Page 54 of Caught in the Crossfire

“I believe so. Again, the blood test results will give us more information.” Thomas looked at Rod. “No more than ten minutes. Mr. Kincaid is still recovering. He’ll be our guest for the night. An orderly will transport him to his room in a few minutes. Ask your questions, then leave him to rest for the night.” With that, he entered the next exam room.

“You owe me and Mason an apology.” Nicole’s chin tilted up.

“I’ll hold off until all the facts are in.” Rod motioned for her to precede him into the room.

“Dawn and I will wait in the hall,” Linc said.

Dawn squeezed Nicole’s hand in silent support and stationed herself by Linc’s side.

Anxious to see Mason, Nicole walked into the room with the detective hot on her heels. Mason lay on his back, clothed in a hospital gown, eyes closed and skin pale.

She wrapped her hand around his. “Mason.”

A small smile curved his lips. “Nicole.” Beautiful brown eyes looked into hers. “Come here.” He freed his hand and lifted his arms toward her.

That was enough encouragement for her. She wrapped her arms around him. “I’ve never been so afraid in my life,” she whispered in his ear.

“I’m sorry, baby.” His hold tightened.

“I’m just glad you’re okay.” After another moment, she eased back. The detective must be growing impatient. “You are all right?”

“I will be. Having a hard time focusing for long.” He finally noticed the Otter Creek detective. Mason frowned. “Rod, why are you here?”

“I have questions for you.”

Nicole threaded her fingers through Mason’s. Maybe they’d get answers. A gnawing worry assailed her. What if he didn’t know anything? Rod wouldn’t accept that explanation.

“Now?” His lids were drooping again. “Not sure I can hold a conversation that makes sense but I’ll try.”

“Do you know how you got here?”

A frown. “No.”

“Ethan found you passed out on the side of Danbury Road. Do you know why you passed out?”

A slight head shake. “Can’t remember much.”

“Tell me what you do remember. Where were you working today?”

“Oakdale site.”

Rod slid a notepad and pen from his pocket. “What time did you leave there, Mason?”

“Late. Seven o’clock.”

“Why were you working so late?”

“Changing out locks on a building.”

“Did anyone work with you this afternoon?”

“Dean.”

Rod glanced up. “Dean Conner?”

A nod.

“After you left the site, where did you go?”

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