Page 72 of Always Us

She smiles at me. “You look just like your grandfather. And your father. The Kensington men are very handsome.” She goes over near the closet where a small silver cart is sitting. She wheels it over to the bed. “Do you have a girlfriend, Garret?”

I look at my grandfather. “I’m married.”

“That’s wonderful,” the nurse says in a light cheery tone that makes my grandfather cringe. “What’s her name?”

“Jade.” I keep my eyes on my grandfather. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love her with all my heart. With everything I am. I’d do anything for her. Anything.” I emphasize the last word, then finally take my eyes off him and look back at the nurse.

She has her hand over her heart and is staring at me. “That was beautiful. I’ve never heard a man actually come out and say how much he loves his wife. At least not to other people. Especially a man as young as you. How long have you—”

“Are you going to do your damn job or do I need to find someone else?” my grandfather barks at her. “I don’t pay you to stand around and talk.”

“Yes, sir.” She turns back to the cart. “I need to draw some blood. It won’t take long, and then you can go back to visiting with your grandson.”

“Actually, I have to leave.” I put my coat on. “It was nice meeting you,” I say to the nurse.

“You as well. Tell your wife she’s a very lucky lady.” She winks at me.

“Will you be back for another visit?” my grandfather asks as I’m walking out.

“I don’t know,” I say, casually. “Maybe.”

I take off down the hall and the stairs and go straight out to my car. I should’ve known he wouldn’t accept my offer. I gave him two of the main things he wanted and it still wasn’t enough.

I never should’ve even made that offer. Why would I give him what he wants? Why would I change my whole life just for him? Because I’m desperate. That’s why. I’m desperate to stop him. He’s determined to kill Jade. I think he’s even looking forward to it. Knowing him, he wouldn’t even hire someone. He’d do it himself. Sick bastard.

I get some dinner and take it back to the hotel and call Jade.

“How’d it go?” She sounds worried.

“Not well. He wasn’t interested in what I had to say.”

“So now what?”

“I guess I’ll go to my house and talk to my dad. See if we can come up with something else.”

“How did Holton look?”

“Like he always does. If it weren’t for the IV you wouldn’t even know he’d been sick. Are you at home now?”

“Yeah. The security guys are outside. I feel weird having them out there. I feel like I should invite them in for dinner or something.”

“Jade, they’re not your friends. They’re only there to protect you.”

“So what else did Holton say?”

“I didn’t talk to him very long. A nurse came in so I left.” I smile. “The nurse asked about you.”

“She did?”

“She asked if I had a girlfriend. I told her I have a wife named Jade who I love more anything in the world. And I told her you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“You said all that?” By her tone, I know she’s smiling. “To a stranger?”

“Why wouldn’t I? It’s true. I love you and I’m not afraid to tell people. And my grandfather needed to hear it.”

“It won’t change his mind.”

“I know, but I still said it. I don’t want to talk about him anymore. Tell me about your day.”

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