Xander pressed his forehead against hers and cupped her jaw. “I’m gonna find out. I promise you that.”
The door opened. A tall blonde with a tight bun, wearing a smart pantsuit entered with a bundle of clothing wrapped in plastic. She scanned the room with a smile. “Dr. Niyah Reed?”
Niyah raised her hand and stood. “I’m Dr. Reed.”
The woman walked over and handed her the bundle. “I understand you’re going to be performing the autopsy.”
Niyah shook her head. “It’s my understanding that I’ll be assisting.”
The woman smiled. “At any rate, I’ve brought you a set of scrubs and some PPE.”
Niyah smiled in return and took the bundle. “Thank you.”
“You can change over there.” The woman pointed toward a door that led to a restroom.
“Thanks. But I prefer a changing room over a bathroom.”
The woman’s eyes lowered. She seemed embarrassed. “I’m sorry. Of course, I can show you the way.”
“That would be great. Thank you.” Niyah didn’t want to come off like a bitch, but she was a doctor. A little bit of arrogance came with the credentials.
“Follow me, Dr. Reed.”
Niyah turned to Xander. He pecked her lips, and she squeezed his hand. “I’ll be back,” she whispered before taking step behind the tall woman.
BELLA
When Niyah left, the room fell silent enough to hear Mrs. Montgomery sobbing beneath the blanket. Bella rubbed her shoulder. She almost promised her that everything was going to be okay, but she couldn’t promise that. So, she didn’t.
Suddenly, the door to the family room opened. Four Secret Service agents entered and walked through the family room, the kitchenette, and the restroom. One it was deemed safe, one of the men opened the door for Victor and Taylor to enter.
Victor, Taylor, and the usual circus that followed him entered the room. Taylor scanned the room until she spotted her mother and ran over. She kneeled in front of her mother and rubbed her thigh. “Hey, Mommy. You okay?”
Senator Creed walked over to Victor and whispered, “Get them out of here.”
Victor turned to Kena and gave her a look. She nodded and ushered everyone who wasn’t family out of the family room.
“Momma?”
Mrs. Montgomery looked up with red, swollen, tear-filled eyes. Sadness filled the room like oxygen. “I’m not okay, baby. It’s Daddy, honey. He didn’t make it.”
Taylor recoiled and frowned as if her mother had just told her a lie. “No.” She fell back on her butt and scooted away from her mother. “No!” She looked over at Bella. “Where’s my daddy?”Bella’s lips parted, but she couldn’t speak.
Taylor looked up at Lincoln. “Where is my daddy?”
Mrs. Montgomery wiped her face and tossed the blanket to the side. She slid down on the floor and crawled over to Taylor. She tried to pull her into a hug, but Taylor pushed her away.
“Where ismydaddy?”
Mrs. Montgomery caught Taylor’s wrist and looked her pointedly in the eye. “Daddy’s gone, baby.”
Taylor’s eyes widened with disbelief. “Nooooo,” she whined. “Mama, noooooo.”
Bella lowered to the floor and sat behind her friend. Victor lowered to a knee and pulled her head to his chest. Taylor let out a guttural howl that echoed throughout the room, filling it with raw and intense sorrow.
Bella raised her hand to comfort her friend. Then, she realized that Taylor had Victor to lean on. But Mrs. Montgomery’s husband was gone. So, she scooted over to Taylor’s mom and pulled her into her arms.
Staffers from the hospital entered with baskets of water, rolls, and other snacks. Dr. Creed ushered them to the kitchenette.
