HealingHerHeartAShortStory

by

LauraScott

HealingHerHeart

Book1intheCrystalLakeSeriesePubEdition

ISBN:978-0-9894139-2-3

Copyright©2013byLauraIdingwritingasLauraScott

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ThankYou

ChapterOne

“Larissa,Iputanewpatientinroomfourforyou,”MerryHaines,theHopeCountyHospitalERchargenurse,calledout.

“Okay.”LarissaBrockmanfinisheddocumentingonherrecentdischargeandthenpushedawayfromthecomputer.Thehourwaswellpastmidnight,buttheERremainedincrediblybusyonthisMemorialDayFridaynight.Orrather,Saturdaymorning.

Shecrossedovertoroomfourbutthenstoppedabruptlyinthedoorwayasshesawthefamiliarfaceofherpatient.AnnieHinkle,afifty-year-oldwomanlookingadecadeolderthansheshould,wasseatedonthegurneycradlingherrightarmagainstherchest.

No.Notagain.Thetinyhairsliftedonthebackofherneckinalarm.ThiswasthesecondtimeAnniehadbeenhereoverthepastmonth.Thelasttimewasforablackeyethatshesworewasnotcausedbyherhusband,Kurt’s,fist.

Whatwouldbeherstorythistime?Larissatookadeepbreathandletitoutslowlybeforeenteringtheroom.“Hello,Annie.”

“Hi.”Annie’sgazebarelymethersbeforeskitteringaway.“Whatdidyoudotoyourarm?”Larissaasked,keepinghervoicegentle

assheapproached.Shehadthedistinctimpressionthewomanwasontheedgeandwouldn’thesitatetofleeifcornered.

“Ifelloffthefrontporch—youknowhowklutzyIam.”Annierefusedtomeethergazebutkeptstaringdownatherarmasiftheinjurymighthealitselfifsheconcentratedhardenough.

“Idon’tthinkyou’reklutzyatall,”Larissamurmured.“Showmewhereithurts.”

“Righthere,”Anniesaid,removingherlefthandtorevealadarklymottledbruiseencirclingherwrist.Larissafeltalittlesicklookingattheinjury,knowingtherewasnopossiblewaythishadhappenedfromafall.Shecouldclearlyenvisionaman’slargehandsqueezinghardenoughtocausethis.She’dbesurprisedifthereweren’tafewbrokenboneshidden

beneaththehorriblydiscoloredskin.“Okay,I’mgoingtogetyouacoldpackforthat,andI’msurethe

doctorwillwantX-rays,too.”Shekepthervoicecalmwithaneffort.“Doyouneedsomethingforpain?”

Annieliftedhershoulderinahalf-heartedshrug.“Maybeapainpillwouldhelp.”

Larissanodded,thinkingthepoorwomanneededfarmorethanapainpill.Shebattedawaveofhelplessnessaside.“Areyouhurtanywhereelse?”sheasked.“Maybeyouhityourhead?Oryourribs?”

“No,justmywrist.”“Allright,I’mgoingtocheckinwithDr.Allen,andthenI’llberight

back.”“Sure.”Annie’sgazejerkedaway,causingLarissa’sstomachtoknot

painfully.Sherecognizedthesignsandsymptomsofabuse.Onlytoowell.Dark

memoriesfromthepastthreatenedtooverwhelmher,andshefoughtthembackwithaneffort.Strugglingtokeepheremotionsundercontrol,shegrabbedanicepackfromthesupplyrackandthenwentsearchingforDr.GabeAllen,thephysicianinchargeofthepatientsonherteam.

Hewasonthephonetalkingtotheinpatienthospitalistaboutapatienthewantedadmitted.Shehoverednearby,waitinguntilhefinishedhiscall.Hehungupthephoneandflashedawarmsmile.“Hi,Larissa,what’sup?”

Hissmilewasfartooattractive,aneffectshe’dbeenfightingformonthsnow.Sofar,shethoughtshewashidingherfeelingsprettywell.“Ineedyoutoexaminemypatientinroomfour,”shesaidinasofttoneinavoice.“I’mconvincedshe’sbeingphysicallyabused.”

Gabe’ssmilefaded.“Areyousure?”She’donlybeenanursehereattheHopeCountyHospitalforsix

months,butshe’dthoughtshe’dprovedhercompetencebynow.Shescowled.“Trustme,I’msure.”

Gabegaveatersenod.“Allright,letmefinishupthisinpatientadmission,andI’llberightover.”

“Thanks.”ShehurriedbackovertoAnnie’sbedside,squeezingthedisposableicepackbetweenherhandstoactivatethechemicalreaction

inside.“Here,placethisaroundyourwrist,okay?”sheinstructed.“Dr.Allenwillbehereshortly.”

Anniewincedbutdidn’tsayanythingassheplacedthecoldpackoverherwrist.

Larissastruggledtofindtherightwordsthatmightbreakthroughthewoman’swallofdenial.“Annie,youdon’thavetoputupwithanyonehurtingyou.Wehaveprogramsthatcanhelpkeepyousafe.”

“Noone’shurtingme,”Annieswiftlydenied.“ItoldyouIfellofftheporch.”Hervoicerosewithindignation,andinstinctively,Larissaknewsheneededtobackofforthewomanmightbolt.

“Okay,I’msorry.Ijustdon’tliketheideaofanyonehurtingyou.”Sheforcedareassuringsmile.“You’resuchanicewoman,andyoucertainlydeservetobetreatedassuch.Oh,look,herecomesDr.Allennow.”

“Howareyou,Mrs.Hinkle?”heasked.“Iunderstandyoumayhavebrokenyourwrist.”

“Ifellofftheporch,”Anniesaid,repeatingherstorylikeaparrot.“Hmmm,”Gabemurmuredasheremovedtheicepackfromherwrist.

Hiseyebrowspulledtogetherinadarkfrownwhenhesawtheextentoftheinjury.Heprobedtheskingently,hisexpressionserious.“We’regoingtoneedseveralX-raysofthiswrist,”hesaid.

Larissaswiftlyloggedontothecomputer.“APandlateralviews?”sheaskedassheenteredtheorder.

“Yes.”GabereplacedtheicepackandgaveAnnieasternlook.“Youknowthisdidn’thappenfromafall,”hesaidbluntly.

“Yes,yes,itdid.”Annie’svoicewasbeginningtosounddesperate.“I’mklutzyandIfellofftheporch.”

Gabe’sfrustratedgazelockedonLarissa’s,andsheknewexactlywhathewasthinking.Shegavehimatinynod,acknowledgingtheirdilemma,andthenturnedtowardAnnie.“Okay,justrelaxfornow.TheradiologytechwillbehereshortlytotakeyouovertogettheX-rays.Dr.Allen,doyouthinkshecouldhaveadoseofPercocetforthepain?”

“Ofcourse.”“Great,I’llberightback.”Larissawalkedovertotheautomateddrug-

dispensingmachineandpunchedinherpasswordalongwithAnnie’s

nameandIDnumber.ThePercocetdrawerpoppedopen,andsheremovedonedosebeforeclosingitupagain.Whenshespunaround,shenearlybumpedintoGabe.

“Wehavetonotifythesheriff’sdepartment,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Iknow.”TheWisconsinstatestatuteswereprettyclearregardingcases

ofsuspectedabuse.Still,sheknewthatdoingtherightthingcouldalsobackfireinabigway.“Butyouheardher.There’snowayshe’sgoingtopresschargesagainstherhusband.AndI’mafraidthathe’llonlygetangrieroncethedeputyquestionshim.Whatifhetakesthatangeroutonher?”

Gabethrusthisfingersthroughhisdarkbrownhair.“Youcouldberight,butwhatchoicedowehave?”

“Idon’tknow,”sheadmitted,hatingthefeelingofhelplessness.Thesystemwassupposedtoworkforvictims,butmoreoftenthannot,itcreatedaviciouscycle,onethatcouldn’tbebrokenunlessthevictimtookastance.Buttoomanyofthosevictimsdidn’t.“Letmetalktothesocialworkerfirst,okay?”

“Okay,butgivingherpamphletsondomesticviolenceisn’tgoingtohelp,”Gabesaidwithadarkfrown.“Wehavetocalltheauthorities.”

Shenodded,knowingwithasinkingheartthathewasright.ShecouldonlyhopethatthepolicecouldgetthroughtoAnniebetterthansheandGabehadbeenableto.

SheclosedhereyesandprayedthatAnniewouldn’tendupbackintheERwithinjuriesthatwerefarworsethanablackeyeorabrokenwrist.Please,Lord,keepAnniesafe!

____________

Gabestaredatthedeputyindisbelief.“You’retellingmethere’snothingyoucando?”

DeputyArmbrusterhelduphispalmsinahelplessgesture.“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?IcouldhaulKurtHinkledowntojail,butifshedoesn’tpresscharges,he’llbeoutbymorning.”

Thatcouldn’tberight.“Surelythere’senoughevidencetheretochargehimwithabuseevenwithouthertestimony?”

“Look,maybeheadmitshegrabbedhertoohard,andshejerkedawayandoops?Lookwhathappened?”Thedeputysighedheavily.“WithoutAnnietestifyingagainsthim,thiscouldbemadetolooklikesomesortofaccidentratherthananintentionalactofabuse.Withnopriors,he’llwalk.”

GabesensedLarissabesidehim,andhewasannoyedthathe’drecognizedhervanillascent.Regardless,hekepthisattentionfocusedontheproblemathand.Hejustcouldn’tbelievetherewasn’tsomethingthatcouldbedonelegallytopreventKurtfromhurtinghiswife.Again.

“Whatabouttheblackeyefromafewweeksago?”sheasked.Gabescowled.“Idon’trememberthat.”“Youweren’tworkingthatshift,”Larissapointedout.“Iwasonwith

Dr.Gardener.”DeputyArmbrusterpursedhislips.“Wecouldmaybearguethatit’sa

pattern,butagain,notlikely.Igotablackeyemyselfplayingsoftballwithmygirls.”Hesmiledgrimly.“MydaughterElisehasagoodarm.”

Gabeunderstoodwhatthedeputywassaying,butthatdidn’tmeanhehadtolikeit.“Sowhatcanwedo?”

“Look,IcangochatwithKurtifyouwantmeto.Atleasthe’llknowthatwe’reontohimand—”

“No,”Larissainterruptedharshly.“Don’t.”“What?”Gabeglaredather.“Whynot?”“Becausehe’llbemadandtakehisangeroutonher,that’swhy.”

LarissaturnedtowardDeputyArmbruster.“Ifyoucan’tarresthim,thenjustleaveitalone.”

Gabecouldn’tbelievewhathewashearing.Whatwasshedoing?Whywasn’tLarissastandingupfortheirpatient?“IthinkitwoulddoKurtgoodtoknowwe’reontohim.”

“Why?”Larissaasked,hergreeneyessparkingfire.“Sonexttimehecanhurtherwherethebruiseswon’tshow?”

What?Hetookastepback.“No,ofcoursenot.”“Leaveitalone,”shepleaded.“I’lltalktoAnnie,okay?MaybeIcan

helpinwaysthepolicecan’t.”DeputyArmbrustershrugged.“Okay,letmeknowifanything

changes.”“Gabe?Weneedyourhelpoverhere,”Merrycalled.“Thispatient’s

breathingisgettingworse.”“Goahead,I’lltalktoAnnie,”Larissasaid.Reluctantly,henoddedandhurriedovertowhereMerrywasstanding

besideanotherpatientwhowasclearlyindistress.Thebeepingoxygen-saturationmonitorshowednumbersthatweresteadilydeclining.“Getmeanintubationtraynow.”

Allthoughtsregardinghisotherpatientsvanishedashequicklyfocusedonsavingthisgentleman’slife.Heplacedthebreathingtubeandthenquicklyconnectedtheoxygensupply,givinghimseveralslow,deepbreaths.

“O2satupto90percent,”Merryannouncedwithsatisfaction.Therespiratorytherapistcameovertosecurethetube.Gabekeptaneye

ontheguy’svitalsigns,reassuredthathewasholdinghisown,atleastforthemoment.“Allright,calluptotheICUandletthemknowwehaveapatientforthem.”

“Willdo,”Merrypromised.Gabedidaquickvisualcheckontheotherpatientsunderhiscare

beforeheadingbackovertowhereLarissawassittingbesideAnnieHinkle.Anniewasstaringdownatthecasthe’dorderedtobeplacedonherwristafterdeterminingthatindeedshe’dsufferedtwominorfractures.

Whichcouldhaveeasilybeenfarworse.Thegoodnewswasthatshewouldn’tneedsurgery.

Thebadnewswasthathe’dhavetodischargeherhome.Backtoherabusivehusband.

Hepausedoutsidethedoorway,listeningasLarissaspokesoftlytoAnnie.“Here’smynameandphonenumber,”Larissasaid,pressingasmall,foldedpieceofpaperintoAnnie’suninjuredhand.“Callmeifyoufeelafraid,orifyoujustwanttotalk.I’dbehappytohelpinanywayIcan.”

“Thankyou,”Anniewhispered.“Butreally,I’mfine.Justabitklutzy.”“RememberwhatItoldyou?”Larissaasked.AnnieslowlyliftedhergazetomeetLarissa’s.Hersoftlyspoken“yes”

soundedalmostlikeanadmission.“Callmeanytime,”Larissarepeated.“Iwill.”Gabestoodthereforalongmoment,wishinghe’dheardtheentire

conversationbetweenthetwowomen.He’dsensedrightfromthestartthatLarissahadidentifiedwithAnnieonalevelthathecouldn’tpossiblyimagine.

BecauseofherpreviousERexperiences?Orfromsomethingmorepersonal?HewassurprisedbytheflashofangeratthethoughtofsomeonehurtingLarissa.

HesignedAnnie’sdischargeorders,unabletogetthethoughtoutofhismind.Fromthemomenthe’dfirstmetLarissa,they’dconnectedonsomesortofsubliminallevel.Hewasattractedtoher,notjustbecauseofherprettyfaceandsoft,wavy,blondehair.Butbecausetheywerebothextremelydedicatedtotheirpatientsandsharedthesameinterests,likerunning.He’dcaughtsightofherseveraltimeswhenhetooktotherunningtrails,alwaysgivingheranodofrecognitionbutneverstoppingtochat.

He’dhadtoworkhardtokeephisdistancefromher.Romanceandworkdidnotmix,alessonhe’dlearnedthehardway.

He’dcometoCrystalLakeayearago,hispridebatteredandhisreputationtarnished.Afterayear,he’dgainedtherespecthe’dsodesperatelyneeded.Soon,hehopedtowinthepositionofmedicaldirectorforemergencymedicine,puttinghispainfulpastawayonceandforall.

Herefusedtoevenconsiderapersonalrelationship,especiallywithoneofthenurses.

ButashewatchedLarissagiveAnnieabriefhugandescortheroutthedoor,hecouldn’thelpwishingthathe’dmetLarissaunderdifferentcircumstances.Thatshewasn’tanurseworkingintheERwithhim.

Becausehelikedher,fartoomuch.

ChapterTwo

Larissafinishedofftherestofhertwelve-hournightshift,gratefulwhenthesteadystreamofpatientsslowedtoameretrickle.BetweenherdeepconcernsoverAnnieHinkleandherridiculousawarenessofGabe,shewasphysicallyandmentallyexhausted.

Outside,shepausedtostareinaweattherisingsunslidingupthehorizonintheeast.Thebeautifulsighthelpedrestorehersenseofpeace.

Churchserviceswouldbenice,too,eventhoughitwasSaturdaysheknewCrystalLakeChurchalwaysheldanearlymorningservice.Sheslidintohercarandheadedinthedirectionofthesmall,beautiful,whitechurchsteepleclearlyvisiblebetweentheleavesofthetrees.ShewasgladitwasMemorialDayweekendasshehadthenexttwodaysoffbeforeshehadtoreturntowork.Aspainfulasthetwelve-hourshiftsweretoendure,theextradaysoffwerewonderful.

