfied with his progress and might let him go home on Saturday. And you know Carlton. He's not even awake 30 minutes and he already wants to leave."

Juliet laughed. "Has he been sleeping long?"

"He fell asleep right after eating some soup about an hour or so ago."

"Would it be okay if I woke him? If he's up to it, I would like to get his statement before heading back to the station."

"You have to head back so late?"

"Yeah. We finally located the other maid but she's not talking. We're waiting on a lawyer but they might not make it in until tomorrow afternoon. The Chief wants us to have as much on her as possible, which is why I need Carlton's statement tonight."

"Okay." Beth squeezed Carlton's hand and called into his ear. "Carlton? Carlton, it's time to wake up." Carlton groaned before blinking his eyes open. Beth smiled, "Hey sleepyhead. Did you get your beauty rest?"

Carlton grumbled, "Shut it."

Juliet smiled, "Hey partner. How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm in the hospital and my chest hurts."

"Good. That means you're still alive." Juliet crossed her arms

"If you're going to be rude, you can both leave and let me sleep in peace."

Beth laughed as she raised the bed while Juliet looked apologetic as she said, "I actually need your statement, Carlton."

"Now?"

"Yes, sorry. Beth, if you don't mind?"

Beth nodded and grabbed her purse. "Sure. I'm gonna get some dinner across the street. Juliet, please text me when you're done."

"Okay." Juliet smiled.

"Bring me back a burger!" Carlton called

Beth rolled her eyes. "You know the doctor said only liquids right now. Maybe I'll bring you a smoothie."

"Not pineapple!"

"I can't make any promises!" Beth smirked as she left the room.

Juliet shook her head as she sat down and pulled out her tape recorder and notepad. "So, are you up for giving your statement?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay." Juliet turned on the tape recorder and began. "This is Detective Juliet O'Hara for the Santa Barbara Police Department interviewing Head Detective Carlton Lassiter regarding the Ernesto resort case and his own abduction. Carlton, can you tell me what you remember about the morning of Sunday, July 27th?"

Carlton frowned as he thought. "I had just left you, Detective O'Hara, and was heading back to my hotel room. It was a long night and I wasn't on my guard. I bumped into a cart of housekeeping supplies. I apologized to the maid, who kind of brushed the situation off and asked if I needed anything. I declined and started down the hallway when something hit me in the back of the head and I lost consciousness." He rubbed his temples. "It was a bit fuzzy there for a while, but the next thing I remember is being tied to a chair and blindfolded. I heard a man and a women arguing before one of them punched me in the gut. From the force, I'm assuming it was the guy. Once they knew I was awake, they took turns hitting me. After they took a break, the women started cutting me."

He took a deep breath. "They left me alone for awhile and I was on the verge of sleep when the guy showed up again. I could hear him circling me before he spoke 'No good f-ing cops taking other people's girls and throwing them in jail. You'll pay for this! Fred might not have the balls, but I sure as hell do. B's like you take what isn't yours and try to make decent guys like me the bad guys. When I put in so much time romancing and paying for a girl, I'm going to ride that girl until she breaks. When I find your girl, I'm gonna' …" Carlton looked wide-eyed up at Juliet. "Where's Beth?"

"She went to get dinner." Juliet replied as she pulled out her phone and started dialing.

"Find her Juliet, quickly." Carlton hit the bed with his fist, wincing as the vibrations hurt his ribs. "I can't believe I didn't remember sooner."

"Everything will be fine." Juliet stated as she left the room.