Page 11 of Code Trauma

“And so you came running.”

“I did.”

“Thank you for that. It means a lot.” It didn’t solve their problems, but it did let her know that he thought of her as a priority. At least whensheneeded him. But what about whenheneeded her?

“Yeah.” He grabbed a blanket from the end of the couch and covered her up. She snuggled next to him. “See if you can sleep for a little bit, get the headache to ease. Then we’ll pack your bag, get something to eat, and I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“We’re finished talking?”

“For now.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ll talk more when you’re feeling better.”

“But—” At his tight features, she let it go. “Where will you stay tonight? You’re not going home, are you?”

“No. I have enough vacation time built up that I don’t have to be back for another two weeks. I’m not leaving until we find out who’s responsible for this. As for where I’ll stay, I’ll get a room at the motel across the street from base.”

“Okay.” Relieved and feeling safe for the first time since the threats started, she let the fatigue settle over her and closed her eyes.

* * *

Andy watchedHolly sleep for about an hour before he decided to be productive. He gently settled her against a pillow and pulled his phone from the clip on his side as he walked into the kitchen. From here, he could keep an eye on her and the front door but talk without waking her. He knew the evidence the officers had collected would be sent to the lab in Asheville. Thankfully, he knew Yasmine Forsythe, a lab tech, who worked there.

She answered on the second ring. “Hello, Andy.”

“Hey Yasmine, thanks for picking up. I need a favor.”

“Of course, what can I do for you?”

“Have you received the evidence from the break-in over here in Asheville? The victim is Holly Cooper.”

“Um ... not yet. Why?”

“When you get it, can you speed-process it?”

“Andy...”

“Come on, please?”

“She’s special to you?”

“I’ve got the ring in my pocket.”

She went silent, then sighed. “Oh. Well. I guess she is special. No promises other than to do my best to get it done ASAP.”

“Thank you.”

“Sure thing.”

He hung up as Holly stirred and sat up. She rubbed her eyes, and he walked over to sit beside her once again. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. Hungry.” She touched the area on her head and grimaced.

“How is it?” he asked.

“It’s sore, but I think it was more of a glancing blow than a direct hit. At least the headache is basically gone.”

“That’s definitely a good sign. Want to head over to the hospital and grab something on the way? We can see if Penny and Raina need us to bring them anything.”

She glanced at the clock. Just after lunchtime and she was starving. What a morning it had been. “Yes, sure.” She packed a bag while he watched. The whole time she worked, he wanted to explain himself, beg her forgiveness, but this wasn’t about him. He needed to be here for her, and when she was ready, maybe they could have a talk. A long-overdue, honest conversation.

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