It helped, even after her trip to Bali, she still had some annual leave she could dip into once she’d used up all her banked up sick leave.
They said their goodbyes and headed back to her room, where she was met by the doctor with all her discharge papers.
“Finally free.” She inhaled deeply as they exited the hospital. She got a lungful of exhaust fume/fresh air, but it was still better than the antiseptic smell she’d been breathing in.
“Yep. Are you hungry?” Andy asked, as he wheeled her to his car. She had no idea what he drove, but she imagined it would be an SUV. He looked like an SUV type of guy. Isn’t that what all guys who worked in security drove? It’s what happened on TV.
“I am. What’s the time?” She didn’t have her watch on, and her phone had been smashed in the accident.
“It’s one-thirty. Do you feel like anything in particular? Something you’ve been craving during your stay?”
“Nothing really. Just so long as there’s noapplesauce, chocolate pudding, or Jell-O for dessert, I’ll be happy.”
Andy laughed again. “Duly noted. I also know just the place. Be prepared to have your tastebuds dazzled.”
She didn’t know if it was because she was finally out of hospital, or the man beside her, but Narelle felt lighter than she had in months.
The specter of her attacks that had clung to her in the hospital disappeared. She was safe and with a handsome man who showed her in so many ways how important she was to him.
A thought from earlier resurfaced, that people who wanted her were no longer after her, and she could move on with her life—without threat.
Chapter
Fifteen
Andy pulled into the parking lot at Café Tabby, smiling when he recognized most of the cars in some of the bays.
Steve had told him he was going to close the office to welcome Narelle home from her hospital visit. He’d told his boss that he wasn’t sure when they’d be leaving the hospital, because doctors could be held up, making their wait longer than it should’ve been. Luck had been on their side today, and everyone had been on time.
He’d still texted his boss to say they were leaving the hospital.
“Oh, I was hoping you’d bring me here.” Narelle was leaning forward, and the excitement on her face made him happy. He only hoped that she wouldn’tmind the little party that was waiting for her beyond the doors.
“Of course, it’s only the best place to eat in Perth.”
“If her pastries are anything to go by, I’m sure she deserves that reputation.”
“Prepare to be delighted,” Andy said, as he got out of the car. He surveyed the area, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. He doubted there would be an issue. Steve had installed cameras everywhere to ensure his wife, and her employees’ safety.
Even though there hadn’t been any more threats to Narelle, he was still on edge. Whoever was after her was too quiet, which meant they were biding their time, waiting to strike when they let down their guards.
That wouldn’t happen, though. Andy wasn’t going to rest until whoever was behind it all was caught.
Although finding out who was after Narelle, and why, was proving harder than they thought it would be.
Wilt had found a lead on the nurse, but when they arrived at her home, there was no sign of her. Her landlord didn’t know where she’d gone. Eithershe’d taken the money she’d been paid and run somewhere far away where she couldn’t be touched, or she’d been eliminated for failing to complete the task she’d been given.
Andy hoped it was the first, because regardless of the fact that she’d gone after Narelle, no one deserved to die, especially if they’d been pressured into acting that way in the first place. If she hadn’t been pressured, then the woman needed to be held accountable and face the consequences for her role in it all.
Once Narelle was all settled and was comfortable with her leg trolley, they made their way to the entrance. Tabby had reserved a bay for him close to the entrance, so they didn’t have far to walk.
The door opened as they approached, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth when he saw Tabby holding it for them.
“Welcome to Café Tabby! It’s so wonderful to see you up and about, Narelle.” Tabby came up and gave her a hug.
Andy kept his hand low on Narelle’s back to provide her with, not only extra support, but knowledge that he was near if she should need him.
“Thanks, I wouldn’t say I’m fully up andabout,” Narelle said, pointing to her leg trolley and braced arm. “But at least I’m not in the hospital anymore.”
