Seconds to Live (Scarlet Falls #3)(99)

‘“What happened to Josh?”

“Treated for a broken nose and arm at the ER.” She checked her phone screen. “He’s being processed at the jail.”

“I wanted to kill him.”

“I know.” She took his hand. “I’m glad you didn’t. Not because I would have thought less of you. Josh deserves to die for what he’s done. But I wouldn’t want you to bear that load for the rest of your life. You’ve carried too much guilt for too long. You are a good man. It’s time you saw that in yourself.”

“How did I get so lucky that you’ll even give me the time of day?” Mac leaned over to kiss her. No quick peck, but a slow and tender gesture that had her heart stuttering. “I love you, Stella Dane. Words can’t describe how much.”

“I love you, too.” She touched his cheek, tears shining in her eyes.

Mac glanced at Gianna.

Her eyes were open. Her mouth curved in a sleepy smile.

Stella reached for her hand, gently covering it. “How do you feel?”

“Alive.” Gianna shivered. “More alive with hottie here.”

Gianna was a survivor.

Stella stood, unfolded the blanked draped across the bottom of the bed, and drew it up to the girl’s chin. “You rest. I’ll stay with you tonight.”

Gianna shook her head. “Are you freaking kidding me? You should be spending the night with him.”

“I can stay tonight, too,” Mac said. “I’m not leaving either one of you alone.”

“You can both go home.” A voice said from the doorway. Stella’s sister, Morgan, came in. “I’ll stay with Gianna tonight.”

“No one needs to stay with me.” Gianna waved. “I’m an adult.”

They ignored her.

“And when she gets released, we’re bringing her home with us.” Morgan set a closed umbrella in the corner and unbuttoned her raincoat.

Gianna’s mouth dropped open, seemingly unable to come up with a smart-alecky retort.

Morgan moved a chair from the empty side of the room. “Grandpa and I discussed it. She needs to get healthy so she can get that new kidney. Our house is the best place for that to happen.” She smiled at the teen. “And I can probably help with the paperwork.”

From the fierce gleam in Morgan’s eyes, Stella had the feeling she had more planned than helping Gianna with paperwork. Good. Morgan needed something positive to focus on.

A tear dripped down Gianna’s cheek.

Mac hauled Stella to her feet. “Thank you, Morgan. As much as I was willing to sleep in that chair, a shower and a bed would be heaven right now.”

Stella leaned over Gianna and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Gianna gripped her hand. “I don’t know what to say.”

Mac laughed. “You’re a smart kid. Say yes.”

“OK.” Sniffing, Gianna reached for a tissue from the box on her tray.

“Get some sleep.” Stella straightened and followed Mac from the room. “Have you decided what you’re going to do about Freddie? I assume the contract on your life is still out there.”

“No reason to think he’s cancelled it, but it won’t matter soon. I gave the information about his camp to the local DEA office. They’re planning a raid ASAP. They’ll move fast on it. That should take care of Freddie.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist, and Stella rested her head on his shoulder. She couldn’t get enough contact with his body. It was as if her mind needed more reassurance that he was alive.

They turned into the hallway. Lance was sitting in a chair in a waiting area.

“Can you give me one minute?” she asked Mac.

“Sure.” He moved toward the elevator.

“Why are you here?” Stella asked Lance.

“I drove Morgan.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I heard Horner got his hair wet.”

“He did.” Stella noticed her boss also made sure he’d appeared on camera in his body armor, but he’d still surprised her. That night was the first time she’d seen him not behind a desk, mirror, or microphone. “Did you really quit?”

“Look, Stella. I can’t control my temper. Physically, I’m not a hundred percent either. I’m a mess. I can’t take the risk of another cop getting hurt because of me.”

“Go back on disability. Get better.” She touched his forearm. “You don’t have to quit.”

“I really do.” He met her eyes. His gaze wandered to the doorway, where Morgan straightened Gianna’s blanket. “I need—I don’t know what I need, but this is the first step in a long time that has felt right.”

Stella glanced back at her sister. “All right, but don’t be a stranger.”

“I have no intention of doing that.” Lance kept his eyes on the doorway. “I promised your grandfather I’d install some security cameras at your house tomorrow. The tech guys came and took theirs back. Art said something about trespassers.”

“Did he?” Stella wondered if Grandpa was still determined to catch the errant dog owner or if he wanted Lance around the house for another reason. Like Morgan. Stella wouldn’t put it past Grandpa to play matchmaker. He’d do anything to alleviate Morgan’s sadness. Stella only hoped Lance didn’t get hurt in the process. He had enough of his own troubles. She needed to have a conversation with her grandfather, as if she had any control over him.