Page 102 of Lethal Game

"I knew you wouldn't do it," she said. "You have too much honor and integrity for that. But if I'd had the gun, I might have pulled the trigger."

He smiled at the fierce look in her eyes. "I don't think so, Alisa."

"I did it earlier today. I had never shot a gun in my life until this afternoon. I never believed in an eye for an eye, but I feel a little differently now."

"You shot that guy in self-defense. That's different." He paused. "I didn't kill her because I believe in justice and in the law. It's my job. It's what I do. It's who I am."

"I know. And you do your job very well," she said, putting her arms around his waist. "I feel like a huge weight has finally slipped off me. Novikov is dead, Stephanie will go to prison, and my father is free of his mortal enemy. That seems worth at least a small celebration, maybe a minute of your time before everyone arrives…" She gave him a questioning look.

"Maybe four minutes," he said as he cupped her sweet face and kissed her again.

It was a different kiss this time, one that wasn't inspired by the thought that this might be the last time, that tomorrow might not come. This kiss felt like a promise for the future.

But that thought was immediately followed by another, more rational thought, that once this whole situation was over, maybe they would be over, too.

He didn't want to think about any of that now. He just wanted to kiss her…until he couldn't.

Alisa and Jason walked into her mother's hospital room at ten-thirty. Her mother was awake and sitting in bed, but she had a robe over her hospital gown, and she'd brushed her hair and looked so much like her old self, it was amazing.

What was even more wonderful was the smile of relief on her face, having already heard from the nurse that her daughter was on her way in to see her. Jason had called the hospital from the car on their way over. She hadn't wanted her mom to spend one more minute worrying about her.

"Alisa," her mother said, opening her arms wide.

She ran across the room and fell into her mother's arms, hugging her tight, knowing how close they'd come to losing each other.

"I'm so glad you're all right," her mother added as Alisa sat down on the bed next to her. "My beautiful girl. I've been so worried."

"I'm fine."

Her mother's gaze moved to Jason. "Thank you for finding her, for saving her. You kept your promise."

"She saved herself," Jason said. "You raised a very strong and determined daughter. You have a lot to be proud of."

Her mother gave her a teary smile. "I am so proud of you, Alisa."

"I get my strength from you, Mom. How are you feeling?"

"I'm completely better. The doctor just kept me here because he wasn't sure where to send me." Her mother paused. "You look exhausted and battered, Alisa. Your face is swollen. Who hurt you?"

She had no intention of going into any of those details with her mother, who had suffered enough stress the last two weeks. "None of that matters now. I'm okay, and Dad is, too."

"The nurse said something about that, but I was afraid to believe her. What happened? Where is he? Can I see him?" She turned to Jason again. "I really need to see him, Jason."

"I understand. I can take you to see him, but it's a complicated situation, Mrs. Hunt."

"Is he hurt badly?" her mother asked.

"No. He has a concussion, but they'll keep him in the hospital overnight for observation."

"And then?" her mother asked.

Jason looked to her for guidance.

She took her mother's hands, waiting for her mom to look at her. "There's so much to tell you, and I don't think we should go into it all tonight. I'm exhausted, and it's late, and it's a complex situation. But here's what's important. Dad was forced to do something bad, but he did good in the end, and I think that will be taken into consideration. There are a lot of facts to come out and investigation to be done, and we're just going to have to let it play out."

"I'm confused. Does that mean he's under arrest?"

"He's temporarily in custody, yes," Jason replied. "I'm going to do what I can to straighten this situation out, but it will take time."

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