Page 69 of Savage Games

He reached for my hand. I clasped it close and held it over my heart as tears streaked down my cheeks.

“As I was telling His Grace, he is extremely fortunate. The bullet hit his sternum. A half an inch to the left and it would have punctured his heart.”

Richard shot Harris an annoyed glare. Harris’ shoulders lifted in a slight shrug.

It was an odd exchange, but I assumed Richard blamed him for not securing the cathedral better.

“We’re also fortunate it wasn’t a higher caliber bullet or it might have done some actual damage.”

“So, what are you saying, Doctor?” I asked anxiously.

The doctor smiled. “I’m saying, His Grace is one lucky son-of-a-bitch. He lost some blood and the impact of the bullet cracked a few ribs, but his sternum took the majority of the hit and deflected the bullet. He’ll have some bruising and one hell of a scar to brag about, but other than that, he’ll be fine in a few days.”

I threw myself on top of Richard, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Careful, love,” he said with a laugh, “or you’ll crack the other ribs.”

Shifting upright, I swiped at the tears on my cheeks. “I’m just so relieved you’re going to be okay.”

Richard’s face suddenly darkened. His brow furrowed as, despite his injury, he sat up straighter in bed. Looking over the railing of the gurney, his gaze surveyed me from head to toe. “Wife,” he growled. “What the hell are you wearing?”

My arms wrapped across my breasts and middle in a futile attempt to hide my scandalous attire.

Then Richard demanded, “Where’s my belt?”

He would be just fine.

It wasn’t long before the detectives from Special Branch arrived to ask Richard and me some questions.

“Had you received any credible threats leading up to the wedding?”

I gestured to Richard’s jacket, which was lying across a chair on the other side of the room. I knew the damning mobile with the photos was in the inside pocket. I started to speak, but Richard squeezed my hand.

“No, Detective,” he said with a stern look in my direction.

I gave him a confused look but remained dutifully silent.

“Any idea who could have done this?”

I looked at Richard, waiting for his response.

“None at all.”

What the hell?

What was going on here?

Richard knew damn well it must have been that woman who shot him.

Why was he protecting her?

I stood there fuming as the detectives finished their questioning and left.

The moment the door closed, I turned to Richard with only one question on my lips. “Why?”

He responded sternly. “Elizabeth, I will handle this my way. You are not to interfere, do you understand me?”

Reluctantly, I nodded yes.

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