Page 19 of Bradford

"Like I said, it's mild. The doctors are running tests." We exit the elevator and make our way to Dodge's SUV. As we settle into the car, Dodge starts the engine and pulls away from the arena. “Do we know yet why someone wants to use me and Florence as leverage with my dad?”

Dodge sighs, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "Another security specialist had just arrived when your father had the accident. That's how I got the call. So, no, we don't know much more than before." As we continue heading out of the city, Dodge adds, "Rosie has done some digging, and she thinks it has something to do with the last project your father bid on. His company won the bid, but the company that lost out was angry and threatened your father. Rosie is doing a deep dive into that company. She'll call as soon as she has anything." He sighs.

“Dad thought it was to do with a warehouse he purchased that MacFarlane desperately needed.”

“I’ll mention that to Rosie.” Pause. “It's going to take about an hour to get to Hanscom Field, where your father's plane will be landing. Why don't you both try to relax?"

I sigh and let my body sink into the seat. I look at Florence and worry about her. Will she be safer if I sent her back to Vegas? The guy who caused her problems is locked up.

Desperate and worried, I rub the ache behind my brows, eager to see my dad.

The flightto Savannah was uneventful. However, it was muggy and uncomfortable upon arrival. I'd forgotten how hot it was at home. Florence winced at the humidity, and Dodge cursed running a hand around the collar of his shirt.

I'm nervously waiting for news on how my father is doing. The surgery should be over soon. His doctor was worried about how his heart would hold up during surgery, which worried me too. The family room at the hospital is plain, and I struggle to focus on any one thing. I just want this nightmare to be over.

I glance down at Florence, who is sleeping peacefully on the couch next to me with her head resting on my lap. Her white hair contrasts starkly with the dark fabric of my jeans. She has a lot of hair, which pools in my lap as a soft, comforting reminder of her presence. She's my girl, and I don't want to lose her to Vegas. I just need to find a way to make her stay.

The sound of Dodge's phone ringing stirs Florence awake. She yawns, sits up, and stretches. She looks around the room. When her eyes land on me, she gives me a soft smile. "I'm assuming you're still waiting for news?"

I nod. "He must be holding his own, right?"

Leaning into me, she cups my jaw and gently strokes it with her thumb. "He must be." I close my eyes, savoring the moment of comfort she offers, but the reality of the situation crashes back down on me when Dodge clears his throat.

My body goes tense as I watch him intently, waiting for him to deliver the bad news. "Tell me."

He winces. "The brakes failed on your father's car."

A coldness washes over me as my heart sinks. I realize the implications of Dodge's words. "Someone tried to kill him." I manage to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. The silence that follows is deafening, and I brace myself for whatever else he must tell me.

"MacFarlane Enterprises is a dangerous company to go up against. Either your father didn't do his homework, or he didn't care. We won't know until we ask him."

I shake my head. “My father does his homework. He has a team of investigators at his disposal. He would have known what he was up against. I won't believe otherwise."

"What if they didn't tell him the truth?" Florence suggests. "They could have been paid a lot to ignore what they found." She shrugs. "Just a thought."

Dodge grunts in response and moves across the room.

"My dad works in construction and acquisitions," I admit. "He buys rundown businesses and rebuilds them to become profitable again. He's very successful, and most of the businesses he invests in see a significant increase in value within a few years. That's when he sells them. It's risky, but he has a knack for it."

"When he wakes, he'll be able to steer Dodge in the right direction."

"I hope so." I let out a long sigh and only shoot to my feet when a doctor enters. I search his face for signs of good or bad news, but he remains stoic and unreadable.

"Mr. Winchester," he says.

"My dad—" I swallow hard and let my words trail off.

The doctor smiles. “I’m Doctor Prior, and I’m pleased to tell you that your father is going to be fine.”

I drop into the chair behind me, sagging with relief.

The doctor continues, "After further testing, it appears that your father did not have a heart attack. He's under a lot of stress, which triggered a panic attack. He's stable now and should make a full recovery if he rests. His leg will probably take longer to heal. It was fractured in three places. We've set it, but he will need physical therapy to regain full use of it."

"Thank you." I glance at Florence and see her smiling warmly at me. I take her hand and kiss her knuckles. I'm so glad she's with me. I turn to the doctor and ask, "When can we see him?"

"He's in recovery at the moment, but he should be in a private room in about an hour."

I nod and glance at Dodge, who has also been listening. The doctor turns to leave, but I call him back. "He needs security for his protection."

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