Even though Shane wasn't a particularly religious person, he felt compelled to say a prayer for Paige before entering the chapel. Crossing himself quickly, he was surprised as someone wrapped him in a hug.
"Sami," He returned the hug briefly, before taking hold of her shoulders. "What is it?"
"I wanted to tell you…I just wanted you to know how sorry I am. I don't know what I would do if Arianna was in that hospital bed. I probably wouldn't leave her side."
"I certainly don't intend to leave Paige's side soon, that's for sure, but what about you?"
"What about me?" Sami looked nonplussed
Shane took her hand in his and examined it. "That's quite a cut you've got there and it seems to be fresh."
"Oh that, it's nothing," assured Sami, but Shane could see drying blood on the gauze that someone had secured around Sami's thumb and three of her fingers. He raised his eyebrows, studying Sami quietly, before taking a seat in an empty pew facing her.

"You know, I overheard your father briefing the hospital staff. Roman told Kayla that the person who attacked my granddaughter would have a nasty gash somewhere on their face as if they had been pistol-whipped. Now, I highly doubt her attacker would seek medical attention so openly, but the person who handled the gun might."
"Yeah," said Sami quietly. "They might."
Shane stood and shuffled his feet. "Sami, I know I wasn't around when you were growing up, and that we haven't had much—if anything—to say to each other since, but I'll always be grateful to you for saving my Paige's life."
"I know what it's like to lose someone you love," Sami sighed, and Shane could see a genuinely wounded look in her eyes. "I gave Dad my statement. It isn't much, but hopefully, they can get the guy before he can hurt someone else. Whoever he is."
"I hope Paige can enlighten us," remarked Shane.