Page 145 of Last Chance

Janie turned back to Sawyer. “I still need to check on David.”

“Simone hacked into the hospital records again,” Jesse said. “There’s been no change. Go to the safe house, rest, and use cold packs to help with the bruises and swelling.” He winked. “Doctor’s orders.”

She saluted and allowed Sawyer to lead her from the conference room.

CHAPTER 34

JANIE PAUSED OUTSIDE her brother’s hospital room the next morning. She’d spoken to the doctor and learned David was awake and asking for Maria. Although her brother’s prognosis was good, the road to recovery would take many long months and included a lot of physical therapy. He couldn’t go back to Chile soon.

She dreaded the next few minutes. How did you tell your brother that his wife had tried to kill him in order to be free to go to her lover, who might be the father of her baby? And to cap off the bad news, she had to tell David that he wouldn’t be able to live on his own for a long time.

A powerful arm circled her waist. “How can I help?” Sawyer asked, voice soft.

Tears burned her eyes as she turned into his arms and hugged him. “You’re already doing exactly what I need you to do. This will be hard. He hates depending on anyone. Now, he’ll be surrounded by people until he’s ready to live on his own. I also don’t know if his company will hold his job.”

“But he will recover. It’s a miracle he’s still alive, Janie. The details will work themselves out.”

“I’m afraid he’ll blame me.”

“How can he? The people who set things into motion are in jail. You’re as much a victim as he is.”

“I don’t know if he’ll see it that way.” Janie brushed his mouth with hers and stepped out of his embrace. “Come on. This won’t be easier if I delay.”

She knocked on the door and stepped inside the room. Her brother turned his head to stare at her, no expression on his face.

She tried not to let that rattle her as she walked to his bedside, with Sawyer at her side. “I’m glad you’re awake, David. I’ve been so worried about you.”

He struggled a moment, then said, “Why are you here?” His words were halting, as though he had to think hard to speak.

“To see you.”

“Want Maria.”

Her smile faded. “She can’t come, bro.”

“Why?”

“She’s in jail.”

He blinked. “No.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Lying.”

Sawyer squeezed Janie’s hand. “Let me,” he murmured. “David, Maria is responsible for your attack. She asked men from Vatos Locos to kill you so she could get her hands on the money from your grandmother’s trust fund, then she’d be free to go live with her lover.”

“No.”

“She’s also responsible for the gang hijacking Janie’s plane.”

“Lies.”

“Truth,” he countered. “Look, man, I’m sorry, but we have proof. Maria wanted you dead.”

David remained silent for a moment. “See her. Now.”

“The feds have her in custody, where she’ll stay until her trial. She’s dangerous to you and to Janie.”

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