Page 37 of Beneath the Surface

“There was a device rigged inside the pipe leading to her showerhead. It released the bees when she turned on the water. This was deliberate.”

“And Forensics found something else—written on the bathroom mirror:The hive buzzes, and the queen falters. Control is fragile. You see the cracks, don’t you? I see you.”

Brad spat, “The bastard was in her condo. This has to be tied to the McMillan case. We need to cross-check her cases, and as soon as she can speak, we need to see if there were any previous attempts we might have missed. Whoever did this is escalating.”

“We’re already on it,” Larson replied. “We have personnel reviewing her recent cases. We’ll find the connection.”

Brad’s teeth ground. “Good. I’m staying here until she’s stable. I won’t let them get away with this.”

He hung up, the situation pressing down on him as he gazed toward the ICU. His promise echoed in his mind. No one would hurt her again—not while he was here.

The waitingroom was also filled with families waiting on other patients as the day wore on. Brad looked up as the intensivist entered, his face a mix of professionalism and sympathy. He headed toward Charlotte and the rest of Isobel’s family.

“Isobel isn’t responding as quickly as we hoped,” the intensivist began, looking from face to face. “She’s sustained over a hundred stings, and her body is still processing the venom. It’s taking a toll on her body’s systems. The ventilator is helping her breathe, but we’re keeping a close watch on how her lungs, heart and kidneys are responding.”

Isobel’s family exchanged worried glances, and her sister Olivia shifted nervously in her seat. Brad’s gaze locked on the floor, unwilling to let the fear take root.

The intensivist’s voice softened. “I understand how hard this is for all of you. But she’s stable for now, and we’re doing everything we can. I’d recommend everyone head home and get some rest. You’ve been here for well over eighteen hours. We’ll call immediately if there’s any change.”

The words were met with hesitation, but after a few moments, Isobel’s family reluctantly agreed. But Brad wasn't about to let her stay unprotected, vulnerable in this impersonal space. After a discussion with Ethan and Alex, they also agreed leaving Isobel alone was not acceptable. Two officers from Brad’s command were on their way, but until then, it was just him and her.

The family said their goodbyes, lingering a little longer for a chorus of “Are you sures?” before finally leaving the hospital.

Hours later, long after the hospital had quieted down, Brad couldn’t resist the pull any longer. With the nursing staff’s permission, he slipped into Isobel’s ICU room, his heart aching as he quietly shut the door behind him. The dim lighting made the glass-enclosed space glow. The only sounds were the steady rhythm of the ventilator and the occasional beep of the IV pump.

Brad stood at the foot of her bed, his eyes tracing the outline of her still form. The area of her face not stung was pale, the tubes and wires overwhelming in contrast to the strength she always carried. He approached slowly, pulling a chair closer to her side, his breath catching in his throat. Her eyes were covered with cool compresses, and her fingers, those delicate fingers were wrapped in bandages, swollen and fragile. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and shield her from everything, but he knew he had to be gentle. He sat down.

“Belle,” he whispered, though he knew she couldn’t hear him. His hand hovered over hers before finally settling on top, his thumb brushing over the bandages. “I’m here. Just… fight, okay?” He closed his eyes.

His eyes opened to a gentle touch. It was Isobel’s sister Olivia. He wasn’t aware she had stayed. “Your protection detail is here. Come on home with Jackson and me. You need to sleep in a real bed. Izzy is heavily sedated. We will know more in the morning.”

Brad placed a gentle kiss to Isobel’s head. “See you later, sweetheart.”

Fifteen

Brad took Olivia and Jackson up on their offer to stay at their apartment, needing a place to crash for a few hours. After four hours of sleep, he grabbed his go bag from his trunk, showered quickly, and returned to the hospital. The sight that greeted him was unsettling. Isobel’s face was even more swollen, the stings having left her unrecognizable.

Yet, despite her alarming appearance, Brad felt a flicker of hope when the hospitalist explained that her condition was, in fact, improving. The doctor hoped to pull her breathing tube later in the day, as she was beginning to turn the corner.

Grateful Isobel remained heavily sedated and spared from the pain, Brad found a quiet corner in the waiting room and opened his encrypted laptop. His first task was to send an email to his district commander:

Subject:URGENT: Dr. Isobel Everhart Attacked and in ICU

Commander,

I regret to inform you that Dr. Isobel Everhart was the victim of an apparent attack and is currently in the ICU at Waverly County General. She is in critical condition but showing signs of improvement. I am coordinating closelywith local law enforcement and the hospital security team to ensure her safety.

Given the nature of the attack, I believe this situation could escalate and may involve past cases Dr. Everhart has worked on. I will keep you updated as the situation develops.

Respectfully,

Assistant District Commander Brad Killian

Brad hit send and immediately began drafting his next email to Mark Dillon:

Subject:Update on Dr. Everhart’s Condition

Mark,

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