Atthestoplight,sheyawnedsowideherjawpopped.Hereyelidsbecameunbearablyheavy,andshepriedhereyesopenwithaneffort.Maybeitwasbettertoforgochurchservicesandheadhomesinceshewaslikelytofallasleepanyway.Herapartmentwasonlyafewmilesaway.Thankfully,shemadeithomewithoutaproblem.

Inside,shesetheralarmtogooffinfivehours,soshecouldtrytogetbackonaday-shiftschedule.Theworstpartaboutworkingnightswasswitchingbacktodayshiftsonherdaysoff.

Whenheralarmblaredfivehourslater,shegroanedandstaggeredovertoshutitoff.Everycellinherbodycravedmoresleep,butsheforcedherselftostayupright.

Acupofcoffeeandalightbreakfasthelpedclearawaythelingeringfoghoveringalongtheedgesofhermind.Shestaredoutsideatthebrightsunlight.Whatsheneededwasagoodrushofadrenalin.Shetuggedherrunninggearon,pulledherwavyhairbackintoaponytailtokeepitoffherneck.Avisorhelpedblocktheharshraysfromthesunassheheadedoutside.

Thefirsthalfmilewasthehardest,butonceshehitherstrideandwoundherwayalongthejoggingtrail,shadedbytoweringtrees,shefelteveryoneofhermusclesrelaxintoanexhilaratingrhythm.Otherthanbeinginchurch,thesewerethetimesshefelttheclosesttoGod,andshesilentlyrecitedaprayerassheran.

Distantsoundsoflaughterwaftedupfromthelake,wherelocalsandtouristswereenjoyingthewater.Shelivedinasmallapartmentbuildingoutsideoftownwithoutdirectaccesstothelake,althoughbuyingasmallhouseonthewaterwasoneofhergoals.

Maybenextyear,shethoughtwithasmile.She’dcometoCrystalLaketoescapeabadrelationshipandtogetfarawayfromthehighcrimerateofChicago.Thenightthecopsbustedupadrugdealgoingdownintheapartmentacrossthehallfromhershadpushedherovertheedge.

Sofar,sheabsolutelylovedithereinCrystalLake.Herpeacefulrunwasabruptlyinterruptedbytheharshroarofa

motorbike.Shehuggedthesideofthetrail,peeringoverhershouldertomakesureshesawthecyclistbeforehecameuponherunexpectedly.

Thegrowloftheenginebecamelouder,andshestifledasliverofunease.Onewrongmoveonthisdirt-packed,hillytrailcouldresultindisaster.

Themotorbikeabruptlycrestedthehill,headingstraighttowardher.Sheleapedoffthetrailtogetoutofharm’sway.Butshelandedoffbalance,herfootslippingonlooserocksandbranches.Shewentdownhard.Themotorbikeswervedaroundacurve,thedriverlettingoutaloudwhoop.

“Idiot,”shemuttered,assessingforinjuries.Herkneesandthepalmsofherhandswerescrapedrawfromhertumble,butitcouldhavebeenworse.

Shestood,andherrightanklezingedwithpain.Great.Justwhatsheneeded—asprainedankleroughlytwoandahalfmilesfromhome.

Thesoundofthemotorbikegrewlouderagain,andshestaredatthetrail,unabletobelievetheguyhadthenervetocomebackaftertherecklessstunthe’dpulled.Sureenough,hewasridingdownthetrail,onceagainheadedstraightforher.

Forasplitsecond,shehadthedistinctimpressionthathewaspurposely

tryingtorunherdown.Shescrambledoutoftheway,graspingthetrunkofatreeforsupportasthemotorbikewhizzedby,soclosethatshecouldfeeltheheatfromtheengineblastingagainstherlegs.

Sheclungtothetreeforseverallongmoments,afraidthemotorcyclistwasgoingtocomebackforathirdtime.Shesentupasilentprayer,thankingGodforhersafety,beforeshefinallyletgoofthetreeandhobbledbackontothetrail.Shelimpedaspainreverberatedupherlegwitheverystep.Findingathicktreebranch,sheimprovised,usingitasawalkingstick.

Thesoftthudoffootstepsonthetrailmadehertense.Sheforcedherselftorelax;therewasnoreasonthedriverofthemotorbikewoulddecidetocomebackonfoot.Itwasn’tunusualtopassotherjoggersonthetrail.

Sureenough,arunnercameintoview.Atallman,wearingasweatyorangeT-shirtandnavyblueshorts,withearbudstuckedintohisearsblockingoutthenoise.Personally,shedidn’tgetwhyanyonewouldwanttolistentomusicwhilerunningwhenthepeaceandquietwassomuchmoresoothing.Buttoeachhisown.

Asthejoggerapproached,shegrimacedwhensherecognizedGabeAllen.Sheshouldn’thavebeensurprised;she’dpassedhimontherunningtrailsbefore,andthey’dexchangedbriefgreetingsbeforeheadingtheirseparateways.

Whenhecaughtsightofher,hefrownedandimmediatelysloweddown,tuggingtheearbudsfromhisears.“Larissa,areyouallright?Whathappened?”

Shewilledherheartratenottojumpashesteppedcloser,concerndarkeninghiswarm,browneyes.Sheclearedherthroatandstroveforalighttone.“Didahotshotonamotorbikeflypastyou?”sheaskedwryly.“Becauseheranmeoffthetrail—twice.”

“Yeah,Isawhim.”Gabedroppeddowntoacrouchtoexaminethescrapesonherkneesbeforehegentlyproddedherankle.Shesuckedinaswiftbreath,andheglancedupather.“Thislookslikeabadsprain.”

“Thanksforthediagnosis,doc,”shesaidlightly.“IrealizeI’mjustanurse,butIkindafiguredthatoutallbymyself.”

Gabedidn’ttakeoffensebutsentheralopsidedsmile.“Youshould

probablygetanMRItoruleoutligamentdamage.”Sheshrugged.“Yeah,butIcan’tdothatuntiltheswellinggoesdown,

anyway,right?”“Right.You’llgetabetterpictureifyouwaitafewdays,”heagreed,

risingtohisfeet.“Comeon,leanonme,andI’llhelpyougethome.”“What?”Hisofferwassounexpectedshenearlylostherbalance.The

lastthingsheneededwastocozyuptoGabefortwoandahalflongmiles.“There’snoneedforyoutocutyourrunshortbecauseofme.Ihavemytrustywalkingstick.I’llbefine.”

“Don’tberidiculous.I’mnotleavingyouherelikethis.Leaningonmeiswaybetterthanusingastick,andmyplaceisn’tthatfar,justamileandaquarterfromhere.”

Amileandaquarterstillseemedlikealongway,butitwasbetterthangoingallthewaytoherapartment.Shereluctantlynodded.“Allright.ButI’mhotandsweaty,”shewarnedashewrappedhisarmfirmlyaroundherwaist.

“Me,too,”hesaideasily,shorteninghisstridetomatchhers.Theirprogresswasstillawkward,andshewasfartooawareofbeingso

closetoGabe.“IwishIknewwhothatmotorbikedriverwas,”shemutteredinanattempttodistractherselffromhisnearness.“I’dreporthimtothepolice.He’samenaceonthesetrails.”

“I’mprettysurethatwasTommyHinkle,”Gabesaid.“I’vetakencareofhimafewtimesintheER.”

“Annie’sson?”Theknowledgealmostmadeherfeelsorryforhim.“Doyouthinkhisfatherhitshim,too?”

Gabewassilentforseveralmoments.“Actually,Ithinkthekidisprobablytoomuchlikehisfather,”hesaidfinally.“ThelasttimeTommywasintheERwasbecausehewasunderarrestfordrivingundertheinfluence.Hebraggedthathisdadwouldbailhimout,noproblem.Igottheimpressionhisdadletshimdowhateverhewants.Maybeevenencourageshim.”

Shesighedandshookherhead.“PoorAnnie.I’mgettingthefeelingit’stwoagainstoneinthathousehold.”

“Yeah,I’mafraidso.”Theywalkedalonginsilenceforafewminutes.

ThenGabe’sarmtightenedaroundherwaist,drawinghertoahalt.“There,seebetweenthetrees?That’smyplace.Thinkyoucanmakeitthatfar?”

“Yes,Icanmakeit,”sheassuredhim,eventhoughintruth,herrightanklestillthrobbedlikecrazy.Nottomention,beingthisclosetohimwaswreakinghavoconherhard-woncontrol.

Larissaknewshecouldn’taffordtoletherguarddownwithGabe.Nomatterhowmuchshewantedto.

____________

Gabegrimlypacedoffthedistancetohisplaceastheymadetheirwayalongthetrail.Hecouldn’t,ingoodconscience,leaveLarissatohobblealongonherown,butholdingontoherlikethishadn’tbeenthebrightestideahe’deverhad.

Shefitagainsthissideperfectly,herslightframehidingastrengthhecouldn’thelpbutadmire.Heranklelookedterrible,butshedidn’twhineorcomplain.Infact,ifhehadn’tofferedtohelpher,heknewshewouldhavecontinuedonherwaywithoutaskingforassistance.

HehadtoremindhimselfforthetenthtimethatshewasanERnurse,whichmeantshewasoff-limits.Permanently.

KnowingthatTommyHinklewastheonewho’drunheroffthetrailmadehimgrithisteethinanger.Larissawasright,thekidwasamenace,buthesuspectedthattherewouldn’tbemuchthepolicecoulddoaboutitnow.

“Gabe?Issomethingwrong?”Larissaasked.Heglanceddowninsurprise.“No,why?”“Yourarmaroundmywaistisgettingtighterandtighter,”sheadmitted.

“Youmightwanttolightenupabit.”Hementallysmackedhimself.“Sorryaboutthat,”hesaid,relaxinghis

grip.“IwasgettingmadthinkingaboutTommy.How’syourankleholdingup?”

“Justpeachy,”shesaidinawrytone.“I’mtryingtotakeheartinthefactthatyourhouseisslowlygettingcloser.”

“We’llbetheresoon,andthenyoucanrelax,”hepromised.His

modest,wood-sidedA-frameoverlookingthelakewashisprivatesanctuary,andwhilehewasn’taccustomedtohavingwomenover,itwasn’tasifhecoulddragLarissaallthewaytotownonfoot.HeknewshelivedinthesameapartmentcomplexthatMerryHainesandseveraloftheotherstafflivedinbecausehe’doverheardthenursescomparingnotesonedayaboutanexceptionallynoisyneighbor.

“Yourhomelooksveryrustic,”shesaidastheyfinallyapproachedthedriveway.Onlyninetymorefeettogo.“SomehowIexpectedsomethingmore...flashy.”

“Flashy?”Hegraspedhischestasifwounded.“DoIreallylooklikethetypethatgoesforflashy?”

Shechuckled.“No,butdoctorsgenerallyliveamuchhigherlifestylethantherestofus.”

Hehidastabofdisappointmentregardingherobservation.Wasshelikesomanyoftheothernurses?Theoneswhosettheirsightsonmarryingadoctor?Andwhentheydidn’tgetwhattheywanted,stoopedsolowastotelllies,notcaringthattheydestroyedaman’sreputation?

“It’ssobeautiful,”shemurmured.“Youmustlovethepeaceandquiet.”“Ido,”heagreed,refusingtowasteanytimethinkingaboutRebecca.

Shewasoutofhislife,forgood.Threemorefeetandtheywereuptohisfrontstoop.“Canyounavigatethestepallright?OrshouldIcarryyou?”

“Icandoit,”sherespondedquickly.Heheldthedooropenforher,andshelimpedinside,headingforthe

closestchair.“Thanks,”shesaidwithasigh.“Feelsgoodtositdownforamoment.Ihatetoaskforanymorefavors,butI’dappreciatearidehome.”

“I’lldriveyouhomeassoonaswecleanupthosewounds.”Didn’tsherealizetherewasbloodoozingoutfromthedirtfilledabrasions?“Sittight,I’llberightback.”

“Wait,youdon’thaveto—”shebegan,butheignoredher.Hewenttorummagethroughhisbathroomcabinet,findingeverythingheneeded:dressings,tape,antibioticointment.Whenhereturned,hediscoveredshe’dmadeherwayintothekitchen.

“Idon’twanttobleedonyourcarpet,”shesaidwithahintofdefensiveness.“AndIwashedthescrapesonmyhandswithsoapand

water.”Hesetthesuppliesonthetableandthenwentovertofillupabowl

withsoapywater.Hebroughtitoverandkneltbesideher.“Thismighthurt,”hewarnedashetookasoftwashclothandbegancleaningherknees.

Theabrasionsweren’ttoobad,andshedidn’tsayawordashecleanedthemup.“What’sthematter?”heaskedwhenhefinishedputtingfreshdressingsinplace.“Didyouthinkameaslydoctorwouldn’tknowhowtodressawound?”

“No,youdidafinejob,”shesaidinalowvoice.Sheavoidedhisgaze.“Thankssomuch.It’sagoodthingI’moffworkforthenexttwodays.AbitofrestandI’llbeasgoodasnew.”

“Youmightwanttoseeyourdoctor.He’llwriteyouanexcusetostayoffworklongerifneeded.”

“I’llbefine,”sherepeated.“I’msureyouwanttogetbacktoyourrun,soifyoucouldjustdrivemehome,I’llgetoutofyourhair.”

Shewasactingabitstrange,andhethoughtshemightbehavingmorepainthanshe’dleton.Heloosenedherrunningshoe.“First,let’swrapupthisankle.”Theswellinghadn’tgottentoomuchworse,whichwasagoodsignsinceshe’dbeenwalkingonitforthepasttwentyminutes.Maybetherewasn’tanyligamentdamage.“Better?”heaskedwhenhe’dfinishedwrappingitsnuggly.

“Much.”Hervoicesoundedstrained.“Thanks.Again.”Hestaredatherforamoment,tryingtogaugehermood.Herosetohis

feetandcrossedovertothefridge.Hepulledoutabottleofwaterandhandedittoher.Aftertakingaswigofhisownwater,hetookabagoffrozenpeasoutofthefreezer.“Here,usethisasanicepack,”hesaid,drapingthebagoverherankle.

Sheletoutanunexpectedchuckle.“Toofunny.IhaveabagoffrozenpeasthatIuseasanicepack,too.”

Hecouldn’thelpbutreturnhersmile.“Ibeteveryrunnerhasabagofpeasintheirfreezer.”

“Maybe,”sheagreed.Shetookalongdrinkofwaterbeforerecappingthebottle.“So,isthereanythingelseyouthinkyouneedtofix,Dr.Allen?Orshouldwegetgoing?”

Hehadtheinsaneurgetooffertomakeherdinnerbutstoppedhimselfjustintime.“I’lldriveyouhome.Here,leanonme.Mycarisinthegarage.”

“Noproblem.”Sheheldontothepeasandthewaterbottlewithonehandandheldhimaroundthewaistwiththeother.Itwasashortdistance,buthefoundhemissedhertouchonceshewassafelytuckedintothepassengerseat.

Larissakeptglancingoutherwindowontheridehome,andhegotthesenseshewasavoidinghimforsomereason.Afterabouttenminutes,hepulleduptoherapartmentcomplex.

Heinsistedonhelpingheruptoherapartmentdespiteherproteststhatshe’dbefine.“Doyouneedanythingelse?”heaskedaftersheunlockedthedoor.

“Nope,butthanksagain.Seeyoulater,”shebarelygotoutbeforesheshutthedoorfirmlybetweenthem.

Hestaredatthecloseddoorforseverallongsecondsbeforeturningtomakehiswaybackoutsidetohiscar.Thethoughtthatshe’dbeensoanxioustogetridofhimdidn’tsitwell.

Andmuchlikethewayshe’dinterruptedhisrun—granted,throughnofaultofherown—sheannoyinglyinfiltratedhisthoughtsfortheremainderoftheday.

ChapterThree

Larissaslidbehindthewheelofhercar,intendingtoattendSundaymorningchurchservices.Howeverusingherrightfoottodriveprovednearlyimpossible.Afterseveraljerkyattemptsatdrivingwithherleftfoot,sheletoutafrustratedgroan,turnedoffthecar,andawkwardlyclimbedbackoutfrombehindthewheel.Nowaywasthatgoingtowork.Shewasmorelikelytohitsomethingthannot.

