Page 10 of Caught in the Crossfire

“You squint whenever you look toward the light.”

“It’s bright.”

“Not that bright.” Concern filled Dawn’s eyes. “Maybe you should stay overnight in case a problem develops, Nic.”

A light tap sounded on the door and Grace slipped into the room. “You have another patient waiting in exam room six, Dr. Anderson.”

“Very well, my dear. Prepare Dawn’s release papers. Nicole will be our guest for the night.”

Nicole groaned. That was not what she wanted to hear. She wanted to sleep in her own bed. If she could sleep at all. Her headache was no joke. “Isn’t there another alternative, Doc?”

“I’m off shift in three hours, Dr. Anderson. Nicole and Dawn can stay here under observation until then, then come home with me. Trent won’t mind. I’ll keep an eye on Nicole overnight.”

Seeing the doubt on the doctor’s face, Nicole said, “I’ll do whatever Grace recommends.” Most of it, anyway. “If she thinks I need to come back, I promise I’ll come without arguing.” Much. She really did hate hospitals.

Anderson watched her a moment, then slowly nodded. “Very well. Find a room for Nicole until you clock out, Grace. I’ll reevaluate her in three hours. If I’m satisfied that she’s doing well enough, I’ll send her home in your care.”

Grace waited until Dr. Anderson left before she said, “I know you’re not seriously hurt, Dawn, but Linc and Trent will want you under their protection.”

“Why? I didn’t see anything.”

“The man who killed Riva doesn’t know that. He might want to make sure you and Nicole won’t be a problem. It’s better to be safe.” She smiled. “Consider it a grownup version of a slumber party. We’ll have fun.”

Nicole wrinkled her nose. “The slumber parties I went to in elementary school didn’t include men standing guard. And how much fun will we have if we arrive at your house just in time to go to sleep. Slumber parties aren’t followed by a 14-hour work day.”

Grace rolled her eyes. “Take it or leave it, Nic. The alternative is staying here all night.”

She groaned. “All right. I’ll take it. I hope you don’t mind Mason staying because I have a feeling he’ll refuse to go home.”

“Of course. We have plenty of room for Mason and Linc.”

Dawn’s eyes widened. “Linc is staying, too?”

“Fortress operatives take their responsibilities seriously. You and Nicole are officially under their protection now.” Grace turned to Nicole. “Sit tight, sis. I’ll find a room for you to rest in for a few hours. Is it all right if I send Mason in? He’s pacing the hallway like a caged tiger.”

“Absolutely. Thanks for putting us up for the night.”

“What are sisters for?” She flashed a sunny smile and left the room.

Within seconds, Mason entered followed closely by Linc. “What did Dr. Anderson say?” Mason asked as he wrapped his hand around Nicole’s.

“Ten stitches and I either stay with Grace overnight so she can watch me for signs of trouble or I have to stay here. I opted for Grace’s house. She’s trying to find me a room so I can lie down until she’s off shift.”

“What about Dawn?” Linc asked. “She shouldn’t be alone, either.”

“She’s staying at Grace and Trent’s as well.”

When her employee protested, Nicole narrowed her eyes. “If you insist on staying at your own home, you’ll have a bodyguard watching over you, too. If you stay at Grace’s with me, fewer bodyguards lose sleep.”

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” Dawn insisted.

“I disagree,” Linc said, voice soft. “The man who killed Riva won’t have a problem taking out two women who might have seen too much and are a threat to his safety. It’s only for a few days, Dawn. As soon as the killer is behind bars, you’ll return to your normal routine.”

“Trust Linc’s judgment,” Mason said. “A few nights of inconvenience is better than being injured or worse.”

Dawn held Linc’s gaze for a few seconds, her cheeks flushing. She sighed. “If you think it’s best.”

“I do. Thanks for giving me peace of mind.”

---