Page 54 of Karma

Christopher knelt. “We meet again.”

Liza wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion.

“I took you from the fair to the hospital,” he explained.

Liza shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember you.”

Christopher smiled. “That’s pretty normal for a head injury. How are you now?”

“I’m fine. I just want to go home.”

“As soon as I check you out, I’m sure you can.”

Sam rose to his feet, and Dare followed him to a private corner while Christopher examined Liza. “What the hell happened?” Dare asked.

“She said her brakes felt spongy. She planned to pull over after the traffic light and had already slowed down some, but when she tried to brake for red, the car kept going, and all she could do was pick a fairly empty spot and brace for impact.” Sam shook his head in disbelief.

Dare was nauseous. “What kind of new car loses its brakes? I want that vehicle thoroughly checked out.”

Sam nodded. “You know I’m on it.”

“Thanks. And I appreciate you calling me.”

Sam smirked. “You owe me one. She’s pretty pissed at me now.”

“You’ll live,” Dare said wryly.

“Yeah, well, in the meantime, I called Mason’s Towing. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”

“Good. I’m going to go back and see how she’s doing.”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t seem like the lady wanted to see you.”

Dare shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “Yeah, well, maybe I gave her good reason.”

But the minute he’d heard Liza had been in an accident, all the problems between them hadn’t seemed important. It would become apparent soon enough, though, that she didn’t feel the same way.

By the time he approached Liza again, Christopher had finished examining her and had given her the all clear. “Your neck will be sore tomorrow,” he warned her. “Your ribs and chest too. The air bag does a number on the body, but it definitely protected you.”

“What’s a few more aches and pains?” she asked, and Dare recognized the forced joke for what it was.

“And you’re sure your head is okay?” Christopher asked. “You do have a recent injury.”

“Yes. And if anything hurts, I’ll call Dr. Collins,” she promised. “May I go home now?”

“It’s fine with me. Officer?”

Christopher turned to Sam, who nodded. “I need to finish taking witness statements, and I’ll need you to come by later to sign yours,” he said to Liza. “But for now you can go.”

“I suggest you get some rest,” Christopher said as he gathered his equipment. “You’re probably more shaken up than you realize.”

Given Liza’s pale face, Dare had to agree.

“Do you have a ride home?” Sam asked her.

And Dare braced himself for the inevitable argument as he volunteered his services.

Chapter Ten

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