Shestaredupatthecloudlesssky,fightingawaveofhelplessness.Thisstupidanklewasgoingtoruinherfewdaysoffworkifshecouldn’tmanagetodriveacar.Sheproppedherselfagainstthevehicle,enjoyingthecoolbreezeasshetriedtofigureoutwhattodonext.

Lessthanonedayandshewasalreadyheartilysickofbeingstuckinherapartment.MaybeshecouldmanagetohobbledowntoRose’sCafé?Josiewouldkeephercompanyatleastforawhile.Therewasnothingthecaféownerlikedmorethangossip.

“Larissa!”Sheturnedwhensheheardhername,surprisewideninghereyeswhen

shecaughtsightofGabeAllenwalkingtowardher.He’dparkedhiscarafewspacesdownfromhers.

“Hi,Gabe.”Shewasgladthatthistimeshedidn’tsmelllikesweatandwasdressedinafloweryskirtandamatchingpink,short-sleevedtop.Shetriednottofidgetwithherclothing.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Ibroughtoverapairofcrutchesincaseyouneededsomehelpgettingaround.”Hegazedatherattireandliftedhisbrow.“Areyouheadedsomewherespecial?”

Sheblushedandwishedshecouldstopthisridiculousreactiontohim.“Iplannedonattendingchurchservices,butdrivingisapparentlynotanoption.”Hadhementionedcrutches?Shebrightenedwiththepossibility.“IbetIcouldwalktochurch,though,ifyou’reseriousaboutallowingmetoborrowthosecrutches.”ChurchandthenRose’scafé.Muchbetterthansittingaroundandstaringatthefourwallsofherapartment.

“IthinkitwouldbebetterifIdroveyoutochurch,”Gabesaidslowly.“Crutchwalkingisn’teasyforlongdistances.”

“Oh.”Shewasflabbergastedbyhiswillingnesstotakehertochurchbecauseshe’dneverseenhimattendservicesinthepast.“That’sverykind,butIdon’twanttotakeyououtofyourway.”

“It’snoproblem.Here,leanonme,andwe’llgetyouovertomycar.”ShefounditunsettlingtorealizeshewasstandingclosetoGabewith

hisarmanchoredaroundherwaistforthesecondtimeinlessthantwenty-fourhours.ShehadnoideawhyGodkeptsendingthismanintoherpath,butforrightnow,shecouldn’tthinkofanexcusenottogoalongwithhisoffer.Otherthantheobviousone,thatspendingtimewithGabewasn’tsmart.

Butshebreathedalittleeasierwhenshewassafelyseatedinthepassengerseatofhiscar.Shewaiteduntilheslidintothedriver’sseatbeforeglancingathim.“Youknow,Iwouldn’tmindifyoudroppedmeoffatchurchandcamebackinanhourifyoudon’twanttogoinwithme.”

Gabelookedpasther,overhisshoulderashebackedoutoftheparkingspace.“IsthatapolitewayofsayingI’mnotwelcome?”heasked.

“No!Ofcoursenot.”Shewashorrifiedthathewouldthinkthat.“IguessIjustnevernoticedyouattendingchurchservicesbefore.”

Asmilebloomedacrosshisfeatures.“Isn’titthejobofagoodChristiantoconvinceusnon-goerstoattendchurchandtorediscoverourfaith?”heaskedinateasingtone.“Atleastthat’swhatmysisteralwaystriestodo.”

SherelaxedafterhearinghissisterwasaChristian.“Yes,you’rerightaboutthat.Iwouldloveforyoutocometochurch,butIcan’tforceyoutobelieveinGod.Youhavetocometothatrealizationonyourown.”

Gabewassilentforamoment.“Ihavetobehonestwithyou.Ihaven’tbeentochurchinwelloverayear.”

Shewonderedwhathadhappenedtocausehislapseinfaith.Andgivenwhathe’djusttoldher,shehadnoideawhyhe’devenofferedtocomewithherinthefirstplace.Butshedidn’twanttopryintohispersonallifebyasking.She,betterthananyone,understoodtheneedforprivacy.“Well,

IhavetotellyouthatoutofallthechurchservicesI’veattendedinmylifetime,PastorJohngivesoneofthebest,”shesaidlightly.“He’sdowntoearthandyetalwayshelpsreminduswhatGodwouldwantustodo.MaybeI’mbeingpresumptuous,butIthinkyou’lllikehim.”

Gabemadeanoncommittalnoisebutdidn’tsayanythingmoreashepulleduptotheparkinglotofthechurch.Shestruggledtogetoutofthecar,whichwasn’teasy,butwithinmoments,Gabewasthere,helpingher.

“Thanks,”shemurmured,hopinghewouldn’tnoticethebreathlessnessinhertone.

“Staythere,”hetoldher.“I’llgetthecrutches.”Hepulledthealuminumcrutchesoutofthebackseatandsetthemnext

toher.“Trythese.Isetthemupforyourheightbasedonmemory,butImighthavethemeasurementswrong.”

Shetookthecrutchesandproppedthembeneathherarmpits,notsurprisedtodiscovertheywereperfect.“They’regreat.Thankssomuch.”

“Ibrokemyfootonce,sotrustme,Iknowwhatyou’regoingthrough,”heconfided.“It’snotaseasytocrutchwalkasitlooks.”

Sheflashedhimasmileandmadeherwayovertowardthesidewalkleadinguptothefrontdoorofthechurch.Gabestayedrightbesideher,hishandhoveringonthesmallofherback,asifhewasworriedshemightfall.

Thereweren’tmanyparishionersinattendanceasitwastheholiday,butthosewhoweretheregreetedherbyname.Shedidn’tknowifsheshouldintroduceGabe,andifso,aswhat?Herfriend?Acolleague?Oneofthedoctorssheworkedwith?Shecouldn’tbringherselftouseanyofthoseoptions,soshedecidednottosayanythingatall.

Gabewaslikelyregrettinghisoffertobringher,basedontheknowinglooksbeingflashedtheirway.DidGaberealizethepowerofsmall-towngossip?Shecouldfeelhercheeksturningredandduckedherhead,hopingnoonewouldnotice.

Shetoldherselfnottoworrywhatanyoneelsethought.IfthiswaswhatGabeneededtobringhimbacktothechurch,thentheminordiscomfortwaswellworthit.

Closinghereyes,shesentupasmallprayer.Please,Lord,showGabe

thewayhome.____________

GabestoodbesideLarissainchurch,wonderingwhyonearthhe’dagreedtothis.She’dgivenhimanout,hadofferedtobedroppedoffandpickedupinanhourwhentheservicewasover.Honestly,thatwasexactlywhathe’dconsideredbeforeshementionedit.

Buthehadn’ttakenthechancetoskipout.Instead,herehewas,attendingchurchinthefirsttimeinoverayear.HissisterhaddraggedhimtoserviceswheneverpossiblebackinMadison,butaftermovingtoCrystalLake,hehadn’tbothered.

WhenLarissahadmentionedthatshecouldn’tforcehimtobelieveinGod,he’drelaxedhisguard.Helovedhissister,Kimberly,butshewasconstantlypreachingathim,tryingtogethimtobuyintoeveryoneofherbeliefs.Instinctively,themoreshepushed,themorehe’dbackedoff.

Hepickedupthehymnalandfoundtheopeninghymn.Onethinghe’dratherlikedaboutthechurchserviceswasthemusic.Itoccurredtohimnowjusthowmuchhe’dmissedit.

Astheorganistbegantoplay,theyrosetotheirfeetandbegantosingalong.Hisbaritonewasabitrusty,buthesoongotintotherhythm.

HecaughtLarissa’spleasedsmileasshejoinedhiminsingingalong.Herarmlightlybrushedhis,andhekepthiseyescenteredonthehymnal,pretendingnottonotice.

Eventhoughhedid.Thepastorwasyoungerthanhe’danticipated.Gabehadn’texpectedto

enjoytheservice,despiteLarissa’sglowingpraiseofPastorJohnGorman,butsincethethemeofthesermontodaywasforgiveness,hefoundhisattentionrivetedonthepastor’swords.

PastorJohnpausedforamomentandthenread,“Andwheneveryoustandpraying,ifyouhaveanythingagainstanyone,forgivehim,thatyourFatherinheavenmayalsoforgiveyouyourtrespasses(Mark11:25).”

Thepassagestruckachorddeepwithin.He’dremainedsoangrywithRebeccaafterthewayshe’ddestroyedhisreputationattheUniversityHospitalinMadison.Tellinghisbossandthehospitalleadershipthathe’d

sexuallyharassedherwhen,infact,shewassimplyupsetbecausehe’dbrokenofftheirrelationship.She’dcosthimhisjob.Nomatterhowmuchhe’dtriedtodenyherallegations,heknewtherewasnowaytorecoverfromthestigma.

Itwasherwordagainsthis,andhe’dlost.Bigtime.Shakingoffthepast,hefocusedonthepastor’ssermon.Accordingto

PastorJohn,ifhewantedtofindpeace,hefirsthadtocleansehissoul.AndthatmeantforgivingRebecca.

Couldhereallydothat?Heknewheshould,butsayinganddoingweretwodifferentthings.

Theorganistbegantheclosinghymnbeforehe’devenrealizedtheservicewasnearlyover.Andhewasevenmoresurprisedthathehadn’tbeenwatchingtheclock,thewayheusedto.Infact,he’denjoyedtheservice.

“Thanksforbringingme,Gabe,”Larissasaidsoftly.“ThatwasexactlywhatIneededthismorning.”

“Mypleasure,”heresponded.“Don’ttellmysister,butIlikedit,too.”Shelaughed,andthesoundremindedhimofpicnicsatthebeach.Or

maybethatwasjustthelasttimehecouldrememberbeinghappy.OddthathefeltmorelightheartedandrelaxedaroundLarissa.

“Howwouldyouliketogooutonmyboatthisafternoon?”heoffered.“Iknowthelakewillbebusyconsideringit’stheMemorialDayholiday,butwecanstillhavefun.”

Herblueeyesglowedwithexcitementandsurprise.“Oh,I’dlovetodothat.Youhavenoideahowhorribleitissittinginsidetheapartmentwhileeveryoneelseisouthavingagoodtime.”

“Great.Howaboutwegrabsomelunchandthenheadovertomyplace.Unlessyouneedtogohomefirstforsomereason?”

“No,I’mfine.”Sheblushed.“AndIwasthinkingofstoppingatRose’sCafé,anyway.”

“Rose’sCaféitis.”Hewasgladshe’dagreedtocomewithhim,eventhoughhewasn’texactlysurewhyhe’dbroughttheideaupinthefirstplace.

Nothinghadchanged.LarissawasstillanurseatHopeCounty

Hospital,andhewasstillvyingforthemedicaldirectorposition.Hecouldn’taffordtogetemotionallyinvolvedwithsomeoneheworkedwith.Yethecouldrelatetowhereshewascomingfrom.Sittingathomealonedidn’tholdalotofappealforhim,either.

HewouldjusthavetomakesurethatspendingthedaywithLarissawasaboutbeingfriendsandnothingmore.

____________

LarissatoldherselfthatbeingoutonGabe’sboatdidn’tmeananything.EventhoughJosiehadwaggedhereyebrowswhenshe’dnoticedLarissaandGabetogether.Larissatippedherfacetothesunandtriedtocalmherracingheart.Maybethiswasn’tthebestideashe’deverhad.

Sowhyhadshesaidyes?Thelogicalanswerwasthatshe’dbeenboredandhadn’twantedtosit

aroundinherapartment.ButtherealreasonwasthatshelikedGabe.Asaperson,notjustasaphysiciansheworkedwith.

Andshehadn’tlikedamaninareallylongtime.Forthefirsttime,sherealizedthatshe’dbeenrunningawayfromher

past.AsmuchasshelearnedtoloveCrystalLake,thefactofthematterwasthatshewouldhaveworkedanywherethatwasn’tChicagoCentral.

Gabewasn’tRolland.She’dmadeonebaddecision,butdidshehavetolivewiththatonebaddecisionforever?Maybeitwastimetoforgiveherself.Wasn’tthatwhatPastorJohnhadsuggested?

“Ibroughtyouheretorelax,nottobestressedout,”Gabesaidasheslowedtheboat,bankinggentlyaroundacurve.

Shehadn’trealizedthatherdistresshadbeensoevidentandclearedherfeatures.“Sorryaboutthat.IguessIwaswallowinginthepast.You’rerightthatbeingoutonthewaterlikethisisveryrelaxing.Youmustcomeoutherewheneveryouhaveadayoff,weatherpermitting.”

“Idon’tcomeoutoftenenough,”headmitted.“Itendtolosemyselfinrunninginstead.”

Shegrinned.“Yes,Iknow.”Hewassilentforalongmoment.“I’vebeenworkinghardtoletgoof

thepastaswell,”hefinallysaid.“SoIunderstandhowitcancreepupon

youattheworsttime.”Sheliftedabrow,surprisedhe’dadmittedthatmuch.“Weshouldbe

abletoletgo,right?Consideringhowniceandpeacefulitishere.”Henoddedasheglancedaround.“Yeah,nothinglikethecity,that’sfor

sure.”Heliftedhisbrow.“It’sabitironicthatwe’rebothrelativelynewtothearea.”

Sherememberedherfirstfewweekshereandsuppressedashudder.“AtleastyouwereaWisconsinite.”She’dheardhe’dmovedherefromMadison.“IcamefromChicago,andletmetellyou,thatwasahugehurdletoovercome.”

Helaughed.“Icanonlyimagine.”Shesmiledinspiteofherself.“Thankfully,JulieCrainbefriendedme,

andsinceshegrewuphere,thelocalsfinallystoppedtreatingmelikeanoutsider.”Juliewasworkingthisweekendorshewouldhavehadsomeonetohangoutwith.

SomeoneotherthanGabeAllen.Notthatshewascomplainingoranything.“Ibetifweaskedaround,we’dfindmoretransplantresidentsthan

thosewhowerebornhere,”Gabeconfided.Thethoughtofpeoplewhowerebornandraisedheremadeherthinkof

poorAnnieHinkle.AccordingtoJulie,theHinkleshadbeenhereaslongasshehad.Hersmilefaded.“Youmightberight,”sheagreed.

Hercellphonerang,surprisingher.Shestaredatthescreenforamoment,temptedtoletthecallgotovoicemailasshedidn’trecognizethenumber.Reluctantcuriositycompelledhertopressthegreenbuttontoanswer.“Hello?”

“Larissa?It’sme,Annie.”Thewomanwasspeakingsosoftlyshecouldbarelyhearher.

Ashiverofapprehensionrippleddownherspine.“Annie?What’swrong?Areyouokay?”

Therewasaloudcrashfollowedbynothingbutsilence.Anniehadhungup.

ChapterFour

“WasthatAnnieHinkle?”Gabeasked,everysenseonalert.Whenshenodded,hetriedtoremaincalm.“Whathappened?”

Larissa’storturedgazemethis.“Idon’tknow,butIthinkweshouldcallthepolice.”

Hequicklyturnedtheboatbacktowardhispier.“Areyousure?Maybeshejustdidn’twantanyonetoknowshewascallingyou.”

“Shewastalkingreallysoftly,asifshedidn’twantanyonetohearher.ButthenIheardacrashandthen—nothing.I’mworriedsomethingterriblehashappenedtoher.”

Heunderstoodwhereshewascomingfrom.ThedarkbruisearoundAnnie’swristhadrevealedanuglystorydespiteherclaimsoffallingofftheporch.He’dseenhisshareofdomesticviolencecaseswhenhe’dbeeninMadison,buthecouldn’tfigureoutwhythewomendidn’tjustgetout.Heknewbeingavictimwaspartofthecycle,believingtheguywasgoingtochange,thinkingthatnexttimethesamethingwouldn’thappen,butitwasstillfrustrating.

