Page 3 of Code Trauma

“And you didn’t think that was important enough to share?”

“I didn’t want to talk about it, to be honest, so I’ve just kind of avoided the topic, but things are up in the air at the moment with Andy and me, and I’m not sure when—or even if—we will work things out.”

Penny’s eyes were wide. “Wow, I’m so sorry. I had no idea. I’m a lousy friend that I didn’t see this.”

Holly smiled. “You’re not a lousy friend. I’m the lousy friend for not telling you.” The smile faded and she drew in a deep breath. “But, now you know. And it is what it is for now.”

“I could always ask Holt to look into it.”

“Penny, this is not a case for the FBI.” And while Penny’s husband, FBI Special Agent Holton Satterfield, would come to her aid if asked, Holly just couldn’t bring herself to believe she needed that much help.

“Is he at least getting therapy?” Penny’s question jolted her out of her thoughts.

“Yes.” At least he was. She wasn’t sure if he was still going. She glanced at the time. “I’ll be over to base shortly. I promised I’d stop by the ER and check on a friend.”

“Who?”

“An older gentleman I go to church with.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to go. See you for lunch if you’re around?”

“Sure.”

Holly hugged her well-meaning friend and hurried off to clock in. She said a silent prayer for the man she loved and asked for wisdom.

And protection. For both of them.

* * *

You’re an idiot. We all love you and think you’re an amazing man, but you’re definitely an idiot.

Andy pushedhis half-eaten biscuit away from him and frowned when he read the text from Penny, one of Holly’s best friends. He’d thought she was his friend, too. But if it came down to a choice between him and Holly, Holly would win every time. Not that Penny should be made to choose.

Why is that?

You’re going to lose her. If someone doesn’t kill her first.

He sat up on the sofa.

What are you talking about?!

Someone’s threatening Holly so you’d better do something. Fast.

The breath left his lungs. He rose to pace the length of the kitchen before making his way into the den, where he dropped to the sofa to stare at the screen as though the words might change into something else.

They didn’t.

“What’s going on?” His brother, Jacob, walked into the den to frown at him.

“Something about someone threatening Holly.”

“What?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Oh, right, because you refuse to talk to her or let her be with you at the worst time of your life like the woman you plan to marry should be.”

Andy scowled. “Shut up.”

Jacob planted his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Whatever, man.”

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