Page 108 of The Two Last Moments

“She will,” I murmur back. “It’s going to be great.”

Then Danny is waving Travis inside. I hear a hoarse gasp, probably from Nina, and a sob from Travis. Nina’s son makes a beeline for her bed and sweeps her into an embrace, both of them crying. Danny’s wiping his eyes too.

Starla steps out into the hallway with me. “Now, that’s a sight.”

“It is.” A beautiful one. I just want to stand here and admire it.

“Do you have family, Lark?”

I glance over to find Starla scrutinizing me.

“I have a family.” I nod at Nina’s room. “Here.” I used to get upset at Danny for trying tofix things. He wanted to make things the way they were before, and often, that isn’t possible. But this family can make somethingnew. Forge new bonds and find the kind of happiness and peace of mind that we all need.

Starla follows my gaze and smiles.

“Have you seen Ryan?” I ask. “Matteo said he was looking for me.”

“Oh? He was just here. I’m not sure where he went. What did he need?”

“I was going to ask him.”

Her smile turns stiff. “I don’t want to speak badly of a co-worker.” She takes my wrist and walks me further down the corridor. “But I wasveryconcerned to hear about the incident earlier. The morphine? Ryan gave Nina too much. Jess always leaves clear notes behind about the doses she gives at night, and I suspect Ryan was being careless.”

I frown, uncomfortable that she’s sharing this with me. “Shouldn’t you talk to Danny about it? Or the hospice service?”

“I will. But sometimes, Ryan seems distracted from his duties, and now he’s been looking for you? If he’s bothering you…”

“He hasn’t been. No.” I don’t want to get the guy in trouble at his work unless there’s a real reason. The morphine could be an issue, but I have no way to judge. I’m not a nurse.

“Then perhaps I’m just old-fashioned.” Starla lifts the strap of her bag onto her shoulder. “I heard about what else happened. The police? You’re all right?”

“Oh, yeah. The police caught the guy.” I’m not sure how much Starla knows about my past, and I’m way too tired to get into it.

Her face flushes. “Did they say what the man wanted? Why he went after you?”

“Just that they know his name, and…he’s my foster brother. That’s what Travis told me.”

Her brows draw together. “You and Travis already knew each other. I’ve been trying to keep track, but it’s confusing. Sorry, I just overhear a lot.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s a long story, though. Maybe I can explain it all to you another day? I’m pretty tired.”

“Of course you are. So am I. I have another patient to see, so I’ll have to be on my way. But please, have Danny give me a call if Nina needs me.” We walk together to the front door. She sets her bag down, rummaging around to organize something. “I’ll just let myself out. Get some rest. You deserve it.”

“Night, Starla.”

I head into the kitchen, thinking I’ll warm up some leftovers for Danny and Travis, and hear footsteps behind me. I assume it’s Starla again, that she forgot something.

But it’s Ryan.

He’s dressed in black scrubs. His spiky hair looks especially unruly tonight. The scent of cooking in the room combines with the bitter medicinal scent that’s lingering around him.

“Hey, Lark. There you are. Can we talk for a minute? Alone?” His voice sounds oddly bright, but his hands are fidgeting.

“Is it important?”

“I think it is. Yeah.”

I sigh. “Okay.” I gesture around us. “We’re alone here already.”

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