Page 69 of Scorched Secrets

“It’s my fault,” Faye said. “The arsonist was after me, but Colin jumped directly into danger to protect me.”

Alanna’s jaw dropped, her gaze bouncing between him and Faye. “Why do I think there’s more to this story?”

“I can fill you in later.” Colin slid off the gurney, trying to think of a way to get rid of his sister. “You should get back to your patients who need you, Alanna. I promise I’m fine.”

His sister sighed. “Hold on. I’ll grab you a scrub top. You can’t go walking around shirtless.” Alanna left as abruptly as she’d barged in.

He turned to take Faye’s hands in his, hoping the second time was the charm. “Faye, I lo—”

“Faye? I’ve been looking all over for you.” Chief Kimble’s voice boomed from the doorway. Whatever happened to patient privacy? His room was getting more traffic than the Marquette freeway interchange during rush hour.

“Dad.” Faye slipped her hands from his, turning to face her father. “I’m sorry.”

Chief Kimble wrapped Faye in his arms, giving Colin a solemn nod. “Nothing for you to be sorry about. I owe Colin here a debt of gratitude for keeping you safe. And if anyone should apologize, it’s me. I’m the one who has failed Annie.”

“You didn’t fail her, I’m the one she hated.” Faye stepped back to look up at her father. “I had no idea she resented me so much. I want to go check on her, but I’m not sure she’ll want to see me.”

“Claire is with her,” Dorian said. “There is one large third-degree burn on her back. Sounds like she’ll need surgery—” His voice broke. The large man lifted his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, taking a moment to pull himself together. Colin averted his gaze, feeling bad for what the older guy was going through. “She also needs psychiatric help,” Dorian finally added. “Claire is determined to hire the best lawyer possible to prevent Annie from serving a lengthy prison term.”

Faye nodded. “I think that’s smart. She needs help, Dad. And I’m willing to do my part if that helps. Family counseling or whatever.”

He nodded. “I heard she told you the truth. About how your mother and I adopted you thirty years ago.”

“Yes. But it’s okay, I’m not angry or anything.” Faye grimaced. “Maybe a little upset you didn’t tell me sooner.”

“Your entire family perished in the fire,” Dorian said. “If there was any chance of reuniting you with your blood family, I wouldn’t have kept the secret. But they were gone, and your mother had just suffered a miscarriage.” He managed a smile. “We both gratefully accepted the chance to adopt you.”

Now that father and daughter were standing side by side, Colin could see what Faye meant about not looking like her parents. He didn’t say anything, unwilling to interrupt.

“I’m surprised you were able to keep it a secret,” Faye murmured.

“Only because there wasn’t much social media thirty years ago. These days keeping that quiet would be impossible.” Dorian’s expression sobered. “I’m sorry if that caused you to be upset.”

“It didn’t. I’m blessed to have had a wonderful life with you and Mom.” Faye hugged him again. “I think you should go offer your support to Claire and Annie now. They’ll need your strength to get through this.”

“I will.” Dorian kissed the top of her head, then stepped around Faye, holding out his hand to Colin. “Thank you again, Colin. I appreciate everything you’ve done for my daughter.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” He somberly shook Chief Kimble’s hand.

“I hope those injuries won’t keep you off the job too long.” The older man frowned as if first noticing the dressings. “We need more men like you in the ranks, Finnegan.”

“Two weeks, sir,” Colin admitted. “But I’ll be back as soon as possible after that.”

Chief Dorian nodded, then turned back to face his daughter. “I’ll let you know about Annie’s condition when I learn more. For now, you should head home to get some rest. And you’re welcome to stay at our place.”

“Ah, thanks. I’ll let you know.” Faye’s evasive response told Colin she didn’t want to go there. And he couldn’t blame her. Not after everything that had happened.

As the chief left, Alanna returned with a scrub top. “Here. Do you need help putting it on?”

“I can dress myself, thanks.” He took the green scrub top and bit back a wince as he lifted it up and over his arms and head. He walked over to stand beside Faye. “We should get out of here. I’m sure there are other patients who need this bed more than I do.”

“I’m going to hold you to your promise,” Alanna called out after him. “I want to hear the whole story, Colin.”

He lifted a hand acknowledging her comment but kept walking. Twice he’d tried to tell Faye how much he loved her.

And he’d been interrupted both times. He led the way through the hospital waiting room, then outside. When they were a few steps from the entrance, he turned to Faye. “I was wondering if you would be willing to stay in my guest room for a few nights. I won’t invade your privacy or anything, but I could tell you didn’t really want to bunk with your father and stepmother. Besides, you would be doing me a favor in helping with my dressings.”

“Your guest room?” She searched his gaze as if to ferret out the truth behind his offer. He’d never taken advantage of the situation when they’d been hiding from Annie and wasn’t about to start now.

---