Page 37 of Protecting Chaos

“I don’t like leaving you here alone.”

“I’m not alone.” She gestured to the cops standing guard at the front door. “I’ll be here when you get back. It’s going to be a long day. It always is before one of my gallery showings, but I swear when it’s over, I’ll be ready to sleep for a week.”

I kissed her forehead. “You promise not to leave?”

“You have my word,” she said, walking me to the front of the gallery building where the cops were perched.

She kissed me and had turned to leave when I stopped her and pulled a gun out of my ankle holster. “You remember how to use this, right?”

“Of course. Before I moved out, I learned self-defense and how to shoot so Grant wouldn’t worry.”

“Keep it near you at all times,” I said.

She pulled the door open and gestured for me to leave. “Yes, dad.”

“Stella, I’m serious.”

“Me too,” she said.

She saluted me and headed back to the same painting she’d been about to move.

“Don’t let her leave this building,” I said, pulling out one of my cards. “If she tries, then call my cell number.”

“We were instructed to keep a close eye on her. We’ll call if she decides to leave.”

I walked out into the parking lot and jumped in the SUV, mentally preparing the questions that Marcus needed to answer.

Even with the police presence, I couldn’t shake the worry of leaving Stella behind. I just hoped the cops kept her safe until I got back.

19

Ashton

Detective Morrison was waiting outside the hospital as I parked and walked up.

“How’s Stella? Is she sick at all today?”

I shook my head. “No, thank God. She and I were the only ones to eat the Hawaiian pizza. I’m guessing no one tampered with that one or the meat on it was still good. Whatever the case.”

“Forensics is working on analyzing the leftovers, but they’re short-staffed since several of them also got sick. I’ll call you when I get the official word.”

“I appreciate that.” I followed Morrison into the elevator and up to the third floor.

A single patrolman was standing outside the hospital room door. He nodded as we approached.About… time… coffee.

The thoughts were still coming in spotty, like a faulty connection, but at least it wasn’t completely quiet. I was good at filling in the blanks. At least, I hoped.

“How’s he doing?” Morrison asked.

“The doctor just left. He said we could question him but that he doesn’t want you to stay long. He claims Mr. Anderson needs his rest,” the officer standing guard answered.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Morrison shoved the door open.

“Why don’t you take a break and get some coffee while we go in with him?” I suggested.

The cop looked from me to Morrison and waited for Morrison’s nod of agreement.

Marcus’ bruised and battered face was partially wrapped in gauze. The dark circles beneath his eyes were deep. The beeping machines sounded the stability of his vital signs.

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