“Now’s not the time, Ellena.”
“You’re right.” She smiled sadly. “Of course, it’s never the right time to talk about it, is it?”
“Elle…”
“Dr. Dawson!” Howard, the head of the night security staff, barged in. “I came as soon as I heard.” Huffing a breath, his worried eyes shifted from the mess on the floor to her. “Are you okay?”
Gabe started to put himself between her and the older man, but she put her hand up to stop him. “It’s okay. It’s just Howard.”
Recognition flittered behind her protector’s eyes. “Howard. Right. It’s been a long time.” Gabe held out his hand.
When the other man hesitated, Ellena said, “You remember Gabe, don’t you?”
“The husband.” Howard straightened his shoulders and took Gabe’s hand in what appeared to be a strong hold.
The man was in his early fifties, shorter than average, and about fifty pounds overweight. He’d worked for the hospital longer than she had and was known for being the father-figure type amongst the female employees.
Someone messed with them, he was right there, ready to step in and help.
From the look he was giving Gabe, Ellena knew he was gearing up to defend her honor.
She put a hand on Howard’s shoulder and made sure that didn’t happen. “Gabe came back to help me.”
The older man grunted but dropped his hand. With a narrowed gaze he asked, “Help, how?”
“Someone’s trying to hurt Ellena. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Howard’s silver brows rose high. “Hurt her?” His light blue eyes bounced back and forth between her and Gabe. “Why on earth would someone want to hurt Dr. Dawson? She’s one of the nicest women I know.”
“That’s why we’re here,” Gabe told him. “To try and figure that out.”
Ellena could practically see the man’s wheels turning as he looked at the mess surrounding them. “You think one of your patients did this? But why?”
“I don’t know the answer to either of those questions, Howard.”
“You can help us find them, though,” Gabe told him. “If you’re willing.”
“Of course.” Howard looked at her then back to Gabe. “I’ll do anything I can to help.”
“I was hoping you’d say that because there’s something I need from you.”
“Name it.”
And just like that, the two men were on common ground.
“I need access to the security footage. Everything from three days ago to tonight. I also want a guard posted outside Dr. Dawson’s office.”
“Shouldn’t we call the cops first?”
“Once I see the tapes, I’ll know whether or not we should get the local authorities involved.”
Howard tilted his head. “You still a SEAL?”
“No sir.”
“Who did you say you work for now?”
“I didn’t.”
