Pulling her close, he kissed her temple. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if Ididn’t?”
Her sad smile shredded him. Falling in love shouldn’t be filled with so much angst. They climbed into his truck and he drove out of the parking garage. For several moments, they rode in silence while Vivaldi’sFour Seasonsplayed softly in the background. “We’ll know more once we’re there.” He clasped her hand. “Would talking about your morning help distractyou?”
Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. “Probably. I don’t know.Maybe.”
“Give it atry.”
She gave his hand a little squeeze. “Larry thinks he’s in love with Ruth Lizzard. He doesn’t have motive, but shedoes.”
“And you think she’s behind my productfailures?”
“It’s a possibility. Decker is convinced Larry’s not smart enough. But he thinks Ruth could have done it. Could Larry have given her access to thesystem?”
“Absolutely.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “This fucking pisses me off.” He exited the G.W. parkway and merged onto the beltway, thick with traffic. She stroked his shoulder, alleviating some of his billowinganger.
“I’ll call Ruth tomorrow for an interview and hope her ego takes thebait.”
“Isn’t that risky? You don’t work for the cablestation.”
“She doesn’t knowthat.”
“If Ruth did orchestrate this, she’s as crazy as she is dangerous. Please becareful.”
They passed an accident, already moved to the shoulder. Moments later, they pulled into the Inova Alexandria Hospital parking lot and rushed inside. Though Kimberly perked up when they entered the room, her sallow cheeks and glassy eyes were a definite sign she wasn’tokay.
Colton rose from the chair next to her bed and hugged them both. “Thanks for getting here soquickly.”
“Of course.” After hugging her mom, Alexandra sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand. “Whathappened?”
“The doctor called it ‘an episode’,” Kimberlysaid.
Colton’s phone rang. “It’s the movers.” Stepping toward the door, he answered. “Mitus.”
Crockett kissed Kimberly’s cheek, then sat in the chair Colton had just vacated. “Whathappened?”
“I stood and lost my balance. The nurse claims I was incoherent.” She tossed a nod in the direction of a walker next to the bed. “My newest accessory. Colton’s guesthouse is ready, so I’mmoving.”
“That’s great news,Mom.”
Colton walked back in. “Mom, I’m meeting the movers at yourplace.”
“Thank you, son. When do I get out ofhere?”
“The doctor wants to keep you another day.” Colton kissed his mother’s cheek. “Don’t worry about a thing. We’ve got this. Your job is torelax.”
“Thanks for everything,” Colton said to Crockett. “Alexandra, I’ll call youlater.”
“I’ll walk out with you,” she said. “Be rightback.”
As soon as they left the room, Kimberly’s smile fell. “I’m so tired. All thetime.”
Crockett sat on the bed next to her and clasped her hand. “What do you need? What can I do tohelp?”
Her rueful smile tugged at his heart. This woman was as much of a mom to him as his own. “Love my daughter and keep her safe when I’m…” Her voicecracked.
“I will. You have my word.” He glanced over his shoulder. “While we’re alone, I need to say a few things. First, thank you for forcing Alexandra’s hand so she’d move in with me. I’ll assume Colton was in on yourscheme.”
With a little smile, Kimberly nodded. “Of course. Desperate times call for desperate measures.” She patted Crockett’s hand. “That child of mine needed a swift boot in the derrière where you wereconcerned.”
