“Special Agent Dixon?” The voice pulled Gil from his musing. He turned to find the source—a man in scrubs standing a few feet behind a desk. He was tall, blond, thirtysomething, and either in a very bad mood or not pleased to be talking to him.
Gil walked toward him. “Yes.”
The man opened a door located to the side of the desk and indicated that Gil should walk through. “I’m Dr. Steele. The officer providing security for Dr. Collins told me you were waiting. We’re releasing Dr. Collins, but she shouldn’t be alone tonight.”
“She won’t be.”
Dr. Steele frowned at him. “I want Dr. Collins to be safe, but I don’t think spending the night with strangers is the best option for her mental health. Not after what she experienced. She’s strong, but no one needs to feel alone after they’ve been tortured. Have you spoken to her friends? Arranged for someone to stay with her? I’m not sure what the protocol is for this, but—”
“I’ve known Iv—Dr. Collins since we were kids.” At this remark, Dr. Steele lost his frown. “For tonight, I’m here as her friend. Lucky for her, I’m the kind of friend who can keep her safe.”
“Will you be taking her back to her home?”
“No.”
“Where—”
“Dr. Steele, I appreciate your concern. But part of keeping her safe involves making sure her whereabouts remain unknown until we have a clearer picture of the threat.”
“I can understand that.” Dr. Steele didn’t add anything. His interest in Ivy appeared to be more than what would be typical of an emergency department physician. He’d patched up her physical wounds but clearly wasn’t going to let her walk out the door until he made sure her emotional needs would be met.
“My sister, also a childhood friend of Dr. Collins, is on her way. She’ll be here in a few hours. Ivy will have support, friendship, and security.” Possibly more than she wanted. But despite his best efforts to dissuade his sister, Emily was en route and planned to stay for the weekend.
“Good.” Dr. Steele handed him a business card. Gil took it, and Dr. Steele stepped a fraction closer. “Torture,” he said, lowering his voice, “can result in unexpected triggers. If she struggles, don’t hesitate to call.”
Gil studied the card, then slipped it into his pocket. “I’ll do that.” He meant it. He’d tried all evening not to think about what Ivy had endured before he and Zane arrived at her door. But he was going to know all about it, and soon.
Dr. Steele pointed to a room. “She’s in there. Give me a moment.” He tapped on the door and entered. Gil leaned against the wall, and he could make out the words as Dr. Steele greeted Ivy but lost them soon after when the door closed. Three minutes that felt like thirty later, the door opened, and Dr. Steele emerged. “She’s ready for you.”
“Thanks.” Gil stepped around Dr. Steele and entered the room. Rather than closing the door behind him, he gave himself five seconds to familiarize himself with the room. It was habit. It was training. That’s what he told himself. And it was true.
But it was also true that he loathed hospital rooms and had no desire to spend a second longer in this one than necessary. Also, while he knew Ivy and she knew him, she was in many respects a mystery. A beloved stranger, but a stranger all the same.
“Hi.” Her soft voice pulled his gaze from his surroundings to her. She was dressed in the clothes he’d brought. Her skin, translucent and fair under normal circumstances, had a pallor to it that had his gut clenching with a mixture of anxiety and something else ... something proprietary. As if it was his responsibility to be sure she was protected.
“Hi.” He was supposed to say something at this point. Should he ask her if she was okay? Or ... what?
She dropped her head, a smile ghosting across her features.“I think this might be the longest we’ve ever been silent in each other’s company.”
At her joke, his brain and tongue synced. “Not true. We couldn’t speak during church.”
“Good point.” This time her smile lingered a few seconds before fading.
“Ivy.” It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her he’d missed her, but he held it back. No need to freak her out. They would have to talk about what had driven them apart, but not tonight. “What do you need right now? Food? Coffee? I can’t offer to take you home because your home is a crime scene. And to be honest, the Raleigh police are great guys, but if I don’t show up with you soon, they’re going to come find you.”
“I’m shocked they aren’t already here. It doesn’t seem like normal procedure.” Ivy’s lips twisted to one side in an expression of concentration Gil had forgotten about, and it sent a shock of memory through him.
“I promised you weren’t a flight risk and I’d bring you to them as soon as I could.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. “They waited because you asked them to wait, didn’t they?”
“They have plenty to keep them busy at the moment. But I do have to take you over there. I’ll stay until you’re finished. Then it’s up to you. Have you called some friends? Is there somewhere you want me to take you tonight?”
Ivy grimaced. “No. A hotel would be great. I don’t ... I didn’t ... there’s no one. I can’t risk...”
“You don’t want to put any of your friends at risk?”
“That’s part of it.”
