Page 26 of The Murder Between Us
Noah wrapped her in his FBI field jacket and held her close, one arm tight around her shoulders, as they emerged from her curtained gurney and made their way back to the lobby, and to Cole.
“Katie, this is Dr. Kennedy,” Noah said stiffly. “He’s a profiler and he’s helping us with a case.”
“The Coed Killer?” Katie peered at him, looking almost lost beneath Noah’s jacket.
“Mm-hmm.” Cole held out his hand. “You can call me Cole.”
She took it gingerly in her bandaged hand as Noah shot him a stern look. “Dr. Kennedy, Katie.”
“Were you guys working when…” She sniffed as her voice trailed off. Cole nodded. “I’m sorry, Dad.”
Noah kissed her temple. “It’s okay. But, no more driving with Trevor. Ever.”
“Definitely not.” Katie leaned into Noah, her head almost lying on his chest. “It was really scary.”
He kissed her forehead, squeezed her tight, and guided her to the door. “Let’s go home.”
Cole fell into step beside them. Katie blinked, and she looked from Cole to Noah and back. “Is Dr. Kennedy staying with us?”
“No,” Noah snapped. “We’re going to drop him off at his hotel.”
Noah helped Katie into the back seat, buckling her in like she was five years old despite her protestations.Dad, I’m fine. Really. I can buckle my own seat belt, Dad.She did take the jacket Noah laid over her like a blanket, snuggling into its warmth and her father’s scent. Noah ran his hand over her hair, smiling as she gave him a tired, shaky smile in return.
Cole slid silently into the front seat as Noah climbed behind the wheel.
Noah sighed before he started the car. Met Katie’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “You have to call your mother, Katie.”
Katie groaned. “I don’t want to talk to her.”
“You have to call her. She’s expecting your call.”
Katie groaned again, throwing her head back on the headrest. “Dad.”
“You were in a car accident and in the ER, Katie. You need to talk to her about that. She has a right to know how you are. She is your mother.”
Grumbling, almost incoherent, from the back seat. Noah’s eyebrows rose. “What was that, miss?”
Katie scowled. “Nothing.”
“She’s your mother, and she loves you.” In the passenger mirror, Cole saw Katie roll her eyes as Noah spoke. “You guys are at that age where daughters fight with their mothers over everything—”
“’Cause everything she says is wrong!”
Noah sighed. “Katie. You’re going to call her when we get home.”
“Can’t you tell her I’m sleeping? I need my rest, don’t I?”
“Katie.”
It was Katie’s turn to sigh, full of the long-suffering anguish and put-upon woe that only a teenager can muster. Noah stared at her until she looked away, pouting as she glared out the rear passenger window. Noah put the SUV in gear and headed for the highway.
Silence filled the car. Cole twisted in his seat. “What’s your favorite subject in school, Katie?”
Katie wasn’t in the mood to be placated. She didn’t look at Cole as she grumbled, “I dunno.”
“Katie…” The warning in Noah’s voice was obvious.
She sighed. “Athletics. ’Cause I get to cheer.”
