Page 104 of Tough as Steele

“We’ll be there.” Nate held out his hand to the sergeant. “And thank you for understanding.”

He shook hands. “Thanks for the show. Have to admit I’ve never seen that kind of reaction from two detectives. Puts a whole new meaning in interagency cooperation.”

One of the nearby officers snickered.

Heat rose over Londyn’s face.

Nate glared at the man. “The next time you survive stepping on a pressure plate, feel free to judge our behavior, but until then, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself,” Nate said, and Londyn knew in that moment that he was a keeper for sure.

Nate sat on the edge of Mimi’s bed in the small ER room, where an IV bag dripped into her arm. She was low in fluids and electrolytes, but otherwise the doctor declared her healthy. Thankfully, Holt had let her bring a bottle of her heart medicine. Not because he was kind and thoughtful but because he knew he needed to keep her alive in case he had to provide proof of life. And sadly, he’d often mentioned that to Mimi. She’d spent the entire time in the bunker knowing he planned to kill her.

She squeezed his hand. “I knew I could count on you to find me. I didn’t know you would have such an able partner though.”

“Come here, dear.” Mimi held out her hand to Londyn, who’d hung back at the door. “I’m so glad to see that the bomb was disabled and you weren’t hurt.”

“Thank you for remaining so calm during the turmoil,” Londyn said, coming closer and taking Mimi’s outstretched hand. “It made all the difference, enabling us to do our jobs.”

She released Londyn’s hand and waved hers. “It was just an old lady too tired and weak to do much. If I’d been myself, I would’ve tried to help.”

Nate gave her a fond smile. “Probably good you didn’t.”

“I believe you’re right. That man is evil.” She frowned. “But this is all my fault. If I hadn’t hired that woman, none of it would’ve happened. She really set me up.”

“Let us do a background check on your next assistant,” Nate said.

Mimi nodded. “I’m just thankful Holt didn’t kill me the second he got the money.”

“Did he say why he didn’t?” Londyn asked.

“He figured he’d keep me alive in case Nate didn’t come after Wigg. Then he’d use me as bait.” She freed Nate’s hand and clapped. “Now tell me. Is there something going on with the two of you?”

Nate wanted to share about their potential relationship, but he was embarrassed to say that he’d fallen for a woman during the time when he was supposed to be finding Mimi. He would forever wonder if he might’ve located Mimi sooner if he’d had a clearer head, not one distracted by the beautiful woman at his side.

Mimi tsked. “Don’t look like that. You did your very best to get to me in time, and I know your main focus was there. But son, I can already tell Londyn is an amazing woman. She stood on a bomb and didn’t crumple, for goodness’ sake. Women like that don’t come into your life every day.”

He looked at Londyn and smiled. “No, they don’t. And don’t worry, I don’t plan to let her get away from me.” He shifted his focus back to Mimi. “Now, we need to take your statement, if you’re up to it.”

“Of course I am.” Mimi firmed her shoulders under the flowery hospital gown. “We’ll let these fluids continue to drip, and I’ll tell the saga of a very bad man who hurt and then killed everyone who helped him. Because, he told me of his crimes in great detail and with great pride.”

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Nate turned his attention to the small stage Mimi had the event staff build in her foyer, where she stood at a small glass-and-gold podium. The space had been decorated with white flowers, greenery, and twinkling lights, and caterers filled the adjoining dining room table with fancy appetizers. Three weeks had passed since Mimi’s abduction, and her doctor had cleared her to host her birthday celebration. She’d wanted another garden party, but the weather didn’t cooperate, and she had to settle for an indoor event.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Her voice came out strong and in command over the speakers, and she clinked a pen against her glass of sparkling cider.

The crowd hushed and turned to face the stage.

“If Nate and Londyn would join me, I would appreciate it.”

Londyn glanced at Nate, her eyes wide. He was equally surprised, but he recovered and put his hand at the small of her back and urged her to the steps. As she climbed them, his gaze was drawn to her legs below the frilly skirt of her glittery dress. She stepped up to Mimi, who took her hand before holding out her other to Nate. He gently cradled Mimi’s soft and delicate palm in his.

“I want to publicly thank this special couple,” she said, her forceful, commanding tone back in place. “Nate Ryder and Londyn Steele, two fine detectives who rescued me from my abductor.”

Applause broke out, and a flush of heat rose up Nate’s neck to his face. He didn’t want this kind of public acknowledgment for doing his job.

“My sweet Nate, the closest person I have to a grandson, is blushing because he doesn’t like to be recognized this way.” Mimi looked at Londyn. “Neither does sweet Londyn. They do what they do not for glory or credit but for good in a world that seems to be growing increasingly evil. I owe these two my life, and I won’t ever forget that.”

Applause thundered again, and she first kissed Nate’s cheek, then Londyn’s.

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