by Hope White
“Yeah, I noticed how everyone surrounded you when we first arrived at the hospital. You have a great support system.”
“I am blessed. For sure.” He remembered how friends from church and SAR had rallied around him after Megan’s death. How they wouldn’t let him wallow, brought him meals and offered to entertain the girls.
But that was two years ago. He’d mostly healed and was a strong man, and a good father, even if his in-laws didn’t always think so. Sure he’d stumbled a few times along the way, but today Will felt confident in his abilities to raise his girls with love and compassion.
“Okay, let’s head back to my room,” Sara said.
Will stood and offered his hand.
“Can you hold my tea?” she said.
“Of course.” He’d wanted to take her hand, but would not force the issue. Taking her cup, he restrained himself as he watched her stand. It was frustrating to see her struggle against the pain. He tossed his cup into the garbage can behind him, and reached for her again.
“No, I can do it,” she said.
He should respect her determination, not be hurt by it. The rejection wasn’t a criticism of his abilities, but he sensed her need to rely on herself.
She straightened. “Thanks.” She stepped out from behind the plants and started across the cafeteria.
Will noticed a slight waver in her step and he reached out to steady her. His hand gripped her upper arm, and she snapped her gaze to meet his.
“It’s okay to accept help,” he said. “I won’t expect anything in return, promise.” He smiled, hoping to lighten the moment.
“No, you wouldn’t, would you?” she said in a soft, almost hushed voice.
For a moment, he couldn’t breathe. It was as if she saw right through him, into his wounded heart.
“We found her, sir,” a man’s voice said.
Sara ripped her attention from Will and paled at the sight of a man heading toward them. He was in his thirties, wearing jeans and a fatigue jacket. Will assumed it was the security guard, since he held a radio in his hand. Then Will noticed his boots—military grade.
“Are you the security officer?” Will clarified, to ease Sara’s worry.
“Yes, sir, Jim Banks, hospital security. Are you taking her back to her room?”
“I am,” Will said.
“Why aren’t you wearing a security uniform?” Sara pointedly asked.
“I’d already changed into street clothes when I heard the call go out that you were missing, so I thought I’d help find you before I left,” Jim said. “I’m sorry if I frightened you.”
She nodded, but didn’t look convinced.
“I’ll accompany you both to her room,” Jim said.
“Thanks,” Will said.
Sara didn’t look happy. For whatever reason, the security officer intimidated her. Will wasn’t sure why. The guy seemed okay to Will, but then Will hadn’t been the best judge of character or he would have figured out the friendly hiker from yesterday was really a hired thug.
They walked in silence to the elevator. As the doors opened, Nate came rushing around the corner.
“Someone was after her, here in the hospital,” Will blurted out.
Nate nodded at Jim. “Thanks, I’ve got this.”
Jim hesitated for a second, then with a nod, he said, “Have a good night.”
“You, too,” Will offered.
Will, Nate and Sara got into the elevator. Nate pressed the third-floor button. Sara leaned against the elevator wall, and Will shifted himself between her and Nate. It was an instinctive, protective gesture.
“When you disappear like that it makes you look as if you’re hiding something,” Nate said, eyeing the elevator floor numbers.
Sara didn’t answer at first. Will knew if he answered for her, Nate would only criticize him and come down harder on Sara. She needed to explain her actions.
Will squeezed her hand and nodded, encouraging her to respond.
“I’m sorry. I was scared,” she said. “I had a nightmare that reminded me how much danger I was in. I freaked out and took off, and some guy was stalking me.”
“What did he say?” Nate said.
“That he needed to talk.”
“Did you recognize him?”
“I didn’t see him. I heard him.”
“Where did this happen?”
“The stairs at the end of my hallway.”
Nate sighed. “I’ll post a uniform outside your room.”
Will squeezed her hand.
“Thanks,” she said.
They reached her floor. Will and Nate escorted Sara to her room, where Spike waited.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am,” Spike said. “I stepped away for a minute and—”
“Officer Duggins will be relieved by Officer Pete Franklin in about half an hour,” Nate said, narrowing his eyes at the young cop. “I’ll also hang around for a while.”
“No one’s going to hurt you here,” Will said, looking at Nate for confirmation. “Right?”
Nate nodded.
“Thanks.” She glanced at Will as if she was going to say something. Instead, she offered a grateful smile, turned and went into her room.
Nate narrowed his eyes at Will. “I’ll be here and Pete will show up soon.”
“I’m still here,” Spike offered.
“Don’t push it,” Nate warned, and then looked at Will. “You can really go now.”
“I know.” Will didn’t move.
“But you’re not going anywhere, are you?”
Will shrugged.
* * *
The next day Sara convinced doctors that her minor concussion and sprained wrist didn’t warrant her staying in the hospital any longer, although once they released her she wasn’t sure where she’d go. Nate had requested she stay in town until they finished their investigation of David Price’s death.
