Page 53 of Finding Chaos

His words trailed off, and the realization hit her. She’d almost died. The woman who was supposed to care for her always had told Putnam to kill her and her father, and she’d almost succeeded.

“I’m sorry I pulled you into all this,” she said.

“I’m not sorry,” he said and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. “Now, your father, on the other hand, plans to move you from the hospital and whisk you away from all of this and out of the media the first chance he gets.”

“Even if he does, I’ll be back,” she said, holding his gaze. “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”

His smile softened. “You caught a serial killer. I’m sure when you write the exclusive, you’ll forget all about me.”

“Wait…oh my God. I wasn’t even thinking of the story. Of course, I need to write it. I was a victim. They’ll have to see me as a real reporter.”

“You were always a real reporter,” he said, squeezing her hand as he rose. “I’ll see you soon. Stay true to you, the real you,” he said as the door opened behind them.

“I think that’s enough,” her father said as he walked in. “We appreciate you checking in on her, but I’ve got her now.”

“Sir,” Walker dipped his head as he passed her dad. “Keep an eye on her, sir. She’s pretty good at finding trouble.”

“I will, young man. You can count on it.” Her father’s voice was full of promises.

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