My head jerked up at that. So did Cassie’s. What did Sophia know about the stalker? I was about to ask when Cassie gripped my elbow.
“Don’t listen,” she rasped. “Let’s go see Connor.”
“Okay,” I said. I would have agreed to anything if it meant I could get her away from Sophia. I helped Cassie move, using my body to block her from Sophia whose voice had ratcheted up an octave higher.
“They’re lying to you, Cassie. I’m the only one who can protect you. Just me!”
Then Sophia made one last ditch effort to stop us, but I intercepted her while Cassie waved at security. They were approaching cautiously, waiting until someone really got out of hand. And apparently, all they needed was Cassie’s confirmation to convince them who was the bad guy.
“This woman has no business being here,” she said loudly to the two waiting guards.
Wow. I didn’t expect that kind of strength from Cassie. I’d seen the turmoil in her eyes. And yet there had been no wavering in her voice when she spoke to security.
“I have Connor’s medical power of attorney, not her. She needs to go.”
“Why you Little Snit!” Sophia screeched. “I’m his sister! I have a right…” Outrage. Threats. Shrewish words. I winced as I saw all the phone cameras aimed at Sophia. God, what a disaster. And all I could think was…how had Cassie and Connor lived under that? All those years of being treated to Sophia’s nice side one second, then coming face-to-face with the screaming shrew the next? I’d be in the loony bin for sure. But not Cassie. Not only had she called security, but she was now walking with steady steps behind the nurse.
We were going to see Connor. Finally. I clutched my hands together, startled to realize that they were shaking.
“You did good, Cassie,” I whispered before we went through. “Really good.”
I saw her nod, and then push the curtain aside.No one was in the bed, but there was Doc, standing and wringing his hands. He looked haggard, and I immediately tensed. But then he smiled at us.
“He’s getting an MRI, but I don’t think it’s too bad.”
Oh my God.
Relief washed through me, powerful enough to make me dizzy.
“That’s good,” I said, sounding breathless.
Doc grinned. “Yeah. It’s very good.”
Meanwhile, Cassie was looking around, obviously hoping her brother was about to be wheeled back in. I touched her shoulder, needing to steady myself as much as her.
“He’ll be here soon…” My voice trailed away. I took one look at Cassie’s drawn expression, and I gently helped her to the nearest chair. “Hey, kiddo, you okay?”
She nodded, though the movement was hardly convincing. God, her hands were trembling where she still clenched them around Connor’s phone.
“You heard Doc. He’s going to be fine.”
“How does she know?” the girl asked. “How does she always know?”
No question who the “she” was. “It doesn’t matter now—”
“Every time I start to feel good about myself, she’s right there. And sheknows.”
Suddenly, I got it. Right there, looking at Cassie’s stricken expression and her quivering body, I understood exactly why Connor was willing to do anything to keep Sophia away from Cassie. Sure, I could see Sophia was a manipulative witch, but that would be damned hard to handle as a child growing up under her.
But Cassie wasn’t under Sophia’s thumb anymore. And I’d sure as hell wasn’t going to let her fall apart now. Not after how brave she’d been just a moment ago. So I dropped down on my knees in front of her, took hold of her trembling hands, and looked up into her pale face.
“She doesn’tknowanything. Maybe she’s got information, but she doesn’t know you. She doesn’t see your strength or your love. She doesn’t see how smart you are or how much nerve you’ve got. Hell, you called security on her, Cassie! You’re an amazing woman, and she’s got nothing on you. Absolutely nothing.”
I watched as Cassie’s eyes widened. I felt her hands steady as they heated between mine. Then there was a slight quirk to her lips. “I did call security on her, didn’t I?”
“You were fierce!”
Her lips curved a little more. “And for the record, I’m great in English class. It was a Poli Sci report that I screwed up.”
