Page 55 of Caught in the Crossfire

Mason frowned. “To Linc’s. Staying with him tonight to protect Nicole and Dawn.”

“But you didn’t make it to Linc’s place. Ethan found you on Danbury, passed out behind the wheel. Your truck was still running. I need you to be honest with me, Mason. Did you stop somewhere to buy alcohol?”

His grip around Nicole’s hand tightened. “No. I don’t drink. Ever.”

“You plan to tell that to the judge when Ethan testifies that he detected a strong odor of alcohol when he checked you for injuries?”

Shock filled Mason’s eyes. “That’s not possible.”

“How do you explain the alcohol, Mason?”

“I can’t. I didn’t stop anywhere to have a drink or buy a six-pack of beer. I started feeling funny on the drive to Linc’s so I pulled over. The last thing I remember was hearing Nicole’s voice. Then I woke up here.”

“You felt funny? Explain that.”

“Dizzy, sleepy.” He sighed, eyelids closing again. “Couldn’t think. Sluggish.”

“How do you explain the empty bottle of whiskey Ethan took from your hand?”

A frown. “What bottle?”

“Did you drink anything on the way to Linc’s?” Nicole asked him.

Mason turned his head to look at her, eyes filled with hurt and disappointment.

She cupped his cheek. “I know you didn’t drink alcohol. However, you usually drink something on the way home. Water, tea, a soft drink. You work outside and in hot buildings all day. What did you drink, Mason?”

The hurt faded from his eyes as he nuzzled her hand. “Soft drink. Tasted odd.”

“What do you mean, odd?” Rod paused with his pen hovering over the notepad.

Mason shrugged. “Just off. The drink was hot. Been sitting in my truck for several hours. Forgot to take it inside with me.”

A short knock sounded on the door and Linc poked his head inside. “Orderly is here to take Mase to his room.”

“I’m staying?” Mason blinked and struggled to sit up. “Why?”

Nicole squeezed his hand. “The doctor wants to keep an eye on you overnight.”

A scowl. “I’m fine.” He swayed, leaning to one side.

Rod steadied him with a hand to his shoulder. “I don’t think so.”

“For my peace of mind, let’s make sure.” She leaned down and brushed her mouth over his. “Do it for me.”

“I have to work tomorrow.”

“If you do well overnight, you’ll be released.” Nicole glanced at Linc. “Send the orderly in. Detective Kelter has finished his questions for the moment.” Mason was beginning to fade out again. Whatever he’d ingested was potent.

Rod scowled at her. “I have more questions.”

“You heard the doctor. The questions will have to wait until tomorrow. He’s finished for the night.” She glared at him. “Mason will be right here. You don’t have to worry that he’ll skip town to escape justice.”

Linc whistled softly and left only to return a moment later with a linebacker-sized orderly.

Nicole grinned at the newcomer. “Carlos, how’s Tinkerbell?”

A broad smile curved his mouth. “Needing a grooming.”

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