Page 76 of Keep This Promise
And to hide from Holden.
“I’m sorry to hear about your daughter, how old is she?”
“Three.”
“Is she okay?”
I shrug a little. “She is now, but it’ll be a long road. She has diabetes, it seems. We rushed her here last night.”
“The good thing is that you got her here and can get her treatment.”
“Yes, it’s a good thing.”
“How long have you been in the area?” Stephen asks.
I’m not sure who this person is, so I’m going with half-truths where I can.
“A few weeks. We are visiting a friend in Rose Canyon.”
Stephen chuckles. “I live there. My father is actually the mayor.”
And this is the man Blakely was extremely concerned about.
“I met him not too long ago. He’s lovely.”
“He’s something. You probably shouldn’t be sitting out here in the cold alone in the middle of the night.”
I blink. “Oh? Why not?”
“It’s not safe. There has been some crime lately.”
Right. I know all about that. Just last night I was slapped in the face with that. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking when I wandered. I just needed to breathe for a bit.”
Stephen chuckles. “I’m kidding. You’re perfectly safe here. There’s always someone around, and really, this area is where a lot of people sit at all hours of the day. It’s tranquil and allows us time to reflect.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “I wasn’t sure if you were serious or not. It’s been a very long day, and I’m not really myself.”
“I’m sure it’s hard when it’s a child. Listen, the team here is amazing, and I’m a paramedic, so if you ever need help with your daughter, I’d be happy to come by. Diabetes is manageable if you have the right tools and help if needed.”
That’s really kind of him, and I’m about to tell him as much when a hand settles on my shoulder.
“There you are, Sophie, I was looking for you.”
I blink because Zach Barrett is standing behind me. His tall frame blocks the moon behind him and casts a shadow around me. “You were?” I play along.
He comes around, standing between me and Stephen. “I’m Zach, and you are?”
“Stephen, I’m a paramedic and was just checking on Sophie here.”
Zach nods. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure where she went.”
There’s an edge to his deep voice that’s protective and firm, and my heart begins to race. I haven’t seen Zach since he dropped me off down the road from Run to Me, and Jackson mentioned that he’d gone home, so I’m not sure why he’s back in town. That aside, he wouldn’t have shown himself if he didn’t believe I was in danger.
“Do you know this man?” Stephen asks, shifting to catch my gaze.
“Yes,” I say, getting to my feet and looping my arm in Zach’s. I’m not sure what role we’re meant to play, but either way, this is friendly. “This is my good friend.”
Zach’s frame seems to grow. He’s definitely not giving Stephen an inch. “As I said, I appreciate you keeping her safe.”
