Page 56 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Call the salon and set an appointment. I need some Tinkerbell time.”

He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll call soon.” Carlos positioned a wheelchair close to the side of the bell. “Hey there, Mason. Ready for a ride to your room, buddy?”

“Slow ride, please. The room’s still spinning.”

“Gotcha.”

Knowing Mason would be more comfortable without Rod watching him shift from the bed to the wheelchair while wearing a drafty hospital gown, Nicole said, “Come on, Detective. We’ll wait in the hall.” She led the way from the room. Once the door closed behind them, she rounded on Rod. “You aren’t going to ask him anything else tonight. His body’s been through enough trauma today. Whatever you want to know can wait a few hours.”

“Even if the delay might mean a killer roams free another night?”

“The only person who matters to me is Mason. The doctor said he needs to rest. Mason will rest even if I have to ban you and any other antagonistic person from his hospital room to be sure he gets it.”

He gave her a wry grin. “Yeah, I got that. You and Meg are cut from the same cloth, Ms. Copeland.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Oh, trust me, I meant it as one. Just know that I will get my answers, even if I have to drag Mason back into an interrogation room to do it. I’d rather not handle it that way.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Fair warning. The next time he’ll have his lawyer by his side.” And her, too, if she could somehow wheedle her way into the room.

The detective grimaced. “Great. Just what I wanted. Another session with a legal shark. I’ll catch up with Mason tomorrow, with or without his lawyer.” Rod nodded at Linc and Dawn, then left.

“He seriously thinks Mason is guilty of drinking and driving?” Dawn asked as she watched the detective walk down the hall.

“So much for innocent until proven guilty,” Linc muttered.

“The blood test will exonerate Mason. Even Dr. Thomas thinks something else was the cause of Mason’s behavior.”

Soon, Carlos pushed the wheelchair bearing Mason into the hallway and led the entourage down the hall to the elevator. Minutes later, Mason was settled into his room on the fourth floor.

After Carlos left, a nurse came in to change the IV bag. “Mr. Kincaid, if you need anything, push the call button. I’ll be around to check on you in a few minutes.”

“How do you feel, Mason?” Dawn asked.

“Like I need a long nap.”

“Go ahead and sleep,” Linc said. “I’ll be outside the door. No one will get in without being cleared.”

“You can’t stay awake all night.”

“I could, but I won’t have to. I have backup coming in a few minutes.” Linc squeezed his shoulder briefly. “I’ve got your back.”

Mason gave a slight nod as his eyelids sank down. Between one heartbeat and the next, he was sound asleep.

Linc glanced at Dawn. “Will you stay with Nicole or come with me?”

“If I can sit and keep watch like an operative, I’m game to go with you. My feet hurt too much to stay on them for much longer.”

He smiled. “I’ll find chairs for us.”

“Deal.” She turned to Nicole. “Do you need anything? A soft drink or tea? I’ll be glad to bring you a drink or snack.”

“I’m fine, but thanks.” All she wanted was to curl up next to Mason and listen to him breathe.

“If you change your mind, let me know.” Her friend followed Linc into the hall.

Seeing them together made her smile. Maybe things would work out for them. Nicole turned toward Mason. He slept near the edge of the bed, leaving room for her to settle beside him. Moving carefully so she wouldn’t disturb him, Nicole stretched out on her side and rested her hand on his chest. His steady heartbeat reassured her enough to ease the tension that had wracked her body since his phone call two hours before.

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