“Call911andsendthedeputiesovertherejustincase.”HecouldhearLarissaonthephone,speakingtoDeputyThomas,

explainingAnnie’sabruptcallandthecrashshe’dheard.Aftershefinished,sheturnedbacktowardhim.“Theysaidthey’dsendasquadouttocheckthingsout.”

“That’sgood,”hesaidashepulledupnexttohispier.“Waitformetohelpyou,”hecautioned.Hemadequickworkoftyinguptheboatbeforegivingherahelpinghand.

Shecrutch-walkedupthefrontlawnatafastpace.Hefollowedclosebehind.“DoyouknowwhereAnnieandKurtlive?”sheaskedastheyroundedthehouse.

Hehadabadfeelingaboutwherethiswasgoing.“Yes.Theyliveinasmallhouseinthewoods.Theydon’thaveaccesstothelake,buttheirhouseistuckedintothetrees.IthinkKurtlikeshisprivacy.”Privacythat

gavehimplentyofopportunitytohithiswifewithoutanyoneoverhearing.“Willyoudrivemethere?”Hedidn’twanttobecausehewasworriedabouthersafety.BothKurt

andTommycouldbeunpredictable.Yethowcouldherefuse?Ifanything,LarissamightbeabletocalmAnniedownifshewasupsetsinceshe’destablishedagoodrapportwiththepatientduringherlastvisit.

“I’lldriveyouthere,”heagreed.“Butwe’renotgoinginsideuntilthecopsshowup.”

Larissalookedlikeshewantedtoprotest,butshedidn’tsayanythingassheslidintothepassengerseat.Hetookthecrutches,stuffedthemintheback,andthenjoggedaroundtothedriver’sside.

“Hurry,”Larissaurged.Hewasalreadypushingthespeedlimit,buthenudgedthegaspedala

bitmore.“TrycallingAnnieback,seeifsheanswers.”Larissadidashesuggested,butapparentlynooneansweredbecause

shedroppedthephoneintoherlap.“Idon’tlikeit,”shemurmured.“Something’snotright.”

Asheapproachedthesouthsideofthelake,heheardthewailofsirensgettinglouder.Thesquadspedpastthem,kickingupdustandgravel,andhecouldn’thelpfeelingasenseofrelief.

Hecouldonlyhopeandpraythedeputieshadgottenthereintime.Whenheapproachedthelong,windingdriveway,hepulledoffonthe

sideoftheroadandcuttheengine.“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,hertonelacedwithimpatience.“We

havetocheckonAnnie.”“Larissa,thepolicearethere.Wecan’tjustbargeupthedrivewayinto

themiddleofwhatcouldbeabadsituation.Forallweknow,Anniecouldbeahostage.Therecouldbeweaponsinvolved.”Andfromwhathe’dheardaboutKurt,theguywasanavidhunter,soforsureheownedatleastonegun,ifnotmore.“Let’sjustsithereforaminuteandwait.”

Larissa’sexpressionbetrayedherfrustration,butwhenshebowedherheadtopray,hereachedovertotakeherhandinhis.“DearLord,weaskthatYoupleasekeepAnniesafeinYourcare,”hemurmured.

“Amen,”Larissawhispered.

Larissastaredthroughthewindshield,searchingforsomesignofeitherAnnieorthepolice.Bothwindowsweredown,too,buttheycouldn’thearanything,andshewasn’tsureifthatwasagoodthingornot.Atleasttherewasn’tanyshoutingorgunfire.Butwhatifeveryonewasalreadydead?Shecouldn’tbearthethought.

Usuallyprayerhelpedkeephercalm,butshecouldn’tdenyanacutesenseofurgency.ShewaspleasedthatGabehadprayedwithher,andifthesituationwasn’tsotense,shemighthaveaskedhimmoreaboutwhathadcausedhimtostrayfromhisfaith.

Thesoundofmutedvoicesreachedherears,andshegrabbedGabe’shand.“Didyouhearthat?”shewhispered.

Henodded.“Maybethere’snothingtoworryabout,”hesuggested.Asmuchasshewantedtobelievethat,sheknewtoowellitwasn’t

likely.Abusivemendidn’tjustturnoveranewleaf.Theyalwayswantedtoprovethattheywereincontrol,nomatterwhatittook.Andtheabusewasalwaysthevictim’sfault.You’resostupid!Howcouldyoudosomethingsostupid?Whack!

Maybenexttime,you’llthinkbeforeyouopenupyourmouth!Smack!Larissashivereddespitethewarmairasmemoriesofthepastcame

rushingforward.Herstepfatherhadbeathermotheronaregularbasis,butitwasn’tuntilherstepfatherstartedbeatingLarissathathermotherhadfinallyescaped.

“Hey,what’swrong?”Gabewhispered.“Yousuddenlygotverypale.”Sheneededtopullherselftogether.“Nothing.I’mfine.”Thesoundofacarmotorstartledher,andsheheldherbreathuntilthe

squadcarcameintoview.Thetwodeputiesinsidelookedgrim.“Whathappened?”Gabeaskedthroughhisopenwindow.“IsAnnieall

right?”Thetwodeputiesexchangedalonglook.“Apparentlyeverythingisall

right.Annieclaimssheknockedapotofhotwateroffthestoveandthatherburnsaresuperficial.She’srefusingmedicalcare.AndKurthaspromisedtotakecareofher.”

Larissashookherhead,knowingthattherewaswaymoretothestory.

Butwhatcouldtheydo?IfAnniewouldn’tcomeforwardtotestifyagainstherhusbandorcomeintogetmedicalcare,theycouldn’ttakeanyactionagainsthim.

“Sorrywebotheredyou,”Gabesaid.“It’snobother,”DeputyThomassaidwithadarkfrown.“Butitis

frustrating.Atthemoment,ourhandsaretied.Letusknowifyouhearanythingmore.”

“Thanks,”Larissamurmured,feelingsicktoherstomach.Shedidn’tsayanythingasGabestartedupthecaranddroveaway.SheknewitwouldonlybeamatteroftimeuntilAnniewashurtagain.

Theonlyquestionremainingwaswhetherornotshe’dsurvivethenextattack.

____________

GabeglancedoveratLarissa,who’dbeenunusuallyquietduringtheridebacktohisplace.“Howaboutsomesteaksonthegrill?”heoffered.

Hereyebrowsroseinsurprise,andhementallybracedhimselfforrejection.“Actually,”shesaidslowly,“thatsoundswonderful.”

DespitehisintenttokeepLarissainthefriendshipcategory,hewasthrilledthatthey’dbespendingtheeveningtogether.HeassumedthatLarissadidn’twanttobealone,andhecouldn’tblameher,especiallysinceheknewshewasasdepressedashewasaboutAnnie’ssituation.

Buthewasgladallthesame.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindifIstopatagrocerystore,”hesaid.“Ineedto

pickupsomethingtogoalongwiththesteaks.”“Soundsgood.I’dbehappytopayforsaladfixings,”sheoffered.“I’llpayforthesalads,”hesaidfirmlyasheexecutedaU-turninthe

roadtoheadbacktowardtown.Afewminuteslater,hepulledintotheparkinglotofthelocalgrocerystore.

Hehelpedheroutofthecar,onceagaindistractedbyhervanillascent.Hequicklypulledhercrutchesoutofthebackseatandhandedthemtoher.“Ready?”heasked.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,swingingintoacrutchwalklikeapro.Hegrabbedabasketandfollowedhertotheproducesection.“Oooh,

thetomatoeslookdelicious,”shegushed.Hegrimaced.“Ifyouliketomatoes.”Herjawdroppedinmockhorror.“Youdon’tliketomatoes?Howisthat

possible?Everyonelikestomatoes!”“Idon’t,”hesaidwithawrygrin.“Buthelpyourself.Doyoulike

cucumbers?”“Ofcourse,what’snottolike?”“Whataboutsaladdressing?”heaskedwhenthey’dfilledthebasket

withveggies.“Ihaveranchdressingathome,butifyouwantsomethingelse,that’sfine.”

“Iloveranchdressing,soI’mgood.”Ridiculoustobepleasedthattheyhadsometastesincommon.They

madetheirwayovertothecheckoutlines,andheIignoredthesurprisedglancesinhisdirectionashepaidforthegroceries.Itwasalittlelatenowtobeworriedaboutthegossipmill,consideringhe’dalreadyattendedchurchwithLarissa.

AfterthewayRebeccahadruinedhisreputationatMadison,he’dtriedtoavoidattractingattentionhereinCrystalLake.Hehadn’tbeenseenwithawomanbeforenow.

Buttherewasnodenyingthathe’dbeenlivingalonelyexistence.AndwhatwastheharmofpickingupveggiesfordinnerwithLarissa?Hedidn’tcarewhatpeoplesaidabouthimoutsidethehospital.AslongashisreputationwithintheEmergencyDepartmentremaineduntarnished,hewasfine.

Thedrivebacktohishousedidn’ttakelong.Onceinside,Larissatookoverthekitchen.“I’llmakethesalads,”shesaid,runningtheveggiesunderwatertocleanthem.“Youcangrillthesteaks.”

“Yes,ma’am,”heteasedashepulledthesteaksoutofthefridge,wherehe’dbeenmarinatingthemallafternoon.Thefactthathe’dplannedonhavingdinnerwithLarissaallalongmadehimpauseforamoment.

Washereallyconsideringbreakinghiscardinalruleagainstdatingco-workers?

No,hewasn’t.Hecouldn’taffordtodoanythingthatmightjeopardizehiscareer.Theywerefriends,that’sall.Andfriendscouldcertainlyshare

dinneronoccasion.Notabigdeal.HeglancedupfromthegrillwhenLarissacameoutthroughthepatio

doors,hisbreathcatchinginhisthroatattheprettysightshemadewithherfloweryskirt,herpinktopandthesoftsmilethattuggedathermouthasshedroppedintooneofthedeckchairs.“Saladsarereadywheneveryouare,”sheannounced.“Anddon’tworry,naryatomatotobefoundinyours.Mine,ofcourse,isloadedwiththem.”

Hisresponsewasstrangledinhisthroat,andhehadtopullhimselftogetherwithaneffort.“Soundsgreat,”hefinallymanaged.“Andhowdoyoulikeyoursteak?”heasked,tryingtofindhisbalanceevenashisthoughtsraced.Howhadthissuddenlyturnedintoadate?

“Medium-rare,”shesaid.“Andletmeguess,you’rethekindofguywholikesyourmeattomooatyou.”

Hecouldn’thelpbutlaugh.“Notme,Ilikemysteaksmedium-rare,too.”

Theyateoutonhisdeck,overlookingthelake,andhecouldn’tremembereverenjoyingamealmore.Whenthesunsetoverthehorizonandthemosquitoescameout,theyreluctantlywentinside.SinceLarissawasoncrutches,hebroughtallthedirtydishesinandsetthemonthecounter.Shetriedtostartthedishes,butheshooedheraway.“Ihaveadishwashingmachine,there’snoreasonforyoutodothem.”

“Allright,”sheagreed.“It’stimeformetoheadhome,anyway.Thanksfordinner,Gabe.”

“You’reverywelcome,”hesaidhuskily.Asmuchashedidn’twanthertoleave,heknewthatitwouldbebestforhimifshedid.Hewasalreadyfartooawareofher.Andfartoocomfortablearoundher.“Doyouneedhelpgettingouttothecar?”

“Hey,I’maprowiththesethingsbynow,”shesaid,proppingthecrutchesbeneathherarms.“Althoughyouwererightaboutthefactthatcrutchwalkingisn’taseasyasitlooks.Myarmsarealreadytiredandsorefromonemeaslyday.”

Heknewexactlywhatshemeant.“You’llgetusedtoitafterafewdays.”

“Ihopeso.”

Heheldthedooropenforhersoshecouldmakeherwayoutside.Theridebacktoherapartmentdidn’ttakelong,anothernoveltyoflivinginCrystalLakecomparedtoMadison.AllthestreetsinMadisonledtothecapitol,whichmadetrafficatotalnightmareeveryday.

“Areyouworkingtomorrow?”Larissaasked,breakingintohisthoughts.

“Yes,areyou?”“No,I’moffonemoreday.”Wasthataflashofdisappointmentinher

features?Itwasdifficulttotellinthedimlight.Foramoment,heconsideredaskingoneofhiscolleaguestocoverforhimsotheycouldspendanotherdaytogether.

Badidea,hetoldhimself.Reallybadidea.Besides,he’dseeherthefollowingnight.

Hetriedtofindaneutraltopic.“Ifyourankleisn’tbetter,getintoseeyourdoctor.IstillthinkyoumightneedthatMRI.”

“Iwill,”shepromised.Hepulledintotheparkinglotofherapartmentbuildingandshutoffthe

carsohecouldhelpherout.Ofcourse,beingLarissa,shewasalreadytryingtogetoutonherown.

Tryingnottorollhiseyes,hehurriedaroundtoassist.Sheattemptedtopivotononefootandteeteredtotheside.

“I’vegotyou,”hesaid,catchingherbeforeshecouldfallagainstthedoor.Hersmallframefitintohisarmsperfectly,andsuddenly,hedidn’twanttolethergo.

“Thanks,”shesaidbreathlessly,herfaceburiedagainsthischest.Hestood,fightingagainstthedesiretowraphisarmsaroundher,

drawingherevencloser.Butthenshepulledbackabitandtippedherheadtolookupathim.Andhecouldn’tseemtohelphimself.

Heloweredhismouthtocapturehersinatenderkiss.

ChapterFive

LarissameltedagainstGabe,lostinhiskiss.Itwasn’tuntiltherewasaloudbangfromsomeoneslammingacardoornearbythatshefinallyregainedhersenses.

Shepulledaway,strugglingtocatchherbreath.Whyhadhekissedher?Whyhadshekissedhimback?“Larissa,”hebegan,andsheimmediatelyknewhewasaboutto

apologize.“It’sokay,”shesaidquickly,cuttinghimoff.“Ireallyneedtoget

going.Thanksagainforeverything,”shesaid,desperatelywishingshecouldjustwalkaway.

Butofcourse,shecouldn’twalkanywhere,notwithoutthecrutches.“Canyougetthecrutchesoutforme?”sheaskedwhenhedidn’tsay

anything.“Sure.”Hesteppedback,openedthedoor,andpulledthemout.“I’ll

walkyouinside,”hesaid.“No!”Thewordcameoutmuchharsherthanshe’dintended.Couldn’t

heseeshewashangingonbyathread?“Goodnight,Gabe.”Shetuckedthecrutchesbeneathheralready-sorearmpitsandmadeher

wayupthesidewalk.Ofcourse,Gabedidn’tjustlethergoinsidebyherself;infact,herushedaheadtoopenthedoorforher.

Keepinghergazeaverted,shemadeherwaytowardtheelevator.“Thanks,butI’vegotitfromhere,”shesaidwithabrightsmile.“Haveagreatdayatworktomorrow,”sheaddedastheelevatordoorsopened.Sheswunginsideandjabbedthebuttontoclosethedoors.

Itwasn’tuntilthedoorsclosedandtheelevatorstartingmovingthatshesaggedagainstthewallinrelief.ThetremblinginherlegshadnothingtodowiththeexertionofcrutchesandeverythingtodowithGabe’skiss.

Whathadjusthappened?Abetterquestionmightbe—whyhadthathappened?

She’dheardaboutGabe’saloofreputationonherveryfirstday.Allthe

nursestalkedaboutthefactthatthegood-lookingERdoctordidn’tdatenurses.Notevenoneswhoworkedelsewhereinthehospital.

Butthatwasn’ttheonlyreasonshe’dbeenfightingherattractiontohim.Shedidn’twantorneedthecomplicationofamaninherlife.Shewasheregettingoverabadrelationship,nottojumpintoanewone.

Still,shecouldn’thelplightlytouchinghertinglinglips.Gabe’skisshadn’tjustbarreledagainstthewallsshe’dbuiltaroundherheart,ithadbrokenstraightthrough.

