There’s an outlet only a few feet from the door. Spreading my tool kit out in front of me, I make quick work of the switch plate and the screws holding the frame in place.
This is dangerous as fuck with my jeans still wet, but what choice do I have?
You could walk away. Right now.
No. Doc saved my life. I owe it to him to safeguard his. At least until I can explain.
He looked so pale in that hospital bed. I couldn’t even stay long enough to look him in the eyes. But Graham was on the phone with West. Distracted. It was my only chance.
So I kissed him. Pressed the piece of sea glass into his palm. And disconnected the lead over his heart. Did he know what I was doing?
Even if he didn’t then, he does now.
I cross the wires in front of me. Sparks dance over the deck. But it’s not enough. They’re still hot. I canfeelthe electricity buzzing through the shielding. On my second try, there’s a loudpop.I took too much of a shock, and for a few moments, I’m frozen, praying my heart stops racing.
When it does, I seal everything back up again, then move to the glass door. My lock picking skills have languished the past few years, but five minutes later, I’m in.
I drop my bag next to a leather couch and fish out my Glock to clear the house. His scent fills the large bedroom. I almost whimper when I see the ensuite bath with a jacuzzi tub. My body is on fire, but I’m wracked with chills at the same time. The idea of a bath…
Focus.
Tall bookshelves line the walls in his office. A second bathroom, several closets, and a third room with nothing but a dozen boxes, a ladder, and three cans of paint are all clear. So is the garage.
I find the fuse box and reset the breaker. No one came for him. At least…not yet.
But that could change any minute. I’ll stay until dawn. Make sure no one breaches his home under cover of darkness. And then I’ll run.
Until then, I can explore. The living space is simple. Almost sparse. A large TV over a brick fireplace faces a dark leather couch. I kick off my shoes and sink my toes into the thick area rug over the hardwood floor.
On the mantle, Doc has a small collection of photos in silver frames. Three are obviously from his days as a PJ. God, he was so young then. Black hair. No beard. He was almost thin. Wiry. With a smile that lit up his entire being.
In the last one, he has his arm around a woman with blond hair. They look happy, but there’s a hint of sadness in her eyes. I pick up the frame, and a small card flutters to the floor.
In Loving Memory
Tessa Cole
From the dates on the card, she died a little over six years ago. Fuck. She was only thirty-four.
“I don’t do relationships.”
Is this why? Because of her? Was he in love with Tessa? God, why did I ignore him fora year?I could have known this man. Now, I never will.
Running a hand through my hair, I wince as I catch one of the bandages. The chills haven’t let up since I came inside, and I’m starting to worry I’m in real trouble here. Physically.
I down another four ibuprofen and head for his office. On his desk, I find a pad of paper and a fountain pen. I’ll never know more about him than I do right now. But maybe, I can give him a small bit of me before I go.
Dear Doc,
I’m sorry. For so many things. You almost died because of me. Because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or…the right one. You came to my rescue, despite the danger.
I wish I could tell you everything. But if I did, you’d try to help. Don’t deny it. We may not have spent much time together, but I still know what kind of man you are.
A good one.
The night we kissed, I wanted more. Did you ever wonder why I spooked? I wanted to tell you, but I was too scared.
You said I felt like home. One word, and I knew we had to stop. But it wasn’t because I felt like home to you. It was because you felt like home to me.
