Page 2 of Forged in Steele

She really was in no mood for chitchat, but talking would keep her mind off being late. “It’s a press conference, actually.”

He glanced in the rearview mirror. “You gonna be on the news?”

“Could be.”

“What for, if you don’t mind me asking?” Suspicion laced his tone.

“An uptick in crime has hit the hospital lately, and they came under fire in the news for their lax security.”

“Yeah, I heard about that.”

“I signed a contract for our family company, Steele Guardians, to provide security guards for them. It’s all part of the hospital’s new focus on security. Today’s our company’s first day, and we’re announcing it this morning at a press conference.”

“Impressive.” He turned onto the main thoroughfare, and she wanted to press her foot to the gas. “Sounds like it’ll be a big account for you.”

“My first account.” She let her mind drift to the day Mr. Coglin, the hospital administrator, called to say the board had approved their contract. One of the largest contracts Steele Guardians had ever secured. She hoped it showed the family that she was more than the baby of the family and was up to the new job.

She’d learned of the hospital troubles while on duty when she’d responded to a theft call. She’d gone to her family and asked to approach the hospital as her first client. Her father and uncle, who founded the company, thought it was too big of a contract for her first one, but she convinced them to let her have it.

And now she was going to be late.

She leaned forward. “Can you go faster?”

“Sorry. I won’t get a speeding ticket.”

As a deputy, Bristol understood—she really did—but she didn’t like it.

She sat back but kept glancing at her watch. As they neared the hospital she had seven minutes until the press conference. Just enough time to run through the hospital to the room near the back. Maybe she should take her shoes off so she could move faster. Nah, that would be unprofessional and the hospital administrator put the word profession in professional. He was old school to the max.

She lifted a hand to nibble on her fingernail and jerked it away. She had to break this habit if she didn’t want to have jagged nails. She made sure she was always well-groomed as a deputy, but no one getting a speeding ticket cared if her nails were bitten to the quick. As a sales manager, she had to present a much more professional front.

The hospital signs came into view on the tree-lined street.

Yes!

She leaned forward. “Go to the main entrance and drop me at patient unloading.”

“You got it.” He clicked on his blinker. “And hey, good luck with the conference. Hope you’re on time.”

She checked her watch again. Four minutes. Her heart dropped in her chest.

The driver pulled into the circular patient loading area, and Bristol bolted out, nearly getting her heels tangled in the small vehicle. She rushed inside and spotted Teagan in a wide courtyard with tall plants and a trickling fountain.

They came together and ran for the back over a slick tile floor. Bristol concentrated on her steps so she didn’t face-plant. That was all she needed.

She got out the ID badge provided by the hospital, giving her access to most areas and enabling her to monitor her guards today.

Teagan focused her dark eyes in Bristol’s direction. “I hope you know what you’re going to say.”

“That’s why I slept in.” Bristol wanted to groan but held it back. “I was up all night getting it just right and then fell asleep at my desk without setting the alarm.”

They approached the door and slowed in unison to a clipped walk. Bristol ran a hand over her hair as did Teagan. They were cousins and both had long, near-black hair and were often mistaken for sisters. Teagan was four years older, and Bristol had always taken a back seat to her cousin. Not today. Today Bristol would shine. She had to.

If her faith wasn’t so weak right now, she’d ask for help.

Teagan opened the door, and they stepped into the room. Surprisingly, the space was filled with reporters and photographers, the air humming with conversation. Bristol hadn’t expected the media would find this story interesting. Maybe it was a slow news day. Either way, she felt lightheaded.

“Just breathe,” Teagan whispered over her shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”

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