Sheclosedhereyesandprayedforstrength.____________

Larissa’sanklefeltmuchbetterthenextmorning,somuchsothatshedecidedagainstgoingtoanurgentcare,heronlyoptionontheMemorialDayholiday.Theswellinghadcomedowntothepointsheprobablydidn’treallyneedthecrutches,butsheusedthemanywayjusttoresttheankleabitmore,especiallysinceshewasscheduledforanothertwelve-hourshiftthenextday.Atleastshewasscheduledforthenightshift,soshe’dhavetheentiredaytorestit.

Summercloudsdarkenedthesky,makingitagreatdaytostayinsidedoingchores.Gettingherlaundrydonewastricky,butshemanagedtoscootthebasketintotheelevatortogetdownintothebasement.

Asthedayworeon,shecouldn’tseemtostopthinkingaboutGabe.Whichwasridiculous,becauseshe’dalreadydecidedthatsheneededtokeepherdistancefromhim.Yetshemusthavecheckedherphoneadozentimes,wonderingifshe’dmissedhiscall.

OracallfromAnnie.Shethoughtaboutthepoorwomanassheplacedthefrozenbagofpeas

overherankle.She’dcalledAnnie’snumberseveraltimes,butthecallswentstraighttovoicemail.EitherAnnie’sphonewasturnedofforKurthaddestroyedit.

Sheshivered,hopingthatAnniehadmanagedtokeepthephonehidden.Ifnot,thepoorwomanhadnowayofcallingforhelp.Notthatshe’dcalledthepolicesofar.

LarissahadsensedGabe’sfrustrationyesterdaywhenAnniehad

refusedtopresscharges.SheunderstoodalltoowellwhatwasgoingoninAnnie’smind.

HowmanytimeshadshebeggedhermothertoleaveGeorge?Toomanytocount.Hermotheralwayshadanexcuse—eithershewasafraidshewouldn’tbeabletofindajob,orshewasafraidGeorgewouldcomeafterher,orshewasafraidGeorgewouldactuallyleaveheralone.She’dtriedtotellhermothertheywerebetteroffwithouthim,butitwasn’tuntilhe’dattackedLarissathathermotherhadsneakedawayinthedeadofthenight,goingstraighttoawomen’sshelter,oneofthemanyLarissahadtriedtoconvincehertogotointhepast.

TheyearsafterGeorgehadbeenroughonbothofthem.Hermotherhadbeendepressed,andtheonlyjobshe’dbeenabletogetwasthatofawaitress,whichhadn’tbroughtinmuchmoney.Larissahadgottenajobassoonasshe’dturnedsixteentohelpwiththehouseholdexpenses.Whenshewasseventeen,shetookthenursingassistantprogramthroughherhighschoolandhadgottenadecent-payingjobatalocalnursinghome.Sheenjoyedworkingwithpatientsandhaddecidedtogointonursing.

Ironically,onceshe’dheadedofftocollege,hermotherhadfoundanewman,onethatdidn’thitherorabuseherinanyway.Hewassignificantlyolder,butaslongashermotherwashappy,shedidn’tcare.IntalkingtoAnnieintheER,she’dtriedtoexplaintoAnniethatshecoulddothesame.

Butaftertheincidentlastevening,shecouldonlyassumeherwordshadfallenondeafears.Well,maybenotcompletelydeaf,asAnniehadtriedtocallher.

Shakingoffherdepressingthoughts,shefinishedherlaundryandthensettledinforamoviemarathon.ShehadasecretweaknessfortheoldStarWarsmoviesandwatchedoneafteranother,stayingupaslateaspossiblesoshecouldsleepinbeforehernextnightshift.

Thenextafternoon,heranklefeltevenbetter.Shestayedoffofituntilsheneededtogetdressedforwork.Eventhen,shewrappeditsnugglyforextrasupport.

Darkstormcloudsobscuredthesun,streaksoflighteningflashingacrosstheskyassheheadedtothehospital.Shehurried,tryingtobeatthe

rain,makingitinsidethehospitalwithmeresecondstosparebeforetheskyopenedupandrainpeltedtheearth.

ShegrinnedatherfriendJulie.“Ithoughtforsureyou’dbeofftoday.Didn’tyouworkthepasttwodays?”

“Tonightismylastofthreeshiftsinarow,andthenI’moffforfourgloriousdays,”Julieresponded.“Can’twait!”

Juliewasluckytohavepurchasedatownhouseonthelake.She’dgottenadecentpricebecauseonesidehadsufferedakitchenfire.IfLarissahadmanagedtosavemoremoney,shemighthaveputinabidfortheplaceherself.Althoughshewasgladherfriendhadgottenit.Nextyear,shesilentlypromised.Nextyearshe’dhaveenoughmoneyforadownpayment.

“Areyouinthetraumaroomtonight?”Larissaaskedastheymadetheirwayovertothedesk.Debrawasthechargenurse,andshelookedharassedastheyapproached.

“Idon’tknow,”Juliesaidwithawrysmile.“Guesswe’llfindout.”“I’mgladyou’rebothhere,”Debrasaid.“We’reshortstaffedtonight,

soI’llneedbothofyoutotakeateamandhelpcoverthetraumaroom,”sheinstructed.“Larissa,you’reteamone,andJulie,you’reteamtwo.IhaveJessicacoveringteamthree,andI’llpitchinasneeded.”

LarissaexchangedawincewithJuliebeforenodding.“Okay.”“Thisisgoingtobealongnight,”Juliemutteredastheywalkedaway

totheirrespectiveteams.“Ibetthisstormisgoingtobringabunchoftraumacasesin.We’llberunningforsure.”

“You’reprobablyright,”Larissaagreed.Toolatenowtowishshe’dgottenadoctor’sexcuse.Althoughtobefair,shewasgladshehadn’tcalledin,otherwiseshewouldhaveleftDebra,Julie,andJessicatohandletheERalone.

Forthenextthreehours,Larissadealtwithasteadystreamofpatients,andthankfully,onlytwotraumapatientshadcomein.She’dtakenthefirstone,andJuliehadtakenthesecond.

“Tag,you’reit,”Juliehadjokedastheypassedinthehallwaylikeshipsinthenight.

“Iknow,Iknow,”Larissamuttered.Theyweretotaketurnswiththe

traumasunlessthereweretwoatthesametime,andthenDebrawouldcomeandassist.

GabewalkedintotheERatquartertoeleven,andsherealizedhewasalsoassignedthenightshift.Thedoctorsworkedeight-hourshiftsinsteadoftwelve,andshehadn’treallythoughtaboutGabeatalluntilnow.

Memoriesoftheirheatedkissmadeherblush,andshekepthergazefocusedonthecomputerscreenashewentovertothemaincensusboard.

“Okay,Mr.Harris,you’reallsetfordischarge,”shesaid,walkingintoherpatient’sroom.“Rememberyouhavetofollowupwithyourdoctorfirstthingtomorrowmorning,okay?”

“I’llremember,”theelderlypatientsaidashestood.Mr.ClarenceHarrishadcongestiveheartfailureandoftenforgottotakehismedications,whichthencausedhimtobecomeshortofbreath.Inreadinghischart,itsoundedlikehissonwantedhimtogotoanursinghome,buttheoldermankeptrefusing.

“Allright,takecare,then.”Shehelpedhimouttoawheelchair.Rick,oneoftheirtechs,cameovertoescortthepatientoutside.

“Hi,Larissa,I’msurprisedtoseeyouhere.”Gabe’svoicebrokeintoherthoughts.“How’syourankle?”

Shetookadeepbreathbeforeturningtofacehim.“It’salotbetter,thanks.Ihavethecrutchesinmycarifyouwantthemback.”

“Norush,”hesaidwithashrug.Thewayhestoodtherewithhishandsstuffedintothepocketsofhislabcoat,shesensedtherewasmorehewantedtosay,butjustthen,theirtraumapagerswentoff.

“CarversuspedestrianjustoffHighwayZ,”Gabesaidoutloudashereadhispager.“Victimisafifty-year-oldwoman,andhervitalsarebad.Itdoesn’tsoundgood.”

Herstomachclenchedwithdreadasshereadthesamemessage.AnniewasfiftyyearsoldandlivednearHighwayZ.Granted,thatdidn’tmeanshewasthevictim.Still,shesentupaquickprayerforAnnie’ssafekeeping.

“Weshouldcallachopper,incasesheneedstogettoMadison,”shesuggestedasshefollowedGabeintothetraumabay.Theywereonlyalevel-twotraumacenter,andifthispatientwasreallybad,they’dneedto

stabilizeherandgethertransferredassoonaspossible.“Goodidea.”She’dbarelymadethecallwhentheambulancebayburstopen

revealingabevyofparamedicssurroundingagurney.Themomentshesawthevictim,sheknewitwasAnniedespitethemassiveamountofblood.

“Fifty-year-oldwomanwithseriousheadinjury,unconsciousatthescene.Vitalsreflecthypovolemicshock.Wehavefluidsrunningwideopen.”

“Isthereanothervictim?”Gabeasked.“No,apparentlythiswasahitandrun.”LarissaconcentratedontakingcareofAnnie,butdeepdown,shefelt

certainKurtwastheonebehindthewheelofthecarthathadhithiswife.Andshesuspectedhe’dintendedtokillAnnie.

____________

LarissaandGabeworkedonAnnieforasolidhourbeforetheydeemedherstableenoughtotransfer.LarissawatchedtheflightteamwheelAnnieawayandsilentlyprayed.DearLord,pleasekeepAnniesafeinYourcare.“Larissa?”Gabe’slowvoicebrokeintoherprayer.“Areyouallright?”Suddenly,shewasn’t.Shehadtogetaway,justforafewminutes.

“Excuseme,”shemurmured,slippingaway.Shesteppedoutside,stayingbeneaththeoverhangsothatshedidn’tget

drenchedbytherain.WhathadhappenedtoAnnie?HadshetriedtoescapeKurtonfoot?Hadshebeenontheroad,helplessashedrovedirectlyather?

Squeezinghereyesshutdidn’thelperasetheimageshecouldseesoclearlyinhermind.Maybeitwasn’tKurt,shetriedtotellherself.MaybeAnniehadbeenrunningfromherhusbandanddashedontotheroad,directlyinthepathofanon-comingcar.

Shetookseveraldeepbreaths,tryingtocalmherraggednerves.Therewasn’tanythingshecoulddotohelpAnnierightnow.SheandGabehaddonetheirbest,placingabreathingtubeandacentralvenouscatheter

beforepumpingseveralunitsofbloodintohersystem.TherestwasuptothetraumateaminMadisonandGod.Feelingcalmer,sheturnedtogobackinside,shiveringwhenablastof

coldrainhitherback,soakingthroughthethinfabricofherscrubs.Thetraumabaywasemptynowandhadalreadybeencleanedup,whichmadeherfeelguilty.Itwasalmostfourinthemorning,themostdifficultpartofthenightshift,andsherealizedshemusthavestayedoutsidelongerthansheintended.

TimetostopworryingaboutAnnieandtofocusherattentiononthehandfulofpatientswhostillneededcareonherteam.

Shewasabouttoheadthroughthetraumabaywhensuddenlytheambulancebaydoorsopenedbehindher,lettinginablastofcoolair.Shejumpedaroundinsurpriseandnearlytrippedoverherfeetwhenshesawadisheveledmanstandingthereholdingagun.

“Thisisallyourfault,”hesaidinaharshtone,wavingtheguninhergeneraldirection.“Annie’sgone,andit’sallyourfault!”

KurtHinkle.Washeintoxicated?Hecertainlyactedlikeit;hiseyeswerebloodshotandhisgaitunsteady.Sheswallowedhardandtriedtoedgebehindoneofthemetalbedsidetables,notmuchprotectionagainstabullet.WhenKurtcamefartherintheroom,shefoughtarisingpanic.

Wherewaseveryone?Couldn’ttheyhearKurt?“Don’tmove!”hethreatened.Hetookasteptowardher,andshe

couldn’thelpshrinkingbackward,draggingthemetalbedsidetablewithher.

Andthistimewhenheraisedthegunandpointeditdirectlyather,hishandwasfartoosteady.

ChapterSix

Gabeglancedimpatientlyattheclockonthewall.WherewasLarissa?Itwasn’tlikehertotakesuchalongbreakinthemiddleofhershiftlikethis.He’dalwaysbeenimpressedbywhatahardworkershewas.

ButhealsoknewjusthowupsetshewasatseeingtheextentofAnnie’sinjuries.Theburnfromtwonightsagohadbeenweepingandwascoveredindirtandgrimefromthehighway.Anniehadalsosustainedseveralbrokenbones,aheadinjury,andapotentialrupturedspleen.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dseenanyonesobadlyhurt.AndknowingLarissa,shewaslikelyblamingherselfeventhoughtherewasabsolutelynothingshecouldhavedonetopreventwhathadhappened.

Still,hecouldn’thelpsendingupaquickprayerforAnnie’srecovery.Andthenshookhisheadinmilddisbeliefwhenherealizedhe’dprayedmoresinceattendingchurchwithLarissathanhehadintheyearhissisterhadhoundedhimtogo.

NotthatheplannedontellingKimberlythat.Juliecameabruptlyaroundthecornerandbarreledrightintohim.He

steadiedherwithhishandsonhershoulders.“Whoa,takeiteasy.”“Sorry,”shesaidwithasigh,takingastepback.“It’sbeensocrazy

busy.”Shefrowned.“HaveyouseenLarissa?Oneofherpatientsneedssomethingforpain.”

“I’llfindher,”hepromised.“Justgetherpatientthepainmedsfornow,okay?”

“Okay.”Juliedisappeared,andheswungaroundtoheadbacktothetraumabay.

Heslowedtoastopwhenheheardafamiliarvoice.“Annie’snothere,Kurt.Whydon’tyouputthegundownandhavea

seatsoIcanarrangeforyoutogoandseeher?”Kurt?Gun?Icecrawleddownhisspine,andhesprintedtowardthe

nearestphoneandpunchedin911.“KurtHinkleisarmedwithagunandisinthetraumabaywithLarissa,”hesaidinalow,tersetonetoGrace,the

sheriff’sdepartmentdispatcher.“Hurry.”Hehungupthephone,swungaround,andquicklyflaggeddownDebra,

thechargenurse.“Keepeveryoneoutofthetraumabay,doyouunderstand?”hesaidasquietlyaspossible.

“What’sgoingon?”“KurtHinkleisintherewithagun,butthepoliceareontheirway.

Keepeveryoneoutandfarawayfromthisarea,”herepeated,movingtowardthedoor.

“Youcan’tgointhere,”Debraprotested,grabbinghisarm.“Yes,Ican.Justkeepeveryoneouthere,okay?”Heshookoffherhand

andedgedtowardthedoorleadingtothetraumabay.Hedidn’twanttobargeinthereincasehestartledKurtintoshooting.

Buthecouldn’tbearthethoughtofLarissafacingsomeoneasunstableasKurtalone,either.DearLord,pleasegivemestrength.Hecrackedthedooropenandpeeredinside.Theiceonhisspineturned

glacierwhenhesawhowcloseKurtwastoLarissa,justsixfeetaway,withhisgunleveleddirectlyatthecenterofherchest.LarissastaredupatKurtwithwide,frightenedeyeswithnothingbutasmallmetalbedsidetablebetweenthem.

Therewasnowayhewaswaitingforthesheriff’sdeputies.Heshovedopenthedoorandsteppedintotheroom.“Putdownthegun,Kurt.”

Theoldermanswungaroundtofacehim,thegunbobbingupanddowninhishand.“Stayoutofthis,doc.Thisisbetweenherandme.”

“Putthegunaway,”herepeated,projectingacalmnesshedidn’tfeel.“Don’tmakethisworsethanitalreadyis.”

“Getouttahere!”Kurtshouted,hisfaceturningred.Fromthecornerofhiseye,henoticedLarissawasedgingfartheraway

fromKurt,exactlythewayhe’dhoped.Thetraumabaywasbigandopen;thereweren’tanyplacestohideormuchtouseasabarrieragainstagun.

“WhyareyouthreateningLarissa?”heasked,strivingforaconversationaltone.“Shehasn’tdoneanythingtoyou.”

