Page 17 of Island Protector

Molly made him long for all the things he thought he didn’t want. Things he’d never dared hope for: a wife, kids, a big house and all the responsibility that went along with it. The unexpected yearning had been a shock to his system, one he’d tried to write off as a passing infatuation.

But a year had come and gone and “passing” didn’t fit anything about the way he looked at Molly.

He’d never put any stock in the love at first sight theory… Until he’d spotted her.

Just his luck that she didn’t seem the least bit interested in him. Or anyone else for that matter. That last factor was a small comfort, but one he clung to like a lifeline. She was friendly whenever they met, if a little shy. Occasionally, she was distracted, but he suspected that was the norm for a single mom. Of course, she got nervous and fidgety the closer they got to the water. She didn’t like boats much, only tolerating them for the sake of her son’s fascination. Those curious details only made him want her more.

And knowing she’d been drawn into a custody battle? Well, that only pissed him off. She was a shining example of good mom behavior. He would do whatever he could to make sure Bryce stayed with her. Right here in town.

The ambulance siren started up again and a moment later, the driver’s voice came over the app, relaying patient details to the clinic doctor. “Incoming. Female, twenties, motor vehicle accident, stable. Male child, stable, no visible injuries.”

What the hell? It couldn’t be Molly and Bryce. Plenty of families called Brookwell home. For all he knew, it was a nanny and her charge. But he was already stowing his tools. He onlyhad to lock up the cabinet and set the cameras and he could head over.

And say what?

Well, he’d figure that out when he got there. Wouldn’t have to say anything if he was overreacting. He was at his car before he caught himself. He pulled his phone from his pocket, ready to call Molly or Sharon when the screen lit up.

Sharon was calling him. He answered as he slid into the driver’s seat. “What happened?”

“Everyone is okay,” Sharon replied. “I just thought…” She cleared her throat. “Forgive me for overstepping. We were in a minor accident. A hit-and-run, actually. Bryce was asking for you.”

“Those sirens didn’t sound minor.” He hit the speaker button as he pulled out of the marina parking lot. “What can I do?”

“We just made it to the clinic,” Sharon said. “They tell me I can see Bryce in a minute.”

“I’m on my way.” The clinic was a good sign that things weren’t too serious. That Molly and Bryce were indeed stable. “You’re not hurt?”

“No. We, um…”

He figured she didn’t want to be overheard. Considering the whole custody mess, he understood it. “Tell me when I get there. I’m five minutes away.” Less, actually, but why freak her out?

Miles pulled up to the clinic a few minutes later and found a parking space. He jogged into the clinic on a fresh wave of worry. Sharon hadn’t mentioned her own injuries. Or specified Molly’s. He had to remind himself if things were severe, they would’ve been rushed to Charleston.

Sharon crossed the lobby. “Thank you for coming.” She gave him a quick hug. “Bryce was so scared after we were hit.” She glanced around and steered Miles to a coffee stationset up in the corner. He didn’t think either of them wanted coffee, but he assumed Sharon wanted some semblance of privacy.

He turned slightly, so he could watch the entire waiting room and registration desk while Sharon filled him in. At the moment, they were the only people in the lobby. “You said it was a hit-and-run?”

She nodded. “We were T-boned on the way to Parker’s for dinner,” she explained. “Molly stopped at the three-way stop. The intersection was clear when she started through.”

There were a couple of intersections like that, but Miles had a good idea of where it had happened, considering the likely route between their house and the fish camp.

“So, not her fault.” That was great news considering the custody situation.

“Absolutely not,” Sharon said. “It was a big pickup. Dark blue. Came out of nowhere and rammed us. Driver’s side.” Her eyes brimmed with tears before she blinked them away. “I’m so thankful for airbags.”

Miles agreed. Molly’s sedan was no match for a pickup. “Molly’s okay?”

Her chin bobbed a couple of times. “Mostly. Yes. Dr. Nyland is with her now. The other driver drove off. Obviously.” Sharon twisted her hands together. “I’m furious.”

“But you’re okay?”

“Not a scratch.” She looked more irritated than pleased. “It shook me up, that’s all.” Sharon glanced around the empty lobby, then leaned closer. “I’m sure Bryce is fine too. But his car seat came loose,” she whispered. “Lieutenant Frasier had to write her a ticket.”

Miles registered that. In isolation it wouldn’t have been a big deal, especially since Bryce wasn’t injured. Within the context of the custody situation… Not so good. Call him a cynic, but he was immediately concerned this wasn’t an accident.

“You think someone set her up,” he said.

“It’s paranoid, right? I must be overreacting.”

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