Page 94 of Critical Doubt

"I need to use the restroom. Is there one nearby?" Abby asked.

"Across the hall. I'll come with you."

"Just give me a minute. I need to be alone."

As Abby left the waiting room, she let out a breath, turning to Ryker. "This is killing me. She's in so much pain. And even if Paul wakes up, I don't know that they can ever have what they had."

"It seems unlikely," he said quietly. "But at least he won't be dead. And she'll know the truth, whatever it is."

"I don't know how she'll explain it to Tyler." She drew in a breath and slowly let it out. "That fund that Abby was talking about bothers me. I've been wondering how Paul's death could benefit her besides the life insurance, and I'm wondering if that special fund is somehow a part of this. I need to get that information from her."

"That would make sense. There has to be some payoff. But she's right. With everything that's going on, if Paul dies now, her circumstances could be even worse. The life insurance will get held up. There will be an investigation."

"It will be a huge mess," she agreed.

Jax stepped back into the room, and they both stood up.

"The security team is here," Jax said. "I have a man stationed outside the operating room. He'll stay with Paul wherever he goes next. The other security guard will stay with Abby. He's outside the restroom as we speak. He'll stay with Abby while she's here in the hospital. Parisa also arranged for a room at the hotel across the street if Abby and her mother want to get some rest, the guard will accompany them whenever they're ready to go.

"Parisa thinks of everything."

"She's very good that way," he agreed. "I'm going to take off, unless you need anything else."

"No, we're good."

"I'll let you know what I find out in Dobbs. It's going to be interesting to see your hometown."

"Trust me, it will be anything but interesting."

He smiled. "Somehow, I doubt that."

Jax had no sooner left when Abby returned, and her mom was now with her. Jeanette set down a plastic grocery bag and opened her arms to Savannah.

She was touched by the gesture and gave her a hug. Jeanette had always made her feel a part of their family.

"Thank you for doing all this, Savannah," Jeanette said. "You've always been a good friend to Abby."

Guilt ran through her at that comment. She didn't think she'd been a very good friend at all, but hopefully she was making up for it now. Before she could say anything, a man in scrubs walked into the room.

"You're all here for Mr. Hawkins?" he asked.

"I'm his wife," Abby said.

"I'm Dr. Nicholson. I operated on your husband. The carotid artery was nicked by a bullet. It took some time to repair it."

"But you did?" Abby asked. "Does that mean Paul will be all right?"

"We're cautiously optimistic. He's stable, but his condition is still critical. He lost a lot of blood. We'll know more tomorrow. He's going to be sleeping for hours. You should all get some rest. We won't know any more tonight."

"When can I see him?" Abby asked.

"Tomorrow," the doctor replied.

"I can't just sit with him now?" she begged.

The doctor hesitated. "All right. You can see him for a few minutes. The nurse will take you to him shortly."

"Thank you," Abby said. "For saving his life."

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