Page 75 of A Very Titan Christmas
“Safest way to get you out of here.” But he was smiling. Every one of her complaints and concerns solidified her recovery.
Emergency medical responders surrounded them. Bryce reluctantly handed her off and stepped back to stand next to Cash.
“She’s alive because she used her brain,” Cash said.
Bryce nodded. “It could have gone badly. The shed could have been empty of everything she used to insulate herself.”
Cash slapped him on the back. “A damn Christmas miracle, if you think about it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
With an IVin her arm and an army of nurses checking her vitals, Rachel lay in her hospital bed. She tried to imagine how this ordeal might have played out differently. If only she hadn’t gone with that man. If only she hadn’t stormed the conference center in search of her parents and answers. Even after she’d picked out her abductor from the investigators’ photographs, they had asked her the same questions in a hundred different ways. She felt like she’d provided helpful information but also felt like an idiot for putting everyone in this situation.
She closed her eyes. Her dad was retiring. Whether or not he stayed in his job didn’t make a difference to her. She worried about her mother, though.
Hell, Rachel was worrying about everything. Her parents. Her article. Her relationship with Bryce. She should be typing notes about the teddy bear tea party at her cabin. Mrs. Claus had brought smiles and laughter during story time, and Kimberly would love Rachel’s new photographs. But no, she was staying overnight at the hospital for observation.
If a nurse would remove the monitors or IV drip, maybe she would feel more like a human again. Her body ached in places she hadn’t even known could ache. It was as if the brutal cold had physically beaten her up. It seemed like centuries had passed since she’d actually felt warm enough.
An electronic sound preceded the slow whoosh of her hospital door swinging open. “Knock, knock.”
“Hi, Mom.”
Eloise moved to the side of her hospital bed and took Rachel’s hand. “Sorry, I didn’t realize the officers had left. Do you need anything?”
“No, you don’t have to fuss over me. I promise.”
“Fussing is my nature.” Eloise’s eyes were tired, and her hair looked flatter than Rachel had ever seen it.
“You should go home and get some sleep.”
“Not yet.”
“Visiting hours have to be over.”
Eloise wriggled her eyebrows. “Perks of your father’s job. I’m not leaving until I’m ready.”
Rachel studied the dark circles under Eloise’s eyes and her faded lipstick. “You need sleep as much as I do.”
Eloise gave a little sigh then tugged the blanket up higher over Rachel’s chest. “You could’ve died out there.”
“But I didn’t.”
“Maybe your father’s retirement is for the best.” She smoothed her hand over the blanket. “It feels frustrating to…” She shook her head. “So many things could have gone wrong.”
“But I’m safe.”
“I overheard two agents talking about your flag. You used your head.” Eloise smiled tightly and grabbed a tissue from the bag at her side. “I’m proud of you.”
Rachel smiled faintly. “I’m kinda proud of myself too. Desperation fueled creativity. Did anyone tell you if they found the guys who took me?”
“No one’s telling me anything, but I doubt that’s because they don’t know. I’m just a little emotional still. Your father was a mess, but he pulled it together.”
Rachel tilted her head. “Is he going to cancel his big legacy-making summit?”
Eloise smiled but shook her head. “Nope.”
“Good.”
