Page 30 of Under Fire

Randy stopped, his hand on the door frame. “Why not?”

“I requested an autopsy.”

A scowl as her stepfather turned to face her. “She died of cancer. You’re causing trouble for everyone.”

“I need to know exactly what caused my mother’s death. You already said she didn’t want a service. It shouldn’t matter if the funeral home is delayed by a day.”

“What gives you the right to waltz in here and screw everything up?”

Screw what up? There weren’t any arrangements for her to disrupt. “She’s my mother. I need to do this for my peace of mind.”

“What about my peace of mind? Michelle was my wife. I want closure. Now.”

Delilah stared. Was he heartbroken and needing to end this nightmare or was there something else behind his desperation for closure?

“Go make your calls, Holloway,” Matt said. “You’ll have closure soon.”

Randy looked as though he would argue until Matt took a step in his direction. Her stepfather hurled a curse at the medic and stormed from the room.

Matt turned to Delilah. “I’ll wait in the hall.”

Delilah sat in the chair beside her mother, letting the good memories of her mother flood her mind. Their relationship might have taken a nosedive after Delilah turned 14, but she still loved the woman who had given birth to her.

Tears burned her eyes and she let them fall. There would be a time later for strength. Now was Delilah’s time to grieve in private. When the storm of weeping passed, Delilah took a moment to compose herself. She touched the gray strands of her mother’s hair. “I’ll do what you asked, Mom. I don’t know the reason for your caution, but I’ll take care of everything.”

Delilah left the room and walked into Matt’s open arms. He pulled her close and just held her. Although she hated the fact she’d taken him away from training with his team, Delilah appreciated his presence now more than ever.

“I guess you’ll be leaving town tomorrow.” The flat words came from her stepfather.

Delilah faced Randy. “I’ll be here for a few days.”

“Your mama is gone. You gave her peace in her last hours, a small enough favor for the woman who loved you. Go back to your life. You ain’t been around for years. You want them autopsy results? I’ll let you know what they say. Zach and I don’t need you.”

The coldness of his gaze seeped into Delilah’s bones. “I have some things to do first.” Not the least of which was settling her mother’s estate. “Have you told Zach Mom is gone?” Her voice broke on the last word.

“I called him. Didn’t seem too broke up about it.” Another dark look from Randy. “You kids should have had more respect for your mama.”

When Matt stirred, Randy backed up two paces. “You’re drifting into dangerous territory,” Matt murmured. “Are you ready to leave, Delilah?”

She nodded. “I’ll be in touch soon, Randy.” She wouldn’t have a choice. Looking into her stepfather’s hate-filled gaze, Delilah wondered what Randy would say when he learned of her mother’s request? She shivered. Yes, Matt being here was a good thing, indeed.

Matt led her to the elevator with Sasha and Cade at their backs.

As soon as the elevator doors closed, Cade muttered, “Mr. Holloway is a piece of work.”

Delilah’s lips curved. “That’s the truth.”

“What’s the plan, Matt?”

The medic looked at his friend. “I have some phone calls to make. I’ll be staying in Harmony as long as Delilah is here. Bravo can’t afford to be down two members. You and Sasha should return to Otter Creek.”

A snort from the other operative. “Are you kidding? Nate Armstrong can cover for me without a problem if Bravo is deployed. I’m not leaving you without backup.”

Conversation stopped until they were enclosed inside the SUV. Matt glanced over his shoulder at Cade. “I’ll talk to Trent and the boss to see what they can work out. In the meantime, keep an eye out for Holloway.”

“Any particular reason?” Sasha asked.

“When Delilah and I walked into the room earlier, the alarms were going off and Holloway was standing over his wife with a pillow in his hands.” He drove away from the hospital.

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