Page 9 of Under Fire

“Brave words from a man whose wife would chew him up and spit him out if he pulled a stunt like that.”

A subtle flinch from his friend. “Yeah, she would. Still, I’d take advantage of the situation and insist. Her home is a crime scene. She won’t be able to return home for a couple days at least.”

“I’ll take her to my place.”

Rod’s eyebrows soared.

“One of my teammates will stay with us. Don’t want the old biddies in town to go into a frenzy. Can you have Stella pack a bag for Delilah and bring it here? She’ll need clothes and toiletries tomorrow morning and however long she stays with me.” Stella Armstrong was an Otter Creek detective and married to Durango’s EOD man, Nate.

“I’ll call her on the way back to Delilah’s place. I assume you and your teammates will provide security for Delilah until I arrest the clown who’s responsible for her injuries.”

“As long as I’m in town. If Bravo is deployed, Durango will make sure she’s safe until we return.”

“Let’s hope I get this wrapped up soon. If you and Delilah remember anything else, contact me immediately.” He clapped Matt on the shoulder. “Take care of your girl. I’ll be in touch.” The detective walked to the elevator.

Matt tapped on the door to Delilah’s room. “It’s Matt. I’m coming in soft.” He eased the door open.

Trent stood at Delilah’s bedside, weapon in hand. His team leader relaxed his stance when Matt entered alone.

“She been okay?” Matt murmured.

“She’s not resting well. Pain meds might be helping, but I don’t think they’re strong enough to mask the headache symptoms. I’ll be in the hall for a few more hours. We’ll let you know when Simon takes over.”

“Thanks.”

With a nod, Trent left the room, leaving Matt alone with Delilah. He returned to his seat beside her bed and wrapped his hand around hers.

Delilah stirred. “Matt?” she whispered.

“I’m here. You’re safe. Rest.”

And she was out again.

Matt scooted his chair up against her bed and settled back to keep watch over the woman who had fascinated him since the first moment he saw her.

Two hours later, Delilah jerked in her sleep and started to thrash, fighting an unknown assailant.

“Delilah.” Matt got to his feet. “Wake up. You’re with me. You’re safe.”

“Hold me.”

Stunned, he cupped her cheek. “Are you sure?”

“Please,” she whispered, her dark eyes imploring him.

Still unsure if Delilah was awake enough to know what she’d asked, Matt eased one hip onto the bed and gently pressed her against his side. “Are you hurting?”

“The headache is ferocious and making me nauseated.”

He grabbed the ginger ale and held the straw to Delilah’s lips for her to sip more of the drink. When she finished, he said, “I’ll be back.”

Delilah laid her hand on his chest. “Where are you going?”

“To get more ice packs. It’s too soon for another dose of pain meds. Trent will stay with you. Be back in two minutes,” he promised.

Hoping he wasn’t pushing too fast, he pressed a soft kiss to temple and left the room.

“What’s up?” Trent asked.

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