“You have a night light,” Sara reminded Lessa. “I’ll leave the door partly open so I can hear if you need anything.”
“I don’t need a light,” Lessa said drowsily, “but Nik does.”
Sara hurried to where Francie and Alex waited at the front door.
“What do you want me to tell them?” Sara asked.
“Lessa already knows there was an accident at Rafe’s work, and the doctors are checking him out.” Francie rubbed her temple. “I can’t believe they were hurt and still went to that banquet.”
“From what Bill said, it’s just a precaution that they took them to the hospital,” Alex said.
“Bill?” Sara asked.
“Bill Ryze, Rafe’s head of security.” Francie gave Sara a quick hug and said, “We’ll let you know as soon as we have some word. Thank you so much.” They hurried to their car and sped away.
Sara’s phone pinged with a message from Ezreal.
Barely got a minute. I spoke too soon. Both Ahri and Rafe are on their way to the hospital.
I just found out. I have Lessa and Nik. Francie and Alex are on their way.
Sara wanted to ask more but decided she’d have her chance later.
Keep me informed.
Will do.
She turned to find Lessa watching her from the hallway.
“Are you all right?” Sara sat on the couch and waved the little girl to join her. Lessa ran over and snuggled next to her. Sara put her arm around the child.
“Are Rafe and Ahri going to be okay?”
“I think so. From what your dad said, they’re only taking them to the hospital to make sure they’re fine.”
“I love Ahri. Why would somebody hurt them?”
“It’s too early for us to know.” Sara brushed aside a strand of hair from the child’s face. “The world has too many cruel people.”
“Do you think it’s because someone murdered Ahri’s husband?”
“What?” Sara shifted to stare at the child.
“I heard Ma talking to Rafe about it.” Lessa’s voice had turned conspiratorial. “I’m not supposed to know, but sometimes I hide at the top of the stairs and hear things.”
Sara should have told the child she mustn’t share something she’d overheard but curiosity kept her from stopping the little girl when she continued.
“See, Ahri’s really Kayn’s sister, but they’ve been pretending she’s not. It’s a big secret, so you can’t tell anyone. Someone killed Ahri’s husband, and she’s been hiding at our house.” Lessa nodded sagely. “The bad men must have found her.”
“I’m sure they’ll be okay.”
A little numb at the revelation, Sara stroked the girl’s hair, trying to comfort her. Ahri had come over several times, and Sara had thought they’d gotten to be friends. Yet the woman had given no sign that she’d been going through such a terrible ordeal. At first Sara was hurt, but then she thought of how protective she was of her own history. Poor Ahri. And now she’d been attacked.
Lessa didn’t seem to want to talk anymore, so Sara opened a children’s book and started reading. The little girl fell asleep, and Sara debated whether or not she could handle lifting her back into the top bunk.
Sara’s phone pinged with a text from Ezreal.
Rafe is being released to come home, but they're keeping Ahri for observation. Can I come over?
