“No!” She clutched him to her. “Don’t you dare leave me. Do you hear?” Her last word came out in a sob.
Wade appeared at her side. He dropped the blanket he held, knelt, and pressed two fingers to the side of her father’s throat. “His pulse is irregular but strong. Does he have heart problems?”
“Not that he’s ever mentioned.” Shelby shivered. “What happened to him back there?”
“He couldn’t get his breath and said he was dizzy. Let’s get him warmed up and see if that helps.” Wade picked up the blanket and spread it over her father. “You know, if he had a heart attack, he’s lucky.”
“How so?” Shelby tucked the blanket in.
“He could have just dropped dead like my grandfather. He’d been complaining about indigestion and then was … just gone. We found out that one in three people who have a heart attack die right away.”
She put her face in her hands.
“Shel, I’m sorry. I only meant it’s a good sign he’s still here. You need to eat again.” Wade pointed to the bag still wrapped around her wrist. “You’ll feel better.”
She opened the bag and pulled out a package of trail mix.
Wade took it from her and used a pocket knife to open it before handing it back. “Is there enough to share?”
“Yes.” She handed him the bag. “We have to get my father to the hospital.”
“I have help coming,” Ava said. “But they can’t get here until the storm clears.”
“How did you get through to them?” Wade rose and took the bag over to the bodyguard. “I thought they’d done something to the communications.”
“They did, but I don’t put all my trust in one system.” Ava pulled a second, larger phone from the pocket in her trousers. “I like to carry my own backup.”
“Satellite phone?” Wade grinned and handed her a package of cookies. “But does kid Shang know you have that?”
“Nope. A girl has to have her secrets.”
“How long before help can come?” Shelby asked.
“Well, I told Grantham security that the boss’s primo project was under a terrorist attack, and the boss himself was here.” Ava sighed, pulling out a cookie. “So, Mr. Bradley really is Grantham? And you didn’t know?”
“I didn’t.” Shelby brushed aside a wet strand of hair from his forehead.
“No offense, chica, but you got one messed up family.”
“Tell me about it.”
Ava turned on the phone and dialed a number. She updated whoever she was talking to on their whereabouts and status, including Mr. Grantham’s situation. When she finished the call, she looked back at them. “See if you two can get some sleep.”
Wade came back with another blanket. He handed it to Shelby and lifted Alan’s feet. She sat on the cot, and Wade joined her, resting her father’s legs on their laps. She pulled the blanket around them, grateful for the warmth of the scratchy wool.
She reached over to squeeze Wade’s hand, and he kissed her temple. Dear Wade. All those years, she’d clung to her anger and hurt like some prize she’d won. The weight of what she’d lost sat heavy on her shoulders. She hoped they’d have a little more time together.
Shelby must have fallen asleep, because she woke with a start, stiff and confused. It all came flooding back. Alan stirred, and Shelby bent closer. “Dad?” His eyelids fluttered, and he mumbled something. “What did you say?” She turned her ear closer to his mouth.
“I’m so proud of you.” His words faded out.
“It’s all because of you.” She kissed his forehead. “Promise me you’ll stay with me.”
“Just keep calling me ... Dad.” His voice turned into barely a whisper with the last word.
“I will. I—”
“Shh!” Ava hissed, suddenly alert.
