Carson spun around. She was still on the floor where she’d dropped, hugging her knees, shaking violently. Blood trickled from the shallow cut on her throat—barely more than a scratch, but it made Carson’s stomach turn.
He holstered his weapon and dropped to his knees beside her.
“Nora. Look at me.”
She raised her head, and the tears on her face nearly broke him.
“You’re okay,” Carson said, his hands hovering near her shoulders, not sure if she wanted to be touched. “You’re safe. It’s over. He can’t hurt you.”
“He was going to kill me.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “The knife—he was really going to—”
“But he didn’t. Because you were brave. You trusted me. You did exactly what you needed to do.” Carson’s hand finally settled on her shoulder. “You saved yourself, Nora. You did that.”
She launched herself at him, arms wrapping around his neck, face pressing into his shoulder.Carson caught her, pulling her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and holding on tight.
She was sobbing now—great, heaving sobs that shook her whole body. Carson held her through it, one hand in her hair, the other rubbing her back, murmuring quiet reassurances.
“I’ve got you. You’re safe. I’m not letting go.”
“I was so scared,” she gasped between sobs. “When the lights went out and Euton didn’t answer and Dan was there— I thought—”
“I know. But I got here. I told you I’d protect you. I meant it.”
“He knew about us. About the kiss. He was watching us—”
“I know. And we’ll figure out how. We’ll make sure there are no more surprises.” Carson pulled back enough to look at her face. “But right now, I need you to breathe. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded, trying to slow her breathing. Carson helped her through it—the same counting pattern he’d used for her panic attacks before. In for four, hold for four, out for four.
After several minutes, her breathing steadied. The tears slowed.
“There you go,” Carson said softly. “That’s better.”
“I’m sorry. I’m falling apart again.”
“Stop apologizing for having normal reactions to traumatic situations.” His hand cupped her face, thumb brushing away tears. “You were just held atknifepoint by someone who wanted to kill you. You’re allowed to fall apart.”
“But I keep falling apart on you.”
“Then I’ll keep catching you.” The words came out rougher than he’d intended. More revealing.
Nora stared at him, her eyes still wet but clearing. “You always do.”
“Always will.”
The promise hung between them—heavier than the others, more personal. Not about the case or his job. About them.
“Carson—”
“Detective?” Finn appeared in the doorway. “EMTs are here for Ms. Bell. And the captain wants you to call him ASAP.”
Reality crashed back in. The case. The job. The aftermath.
Carson helped Nora stand, keeping one arm around her waist to steady her. “EMTs need to check you out. That cut on your neck—”
“It’s nothing. Just a scratch.”
“Still needs to be looked at.” He guided her toward the main room where the EMTs were setting up. “And then I need to take your statement. Process the scene. Make sure Dan doesn’t have any more surprises waiting.”