MentioningLarissawasamistakeasKurtimmediatelyswungbacktowardher.“YoushouldhavestayedawayfromAnnie,”heaccused.“You

shouldn’thavefilledherheadwithideasofleavingme.It’syourfaultshegothurt.Ifshewouldn’thaveleft,she’dbefinerightnow.”

Gabecouldn’tbelieveKurt’stwistedlogic,butthenagain,hedidn’tunderstandwhyanymanwouldphysicallyabusehiswife,either.KurtwassofarbeyondrationalthatGabedidn’thaveacluehowtogetthroughtohim.

“IwastryingtohelpAnnie,”Larissasaidwithanoteofdefiance.“You’retheonewhokeepshurtingher,notme.”

GabesilentlyurgedLarissatobequiet.Therewasnosenseinmakingtheguymad.

“Whatdoyouwant,Kurt?”Gabeasked,desperatetogettheman’sattentionfocusedbackonhiminsteadofonLarissa.“Ican’thelpyouifIdon’tknowwhatyouwant.”

“Iwantyoutogetoutofhere,”Kurtshouted.“Ifyoudon’t,I’llstartshooting!”

GabeglancedhelplesslyatLarissa,tryingtothinkofawaytostall.Kurtmightbedrunk,butconsideringhishuntingbackgroundhedidn’tdarebankonthefactthatKurtmightnothithistarget.EspeciallyconsideringLarissawasincloserange.

Wherewerethesheriff’sdeputies?Shouldn’ttheyhavebeenherebynow?Whatwastakingthemsolong?

“Now!”Kurtsaid,firingthegunforemphasis,thesoundechoingthroughthetraumabay.

“Getdown,”GabeshoutedtoLarissaashedroppedtothefloor.Herolledandthencameupinasmallcrouch,readyforthenextgunshot.

Larissamusthavesensedwhatwasabouttohappen,becausewhenheglancedover,shewashunkereddowninthecorneroftheroomholdingthesmallmetalbedsidetableturnedsidewayssothatthetrayprotectedherchest.Hedidn’tseeanyblood,sohehopedandprayedthatmeantshewasn’thit.Thankfully,shehadsomecover.

“KurtisHinkle!Dropyourgunandcomeoutwithyourhandsup!”Kurtspunaroundtowardthedoorsleadinginfromtheambulancebay,

wherethesheriff’sdeputieswerelocated.GabetookadvantageofKurt’smomentarydistractiontodivetowardLarissa.Sheclutchedathim,andhe

heldhertightforafractionofasecondbeforeheshovedherbehindhim.“Staydown,”hewhispered.Abulletcouldstillgothroughhimtogetto

her,soheusedthemetalbedsidetableasashieldwhilehopingforthebest.Hetookheartinthefactthathecouldseeadeputystandingjustoutsidethedoorhe’dcomethroughearlier.

ThecopshadKurtandthetraumabaysurrounded.Butthedangerwasfarfromover.

“GoawayorI’llkillthemboth!”Kurtshouted.“Whatdoyouwant,Kurt?”oneofthedeputiesshouted.“Doyouwant

toseeAnnie?”“Annie’sdead!”Kurtscreamed,hisfacemottledwithanger.“Annie’snotdead,”Gabesaidandhopedhewasn’tlying.“She’sata

hospitalinMadison.Thedeputiescanarrangeforyoutoseeher.”“You’relying!”Gabeprobablywaslyingsincehedoubtedthedeputieswouldtakehim

anywherenearAnnie.ItwascleartheybelievedKurtwastheonewho’drunAnniedown.ButtheyneededtogetKurttosurrenderhisgunbeforeanyonegothurt.

“Doyouwanttoseeyourson,Tommy?”thedeputyaskedfromoutsidetheambulancebaydoors.

“Leavemysonoutofthis!”Kurtgrewevenmoreagitated,pacingbackandforthinfrontoftheambulancebaydoors.“Stayawayfromhim,doyouhearme?”

GaberealizedthatTommywasalevertheycoulduse,andhopefullythedeputiesknewthat,too.Becauserightnowtherewasn’tmuchbetweenhimandLarissaandthemadmanwithagun.

AndKurtcouldeasilyshootthembothbeforethedeputieswouldhaveachancetostophim.

____________

Larissahadprayedalmostnon-stopsinceKurthadcorneredherinthetraumabay.AndthefactthatGabewashere,too,madeherfeelevenworse.

Shedidn’tdoubtforaminutethatKurthadbeendrivingthecarthat

slammedintohiswife.Anniehadclearlybeentryingtogetawayfromhim.Hadn’tKurtadmittedthatmuchalready?

Thiswasherfault,Kurtwasrightaboutthat.SheshouldhavespentmoretimewithAnniethenightshe’dcomeinforherbrokenwrist.SheshouldhaveconvincedAnnietogetawayfromKurtrightthenandthere.ShecouldhavetakenAnnietoasafehouse,atleastforthenight.

Butshehadn’t.AndnowsheandGabewerebothindanger.TrappedinacornerwhereKurtcouldeasilykillthem.ThefactthatKurthadn’tshoteitherofthemyetwasnothingshortofamiracle.Maybehisbeingintoxicatedwasactuallyworkingintheirfavor.Hedidn’tseemtobethinkingtooclearly.

Thedoorleadinginfromthetraumabaywasslowlyopeningaboutaninchorso,andsherealizedoneofthesheriff’sdeputieswasstandingthere.Fromtheangleofthedoor,hewouldn’thaveagoodshotatKurt,butjustknowingthedeputywastherehelpedsteadyhernerves.

“It’snottoolate,Kurt.Putdownyourgunandcomeoutside.Weunderstandthisisalljustabigunderstanding.”ThevoiceoutsidesoundedlikeDeputyArmbruster.“Comeoutwhileyoustillcan.”

“No!Ifyoucomeinhere,I’llkillthemboth!”ThedoorfromthemainpartoftheERopenedevenwider,andLarissa

tensedasshesawDeputyThomaskneelingthere,wearingfullSWATgear.Despitetheawkwardposition,hepointedhishandgunatKurt.Shethoughtshewaspreparedforthesoundofgunfire,buttheblastmadeherjump.

Kurtscreamedandswungaround,shootingwildlybeforehewentdownhard.Thenextfewsecondspassedinablur,butsuddenlythegunfirestoppedandthenightmarewasover.

“Ihavehim,”DeputyThomassaidashestoodoverKurt,whowasbleedingprofuselyontothefloor.Kurt’sgunwasontheothersideoftheroomfaroutofreach.

“Gethimuponagurney,”Gabesaid.Heshovedthemetaltrayasideandrosetohisfeet,pullingherup,too.“Areyouallright?”heaskedinalowtone,hiswarm,browneyesgazingdownather.

“Ithinkso.”Herhandswerestilltrembling,sosheclutchedthem

together.Thankyouforsavingus,Lord!“RunandgetJulietocomeandhelpmewithKurt,”hesaid,moving

away.“Heneedsmedicalattention.Youcancoverthepatientsontheteamsuntilwe’vefinished.”

ShecouldbarelywraphermindaroundthefactthatGabewasgoingtohelpfixKurt’sgunshotwound.Butthensherealizedtheysimplycouldn’tlethimdie,nomatterhowmuchhemighthavedeservedit.SoifGabecoulddoit,socouldshe.“I’llhelpyou.”

“Youdon’tneedthis,getJulie,”Gaberepeated,headingovertowherethesheriff’sdeputieswerehandcuffingKurtHinkletoagurney.Therewassomuchbloodthatsheknewtherewasn’ttimetowaste.

ShewentoverandgrabbedIVsupplies,knowingthatthey’dneedaccessinordertogivebadlyneededbloodandfluids.TherestoftheERstaffpouredintoassistoncethedeputieshadgiventheallclear.SoonsheandJuliewereworkingasateam,pumpingfourunitsofO-negbloodinatatimethrougharapidinfuser.

“Callthetraumasurgeononcall,”Gabeordered.HestareddownwithobviousconcernattheopenwoundonKurt’slowerabdomenwhereDeputyThomas’sbullethadpenetrateddeeplyintohisflesh.“Ican’tstopthebleeding,andheneedstogettotheORstat!”

Anickedarterycertainlyexplainedthemassivebloodloss.Larissadidn’tallowherselftothinkaboutanythingthathappenedbefore,focusingsolelyonsavingKurt’slife.Eventhoughsheknewhe’dendupinjailiftheymanagedtosucceed.

SheheardJuliemakingthecalltothesurgeon.“Dr.Rauschisonhiswayin.”

Gabegrimacedandbeganpackingthewound.“Ihopehegetshereintime.”

“Doyouneedasuturetray?”Larissaaskedaftershefinishedhangingfourmoreunitsofblood.Kurt’svitalswerelowbutstable,atleastfornow.

Gabegaveheragrimnod.“I’lltrymybesttopatchhimupatleastuntilhecangettotheOR.”

ShepulledasterilevasculartrayofftheshelfonthebackwallandquicklyopeneditupasGabepulledonanewsetofsterilegloves.Thevasculartraywasn’treallyequippedforalarge-vascularinjury,butitwasbetterthannothing.

LarissahandedGabeinstrumentsandlapspongesasheworkedtostemthebleedingenoughtoseewhathewasdoing.Heplacedafewsutures,andthebloodgushingoutslowedtoatrickle.Heputmoresuturesinandthensteppedback.“That’sallIcandofornow.”

Fifteenminuteslater,Dr.Rauschstrodeinandtookcommandofthesituation.Withinmoments,sheandthetransporterwheeledKurtovertotheOR.DeputyArmbrusterfollowedalongside,unwillingtolethisprisoneroutofsight.

“I’mafraidyoucan’tgointhere,”shewarned,puttingahandonthedeputy’sarm.Shewasn’tsterile,either,andneitheroneofthemwouldbeallowedanyfarther.“You’llhavetostayouthereifyoureallywanttowait.”

“YoucanbesureI’llwaitforhim,”DeputyArmbrustermuttered.“Although,frankly,it’sawasteoftimepatchinghimupsincehe’llbespendingtherestofhislifeinjail.”

Shedidn’thaveananswerforthatandwasashamedtoadmitshe’dhadthesamethoughtearlier.Butthesourceoftheinjuriesdidn’tmatter;ashealthcareprofessionals,theywereobligatedtosavelivestothebestoftheirability.EvenKurt’s.“There’sacoffeemachineoverthere.Helpyourself,”shemurmured.

“Thanks.I’llhavetotakeyourstatementlater,okay?”“I’llhangaroundaftermyshiftisover,”shepromised.“TellthedocI’llneedtotalktohim,too.”Shenoddedtoindicateshe’dpassthemessage.“Takecare.”Sheturned

andmadeherwaybacktotheER.ShefeltbadthatJulieandDebrahadbeencoveringherpatientsallthistime.Butwhensheglancedupattheclock,shestaredforamoment,unabletobelievethatonlyanhourhadpassedsinceKurthadtrappedherinthetraumabay.

Therestofhershiftpassedbyinablur.Aftershegavereporttotheoncomingnurse,sheheadedoutside,surprisedtoseethebrightsun.The

rainfromthenightbeforehadpassed,givingwaytoanewday.Asmuchasshewantedtogohome,sheknewthepolicestillwantedto

talktoherandtoGabe.Justthen,Gabejoinedheroutside.Wordlessly,hecrossedoverand

pulledherintohisembrace.Sheleanedagainsthim,relievedandgladtobealive.

“I’veneverbeensoafraidinmywholelife,”hemurmuredinherear.“I’mthankfulyouweren’thurt.”

“Me,too,”shesaid,hervoicemuffledbyhisshirt.“Imean,Iwasterrifiedhewasgoingtoshootyou.”

“DeputyThomassavedtheday.”Shecouldn’targuethatone.Theparkinglotbeganfillingwithcars,membersofthehospital

leadershipteamandthepublicrelationsdepartmentarrivingtotakechargeofthesituation.Astheystreamedpast,shefeltdistinctlyself-consciousandtriedtopullaway,knowingGabewouldn’twanttobeseenhuggingherlikethisinpublic.

Butherefusedtolethergo.Hisarmstightenedaroundher,andwhensheglancedupathimquestioningly,hesimplysmiled,loweredhishead,andkissedherinfullviewofanyonewhocaredtowatch.

Andshereveledinthesweetnessofhiskiss.

ChapterSeven

GabebarelynoticedthevariouspairsofeyesboringintohimashekissedLarissa.Onlywhenheneededtobreathedidhebreakawayandlowerhisforeheadtorestonhers.Hispulsethunderedinhisear,andherealizedhedidn’twanttolethergo.

“Iprayedforyoursafety,”heconfessedinalowvoice.“AndGodansweredmyprayers.”

“Me,too,”sheadmitted.“IprayedforusandforAnnie.”“AtleastAnnieissafefromKurtnow,”hesaid.“Kurtwillbestuck

behindbarsforalongtime.”“Iknow.”Larissaduckedherheadandleanedbackasiftryingtoput

moredistancebetweenthem.“Gabe,we’reattractingtoomuchattention.”“Idon’tcare.”Andhewassurprisedtorealizehetrulydidn’tcare.

Larissawasn’tRebecca,andnomatterwhathappened,heknewLarissawouldneverspreadliesabouthim.Itwasridiculousittookhimthislongtorealizethat.Ormaybehewasjusthidingbehindtheideabecauseitwasagoodexcuse.“Icareaboutyou,andIdon’tmindifthewholeworldknowsit.”

Hergreeneyeswidenedinsurprise.“ButGabe,youneverdateanyoftheERnurses.Ever.”

Hecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Untilyou.”Shelookedflabbergastedbyhisresponse,butDeputyThomas

interruptedthem.“Dr.Allen?Larissa?Doyouhavetimetogiveyourstatements?”

“Ofcourse,”Larissasaid.Hedidn’twanttolethergobuthadtobecontentwithholdingher

hand.“Couldwesitdownsomewhere?Itwasalongnight,andI’msureLarissaisexhausted.”

“Noproblem.Let’sheadovertothepatiooutsidethediningroom.”Oncetheywereseatedatthepicnictable,DeputyThomastookouthis

notebookandpen.“Larissa,whydon’tyoustartatthebeginning?”

“AfterwetransferredAnnietoMadison,Ineededamomentalone,soIwentoutsideandstoodbeneaththeoverhangjustoutsidetheambulancedoors.IguessImusthavebeenouttherelongerthanIthought,becausewhenIcamebackin,thetraumabaywasalreadyclean,andeveryonewasgone.IwasabouttoheadbacktomyteamofpatientswhenKurtcamein.”

“Didyouseehimoutside?”DeputyThomasasked.“No,butIprobablywasn’tpayingattention.IwilladmitIthoughthe

wastheonewhodroveintohiswife,butIneverexpectedthathe’dcomelookingformearmedwithagun.”

Gabecouldn’tbearthefearunderlyinghertone,andhegaveherhandareassuringsqueeze.

“Thenwhathappened?”“Itriedtotalkhimintoputtingthegundown,buthejustkeptcoming

closerandcloser.Ididn’thaveawaytocallforhelp,butthenthedoorleadingfromthearenaopened,andIsawGabestandingthere.”

“Andyouwentinside?”DeputyThomasasked,adeepfrownfurrowinghisbrow.“You’reluckyhedidn’tkillyou.”

“Icouldn’tjuststandtherewhilehetookashotather,”Gabesaid.“Besides,IfiguredIcouldgethimtotalk.Ineededtotryandstalllongenoughforyouandyourguystogetthere.”

DeputyThomasdidn’tlookhappy,buthesparedGabealecture,askingafewmorequestionsbeforeheclosedhisnotebook.“Iappreciateyourtime.Thanks.”

“That’sallyouneed?”Larissabrightened.“Wecangohome?”“Yes,you’refreetogohome.”DeputyThomaswalkedaway,andGabeglancedatLarissa.“How

aboutIdriveyouhome?”hesuggested.“We’llpickupyourcarlater.”“I’dratherjustdrivemycarhomenow,ifyoudon’tmind.”Larissa

tuckedherhairbehindherearandavoidedhisdirectgaze.“Butthanksagain,Gabe.Foreverything.”

