Page 55 of Cold Light of Day

She entered the hospital room and found Dad awake. Good. Earlier he was asleep, she had headed to Grier’s cabin and got sidetracked.

He blinked at her and smiled, but it quickly turned to a frown. “Autumn...” His voice sounded strained.

She approached the bed and reached for his hand. Squeezed. “Dad, I’m so glad you’re okay. I’ve been worried.”

How did she broach the topic? She had so many questions she wished she’d asked sooner. But there was never a good time.

She sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m sure you’ve been informed you’re being transferred and why.”

He shook his head, and fear welled in his eyes. “Not me, Autumn. You...you’re the one.”

“I’m the one what?”

“You’re in danger.”

“A man shotyou, Dad. But I’m listening. Tell me what you know.”

“It’s all my fault.”

Her breath built up in her chest, growing with her impatience. “Please, Dad. I need to know everything so I can close this down. Find out why you were shot.” The man still hadn’t been ID’d, at least that she’d been informed of.

“No. Don’t go after him.”

She leaned closer. “Go after who? The guy who shot you is dead. Is there someone else? Who’s behind this?”

The beeping on his heart rate monitor increased. She’d upset him. How did she make him tell her?

“He wants to take you from me.” He croaked out each word.

She moved off the bed and a nurse rushed in but didn’t look at Autumn.

“What pain med is he on?” Autumn asked.

“He’s on a variety of medications.”

That didn’t help. Autumn had to assume the medications and his recent gunshot wound were unfortunately interfering with his mind and responses, which wasn’t unusual.

“I promise I’ll be careful, Dad. Just calm down. You want to help me, then calm down and talk to me.”

He closed his eyes and took in a few breaths. The nurse injected something into his IV, then glanced at Autumn. “This will help him calm down.”

“I need him to answer questions.”

The nurse smiled at her father, ignoring Autumn’s comment.

“They’ll be in soon to move you, Mr. Long.” The nurse patted his arm and then exited the room.

Angie quietly knocked against the doorjamb and glanced at Autumn, who waved her in. “How’s he doing?”

“He’s holding on. Strong as a horse, Dr. Combs said.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Angie chewed her lip, looking like she wasn’t convinced.

Neither was Autumn. Nor was she sure that her father would be willing to share what he knew with someone else present, but she needed answers. Pulling out her iPad, she retrieved the images she’d created—a virtual lineup—then turned the iPad to him.

“Do you recognize anyone?” The lineup included five men and two women.

Dad finally opened his eyes and took the iPad from her to glance at the images. This wasn’t ideal, but she didn’t have the luxury of time. She watched his eyes for a reaction, but he didn’t respond. Didn’t react.

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