Page 35 of Conner's Choice
Everyone murmured words of gratitude.
“May we see her?” Lydia asked.
“For a few minutes at a time. She’s extremely weak,” Justin replied. “I’ll check in again with you later.”
Conner hung back with Christian while the Bennetts visited their daughter in the ICU. “You should have allowed me to punch Warner at least once, Chris.”
“Nah, man, you needed to keep your hands clean. Did you see the look in his eyes? He wanted to rip your head off.”
“I guess we’re not having dinner with him at the Golden Pheasant after this,” Conner deadpanned.
Christian guffawed. “Guess not. And I was looking forward to stringing him along until I cut him loose.”
Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth’s parents rejoined the friends. “She’s sleeping peacefully, but you can see her if you’d like, Conner,” Bennett invited.
“Thank you, sir.”
When Conner was out of earshot, Christian cleared his throat. “O’Donnell is a good man, General Bennett. Next to my dad and my brother, he’s the best man I’ve ever met. I’ve known him my entire life. He’s someone you want in your corner, especially when you’re in trouble. And most importantly, Conner is in love with your daughter.”
Bennett nodded and rubbed the stubble on his face. “Yes, I know. I could hear it in his voice when he told us what happened to her. Thanks, Stone, for the insight.”
“Anytime.”
The Bennetts, Conner, and Christian rotated sitting with Elizabeth until midnight. When Christian took his leave, he offered Conner a lift.
“I’m not leaving Elizabeth alone.” His eyes met Bennett’s. “I’ll stay with her, sir. Here’s the key to the cottage. You and Mrs. Bennett can rest there.”
Bennett glanced at Lydia, and she nodded. “All right, Conner.” He grasped the key. “You’ll call us if there are any changes in Elizabeth’s condition?”
“Of course, sir.”
Conner settled into the reclining chair next to Elizabeth’s bed. He intended to watch over her all night, yet wiped out from the long day and debilitating fear, he closed his eyes. Just for a moment. Or two…
Conner jerked awakeat the sound of his name. Elizabeth had regained consciousness.
“Conner,” she called out again, her voice hoarse.
“I’m here.” He reached for her hand and kissed it. “You’re safe, my love. You don’t have to be afraid.”
“Kevin.” She squeezed Conner’s hand. “Kevin…attacked me.”
Conner controlled the fury rushing through him. “Sweetheart, you’re sure?”
“Yes. I saw his face…saw him smile…right before…” Her heart rate rose, and Conner frowned at the monitor attached to her.
“Stay calm, Elizabeth. I’ll take care of this.”
He let go of her hand and walked out to the corridor to call Rawson. The detective answered on the first ring. “O’Donnell, it’s late. Where are you?”
“At the hospital. Elizabeth woke up and identified Warner as her assailant.”
“She’s positive?” Rawson almost shouted.
“Yes. She saw his face, and I recognized him on the video.”
“All right, Conner. I’m on it. Don’t leave Elizabeth alone.”
“I don’t intend to.”
