Bella sank into him and inhaled the faint remnants of his bodywash.
“I love you, too,” she muttered into his chest.
CHAPTER 41
NIYAH
Niyah washed her hands and tossed her paper towel in the trash. “Show me how to get back to the hospital family room please.”
The intern assigned by the hospital administrator opened the door and gestured toward the hall. “This way, Doctor.”
Niyah left the autopsy suite and followed the intern down the hall. An elevator and a few turns placed Niyah back at the family room.
When she walked in, Taylor stood and gave her a look that ensured she didn’t know that Niyah had stood in on Mr. Montgomery’s autopsy. “Why are you in scrubs?” she asked.
Niyah walked over to Taylor and grabbed both of her hands. “I assisted in the autopsy, Taylor. Dr. Creed asked me to stand in to observe and preserve any evidence of importance. And I wanted to make sure that your dad was represented every step of the way.”
Tears trickled down Taylor’s cheek. She smiled and squeezed Niyah’s hands. “Can I see him?”
Niyah shook her head. No good could come from Taylor seeing her father in such a state.
“Why not? I wanna see him too.”
Niyah turned to the female voice. She recognized the woman from TV. It was Taylor’s sister, the one who had accused Victor of fathering her child. But no matter the dysfunction, the woman had just lost her father.
Niyah released one of Taylor’s hands. She turned to the woman and squeezed her forearm. “You don’t want see yourfather in this state. And it's unnecessary. As a family friend, I’ve already confirmed his identification.”
“But, I--”
“It’s okay.” Niyah’s words cut off the beginning of a protest.
She turned to Mrs. Montgomery. “I want to assure you that your husband in being handled with dignity and care. And I promise to stay with him until his body is released.”
Mrs. Montgomery’s eyes widened. “Oh, my God,” came out in a breath. “Released?”
She clutched her chest as if she were about to panic. “Released to who? What does that even mean?”
Niyah moved forward and clutched her shoulders. “Don’t you worry about a thing, Mrs. Montgomery. We’re gonna get you through this.”
She offered a weak smile and caressed Niyah’s face. “Thank you, honey.”
Niyah nodded and stepped to the side. She locked eyes with Xander and nodded toward the door. When they entered the hall, Niyah turned to Xander. “That’s gotta be one awkward family reunion.”
Xander sighed. “Babe, you don’t know the half of it.” He cupped her face and kissed her lips. “You’re doing a good thing for the family. You’re an amazing woman.”
Niyah smiled. “Thank you. You’re an amazing man.”
Xander laughed. “I’ve done nothing.”
Niyah grinned. “Yes, but you might someday.”
“Ha ha.” Xander kissed her forehead then nudged her along. “Off you go.”
LINCOLN
Lincoln leaned against the wall and watched as a women entered the elevator. She pushed a button, but he stepped in just before the doors closed. The woman was dressed in a stylish, black pantsuit paired with a black and gold Fendi hijab. Like a deer caught in a set of headlights, she looked up with wide eyes.
“Oh, shit!” she cursed, just before Lincoln's large fingers gripped her upper arm.