There was still no word from LaRouche and Harrington. She wondered how they’d talk their way out of this one.
It didn’t matter. At this moment what mattered was finding a safe place to stay, a place where her mystery stalker wouldn’t torment her further.
She put on her torn jacket and left her hospital room where she found Will, camped on the floor, working on a laptop.
“Will?”
“Hey, Sara,” he said, shoving his laptop into a briefcase and standing to greet her.
“What are you doing here?”
“I thought you might need a ride.”
His wavy chestnut hair fell across his face, and he was wearing the same clothes he wore last night.
“You never left the hospital?” she said.
“Didn’t have any place to be.”
“What about your girls?”
“They’re with their grandparents. I wasn’t supposed to be home until the day after tomorrow anyway. I thought I’d let Nanny and Papa spoil them one more day.”
“Where is—”
“Your protective detail? Officer Franklin’s shift just ended and Nate left earlier this morning. He figured you’d be released today and apologized about not having the manpower to offer you protection 24/7. He was going to send an officer to drop you off wherever you needed to go, but I said I was already here. I could do it.”
“Oh, he must have loved that,” she said sarcastically.
“Yeah, well, I think he gave in because he knew it was a losing battle. So where can I drop you?”
“Really, that’s not necessary. I can get a cab.”
“What, do I smell that bad?” He sniffed his armpit teasingly.
“Stop,” she said, almost smiling. “I appreciate the offer, but I think you’ve done enough.”
“Miss Lo
ng?”
She turned and saw a police officer headed toward her.
“Yes?”
“I’m Officer Petrellis. I was sent to give you a ride.”
“Officer, I’m Will Rankin.” They shook hands. “Did Nate Walsh send you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Guess I lost that argument after all,” Will said, frowning.
“Where can I drop you, ma’am?” Petrellis asked.
She looked reticent to tell him, so Will stepped in. “No, really, Officer, I insist.”
“Detective Walsh said it’s fine if you want to drive her, but I need to follow to make sure she gets safely settled.” He turned to Sara. “Ma’am, are you okay if Mr. Rankin gives you a ride?”
“Of course she is.” Will turned to Sara. “Aren’t you?”
She could tell from the expression on Will’s kind face that it was important for him to do this, to help her. After everything she’d put him through, she didn’t have it in her heart to disappoint him.
“Sure, that would be fine,” she said.
Will motioned Sara toward the elevator.
She put on her emotional mask, needing to embody her undercover identity—Sara Long, tour guide assistant.
“We’ll start by finding you a comfortable place to stay,” Will said. “Nate suggested we book you a room at Echo Mountain Resort.”
“Right, so he’ll know where I am.”
“No, because it’s a very secure facility.” They stepped into the elevator. Officer Petrellis joined them, but didn’t participate in the conversation.
“They’ve had some experience protecting people at the resort,” Will continued.
“Oh, really?” she said with a raised eyebrow.
“Long story. You hungry? We could stop for something to eat first.”
“Actually, I desperately need a cell phone.”
He pulled his smartphone out of his pocket and offered it to her. “It’s working again.”
“Thanks, but I need my own.”
“Ah, calling your boyfriend, huh?”
She shrugged and decided not to answer, letting him draw his own conclusions. Having a boyfriend would certainly discourage Will from continuing to help her.
They stepped out of the elevator onto the main floor.
“What type of vehicle are you driving, sir?” Officer Petrellis asked Will. “In case we get separated.”
“A gray Jeep.”
“Plate number? Again, in case we get separated.”
Will gave the plate number and the officer wrote it down. He was being awfully accommodating, Sara mused, especially since she was under the impression Nate didn’t have the manpower to spare. But then this was small-town law enforcement. They were about building relationships and protecting their community.
“We can swing by the Super Shopper and get you a phone, some clothes and whatever else you need since you left your backpack up in the mountains,” Will said.
She fingered the rip in her jacket. “That’s probably a good idea. Tell me more about Echo Mountain Resort.”
“It’s on the outskirts of town,” Will said. “I know a few people who work there, and the manager, as well. I’ll give them a call to see what’s available.”
They went outside and headed for his Jeep.
“I feel bad that you’re still involved in this, in my drama,” she said.
“No worries. I want to see this through to the end.”
Sara knew Will Rankin had no clue what he was signing on for.
Will called the resort. “Hi, Nia, it’s Will. I have a friend who needs a room....Wait, that’s this weekend? I completely forgot...” He shot Sara a defeated look. “Okay, I’ll try something in town....I hope you’re wrong about that....Sure, I’ll bring the girls by.” He ended the call as they approached his truck.
“Bad news?” Sara asked.
“I forgot about the resort’s big festival this weekend. It’s booked solid. We’ll try a B and B in town. How about we get you set up with a phone, and we’ll make calls while we eat lunch? Sound good?”
“Sure.”
