She Can Hide (She Can #4)(86)

He squeezed her hand. “I love you and every pound of baggage that comes with you.”

A tear slid down Abby’s cheek. “Thank God. I thought I’d messed up.”

“You risked your life to save me and Derek,” Ethan said. “Sure, I was furious when you did it, but only because I couldn’t stand the thought of Joe hurting you. Did you really think I’d fall out of love with you for an overabundance of courage?”

The relief that flowed through Abby’s veins was better than the pain medication. She kissed him again. “I should have known better. No more doubts. Ever.”

“I should hope not.” He eyed her cast. “Now, what happened? Tell me everything.”

“Broke my elbow.”

“What happened to Joe Torres?”

“He’s dead.” Abby’s stomach turned. “I shot him.” She still couldn’t believe she’d sighted and fired without a single hesitation. Her reaction had been a reflex. Joe was trying to kill Ethan. Abby stopped him. No thought involved.

Ethan squeezed her hand. “You saved me.”

“Now we’re even.” Exhaustion flooded Abby as she touched his hand and watched his chest rise and fall. Ethan looked better than fine. He was breathing and warm and alive. The moment when Joe had shot him would be imprinted on her mind forever. “I feel like I should have more remorse. I killed a man.”

No doubt the guilt would come with time.

“He tried to kill you multiple times. He shot me. He cut up Derek’s face. There’s no reason for you to feel any guilt.” Ethan blinked. “The nurse said they’re putting Derek in here with me. How is he?”

“I haven’t seen him since they brought us in, but Chief O’Connell said they were having a plastic surgeon stitch him up, and Brooke is with him.”

“We’re right here.” Brooke walked into the room. Behind her, a nurse was pushing Derek in a wheelchair. Bandages covered the cuts on his cheek and jaw. His eyes were glassy as the nurse helped him into bed.

He smiled at Abby and winced.

“I wouldn’t try talking just yet.” The nurse adjusted the bedrail and handed him the remote.

“There will be unlimited ice cream and popsicles for the next few weeks.” Brooke stood by Derek’s bed. “But he’s going to heal just fine.”

Abby released Ethan’s hand and went over to give Derek a one-armed hug. He leaned his head on her shoulder. She straightened and blotted a tear leaking from her eye. His gaze searched hers, fear lingering under the sedative’s glaze. Did he want to know about his mother? Abby leaned closer and whispered, “Your mom’s OK, but we can’t see her right now.”

He nodded, his body sagging with relief. Abby knew exactly how he felt. Tiny trembles started in her legs.

“Honestly, Abby, you look worse than he does,” Brooke said.

“She’s coming home with me.” Lorraine came back in the room and put an arm around Abby’s waist.

“I can go back to my house,” Abby protested even though the last thing she wanted was to be alone.

“Nonsense. Your dog is already at my house—Ronnie is there with him—and you’re hardly in any condition to drive.” Lorraine gave her a gentle squeeze. “And what if you don’t feel well during the night? I think Ethan will rest more easily if you’re with me, won’t you?” Lorraine gave Ethan a pointed look.

“Definitely.” Ethan gave her a drugged half smile.

Lorraine’s hug was so comforting, Abby didn’t even mind that she was squeezing the small cuts Joe had made with his knife.

Abby kissed Derek on the top of his head. Ethan got a kiss on the lips that made her heart ache.

Ethan wiped a tear from Abby’s cheek with his thumb. “Derek and I will be fine here. Right, Derek?”

The boy nodded.

“Go get some rest,” Ethan pleaded.

“All right.” Abby let Lorraine and the chief lead her to the ER lobby. The main doors had locked hours ago. Outside, the sleet had stopped and the temperature had risen above freezing. But the wind sent a shiver through Abby’s bones. Chief O’Connell brought his SUV to the hospital entrance and drove them out to the farm. In the house, Lorraine tried to absorb Zeus’s enthusiastic greeting.

Ethan’s cousin Ronnie was in the kitchen. She was dressed in jeans, boots, and a sweater. Ronnie might be off duty, but she’d included her sidearm in her casual attire. “How is everything?”

Lorraine buzzed her niece on the cheek and filled her in. “Thanks for house-sitting.”

Sweetums rubbed on Lorraine’s leg and hissed at Abby. The dog cowered, which seemed to satisfy the cat. It jumped onto the bookshelf and stared down with a blend of disdain and superiority.

“Glad to help out, Aunt Lorraine. The horses and Zeus are fed.” Ronnie leaned down to rub Zeus’s head. “But your cat is evil. Isn’t he, Zeus?”

The dog butted Abby’s legs. She went down on one knee, hugged him with one arm, and buried her face in his massive neck for a minute.

“Are you staying?” the chief asked Ronnie.

“Yes,” Ronnie said.

“Then I’m headed home.” The chief left.

“I’m going to check the horses one last time. I’ll take the dog out while I’m at it.” Ronnie put on her coat. “Come on, Zeus.”