Page 40 of Rescuing Ryder

Nodding, she watched as he moved behind the wall. If Claire guided Ryder to her office, she might sneak the paperweight while she spoke with him. At least it offered her some hope. Getting Ryder out of the house became her first priority.

Kilner signaled for her to allow Ryder in as he beat on the door again.

She opened the door to discover an angry and confused man. Under normal circumstances, she’d call it a win and want to talk it through. Right now, her goal shifted to convince him to leave. Claire steeled herself to cause him more damage and hoped one day, someone explained he didn’t have a choice…again.

“What do you want? I’m no longer your physician. You might want to locate Dr. Hill. I’m sure he’ll be happy to talk to you,” she suggested angrily. She didn’t even have to act out those words because she felt the sting of his betrayal in her chest.

Ryder stepped across the threshold. His nostrils flared as he stared at her. “Listen, I meant to discuss this with you. You’ve avoided me ever since the morning in the woods.”

Claire wanted to ask him if he kissed her while he planned to ask for another physician. But she refused to give away any information to David, who pointed a gun in Ryder’s direction.

“We agreed from the start you held choices. You made one. Dr. Hill’s skills prove superb and he’ll help you. Promise me you’ll stick with it. Even when things get dark, you won’t quit.”

Ryder shook his head. “I’ve gotten as dark as possible and I’m still here.”

Claire entered her study with Ryder shutting the front door and following her. She headed for the paperweight and slipped it into her pocket, hoping the bulge didn’t give it away.

“It’s best if we keep our distance from one another,” she informed him cooly. “My methods the other day were unprofessional and I’m sorry. It’s my fault. You have every reason to want a new psychiatrist. I want your promise you’ll stick with him,” she pleaded softly while keeping the fear at bay.

“About the other morning, Claire,” his voice softened as he stepped closer. “I?—”

“I don’t need explanations. Please go, Ryder. You made an excellent choice and I wish you the very best,” she rushed, not wanting him to give her future killer any fodder to decide to keep him.

“Claire, can we at least talk about this?” he asked, confused by her coldness.

She shook her head. “No.”

Ryder winced. “How about I come down in the evenings and help you with all your accidents? You can pile them up in the living room and it’ll give me something to do. I’ll even allow you to compare notes with Dr. Hill,” he bargained.

Claire sighed shakily. “Ryder, I can’t do this. I don’t need a handyman anymore,” she informed him lamely.

“Like hell, you don’t. The hall light fixture still doesn’t work, and it’s a safety hazard. I bet the person who decided to paint the house hired the crappiest electrician. There’s no telling how old or bad the wiring is,” he groused.

“I’ll hire an electrician,” she blurted.

“What about the security alarm? When did the security people say they could install it? Chase said you keep sensitive records and want the alarm to protect against people seeing anyone’s files. I can talk to Matthew and get it done faster than the company,” he bartered.

“There’s no need.” Claire winced, hoping her explanation kept David from searching for his file. “I decided to keep them on the mountain. With all the security there, no one will dare bother them.”

Ryder stared at her and her gaze shot to the floor. Her heart raced as he stepped closer. His finger lifted her chin to meet his eyes as he searched them. She blinked the tears away and tried to remain strong. Every minute Ryder remained in the room gave David a chance to shoot him.

“I need you to leave,” she whispered. “Please do as I ask. Your life is worth saving, and I want you to stick with Dr. Hill. I have confidence in you both,” she whispered. Her throat felt dry as she blinked back her water-filled eyes.

Ryder’s lips brushed against hers before he stepped back, still watching her. “Goodbye, Claire.”

She watched as he turned and exited the office.

“Ryder,” she called.

He stopped and stared at her. His expression appeared lost. She almost wept when she considered how far he had come and would blame himself for everything about to happen.

“I want you to remember this. No matter what happens, some things are out of our control and it’s not your fault,” she emphasized. “It was never your fault,” she whispered.

He gave a slight nod before walking out the door. Claire quietly sobbed her relief as she awaited her fate.

Kilner came out from his hiding spot and slammed the lock into place before poking her in the gut with his weapon. Turning toward her, he sneered, “Move into the office and close the blinds,” he gritted out. “You lied about the files. I already searched through them and they aren’t in your office. Where did you put them?”

Claire stared at the door. Who knew a door held so much meaning. She remembered feeling the joy of turning the key into the lock after making it officially hers. It held a promise of new beginnings. Now Ryder left through it, giving him a second chance at life. The bright purple wood sealed her in with a killer, who didn’t plan to allow her to live.

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