"I think so," I said. "I'll need help getting up. The bastard broke my ribs."

"Just stay put then," he said. "The ambulance will be here in a minute. We'll take you to the emergency room at West Florida Hospital."

I brought the phone back to my ear. "Thank you. I'm going to call my Mom now."

"You're welcome, dear."

I made the call to Mom's phone this time. "Mom? The police are here. I'm free!"

"By the Goddess, I'm so happy now," she said.

"They are going to take me to West Florida Hospital to get checked out. You need to meet me there, and bring some clothes," I...