Page 67 of Countdown

Raina smiled at Vince, who’d been watching the whole thing with avid interest. Now he frowned. “Raina—”

She walked over to him, kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back.”

“Raina—”

“See you in a few.”

She slipped out the door before he could talk her out of it.

He didn’t like her going off on her own, but she was in her second home. She wasn’t worried. She made a quick stop by Penny’s locker where she grabbed the boots, then her own locker where she found a pair of jeans, socks, and a sweatshirt. She changed faster than Superman in a phone booth, then shoved her feet in the boots. They were a little tight, but they’d do. She then made her way to the floor where Felix Hamilton was recuperating and aimed herself toward his room. Once he was released, he’d be transported to the jail to await his time in front of the judge.

“Hey, Raina, wait up.”

She turned to see hospital security officer Lenny Maxwell ambling toward her. “Hi, Lenny, I’m sorry, I’m kind of busy. Can we chat a little later?”

“Not here to chat, just going to hang close by.”

“Oh?” The light dawned. “Oh. Let me guess. Vince asked you to keep an eye on me?”

“Not exactly how he put it. Just asked me to hang around a specific room number.”

“Funny how I’m going to that room.” She shook her head. “All right, come on. I just want to check the waiting area first, okay?”

Lenny shot her a grin and followed her to the waiting room. “You looking for someone?”

“His wife and kids.”

Raina stepped inside, scanning for the faces in the picture. Not there. Maybe the kids were with relatives and the man’s wife was back in the room with him—or maybe they were all with him. She was kind of surprised he wasn’t in the ICU, but keeping the piece of the steering wheel lodged where it was had been the right thing to do. So much so that he got a regular room.

Lucky him.

The television in the corner caught her eye. A ski slope and the Olympic Rings in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen. Captions scrolled across the bottom relaying the words of the reporter. “The Olympic team is gearing up for the charity benefit they’ve been asked to participate in. From downhill skiing to snowboarding to ice skating, it should be a fun afternoon that will raise a lot of money for the local Children’s Hospital. One fun piece of news is that Michael Harrison has been asked to join in the event. I know I’m looking forward to watching that and I’m sure you are too.” A picture of Michael on his snowboard popped up and then flashed to replay the interview that had started Raina’s hunt for the man who’d almost killed her.

“Oh boy,” she whispered.

“What is it?” Lenny asked.

“Nothing.” Something. But she had to focus. She needed to get in the room, say what she came to say—without saying anything she’d regret—and get out.

She approached the guard and flashed her hospital badge at her. “Can he have visitors? I’m a paramedic and was one of the people at the scene. I also worked on him in the chopper.”

“No kidding. Yeah, the doc came out just a few minutes ago. Said he was awake. His lawyer stopped by and they talked a long time—until the nurse came and chased him off.”

“Then it’s okay if I go in?”

“You’re close enough to being considered hospital personnel and you were a part of saving his life, so...”

“Right. Thanks.”

Raina pushed the door open. “Mr. Hamilton?”

No answer.

She stepped into the room and found the man alone and sleeping. His pale face was turned toward the window and one wrist was shackled to the bed frame.

Pity swept over her and the sudden surge of emotion caught her by surprise. Here was a man who’d caused a disaster on the highway, put several people in the hospital, and nearly killed himself. A man with a family who loved him if the picture was any indication. Why was she feeling sorry for the guy? He needed to be put away for a very long time and—

His head rolled toward her and his eyes flickered open. When they centered on her, he frowned. Licked his lips. “Who are you?” The words were no more than a whisper.

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