He opened the door for her and she got into his Jeep. She noticed how he was careful to make sure she was settled before closing the door. He was the true definition of a gentleman, she thought, as she watched him walk around the front of the vehicle. What other kind of man would invest himself in a stranger’s dangerous situation like Sara’s?
One who, no doubt, had white knight syndrome tendencies. Well, she’d accept a ride from him, and buy him lunch to thank him for everything he’d done. Then, after he dropped her off at a B and B or wherever she ended up staying, she’d offer a firm goodbye.
* * *
They picked up supplies at the Super Shopper, and Sara made her call, but didn’t look happy about the outcome. Will decided not to ask too many questions. He didn’t want to push her away by being nosy.
Something still felt off, as if she acted a good game, but felt utterly alone, maybe even abandoned. Will decided he would not abandon Sara, then he cautioned himself not to feel so responsible for her.
He couldn’t help it.
As they stood by his Jeep, she slipped on her new blue winter jacket and smiled at her reflection in the window. The smile lit her face, and he forced himself to look away. His gaze landed on the police officer’s car a few parking spots away, reminding Will that Sara was still in danger.
“Well, I kinda like it,” she said.
He snapped his attention to her. “I do, too.”
“Then, why’d you look away?”
“Sorry, got distracted. Is it warm?”
“Yeah.” She half chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re such a dad.”
“Is that a bad thing?” He opened the car door and she slid onto the front seat.
“No, but be warned, at some point with your girls it’s going to be about looking good, not being warm.”
“Don’t remind me.” He shut the door and went to the driver’s side of the Jeep. He got behind the wheel and said, “You ready for lunch? There’s this great new spot a few minutes away. My girls love it.”
“What, is the menu all candy?” Sara teased.
Will pulled out of the lot. “Actually, it’s called Healthy Eats.” He smiled. “Don’t let the name scare you.”
“You’re assuming I’m a junk-food person.” She shifted in her seat and winced.
“Bad, huh?” he said.
“No, I’m fine. Looking forward to a nice room with a soft bed, and no police officers questioning me.”
He understood her frustration, but she had killed a man in the mountains—to save Will’s life. The primary reason he would not abandon her.
“There are three B and B’s in town,” Will started. “Annabelle’s, Cedar Inn and The White Dove. Maybe you should give one of them a call?”
“Okay.”
With each call, he could tell she grew more frustrated. A few minutes later they pulled into the lot at Healthy Eats.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I know Lucy, the owner at The White Dove. They keep a spare room open in case her daughter shows up in town unexpectedly. I’ll talk to her.”
“Thanks.”
Will sensed she was starting to fade. Food would definitely help renew her energy.
A few minutes later, they were seated in a booth ordering tea, scones and sandwiches from the owner of the restaurant, Catherine, who was Nate’s sister.
“Shouldn’t take long,” Catherine said. “You two look as if you could use some of my healing broth. I’ll bring some out, on the house.”
“We really appreciate it, Catherine,” Will said.
“Anything for
you, Will.” She winked and walked into the back.
“Someone’s got a crush on you,” Sara said.
“Who, Catherine? Nah, she’s on the ‘help Will’ team.”
“Help you what?”
“At first, it was to help me recover from my wife’s death.”
Sara reached across the table and touched the hand gripping his tea mug. “I’m so sorry, I did not mean to bring that up.”
“It’s okay. I’ve been grieving long enough. A lot of the folks in town, and especially from church, can’t stop looking out for me. I’m blessed with good friends, yet sometimes...” His voice trailed off.
“Sometimes what?”
“All the attention can be suffocating. It makes me feel as if they think I’m incompetent.” He didn’t know why he said it, and wanted to take it back.
“You’re the opposite of incompetent, Will,” she offered. “Look at everything you’ve done for me.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t fishing for a compliment, honest.”
She cracked a smile.
Again, he had to look away. That adorable smile of hers was enchanting. “I’ll call Lucy about her daughter’s room at The White Dove Inn.”
“That would be great, thanks.”
He pulled out his phone.
“Will? What are you doing here?”
Will looked up and spotted his in-laws crossing the restaurant toward him.
“And what happened to your eyes?” his mother-in-law, Mary, asked.
He got out of the booth to greet them. “Hiking accident,” he said. Will shook hands with his father-in-law, Ed, who then went to the register to pick up their order.
“Where are the girls?” Will asked.
“Susanna Baker called and invited Claire and Marissa to join her and the twins for a movie.” Mary studied Sara with judgment in her eyes.
“What movie?” Will asked. “Is it PG? Because the last PG-13 movie Marissa watched gave her nightmares.”
“It’s fine.” Mary waved him off. “They were going to an animated film. Why are you back early? And who’s this?”
He wouldn’t sugarcoat it, nor would he go into great detail, either.
“Mary, this is Sara. I assisted Sara when she was injured in the mountains.”
