She glanced at Megan then into the room before searching Reid’s face, her expression unsure and worried. She may be only eight, but losing her mother had made her grow up fast, and she was particularly sensitive to other people’s body language and demeanor. He needed to make sure she knew he was fine.
He squeezed her arm. “Everything’s okay, Jess. I’ll be right there.”
“Hurry up, okay?”
“Okay, sweetheart.” When Jessie strode down the hall, he turned his attention to Megan. “My daughter, Jessie. We visit patients with our dog, Bandit, and I have to go.”
“No worries. I remember how good you are at leaving.” She pulled back her shoulders in a hard line.
She was mad at him. So mad. But fear had taken over. He hated to leave her all worried and distressed. But he had no choice. Jessie was his responsibility.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “That was uncalled for. Your daughter needs you. Of course you have to go. I totally understand.”
“Thank you,” he said.
“One thing before you go,” she said. “Can Fowler even leave Portland under the terms of his release?”
“His judgment order probably has generic terms stating he has to remain within the boundaries of the judicial district named in the order. Oregon only has one federal judicial district and it encompasses the entire state.”
“So if he left the state he could go back to prison?”
Reid hoped she wasn’t thinking about luring him out of the state. “He could, but more likely he’d only get additional time on his supervised release or receive some other non-prison punishment. But it would put him on his probation officer’s radar, and he would likely have to return to Portland if he didn’t want to return to prison.”
“I hoped this would be enough to keep him away from us.”
“After the commotion you caused, I can’t imagine he’ll show up again. At least not today.”
“And tomorrow? Or the next day?” She clutched her arms around her body.
Her dejection nearly had him stepping forward to take her into his arms, but that wouldn’t comfort her so he remained in place. “While Jessie interacts with the patients, I’ll make a call to a former associate to see what I can find out about Fowler’s release. When we’re finished with our rounds, I’ll come back and update you. That is, if you want me to.”
“So you believe me, then? That I saw Fowler and he’s coming after us?”
“Of course, I believe you.”
“Thank you.” Her lips tipped in an unexpected smile, reminding him of the innocent college student working part-time at the bank who’d bravely testified against a bank robber so long ago. And the woman who’d put every ounce of her trust in him, yet he’d left her high and dry.
He wouldn’t do it again.
“Our visits will take a couple of hours.” He dug his phone from his pocket. “Let’s trade numbers in case you need me before then.”
She nodded but her uneasy body language was still palpable. He wanted to stay. To make up for the past, maybe ask for her forgiveness. He glanced down the hallway. Jessie stood patiently waiting, holding Bandit’s leash. He couldn’t let her down.
Why make me decide between them? Can’t I help them both?
But God was silent all of a sudden.
Reid blew out his frustration and tapped in Megan’s phone number. She followed suit.
“I’ll be on this floor the whole time.” He shoved his phone into his pocket. “Call me if anything, and I mean anything, happens that makes you uncomfortable, and I’ll come right back. Okay?”
She nodded and went into Ella’s room, dismissing him without a word.
He’d hurt her badly, and she had to be terrified if she was willing to accept his help in any way.
He went down the hall to Jessie. She slipped her hand into his and peered up at him, her blue eyes so like his own, filled with questions. “That lady looked freaked out. Is she gonna be okay?”
“She’ll be fine,” he answered.
