Mal smoothed his knuckles across her cheek. “You were a kid, baby. Nothin’ you could’ve done.”
Maybe not. But she’d always wonder. “What about Trixie?” She held her breath.
“She’s fine. In a room down the hall, actually. I’ll bring her in later to see you.” He smiled.
Relief filled her so quickly, her body itched more. Then she looked around, noting the door was shut and the room very quiet. Okay. She could relax here a little bit. “Private room?”
He nodded. “Figured you wouldn’t be up to a lot of people or noise.”
Her heart warmed. “I’m not going to be a shut-in any longer.” Though it was nice to have time to make baby steps. Very small steps.
Raider Tanaka moved into the room, a bright green plant in his hands. Scrapes and bruises covered his face, and his dark eyes were somber. “How’s our patient?”
Pippa smiled, surprised that she felt okay having him there. “Alive. I’m glad you are, too.” She hadn’t had a chance yet to get to know this coworker of Mal’s, but he had an air that inspired confidence. He was somebody you could trust. “Thank you.”
He set down the plant, placing it gently on the counter. The green brightened the place up. “You bet.” His hand landed on Mal’s shoulder. “How’s the rib?”
“Broken.” Mal grimaced. “I’ve had worse.”
Wolfe poked his head in. “Just got yelled at by a really pretty nurse about Kat being in my pocket here.” Then he moved fully inside and handed over a big orange balloon that saidHappy Birthday. “They were out of get-well ones.”
Amusement took Pippa. It felt okay having Wolfe there, too. Somehow, even though there were three large men in the room, she felt safe. “It’s perfect. Thanks.”
Wolfe glanced down at Mal. “How are you?”
“Busted up but will survive. Where’s the rest of the gang?” Mal asked.
Raider rubbed a scratch across his cheekbone. “Force and Nari are interviewing the cult women we managed to save. Once we get information, we’ll try to find help for them. Especially that April you were worried about.”
Mal’s shoulders seemed to relax. Pippa smiled.
Raider continued. “Brigid is conducting computer searches to trace all movements of other cult members. We found the new family home in Kansas City. We have work to do.”
Pippa bit her lip. “Find anything else?”
“Yeah. We’re handling the killing of Mark and the young woman right now. It’s no problem.” Raider’s face softened. “You don’t have to worry about that. Even if your prints are on the knife, we have you covered between your statement and Trixie’s. So no worrying.”
She nodded. She and Trixie could take a lie detector test if necessary, but she didn’t think it’d get to that point. The Requisition folks had her covered. So this was what real safety felt like. “Thank you,” she said.
Raider clapped Wolfe on the back. “I’ll drive you and Kat back before you get us kicked out of the hospital.”
Wolfe nodded. “See you at the office.” With a wink, he was gone.
Pippa straightened beneath the blankets. “You have a nice group. At your office. Good people.”
“Yeah.” He took her hand in his. “So.”
“So.” Tingles wandered down her torso. What now?
Mal was thoughtful for a moment. “What Isaac said. About you—”
She shook her head. “No. It doesn’t matter. My dad was a hero in the army, and he died when I was six.” She believed that in her heart, and that’s where it mattered.
“Understood.” Mal’s gaze softened.
“Thank you for saving my life.” It was the least she could say.
“Always.” The way he said the word, it sounded like he had plans. “Here’s the deal.” His gaze cut away.
