Page 134 of Samson

“Did you? I can’t remember. It was all a blur.”

He reached his hand toward her, and she walked closer, taking it. “I’m so—” His emotion made it impossible to talk.

“Everything’s going to be okay. The doctor said you’re doing great.”

He closed his eyes, remembering the moment he’d thought he’d lost her. “He said he was going to kill you. Then I heard the gun.”

“He tried. But Delilah saved me.”

“Delilah?” He whispered her name.

“I think that was when the gun went off. She jumped for it and saved me. She got me out of there. We thought you were dead too. That man said they’d killed you.”

“Demir.”

“Yeah.”

He nodded and looked at the foot of the bed, where another figure had appeared. “Catherine.”

“It’s good to see you, Samson,” she said.

“I’m so sorry for everything.”

She shook her head. “You saved Riley.”

“Delilah did.”

“But you exchanged your life for hers. I thought we’d lost her for good.”

“I’d do anything for her.”

“We won’t stay long,” Arthur said. “You need to rest, but they expect a full recovery.”

“Full?” Samson said. “I can’t believe that.”

“That or close to it. It’ll be a hard road, but that’s what the doctor said.”

“I guess God’s not done with me yet. I thought he was.”

“He saved you for a reason.”

“I know. I understand that now. More than you know.”

Arthur nodded solemnly. “He took you to a dark place to show you that.”

“I gave Him no other choice.”

“Well. That’s over now, and it’s good to have you back. If you want, we can take turns staying with you.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine, but would it be okay if I had a word with Riley before you all go?”

“Of course,” Catherine said, patting Riley on the shoulder. “As long as it’s okay with her.”

Riley nodded, and Catherine followed Arthur out of the room.

She sat in the nearby chair, chewing on her lip.

“We don’t know each other, and I’m sorry for that. That’s my fault.”

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