Page 47 of Dakota

My stomach drops. There are a few things that may have happened, but she's a woman, and I'm used to seeing the worst that people have to offer. Doesn't mean that it doesn't affect me when those things happen to the people I care about. However, with my training, I know I have to wait for her to be ready to tell me what's going on. So, although I want to grab her by the arm, turn her around, and fire questions at her, I don't. "You don't have to be home by yourself," I say softly. "You're welcome to stay here. I just need to know you're okay."

She makes a noise in the back of her throat. "Okay? Are any of us really okay?"

"No," I answer honestly, rocking back on my heels. "We're all just doing the best we can with what we have."

"You're right about that." She turns, but she doesn't look at me. Her gaze stays on the floor.

"Macie. Show me your face, please?" I ask as carefully as I can. It won't do any good to try and force her. She's already been through a lot tonight.

When she looks up at me, and I see the blood, along with the bruise, I see red. "Who did this?"

"A patient's partner or husband. I'm not sure. I just don't want to be alone."

I wrap her in my arms, whispering. "You don't have to be alone. I've got you."

But in my mind I'm promising myself. I'm going to find who this motherfucker is, and I'll make sure he never hurts another woman again.

Especially my woman.

Darren & Macie arrive July 4th