She read the skepticism on his face. She wished she had an answer for him. As scary as the answer might be, it couldn’t be nearly as bad as not knowing.Could it?
The sheriff showed her a picture of a man in his early twenties with small round eyes and receding dark hair. “Do you recognize this man?”
She studied the picture, giving herself time to remember.
Nothing came.
“No.”
“This was the driver of the car.”
“Was? He didn’t survive?” There was no one else to question.
The sheriff shook his head.
Jake returned with the gray case, and the sheriff took her fingerprints. After asking permission, he snapped her picture, saying he hoped to get facial recognition despite the bruises and bandages.
“One more thing,” said the sheriff. “When Jake found you in the car, you said, ‘Don’t let them kill me.’ Do you remember saying that to him?”
Her stomach clenched, and she pressed her good hand to her abdomen. “Kill me? Them?” She looked at Jake, and he gave a slight nod. Fighting the fear that swept over her, she shook her head, sending pain shooting through her brow. “I don’t remember saying that.” Her voice came out little more than a whisper.
The sheriff was persistent. “We found a gun on the driver. It was fired recently. Do you know where that might have happened?”
“Robert, that’s enough.” Jake’s voice held a warning.
She suspected the sheriff was the older of the two, but she doubted he’d argue with his brother when he used that tone.
“She doesn’t remember. You’re stressing her out.”
“Was someone killed with the gun?” the tension in her abdomen shifted to her chest. “Did I shoot someone?” Tears blurred her vision.
“No,” the sheriff said. “The gun was covered in the driver’s fingerprints. We don’t suspect you of foul play.”
A cold chill swept over her. “But you don’t know for sure, do you? And I can’t remember. If I did something as horrible as that, I wouldn’t want to remember it.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Jake stepped to the bed and took her right hand. He squeezed. “You’re the one in danger here. But don’t worry, we’ll protect you.”
Jake’s calloused hand was warm and strong. Comforting. She relaxed as a sense of security blanketed her.
“That’s right.” The sheriff’s gaze rested on her and Jake’s hands and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “One of my officers or I will stand guard outside your room at all times. Please have the nurses contact me if you remember anything, no matter what it is.”
She nodded, causing another lancing pain to pierce her skull.
The nurse came in with her breakfast tray and the brothers prepared to leave. Jake gave her hand another squeeze before releasing it, taking the warmth and security with him.
She repressed a shiver.
“Jake,” she said as he was about to step through the door. He turned back to look at her. “It sounds like you’re going to be stuck with me. I’m sorry.”
His eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled, transforming his serious face. “It’s not a problem at all. We’ve got plenty of room, and the ranch really is a peaceful place for your recovery.”
Then he was gone, taking his warmth and comfort with him.
* * *
Jake cameout of the room to find Robert waiting in the hall.
He grinned at Jake. “Looks like you’ve found another lost cub to bring home.”
