The man was a registered nurse practitioner. But he was also with the Bureau and he might have insight on something that Wes, in his undercover situation on the cruise, just might not.
“We’ll be five minutes!” Wes said.
“No!” she protested. “Make it ten!”
The two men left.
“Let’s do it!” he said. “Just walk out to the outer spa area on this deck. Chloe was willing to jump into the brine for Edward—she’s not going to let anything happen to him!”
Chloe smiled and took the seat next to Edward where he lay in the bed as Wes and George headed out for a minute.
She was sure that none of them wanted to look ridiculous or overprotective in any way, so they stopped to chat with Dr. Kilbride’s nurse for a moment before walking out.
“That really is one great guy,” Edward said, indicating George. “Then again, so is your husband.”
“Thanks! I certainly think so,” Chloe said, smiling.
“But I get the feeling...” Edward mused.
“Yes?”
“Well, let’s see, a private nurse from Milestones. Now, I am a vice president, head of continuing education, which is why I’m the rep on this cruise. But we have four VPs other than me and I’m not the CEO in any way, shape or form. Which makes me think...”
“Think what, Edward?” Chloe asked innocently.
“That Milestones is seriously concerned about my welfare. That someone there thinks that I may be in danger. Lots of people knew Jane Sewell well. She was a nice person, Chloe. She was bright and sweet and... I have a hard time believing that she could do something so awful. Maybe because I’m lying here, but it’s bothering me more and more. Now I know that the cops didn’t find anything but everyone dead and Jane with the gun, but there had to be something more!”
“I’m sure that your thoughts have occurred to others, sir. Including law enforcement.”
“Chloe...”
“Seriously!”
He laughed. “I meant that you’re not to call me sir!”
“Oh!” She laughed softly. “Edward. I’ll try to remember that!”
“You had parents who taught you respect, I’m certain.”
She nodded. “My mother was a big believer in the simple courtesy of manners,” she assured him. “But, Edward, whatever the company thinks—”
“I’m grateful. But if someone came at me with a gun, what is a nurse—even a great nurse—going to do?” Edward asked.
“We’re on a ship. No one can be carrying a gun around.”
“You know that’s not true. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Beyond a doubt, his words were true.
“I get the feeling that George is a very adaptive and clever man. And if the company has any suspicions, I’m sure he’s been warned.”
“You’re a clever young lady—for a gallery owner and art lover,” he told her.
“Well, I like to think so, anyway!” she said lightly.
She sat back in her chair, smiling. And then she frowned. Celia and Jeff Henderson had walked into the waiting room.
And they were followed by a man of about forty she’d seen in their class, the class on dating and promotion.
