Page 7 of Bradford

I need to keep my feelings in check. But it's so hard when he looks at me with those eyes.

I clear my throat and move toward the bed. "How are you doing?"

"I've been better," he mutters, not taking his gaze from mine. "They're going back today."

"I know." I wince. "This is my fault. You'd be going back with them if I hadn't been in the wrong place last night." I fight back tears, but one slips out as he takes my hand in his much larger one.

"Don't blame yourself," he says softly. "You were in trouble through no fault of your own." He shakes his head. "Have the police spoken to you?"

"I gave my statement while you were in surgery. I didn't know the guy. I've never seen him before." I sigh. "I didn't see him until he grabbed me."

“He knew who I was." His brows pull together. "I felt he was there for me." He offers a wry smile. "I don't mean to sound full of myself. It's just the way he spoke when I showed up. I hadn't really thought about it until now, but something felt off."

"Like maybe he was waiting for you?" I add.

Bradford frowns, deep in thought. "Perhaps." His eyes meet mine. "Then again, maybe I'm reading too much into it."

"Well," I say as I put on my gloves, "I haven't heard anything from the police since I gave my statement. I'm guessing he's still out there." I move to the opposite side of the bed and pick up the discarded tube. Bradford looks away, embarrassed. "Anyway," I say, changing the subject as I dispose of the tubing, "I heard your boss has secured an apartment for you until you can travel home. Top-notch security, too."

"Will you visit me there?" he asks, catching me off guard.

My nerves flutter at the thought. I shouldn't, though. Not really. "If you want me to."

He grins. "I do."

I nod. "Do you need help getting to the bathroom while I'm here?"

"I'd appreciate some painkillers before I try that."

"Let me go find your nurse."

Bradford reaches out and takes my wrist. "You'll come back, right?"

If I weren't wearing gloves, I would take his hand for reassurance. "Let me get your medication sorted, then I'll come back. I have thirty minutes left before my shift starts." When hereleases me, I quickly leave his room. I dispose of the bag and gloves. While I'm washing my hands, Bradford's nurse snickers as she sidles up beside me.

"He let you remove it, then?"

I snort, feeling a blush heat my cheeks. "He removed it himself." I refrain from mentioning what I overheard in his room about his reaction.

Letitia has no such qualms, though. She tells me, "I bet he removed it!" She chuckles. "He was having issues with his nether regions while reading the book I left him."

My eyes widen, then narrow.

"Yes, it was the book you lent me, Indecent Villain. Very hot." Waggling her brows, she leaves the room laughing. "It's time for his meds. I'll get them ready."

What am I going to do about you, Bradford Winchester?

After lunch,I’m heading toward Bradford’s room when I catch sight of the detectives from the night before. The older detective spots me and holds my gaze briefly before heading my way. His expression is unreadable. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever he has to say. I don't think it's good news.

I take a couple of steps forward and meet him in the middle of the hallway. He clears his throat. "Is there someplace we can talk?" I nod and lead him to a vacant room. He closes the door behind us, and I feel my heart thuds with unease.

"Detectives Walker and Smith," says Walker, the older one. "We need to ask you some questions about last night's incident."

I nod, my mouth as dry as sand. "I already gave you a statement. I honestly don't have anything to add." I shrug andglance at Smith, noticing a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "I was hoping you were here to say you'd caught him."

"He disappeared," Smith says. "We tracked him out of the hospital but lost him in the city. The IT guys are going back over the security footage, but we're not holding our breath."

"You said he shot Mr. Winchester as soon as he showed himself. As though the gunman was waiting for him,” Walker comments.

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