Page 25 of Crossroads of Innocence
“Okay,” she said, blowing out a long breath. “I’m ready.”
He grabbed the bag she’d brought along and hurried out of the truck to open her door. He had a sneaking suspicion one of the reasons Cruz had been on board with Jude visiting the hospital was her willingness to bring the photos. She’d balked at the idea of speaking with the Mill Harbor police, and it hadn’t been the right time to press the issue, but she was more than happy to part ways with the pictures that had landed her in this mess to begin with.
She climbed down and sought out his hand, holding on tight.
Her palm nestled into his like a puzzle piece. A piece that had been missing for way too long. But he couldn’t think too much of the gesture. She was scared and wanted some comfort. That’s all. He’d give her what she needed and do them both a huge favor by not reading into it more than he should.
A car door slammed, snapping him back to the moment. He glanced over his shoulder and noted a middle-aged woman in a puffy coat and green scrubs walking across the parking lot, her attention fixed on her phone.
He gave Jude’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We should hurry and get inside.” Ducking his chin against the wind, he led Jude through the employee’s entrance. He nodded hello to a handful of nurses who gathered for a quick moment to grab some coffee or get off their feet for a few minutes.
Jude stayed close behind him. The bill of her hat was pulled low over her face. She kept her head down, turned away from the curious eyes that followed them as he led them out the door.
Cruz stood across the hall. His face grim, his stance rigid.
Jude dropped Wade’s hand and rushed forward. “How’s Matthew? Can I see him?”
Wade wiped his palm on his jeans and stood by Jude’s side.
“Last I heard he was still in surgery,” Cruz said.
“How bad was it? What exactly happened?” Jude asked, panic lacing through her voice.
Cruz laid a hand on her elbow and turned her toward a small room behind him. “Let’s step inside and talk.”
Wade glanced at the name plate beside the door before following them and closing the door. “Nice of Frank to give up his office for a little bit.”
“Go ahead and take a seat.” Cruz gestured to the chairs across from the large oak desk.
Jude shook her head. “I can’t sit now. I need to know what happened. I know Matthew was attacked in his home, but I want details.”
Cruz winced. “The details aren’t pretty, and really, all we know are the injuries your brother sustained and who inflicted those injuries. Benji Blitz went to his apartment, but there’s no audio on the doorbell camera so we can’t be sure what was said. A minute or two passes before Benji punches Matthew and pushes him inside. Brandon found him twenty minutes after Benji left. Beaten pretty badly.”
Jude squeezed her eyes shut. “Matthew knew the man had hurt me. He wouldn’t have just stood there and had a conversation with him. He would have wanted to defend me anyway he could.”
“Your brother loves you,” Wade said.
Sniffing, she nodded and opened her eyes. “I love him, too. I need to see him and tell him.”
“I understand, but that can’t happen until he’s out of surgery. Chances are he’ll be taken to the ICU, and we’ll need to know what the stipulations are for visitors.”
“Brandon will let me see him,” she said, her words wobbly.
Cruz offered her a small smile. “I’m sure he will, when the time comes. But while we wait, can I see the pictures again? Wade said you’re willing to let me show them to the police in Mill Harbor.”
Wade handed over the bag he’d looped over his shoulder.
“Thanks,” she said, digging inside to grab the memory card. “Take this. I don’t want anything to do with it.”
Cruz accepted the small memory card that had done so much damage. “And what about speaking with the detective in charge of the case? I can assure you they don’t think you’ve done anything wrong.”
“She’s not ready for that,” Wade said, reading the tortured expression on her face. “And now’s not the time to talk about it further. Not with Matthew in surgery.”
She offered him grateful smile. “Thank you.”
“I understand,” Cruz said, raising his palms. “I’ll handle all communication with Mill Harbor PD. You’ve done plenty. Now do you want to wait—”
A rough knock sounded at the door before it swung open. Jenson Metcalf stormed inside. He opened his mouth, but before anything came out, his gaze landed on Jude.
