Another nurse rushed into Austin's room. "Tommy, come out here."
"Mr. Bailey, may I use your phone?" Tommy asked.
"Yes. Is something wrong?" Martin pulled out his phone.
"No, I wonder if you would take a few pictures and a video. Everyone should see this, and we're not allowed to use our phones on the floor."
"Sure." He became aware of his own heartbeat as desire took over his emotions.
Illness did not stop McLaren from leading her in a small circle. Elizabeth placed her gentle palm on the man's face, bringing the waltz to an end. Luminous, she stood back and curtsied. He headed into his room with his physical therapists.
"Give me your number, Tommy, and I'll send it to you." Martin couldn’t take his eyes off Elizabeth.
"Thank you. Dr. Reed never shows that side of herself." Tommy moved back to Austin.
"So, she's not seeing anyone?" He tried to mask his curiosity.
"No."
Shaun Murray knocked on the door. "Just checking on Austin. I posted an officer outside if you need something. Was that the lady doctor dancing?" His brows fretted.
"Yes, the man came in close to death. She made a promise to dance with him when he recovered, gave him a reason to hang on. She does that often," Tommy said.
"Yesterday morning, a farmer found a child in a ditch—the case Austin was investigating. Dr. Reed operated on the poor girl. I owe her an apology. After bringing the child in, I said something offensive to her. My own crap got in the way."
"Was the child injured in a car accident?" He and Ford never had the conversation.
"A car would be more humane. No, I spoke with the surgeon Dr. Reed covered for. Not only were the injuries sexual in nature, but one of her legs was crushed. She had to remove the limb. I got appointed to the department ten years ago and was in the service before. Never seen anything like this." His shoulders shook. "Then, you, Partner, getting shot, leaving me to Lieutenant Lamb,” he spoke in a teasing voice.
Martin typed a quick message to Tate:Need background on Shaun Murray.
In the works, Tate replied.
Wednesday, July 10th 11:00
The Silverton Farmhouse Hotel conference room reserved for Chase Security was set up as an operations hub. Martin walked in to find Ford, Julian, Troy and Tighe sitting at one end of the boardroom table with papers spread out in front of them. Zach Wentworth and Noah were hunched over computers at the other end. A large coffee urn and platters laden with rolls and danishes, fresh fruit and juices occupied one wall.
"How are you doing?" Troy rose to hug his friend.
"I'm fine. Thank you all for being here. What do we have?" Martin poured a glass of juice and sat at the table.
"First, how's Austin?" Ford asked.
"No change. My family and Janey are with him. I'll stay the night again.” His steel shell was breaking down. “I feel so helpless.”
"Bro, you're never helpless, even if the only thing to do is pray. Remember, you taught me that," Troy reminded him.
Martin nodded. “What do we have?”
"Technical analysis ran backgrounds on the people involved in Austin's treatment. I did not read them yet." Ford passed him the folder.
Martin yanked the folder from his hand. "Sorry." He wanted to view Elizabeth's file before anyone else.
Ford waved off the apology. "No worries. Boss, we wish we could tell you this was straightforward, but we’re coming up with a lot of questions."
"Austin was investigating a case where a four-year-old girl, a Jane Doe, was injured," Tighe said.
"Shaun Murray confirmed the child was...beaten and a victim of assault," Martin stammered. "She’s in grave shape, in a coma in the pediatric ICU."
