Page 59 of Special Agent Isabella

“Soon, honey. Tanner went to fetch her and he’s bringing her here. He just called to say it won’t be long now. And Nan is on her way to stay with you tonight, Nan and Collin. Don’t worry anymore. You just go back to sleep.”

Abbie’s small hand brushed the tears from her eyes, and she nodded. Thankfully, her face cleared when she heard Bella’s words saying her mommy would be with her when she woke up. Bella brushed her sweat-dampened hair from her cheeks, and the child sighed. She mumbled words that shot straight through the crumbling bars around Bella’s heart. “Okay. I love you, Bella.”

“I kind of adore you too, peachypoo.”

Just as Bella hoped, she saw the smile appear on Abbie’s face before sleep claimed her once again. They’d used goofy names in a game one day and Abbie had broken up when Bella hit on that title. Using it now seemed to lighten the child’s spirits as much as it did for Bella.

At the hospital now, clearing her thoughts, she returned to the present and found herself wandering the emergency area. She let go of her musings to focus on the here and now, searching for anyone who could direct her to the waiting room where Demi would be.

Finally, a nurse approached and pointed her to the location for surgery. When she arrived, there were two groups of people sitting together, finding solace from one another. In the far corner a lone woman sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, dejected, and petrified.

Rushing forward, Bella called out to Demi and almost fell over when the other girl launched herself into her arms. “He’s still in surgery. They’ve been working on him for hours.”

“Which means he’s still alive, honey. There’s hope.”

They sat together then, holding hands, neither speaking, both lost in their own worlds. Time passed slowly until finally a tired doctor appeared, his face drawn and his eyes sad. Demi stood and approached him alone.

Bella watched the by-play of the two and instantly knew the news wasn’t good. In fact, when she saw Demi collapse, she knew it couldn’t be worse. She rushed to her friend’s side, her hands reaching for her.

“He’s gone, Bella. They just told me they did everything possible, but they couldn’t save him. He died from those knife wounds.”

Gathering Demi close, Bella hung on, rocking her friend from side to side, patting her back and letting the deluge of tears rain on her shoulder.

* * *

That’s how Tanner found them a few minutes later. So distraught that only by putting on a gruff tone was he able to get Demi to behave with some sanity.

“Stop now, Demi. Sweetheart.” He took her from Bella who also looked devasted. Wrapping his arms around the frail, weeping woman, he shushed her while his own heart ached from the horrible news.

Finally, he took control. “I’ll take you home now. There’s nothing more we can do here.” As they walked together down the hallway and out of the hospital, Tanner slid his arm around Demi and took hold of Bella’s hand. They clung to his strength, and he felt determined to stay strong for them both.

His girls needed him, and he intended on being there no matter what. Once they reached the vehicle, he helped Bella get Demi into the back seat. She seemed lifeless, as if her muscles had withered.

Limp from the crushing stress and sadness, she moved like a rag doll without any direction. Even her expression appeared blank and other than the tears streaming down her face, one would think her a lifeless statue.

Once they had Demi comfortable in the back seat with Bella holding her close, Tanner got behind the wheel and started the car. Bella finally realized that if Tanner was here, he must have picked up the governor. She began questioning him. “Is Stacy okay?”

“Yeah. Just dropped her off at the center to be with Abbie until she wakes up. And we have a new lead. His name is Vinny. I think we’re going to get some answers now.”

Demi finally looked up with some semblance of spirit. “I’m glad something’s turned out the right way for a change.”

Both Tanner and Bella answered simultaneously. “Me too.” His eyes met hers in the rear-view mirror, and he smiled gently. When she returned his gesture, a thousand pounds dropped from his shoulders. If Bella let him into her world, he could tackle anything the universe threw his way.

ChapterForty-Six

Bella saw the smile Tanner had given her and more of the ice thawed around a spirit encased in ice for far too long. Tingles of attraction wove throughout her body and this instant reaction made her return his smile.

When she saw how his face relaxed, she was glad she’d done so. Watching, she also saw his shoulders loosen which meant he was as apprehensive as she was about their budding relationship.

She glanced at her watch for the first time in hours and realized it was four in the morning. Considering how much had happened, it seemed impossible that it wasn’t later. “Tanner, can you take us to my place. With Abbie at the center, it’ll be crowded, and Demi needs her own space for a while. She can take my bedroom.”

“She’sright here.” Demi muttered. “I should go home.”

“No, you shouldn’t. Earlier, a few of your teen girls got into a bit of trouble and things were up in the air before I left. It’s best to come with me for now. You don’t need the hassle.”

Tanner interrupted. “What you need is a good night’s rest, Dem.”

“Fine.” Demi’s depressed voice answered, which made Bella check the mirror again to see if Tanner had picked up on their friend’s lack of fight also. It wasn’t at all like the girl who would normally insist on being in her own place.

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