Hedidn’twanttolethergo,buthecouldn’tverywellforcehertoallowhimtostay,either.Hefrownedasshewalkedtotheparkinglotalone.

Whywasshewaspushinghimaway?

Maybeaftereverythingthathadhappened,sheneededsometimealone.Sohe’dgiveherafewhourstosleepandtorecharge.

Thenhewasgoingtomakehisfeelingsknownbyaskingheroutonaproperdate.Andhecouldonlyhopeandprayshewouldn’tsayno.

____________

Larissadraggedherselfoutofbedafterfivehoursofsleep,determinedtogetbackonaregularschedulesinceshehaddayshiftsscheduledafterherdayoff.Heranklewasalittlesore,sorunningwasoutofthequestion.

Aboatridewouldhavebeengreat,butshequicklyveeredawayfromthoughtsofGabe.ShewasstillstrugglingwitheverythingthathadhappenedwithKurt.Thewayhe’daccusedandthreatenedherbroughtbackterriblememoriesoflifewithGeorge.

Shehadn’ttoldanyoneabouttheabusehermotherhadsuffered.Larissahadn’tmentionedthetimeGeorgehadbrokenherarm,either,sincethatoneinjuryhadbeennothingcomparedtoeverythingGeorgehadputhermotherthrough.

She’dprayedforthestrengthtoforgiveGeorge,butseeingKurtinthetraumabaymadeherrealizeshereallyhadn’tforgivenGeorge.OrKurt.OrRolland,whohadn’thurtherphysicallybutwho’dtriedtocontrolherjustthesame.

Andsheneededtoforgiveallofthem.Orshe’dneverbeabletomoveonfromherpast.Whenherbuzzerwentoff,shedraggedherselfovertotheintercom.

“Yes?”“Larissa?It’sGabe.CanIcomeup?”Shehesitatedbutthenacquiesced.“Sure.”Theapartmentwasn’ttoomessy,andshesmoothedherhairback,

wishingshe’dputonatouchofmake-up.WhenGabeknockedatherdoor,shetookadeepbreathandopenedit.

“Hi.”Didhelooknervousorwasshejustimaginingit?“Iwasn’tsureifyou’dbeupyet.”

“IliketotryandgetbackonadayscheduleifIcan.”Sheclosedthedoorandfollowedhimintothelivingroom.“CanIgetyouasoftdrink?”

“No,thanks.”Yep,hedefinitelylookednervous.“Larissa,wouldyougoouttodinnerwithmetonight?”

Hisabruptquestioncaughtherbysurprise.“Whatmadeyouchangeyourmindaboutdatingcolleagues?”sheasked.

Gabenodded.“You’reright,youdeserveanexplanation.”Hepausedforaminute.“IdatedRebecca,oneofthenursesIworkedwithinMadison.Iquicklyfiguredoutthatwedidn’thaveanythingincommon;infact,shemadeitclearthebestthingshelikedaboutmewasmytitle.”

“Yourtitle?”Shefrowned,notquitefollowing.“Doctor.”Heliftedashoulderinahalf-heartedshrug.“Youmustknow

thetype,theoneswhoonlywanttomarryadoctorbecausetheythinkwerakeinthebigbucks.Rebeccadidn’tevenlikebeinganurse;shecomplainedaboutitallthetime.Ibrokethingsoff,andthat’swheneverythingturnedugly.”

“Oh,Gabe,”shemurmured.Unfortunately,shedidknowtherewerenursesouttherewhowereonlyinterestedinmarryingadoctor.

“SheallegedIsexuallyharassedher,thatImadeunwantedadvancestowardher.Therewasahugeinvestigation,andIthoughtforsureI’dbevindicated,butafewofherfriendsliedforher,andprettysoonitwasherwordagainstmine.SoIleftandcamehere,toHopeCountyHospital.”

“Idon’tblameyouforkeepingyourdistance,”sheassuredhim.“That’saterriblethingforhertodotoyou.”

“Thanks,butIthinkI’vehaditeasycomparedtoothers.”Gabeheldouthishand,andshecouldn’tresisttakingitandmovingclosertohim.“IunderstandnowthatthereasonyourelatedsowelltoAnnieisbecauseyouwentthroughsomethingsimilar,didn’tyou?”

Sheshouldn’thavebeensurprisedthathe’dfigureditout.“Mymotherwasmarriedtoanabusiveman,”sheadmittedinalowvoice.“Isawtheviciouscyclefirst-hand,andnomatterhowhardItried,Icouldn’tseemtostopit.”

Hishandtightenedonhers,andwhenshemethisgaze,hisconcernwasobvious.“Howdidyouescape?”

“MymotheronlycaredabouttheabusewhenGeorgestartedhittingme.Thenighthebrokemyarm,shetookmetothehospital,andfromthere,

wewenttoawomen’sshelter.”Gabegroanedandpulledherclose,wrappinghisarmaroundher

shoulder.“I’msorryyouhadtogothroughthatagainlastnight.Thankfully,Godwaswatchingoveryou.Overbothofus.”

Hereyesprickedwithtears.Hewasbeingtoonice;shedidn’tdeservehiskindness.Hereshe’dconvincedGabetogotochurch,andshewastheonewhowasatacrossroadinherfaith.“Ican’tseemtofindawaytoforgivehim,”shewhispered.“IthoughtIhad,butlastnightafterKurtwasshot,Iimmediatelythoughthedeservedtodie.”

“Aperfectlynaturalreaction,”Gabepointedout.Heleanedback,puthisfingerbeneathherchin,andforcedhertomeethisgaze.“Ithoughtthesamething.”

“ButGabe,don’tyousee?Godexpectsustoforgiveourenemies.”“Yes,Hedoes.”Gabe’sgazewasintense.“ButHealsopromisesto

helpuslearnhowtoforgiveourenemies.Hedoesn’tnecessarilymakeusfigureitoutonourown.”

Shewantedtobelievehim,butreally,therewasnowayofknowingifshe’deverbeabletoforgiveGeorgeforwhathedidtohermother,orforgiveKurtforwhathedidtoAnnie.Andhowcouldshefindpeaceandloveifshedidn’t?

“Larissa,I’mfallinginlovewithyou.”Gabe’sdeclarationstoleherbreath,andsheinstinctivelyshookher

head.“Idon’tknowthatI’mreadyforthat.”“I’llgiveyouallthetimeyouneed,aslongasyougivemeachance.

Don’tshutmeout,Larissa.”Shepulledawayandrosetoherfeet,threadingherfingersthroughher

hair.“I’lltry,butIcan’tmakeanypromises,”shesaidfinally.“That’sallIcanask,”hesaid.“Sowillyouhavedinnerwithme

tonight?I’llpickyouupatsix.”Areluctantsmiletuggedathermouth.“Allright,dinneratsix.”“Great.Seeyousoon.”Gabeleft,andwithinminutes,shewassecond-

guessingherdecision.Restless,shepacedtheapartment.Rememberingthenewsvansthathad

beenparkedoutsidethehospital,shecalledhermother,whoansweredon

thefirstring.“Larissa?Iheardaboutwhathappenedatthehospitalonthenews.Areyouallright?”

“I’mfine,Mom.Perfectlyfine.”Shewinced,realizingsheshouldhavecalledhermothersooner.“Howareyoudoing?HowarethingswithEd?”

“Ed’sfine,he’salwaysgoodtome,Larissa.You’retheoneI’mworriedabout.”

Shestaredoutthefrontwindowforalongmoment.“Mom,Ihaveaquestionforyou.HaveyouforgivenGeorgeforeverythinghe’sdone?”

“OfcourseIhave,”hermotherresponded.“Infact,Ifeelsorryforhim.”

Shenearlychokedatthat.“Feelsorryforhim?Why?”“Becausehe’llneverhavetruelovethewayyouandIwill.He’llnever

knowGod’sloveeither.Iprayforhissouleveryday.”Humbled,Larissathoughthermotherwasfarsmarterthanshe’dever

givenhercreditfor.“You’reright,Mom,”shesaid.“Georgedeservesourprayers.”

AndsodidKurt.Maybeifshekeptthinkingaboutitfromhermother’sperspective,shecouldreallyfindawaytoforgivethemboth.

____________

Larissawasdressedandreadytogowellbeforesix,soshedidn’tmindwhenGabeshoweduptenminutesearly.

“Larissa,youlookabsolutelybeautiful.”Shereacheduptogivehimaquickhug.“Youdon’tlookhalfbad,

yourself.”Helookedsurprisedyetpleasedatherwarmembrace.Hegavehera

quickkissonthecheekandthenheldthedooropenforher.“Afteryou.”Hedrovetoaverynicerestaurantthatwasperchedhighonahill

overlookingthelake.Asfancyastheplacewas,shedecidedshepreferredthemealthey’dsharedonhisdeck.

“Ibettheirsteaksaren’tnearlyasgoodasyours,”shesaidinalowtone.

Hegrinned.“Buttheirlobsterisamazing.”“Istilllikediningonyourdeckbetter,”sheinsisted,leaningbackto

perusethemenu.Thelobsterwaslistedasmarketvaluesosheskippedthatone,lookingforsomethingmorereasonable.

“Havewhateveryoulike,”hesaidasifreadinghermind.“Afterlastnight,wedeservetosplurge.”

Shedidn’twanthimtothinkshewasanythinglikeRebecca,soshesettledonamorereasonableshrimpdish.

Aftertheservertooktheirorder,Gabereachedacrossthetabletotakeherhand.“Youlookhappiertonightthanyoudidthisafternoon.”

Shecouldn’tdenythetruth.“Iamhappy.”“SoyoumusthaveheardthatAnnieisstillintheICUbuthervitalsare

stable.”“No,Ihadn’theard,butI’mgladtohearshe’shangingon.”Shetooka

sipofwater.“Andhow’sKurtdoing?”“Hesurvived,too,andislistedascriticalbutstableintheICU.”Shewassurprisedbythelackofresentmentshefeltaboutthatnews.

“Actually,Italkedtomymother,andshemademelookatmenlikeKurtandGeorgedifferently.”

“Ohyeah?How?”Sherepeatedwhathermotherhadtoldher.“IthinkIcanseenowwhy

Godasksustoforgiveourenemies.BecauseHeknowsthatwehaveHisloveandtheydon’t.Andreally,whatmorecouldweaskfor?”

“You’reaveryspeciallady,Larissa,”Gabesaid,hishandtighteningaroundhers.“I’mluckytohavefoundyou.”

Shecouldn’tdenywhatwasinherheart.“Ithinkyou’reprettygreatyourself,Gabe.”

Awidegrinsplithisface,andhestoodandcamearoundthetable,drawingheruptoherfeet.“Doesthismeanwe’reofficiallydating,Ms.Brockman?”heaskedinateasingtone,slidinghisarmsaroundherwaist.

“Ibelieveitdoes,Dr.Allen,”sheagreed,reachinguptowindherarmsaroundhisneck.

Theplayfulnessvanishedashestareddeeplyintohereyes.“Iloveyou,Larissa.”

Herheartswelledtothepointshefeareditmightburstwithjoy.“Iloveyou,too.”

Whenhekissedher,theentirerestaurantburstintoapplause,andshefoundshedidn’tmindonebit.Thankyou,Lord!

THEEND

DearReader,WhenIwasayounggirlmyparentsusedtotakeus“upnorth”tostay

inacabinonFishLake.Ialwaysrememberthosetripsfondly,learninghowtoswimandwaterskionthelake.Sowhenitcametimetowriteamini-seriesIwantedtocreateasettingthatremindedmeofthefuntimesIhadasayounggirl.

IcreatedthisfictionaltownofCrystalLakeafewyearsagoandthetownanditscharactersdrewmebacktotellmorestoriesaboutit.ThisNovellaistointroducemynewCrystalLakeseries.IfyouenjoyedthisstoryIhopeyouconsiderreadingASoldier’sPromisewhichisJulieCrain’sstory.Thefirstchapterisafterthisletterifyouwanttogiveitatry.

IlovetohearfrommyreadersandyoucanfindmeonFacebookunderLauraScottBooks,onTwitter@laurascottbooksormywebsitewww.laurascottbooks.com.Yoursinfaith,

LauraScott

Excerptfrom

ASoldier’sPromise

ChapterOne

“Hey,Jules—wehavetwotraumapatientsontheway,ETAlessthanfiveminutes.”

ERnurseJulieCrainstifledagroan.She’djustreturnedfromtakingherpreviouspatientdowntothemorgue,andshewasemotionallydrainedfromdealingwithhisgrievingfamily.Sheforcedherexhaustionaside.“Okay,what’sthestory?”sheasked,glancingupatMerryHaines,theERchargenurseatHopeCountyHospital.

“Atwo-vehiclecrash,T-boneonthedriverside.FromwhatIhear,thedrunkdriverwhoranaredlightandcausedthecrashwasn’thurt-buttheguyintheSUVandhisyoungdaughterarebeingbroughtin.”

Juliecaughtherbreathasherheartthumpedpainfullyinherchest.Oh,no.Notayoungchild.Shecouldn’thandleaninjuredchild.Sheclosedhereyesandprayed.

PleaseGod,keepthelittlegirlsafe.Andherfather,too.“Ihopetheylockupthedrunkdriverandthrowawaythekey,”Merry

muttered.SheunderstoodwhereMerrywascomingfrom.WorkingintheER,

they’dbothseenmorethantheirfairshareofalcohol-ordrug-relatedinjuriesanddeaths.

Dr.GabeAllencameintotheroomintimetocatchthelastpartoftheirconversation.“ThedriverwasTommyHinkle,”hesaidwithadarkscowl.“Soyeah,Ithinkthatscenarioishighlylikely.”

Notatouristthen,butoneoftheirown.TommyHinklewastheCrystalLaketroublemaker,pickingupwherehisfatherhadleftoff.Atnineteen,hewasn’tevenlegaltodrinkatall,muchlessdrinkanddrive.

Tommywouldendupinjailthistime,forsure.Justlikehisfather.Theonlygoodthingwasthathismother,AnnieHinklewasstillrecoveringinaMadisonrehabcenterfromaterriblecarcrashandwasn’theretoseehersonbehindbars.

Beforeshecouldcheckovertheirsupplies,thedoorsfromtheambulancebayburstopen,andabevyofparamedicswheeledintwogurneys.

Juliewasrelievedtobeinpositiontotakethefirstpatient,whichhappenedtobethefather.

“Thirty-year-oldDerekRyerson,sufferedlossofconsciousnessatthescene,”theparamedicannounced.“Weplacedtwoeighteen-gaugePIV’sandgavealiteroffluidsofar.Hisvitalsremainedstablethroughouttransfer.”

Shequicklyconnectedtheheartmonitorleadstohischest,reassuredbythesteadybeatofhisheart.Sheleanedovertoperformaneurologicalassessment,notinganabrasiononthesideofDerekRyerson’slefttemplethatwaseasilyseen,consideringhismilitary-shortdarkhair.Concernedaboutapossibleheadinjury,shecarefullyliftedhiseyelidsandpeeredathispupils.Sheflashedherpenlight,gratefultonotetheywerebothequalandreactive.

Shecontinuedherassessment,listeningtohisheartandhislungs.Therightsideofhislungsdidn’tsoundasclearashisleftside,andtherewas

anangryredbandacrosshischestfromwheretheseatbelthadheldhiminplace,likelypreventingadditionalandmoreseriousinjuries.Whenshebrushedahandovertherightsideofhisribcage,heletoutalowgroan.

Bruisedorbrokenribs?Orsomethingworse?Sheglancedupagainattheheartmonitor,buthisvitalscontinuedtobestable.

BeforeshecouldcallovertoDr.Allen,alargehandreachedouttograbherwrist.Shegasped,hergazeclashingwithhisashestaredatherintently.Hishard,blue,uncompromisinggazecausedaspurtoffear.

