Page 60 of Hiding Rose
I nodded robotically, not even taking into consideration he might be close. “I have to pick up my brace in an hour. I need it and don’t want to miss the appointment.”
He put his hand on my thigh. “I’m calling the cops, the doctor, and then I’ll call the orthotics clinic. I’ll pay them extra to bring it over here tonight. I don’t want you leaving the resort for any reason until we catch him.”
I held up my left hand, the one not burned. “No arguments here. I’m ready for this to end.”
He brought his phone to his ear while Sawyer stalked to the table and picked up the notecard, reading it quickly. “This guy is a sick puppy. She’s my girl and he can forget about hurting her again.” He stalked back to me and held my shoulders possessively. “I’ll take the animal out myself if I have to.”
I patted his hand on my shoulder while attempting to block the burning of my hand from my mind. “Leave him to the police, Sawyer. I need you here to protect me,” I whispered.
Gideon spun on his heel and pointed at Sawyer. “She’s right. I better not hear about you doing anything stupid and confronting the guy unless you aren’t given a choice in the matter. He’s clearly lost all grip on reality.”
Gideon pulled the drain on the sink and turned the faucet back on. “Leave the water to run over it and wash away any residual chemicals. You don’t want to keep your hand soaking in whatever toxin he used,” he explained patiently. “We’re going to move you to the spa where we can keep you comfortable. The doctor is on his way.”
His expression was killing me and I grabbed his shirt before he could stand. “Gideon, please stop feeling guilty for sending me to Dr. Keoki. You don’t know what it means to me to have a friend like you. Maybe he couldn’t offer me a miracle cure, but his advice has already improved my quality of life. I know the extent of the damage to my leg. I understood it was a long shot going in, so please, don’t carry guilt for simply trying to help. You’ve done nothing but help and protect me. No matter what happens, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you, and your devotion to me. I know it’s cost you time, money, and worry. I’m praying this ends quickly so we can all get on with our lives, but in the meantime, promise me no more guilt.”
He hung his head and shook it a couple times. “You’ve been hanging out with my wife.”
Kate couldn’t hold in a laugh from where she stood by the counter. “She’s right though, babe,” she said.
He nodded and brought his hand up to pat my cheek. “I know she is. I’ll do my best to honor your wishes. I want this over, too. You’re rocking this daycare center and I want to open it knowing everyone is safe.”
Niko came through the door with his iPad and a cop. “I have the footage. Can you tell me if this is the guy?”
He showed me the video on the iPad and I pointed as the guy walked toward the center. “That’s him.” I looked closer and realized he didn’t have a UPS uniform on. “He’s dressed in brown, but he doesn’t work for UPS.”
Niko shook his head. “No, he doesn’t. Jarrett paid him to deliver the box, which means he is close, very close.”
