Cut and Run(97)

“That bitch killed those girls and would have killed you if not for Hayden.” Macy’s voice faltered. “I’d be talking about your funeral as well as Josie’s with Maggie Stapleton.”

Since Faith had visited Maggie, she’d kept her updated on Josie’s case. Maggie had visited Macy at the hospital and spent hours talking to them about Josie. Faith and Maggie had attended the funerals of Kathy Saunders and Olivia Martin, and Maggie had delayed Josie’s funeral until Macy could attend.

Macy lifted her chin. “Canada killed my dad and brother to keep her secret.”

An investigation into Mark Canada had found that he had worked for Slater & McIntyre for five years. He had done private investigative work at first, but quickly had become known as a man who made problems go away. He had come from very humble roots and had sold his soul to reach his station at the law firm. He had no prison or arrest record, but interviewing neighbors and an ex-girlfriend had revealed a love of poker and womanizing.

“Mitchell is working closely with the prosecutor,” Faith said. “Margaret might have a great legal team and money, but he’s like a dog on a bone. He isn’t letting go until she’s in jail.”

That prompted a satisfied smile. “I’m liking that guy more and more. Speaking of which, does he know about Kat’s baby?”

“I texted him updates and pictures, and he texted back ‘Roger,’ which he does when he’s working. He’s in San Antonio.”

A knock on the door had them turning, and Hayden strode into the room, his white Stetson in his hand. “Macy, you’re looking sharp.”

“Kicking ass and taking names,” Macy said. “I’ll be running a six-minute mile by the end of summer.”

“I have no doubt.” Hayden leaned over and kissed Faith. It had been a week since they’d seen each other, and she could feel a hunger rumbling under the kiss. “How are you?”

“I’m well. Been a crazy night.”

“I checked in on Kat when I arrived, and she’s sleeping,” he said. “And the boy looks like he’s going to give Nancy and Mike a run for their money.”

“The hard part is yet to come for Kat, but I’ll help her figure it out,” Faith said.

“And me, too,” Macy said. “The docs say I get sprung in two days and can move in with you, Faith, if the offer still stands.” She reached for the bag of chips, set them in her lap, and released the brake on her wheelchair. “Which means if you two want some alone time at Faith’s place, you better get cracking. It’s going to be a full house pretty damn soon.”

“We can stay longer,” Faith said.

“Get out,” Macy said, smiling.

“Are you sure?” Hayden asked.

“Yes!” Macy said. “See you two lovebirds another day.”

Faith rose and kissed her sister on the head. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

They followed Macy out into the hallway. When she vanished into her room, Faith said, “I’m ready to be done with this place. It would be nice to get to know my sister in a normal setting.”

“How about I drive you home?” he asked.

She kissed him. “I’m parked out front.”

“I’ll bring you back in a few hours.” He took her hand, and they walked to the elevators. They stepped into the car, and when the doors closed behind him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, not caring about any security cameras that were watching.

“Have I told you that I love you?” she asked. Her policy of noncommitment felt worn and outdated. All the pieces of her life had fallen into place, and he was the cornerstone.

His expression softened in a way that telegraphed his feelings for her more than words. He traced his thumb over her moist lips. “You have not.”

He had told her he loved her, but she hadn’t said the words back to him. “Well, I do. I love you.”

He kissed her on the lips with an intensity that took her breath away. “I never thought I’d ever feel love again, Faith. I’d accepted that. And then you proved to me how very wrong I was. You saved me.”

She smiled. “I will save you anytime.”