Page 45 of Trusting Laurence
Grateful someone had been aware enough to shield her from the room beyond, he wanted to remove her from the area completely until the coroner’s office had been there. He also wanted to talk to her without distractions. Taking her hand, he walked her to her bedroom.
“Just hang on here, baby. I’ll be back in a second.”
Tahlia murmured her acknowledgement as she made her way over to the bed, where she took a seat. He quietly closed the door behind him before walking over to where his agent and Preston stood.
“How’s she doing?” Preston asked, nodding a head at the closed bedroom door.
“She’s in shock, but otherwise mostly unscathed. I don’t want her in here until we’ve cleared all of this up.” Larry indicated the covered bodies. “She doesn’t need to see this. I’ll keep her in there until the coroner’s been.” He gestured to the closed bedroom door. “I’d appreciate it if you could send the paramedics in when they arrive.”
“Yes, sir,” his agent replied.
“No problem, Larry,” Preston echoed.
“Thanks. Give a shout if you need me for anything.”
“Sure thing, brother. Will do,” Preston replied.
With that, he returned to the room where Tahlia waited for him.
16
Larry found Tahlia lying on the bed, curled up into a tight ball, her arms wrapped protectively around her legs. She lay quietly, staring out the window, though he doubted she saw any of the beautiful view beyond.
“Tahlia, sweetheart?”
She turned those dull eyes to him, but never said a word.
“The paramedics are on their way. They’ll be here shortly. Can I get you anything?”
Tahlia shook her head, still not uttering a word. Larry took a seat on the bed beside her. Took her hand in his. His touch tender, he rubbed her hand between his to warm it.
A light tap on the door announced their arrival. Once they were set up, Larry released Tahlia’s hand and went to stand out of the way. Letting them get on with what they needed to do. He watched closely as they checked her over thoroughly. They bandaged the bullet graze and gave her something for the shock.
Satisfied that the worst of it was the bullet graze, the senior EMT stepped over to where Larry sat out of the way. His partner continued to pack up their gear.
“We’re all done here, sir. Ms. O’Connor has suffered no serious injury and will be fine once she’s had some rest. She might want to talk to a counselor about today’s happenings, but physically she’s fine.”
“Thanks very much. I appreciate it. I’ll speak to her about seeing someone.” He held out his hand to shake with the other man.
“Great. We’ll be on our way then, sir.” The paramedic shook Larry’s hand before leaving.
Larry went over to sit back on the bed.
He stroked a hand over Tahlia’s hair, savoring the silken feel of the strands between his fingers.
“Sweetheart, I’m going to take you to my place. You can rest there, and when you’re feeling a bit better, we can talk.”
“Okay, Laurence.”
The timid Tahlia of old had resurfaced. It worried Larry, but he was hoping it was temporary. That she would be back to her old self shortly. In the meantime, he needed to get her away from there.
To take her mind off what had happened, he said, “Come on then. Let’s get you packed up, and we can get going.” He stood and offered her his hand. She didn’t move. He went to his haunches in front of her, cupping her cheeks. “Lia, you with me, sweetheart?”
Finally, Tahlia lifted her eyes to his, and she gave a small nod.
“Come on, baby. Up you come.”
He offered his assistance again. This time, she took it and swung her legs over the side of the bed and allowed him to aid her to stand. Once he was sure she was steady on her feet, he wrapped her in a tight embrace.