“Mydaughter.Lexi,”hesaidhoarsely.Hispain-glazedeyesboredintohers,andhisgriponherwristtightenedpainfully.“Where’sLexi?”

Theflashoffearfadedwhensherealizedhewasconcernedabouthisdaughter.SheglancedovertowhereMerryandGabewereexaminingtheyounggirl.“Don’tworry.Lexiisrighthereinthegurneybesideyou.MynameisJulieandI’myournurse.MerryandDr.Allenaretakinggoodcareofyourdaughter.”

Leximusthaveheardherfather’svoice,becauseupuntilnow,thesilentchildcreatedasuddencommotionfromthegurneynextdoorasshestruggledtogetawayfromwhereMerrywastryingtoholdherdown.“Daddy!Letmeup!Iwannaseemydaddy!”

“Lexi.”DerekdroppedJulie’swristandstruggledtopushhimselfuprightasifintendingtogotohisdaughter.Hedidn’tgetfarbeforeheletoutaharshsoundandgrabbedtherightsideofhischest,swayingdangerously.Hisfacewentpale,beadsofsweatpoppingoutonhisforehead.

“Takeiteasy.You’regoingtohurtyourselfmore,”Julietoldhim,tryingtokeepcalm,knowingshedidn’thavethestrengthtoholdhimdownifhechosetogetup.DerekRyersonwasabigman,atleastsixfeettallandbroadshouldered—hisentirebodywassolidmuscle.Whateverhedidforaliving,hekeptinshape.“Youhaveacoupleofbruisedorbrokenribs,andwehaven’tclearedyourspineyet,either.Wealsoneedtomakesureyoudon’thaveaheadinjury.”

Foramoment,hestaredintohereyes,asiftryingtodecidewhetherornottobelieveher.Consideringthestrengthwithwhichhe’dgrabbedherwrist,shethoughthecouldn’tbetoobadlyinjured.Shewaited,simply

lookingbackathim,secretlyamazedathowbrillianthisblueeyeswere.Goodthingshewasimmunetogood-lookingmen.Afterwhatseemedlikealongtime,hedraggedhisgazefromhers.

“Lexi,listentowhatthedoctorsandnursesaretellingyoutodo,okay,honey?They’reonlytryingtohelp.I’mrightherenexttoyou.IpromiseIwon’tleavewithoutyou.”

“Daddy,Iwantmydaddy,”thegirlcriedoutbetweenheartbreakingsobs,repeatingherselfoverandoveragain,seeminglyinconsolable.Thepoorchildmustbetraumatizedfromtheaccident.

“Gabe?ImightneedachestX-rayhere,”shecalledout,doingherbestnottobedistractedbyLexi’ssobbingmantra,eventhoughshewantednothingmorethantocrossovertooffercomfort.

Gabewalkedtoherside.“Hisvitals,alongwithhisoxygensaturation,arestable,solet’sdoaCTscanofhishead,neck,chest,andabdomen.Thatwaywe’llhavethebigpicture.”

“Soundsgood.”ShepickedupthephoneandcalledovertoradiologytoputintherequestfortheCTscan.Whenshefinished,sheturnedbacktoDerek.“Howdoesyourheadfeel?”

“Fine,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.Thelinesbracketinghismouthindicatedsuppressedpain,butwhetherfromjusthisribsorhishead,too,shecouldn’tsayforsure.Heclosedhiseyes,asifhecouldn’tstandthebrightlights.“I’mfine,justtakecareofmydaughter.”

Shefrowned.Washisheadinjuryworsethanshethought?Hadn’tshealreadytoldhimthathisdaughterwasbeingcaredfor?“MerryandDr.AllenaretakinggoodcareofLexi,remember?Doesyourbackhurtanywhere?Ineedyoutobehonestwithme,becauseifyouhaveacrackedspinethatgoesundiagnosed,youcouldbecomeparalyzed.”

Heopenedhiseyesandglaredather,butsherefusedtobackdown.Shecouldn’tunderstandwhyhewasdownplayinghisinjuries.“No,mybackdoesn’thurt.Myneckissore,andmyheadhurtsabit,too.Therightsideofmychestfeelslikeit’sonfire,butnothinghurtsasmuchaslisteningtoLexicry.”

Shesmiledgently,feelingbadforhim.Shecouldonlyimaginehowdifficultitwouldbetostayonagurneyifherniecehadbeeninjured.“I

know,andI’msorry.Butthebestthingyoucandoforyourdaughteristomakesureyou’reallright.Sheneedsyou.”

“I’mfine,nothingalittleaspirinwon’tcure.Bruisedandbatteredfromtheairbagandthecrash,butfine.”

Therewasnopointinarguing.Sheglancedoveratthenextgurney,whereGabeandMerrywhereindeepconversation.

“Idon’tseeanysignofseriousinjury,”sheheardMerrysayingtoGabe.“Theparamedicsbelieveshewaslikelyinaproperboosterseatinthebackonthepassengerside,oppositefromthepointofimpact.Whentheyarrived,theyfoundheroutoftheseatandclingingtoherfather.Apparently,theyhadaheckofatimegettingherawayfromhim,andtheyhadtogiveheramilddoseofVersedtogetherontothegurney.She’sprobablyfine,butweshouldgetachestandabdominalCTscan,justtobesurethereisnointernalbleedingfromthestrapsofhercarseat.”

JuliewaiteduntilMerryfinished.“SincetheybothneedCTscans,Ishouldtakethemdownthehalltoradiologytogether.IthinkLexiwillbecalmerifshecanbewithherfather.”

“Shecan’tgointothescannerwithhim,”Gabepointedoutwithafrown.

“No,butIcouldsitwithherintheviewingroom,behindtheleadglass,”sheargued.“AndonceLexiseesherfathergoingthroughthescanner,maybeshe’llcooperatewhenit’sherturn.”

GabeandMerrylookedateachotherandshrugged.“Finewithme,”Gabefinallyagreed.

Satisfied,JuliewaitedforGabetofinishhisexamofDerekandthenenteredthenecessaryradiologyordersforbothpatientsintotheirrespectivecharts.

ShemadethearrangementsandthenquietlytoldDerektheplan.“I’mgoingtoputLexiinawheelchairandhavehersitwithmeintheviewingroomtowatchyougothroughthescannerfirst.Themachinemakessomeloudnoises,whichcanbescary.Iwanttoreassureheritdoesn’thurt.”

Hisexpressionwasguarded.“Areyousureshe’swellenoughtositinawheelchair?”

Hisprotectivenessforhisdaughtermadehersmile.“Amazingly,Lexi

doesn’tseemtohaveanyinjuriesatall,”sheassuredhim.“Butwe’dliketogetabodyscanjustincasethere’ssomeinternalbleeding.Kidsaren’talwaysgoodaboutbeingspecificwiththeirachesandpains.Ormaybeshegetsthatstreakofstubbornnessfromyou.”

Foramoment,aflickerofgrimamusementflashedinhiseyesinresponsetohergentleteasing,andhesubtlyrelaxed.“Allright,”heagreed.“Ifyouthinkitwillhelp.CanItalktoherwhileI’minthere?”

“Notwhilethey’rescanning.You’llneedtostaystillandholdyourbreathwhentheytellyouto.Youcantalktoherbeforeandafter,though.”

“Okay.”Heliftedhishandandgingerlyrubbedtherightsideofhischest.

“Showmeexactlywhereithurts,”shesaid,noticingthegesture.Thestubbornlookcamebackintohiseyes,andshefearedhewasgoing

todenyanypainatall,buthegentlyfingeredtheareawherehislowestribswere.“Righthere,mostly.Youwereprobablyrightaboutthecrackedribs.”

“Maybe.Oryoucouldhavesomedamagetothelowerlobeofyourlungordamagetoyourspleen.”Shefiguredblunthonestywasbest,sohewouldunderstandtheseriousnessofhissituation.“Yourbreathsoundswereabitdiminishedontherightside,buttheCTscanwilltelluseverythingweneedtoknow.”

Hereachedouttograspherwristagain.“Iftheyhavetotakemetosurgery,Ineedyoutopromiseyou’lllookafterLexi.”

Stunned,shegapedathim.LookafterLexi?Whatonearthdidhemean?“IstheresomeoneIcancallforyou?Hermother?Grandparents?Friends?”

“There’snoonetocall,”hesaidflatly.“LexiandIareonourown.”Sheswallowedhardandnodded,desperatetoreassurehim.“Allright,

buttrynottoworry.I’msureyou’llbefine.”Hedidn’tletitgo.“Promiseme.Ifsomethinghappens,Iwantyouto

lookafterher.Don’tletstrangerstakeheraway.Promise!”____________

Derekknewheprobablysoundedlikealunatic,buthedidn’tcare.The

painalongtherightsideofhischestwasbad,farworsethanhe’dleton,andafterwhatthepetitebrunettenursehadsaidaboutthepossibledamagetohislung,hewasverymuchafraidthat,oncethey’dcompletedthescan,they’dwhiskhimofftosurgery.

He’ddownplayedhisinjuriesbecausehedidn’twanttostayovernightinthehospital,unless,ofcourse,Lexineededtobeobserved.Nomatterwhat,hewasnotgoingtoleavehisdaughter.Lexihadalreadybeenthroughsomuch,morethananysix-year-oldshouldhavetohandle.Withhermotherdeadandburied,sheneededhimnow,morethanever.

Ifonlyhe’dstoppedforsomethingtoeatearlier,hewouldn’thavebeendrivingthroughtheintersectionatthesamemomentastheidiotwho’drunaredlight,slammingintothem.

“Daddy?”Heturnedhishead,hidingawince,tolookathisdaughter.Truetoher

word,theprettynurse—whatintheworldwashername?—hadgottenLexiintoawheelchairandbroughtherovertothesideofhisgurney.Heforcedabroad,reassuringsmile.“HeyLexi,howareyoufeeling?”

Hersolemngazedidn’twaverfromhis.“Fine,”shewhispered.“Canweleavenow?”

Ifonlytheycould.He’dbeenallsettoleavewithoutthescansuntilthenursehadmentionedthepossibilityofacrackedspine.Atthispoint,heneededtoknowexactlywhathewasdealingwith.Besides,heneededtobesureLexiwasallright,andifthatmeantgettingascanfirst,sohisdaughtercouldseeitwouldn’thurt,thenthat’sexactlywhathe’ddo.Heheldhisdaughter’sgaze,holdinghissmileinplace.“Afraidnot,baby-doll,firstwehavetogetcheckedoutbythekitty-catmachine.”Lexiwasn’teasilydistracted,especiallywhenshewantedsomething.Butthatdidn’tstophimfromtrying.

“Idon’twanttostayhere.”Lexi’seyes,bluelikehis,revealedahintoffear.“It’sscary.”

Theprettynurse,hecouldn’treadhernameonherIDbadgebecausehisvisionwasblurry,anothertidbithehadn’tfessedupto,cameover.“Lexi,weneedtomakesureyourdaddy’snotseriouslyhurt.Sowe’regoingtotakehimforaCTscan,butyoucanwatchfrombehindtheglass

thewholetime,allright?”Lexibarelysparedthenurseaglance.Hewantedtoapologizeforhis

daughter’sbehavior,buttherewasnopoint,sinceLexihadnoideashewasbeingrude.

“Okay,let’sgo,”thewomansaidinacheerfulvoice.ShewentbehindLexi’swheelchairtopushherforward,whilehisgurneywasmaneuveredbyatallguywhowaslikelysomesortoforderly.Whenthegurneywentoverabump,hehadtoclenchhisteethagainstasurgeofpain.Hefocusedonthenurse,whowastalkingtoLexi.

“We’llbefinishedwiththesescansinahalfhour,Lexi,”shewassayinginthatsamecheerytone.“Seetheclockonthewallupthere?It’sseveno’clockintheevening.Doyouknowhowtotelltime?”

DerekwassurprisedwhenLexi’sheadmovedinabarelydiscerniblenod.Hisdaughterwaslistening,evenifshedidn’tappeartobepayingattention.

“Thebighandisonthetwelve,andwe’llbeallfinishedbeforethebighandgetsdowntothesix.”

Lexiglancedattheclockbutsaidnothingmore.Thelackofresponsedidn’tstopthenurse’sratherone-sidedconversation,andhewasgratefulshedidn’tpassjudgmentonhisdaughterthewaysomanyothershad.

ThewayLexi’sgrandparentshad.TheCTscandidn’ttakelong,andassoonastheywerefinishedlooking

intohishead,hetalkedbrieflytoLexi,reassuringher.Thenhehadtostayquietuntiltherestofthescanwascompleted.Whenthescanwascomplete,heheardthenurseencouragingLexitotakeherturn.

Hisdaughter,blessherstubbornheart,wasn’ttookeenontheidea.WhenhesawLexi’swheelchaircomecloser,heturnedhisheadtowardher.“Lexi,wecan’tleaveuntilIknowyou’resafeandhealthy.Thekitty-catmachinedoesn’thurt.Allyouhavetodoistocloseyoureyesandletthemtakepictures.OnceIknowyou’refine,we’llleave.”

Hecouldseetheinstantflareofprotestinthenurse’seyesathisrashpromise,butheglaredather,silentlythreateninghernottocontradicthim.Shepressedherlipstogetherfirmlybutdidn’tsayanything.

Lexifinallyagreedtothescan,andhewatchedprotectivelyasthenurse

allowedhisdaughtertoclimbdownfromthewheelchairandupontotheCTtablebyherself.Hehadtogivethewomanpointsforbeingastute—sheseemedtoinstinctivelyknowthatLexiwouldn’ttoleratebeingtouchedorcarriedbyastranger.

Aftertheorderlycamebacktopushhisgurneyoutoftheway,hisnursecrossedover.Shelockedhergazeonhisandspokeinalowtone.“Derek,thelowerlobeofyourrightlunghascollapsed.Dr.Allenneedstoputasmallcatheterinbetweenyourribstore-inflateyourlung.”

“Canhedothatrighthere?OrdoIhavetogototheoperatingroom?”heasked,dreadingtheanswer.

“Hecandothatrighthere,butit’sgoingtohurt.”Herlargechocolate-browneyesheldsympathy.

“Let’sgetitdonefast,then,beforeLexiisoutofthescanner.”“That’swhatIthought,too,”sheconfessed.Whensheleanedcloser,

hernametagcameintofocus.Julie.Herememberednow,hernamewasJulie.Theprettynamesomehowfitherdaintyframeandcheerfulpersonality.“Ineedtoprepthesideofyourchest,first,okay?”

“Goforit,”hesaid.“Justhurry.”Shehadn’tbeenkiddingaboutthepain,butsurprisingly,oncethe

procedurewasover,thefireinhischestfeltbetter.Thepainwasn’tgone,notbyalongshot,butbreathingwascertainlywaseasier.

“NowjustaquickX-rayofyourarmandyourchesttomakesureyourlunghasre-inflated,andyou’llbesetforawhile,”Julieinformedhim.

“Nootherinternalbleeding?”heasked.Eventhoughhehadnoplansofstaying,hewantedtoknowexactlywhathewasdealingwith.

“Youhaveahardhead,butluckily,nosignofintracranialbleeding,althoughyoudohaveasmallconcussion.Youalsohavetwocrackedribsandabruisedspleen,butnootherinternalbleedingwasfound.AndLexi’sscaniscompletetoo.Rick,ourorderly,isbringingherbackheremomentarily.Herscanwascompletelyclear.Youandyourdaughterareveryluckytohaveescapedseriousinjury.”

“Great.”Thereliefwasnearlyoverwhelming.OncehewouldhavethankedGod,butnotanymore.NotthathethoughtGodwouldlistentohimanyway,consideringthewayhe’dtakenLexiandboltedoutofSt.

Louisinthedeadofnight.Butnomatterwhat,hewasn’tgoingtotakeLexiback.

Theurgetokeepmovingwasstrong.Theycouldn’taffordtostayinoneplacefortoolong.

HefocusedhisgazeonJulie.“Wearelucky,butwe’refinishedhere.Isuggestyougetourdischargepaperworkstarted,becausewe’releavingassoonaspossible.

THEEND

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