Page 49 of Undefeated Love
“I know.” She nodded as she looked up from her keyboard. Her head then shook side to side as she declared, “I just can’t deal with him right now. That’s why I’ve restarted the scramble program. Hopefully he’ll see it bouncing all over the world and give up.”
“If you’re not here, he can’t find you.” Jaysun pulled the wheelchair next to the bed. He carefully picked up Katlin and set her gently in the chair. “Let’s go.”
Uncle Francis dashed out the door and had the elevator waiting. Uncle Tom had grabbed her bags and Daniel had lifted everything from her arms. They made it down to the ground level and got her into the car so quickly she felt lightheaded. Maybe that was due to the blood loss. She’d rejected any transfusion, even platelets.
“I love you all.” She gave each man a hug goodbye, tears running down her face. “Thank you for coming. I needed my family with me.” She waved goodbye through the darkened windows. Their hugs would need to last her several more months.
Katlin must have dozed during the few short miles to her newest house. She hadn’t awakened until she heard the garage door close.
“We’ll take you in and get you to the bed before I come get everything else from the car.”
Her new full-time nurse opened the door to the car and reached in to help guide her as cautiously as possible through the lower level of the house and up the stairs. Katlin gingerly sat on the edge of the bed.
Jaysun brought in everything from the car and handed it all to his wife, Abagale.
“Will you be okay for a few minutes while I take care of this?” she asked.
“I’ve got her,” her bodyguard reassured. “Katlin, you look like you could use more sleep. You want me to help you into bed?”
Katlin waffled in indecision before she finally announced, “I need a shower.” She plucked at the hospital gown. “I can’t tell if it’s me or this gown that smells like sweat and blood.”
“It’s you, but you’re not supposed to shower for the first twenty-four hours and no bath or hot tub for at least a month. They had to cut you…down there.” His face pinched as though he was in pain as he said the last sentence.
Katlin’s eyebrows drew together. “I don’t remember anybody saying those things.”
“It was on the discharge papers they gave you during your last patient visit.” He looked guilty then he crossed his muscled arms over his broad chest and frowned down at her. “You forgot them in the car last week. Do you remember Kiersten reminding you to read the large packet of information she handed you as we left the doctor’s office? Since you hadn’t bothered, I thought one of us should know what’s going on.”
Abagale came back into the bedroom. “He also gave them to me. It was a good review although there was nothing in there specific to you. How about I get you some warm washcloths and one of your own nightgowns. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable once you cleaned up a little bit and you’re in your own clothes.”
Katlin was exhausted and soon fell asleep.
* * *
One month later
Katlin Gone Six Months
“Thank you both for everything you’ve done for me.” Katlin leaned in and first gave Abagale a hug then moved to Jaysun. She handed him a thick tan envelope. “Everything you need is in here.” Her bodyguard and chauffeur for the last several months pulled out a white envelope addressed to Top Cooper.
“So, I just walk into Guardian Security in Washington D.C. and tell them that I’m there to see this guy?” Jaysun held up the letter.
“Yes. If they give you any grief, tell them you’ve already been hired.”
She’d debated on whether to send him directly to Alex, but since Jaysun had chosen Washington D.C., she’d decided to send him to the Guardian Security Center manager. Besides, Top would be thrilled to hear from her. It had taken her hours to write and rewrite the letter to the man who was like a father to her, especially since her own had passed away.
My dearest Top,
Meet Jaysun Watts. He is already hired and on the books. I know I have no authority to do this, but I did it anyway. He’s a good man. Neither you nor Alex can ask him a single question about me. He’ll disappear if you do.
Love you, Katlin Callahan
“You’re going to stay at my house on the beach in Coronado for a couple weeks, right?” Katlin asked.
Abagale wrapped her arm around Jaysun’s waist. “Thank you for giving us the house for free. That’s extremely generous.”
“Not really. It will take a few weeks to get it set up to rent again. I’d rather you use it than it sit empty.” Katlin growled. “After hearing about the squatters who moved into a rental house on the other end of the island, I don’t want to take any chances. Those poor owners are having a hell of a time trying to get those people out of their house and getting some rental income.”
Jaysun glanced around the private jet airport. “Are you sure you’re going to be safe where you’re going?”
