Page 80 of Adam's Rising

The sheriff nodded. “Got it. I tell you what, I’ll do some checking, see if any previous arrests have aliases withsnake. But, kid… You gotta watch your back. Lala’s father… I’ve heard some bad stuff. Landrums, too. Just because my son has hung out with Boyd since grade school doesn’t mean his old man is any good. Both families got deep pockets. High-paid lawyers. You need to tread carefully, son.”

Adam glanced at the hospital entrance, daring one of Claire’s attackers to show up. The .38 he’d wanted so badly to get rid of now stayed on his side.

“I will, Sir,” Adam said. “But I won’t stop until I find who hurt her.”

Wheelan nodded once. “Didn’t think Samuel Belgarde’s son would.” He got back into his cruiser and drove off.

Adam walked back to Peter. “I know you’re not supposed to drive, but since the sheriff went in the opposite direction, why don’t you head back to the ranch? Get some sleep?”

“What about you?”

“There’s a chair in her room. I can sleep there.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” Adam said, “but do me a favor… Don’t mope. Claire’s gonna be fine. Clara Mae needs help. Can you fill in for me, please?”

“Yeah, man.” Peter leaned in and hugged him. “Tell her I love her, too. Like a sister,” he added quickly.

Adam pressed the keyring into his brother’s hand, then sent him off with a pat on his back. “Be good.”

Peter glared at him, then trotted around to the driver’s door.

Adam scannedthe ER and waiting area before returning to Claire’s room.

When he walked in, she was awake but looking out the window.

He tiptoed to her bed, then kneeled down to kiss her forehead. “Peter said to tell you he loves you, too… Like a sister.”

She smiled faintly. “I love him, too. Like a brother, a bratty kid brother.”

Adam slid into the chair beside her. “You sound a bit better. The IV fluids must be kicking in.”

“Definitely.”

“But seriously, Peter hasn’t left the hospital either, by the way. He was so upset when you went missing — we all were. But he’s so young, and he’s lost so much. I think the idea of losing you scared him almost as much as it did me.”

Her smile deepened.

Adam hated to diminish the smile, but they’d promised to be honest with each other.

He took her hand. “I talked to the sheriff.”

Claire’s expression sobered. “Will he do anything?”

“Not without more proof. But we’ll get it. We’ll be careful.”

She nodded. “We have to be. If Lala was there, and I know she was… More than likely, her father is involved.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” He leaned in and touched her cheek. “But they have to know now that you know nothing. Hell, I don’t know anything. So, let’s take a minute. We’ll keep a watchful eye. I already spoke with Clara Mae, and she says you’re taking her daughter’s room.”

Claire’s eyebrows lifted. “Really?”

Adam curbed his smile. “She also said… No funny business. If she catches me within ten feet of your room, or you within ten feet of mine, she’ll pull out her fire poker — as she calls it.”

Claire glanced down at the cast on her leg. “I don’t think I’ll be sneaking anywhere for a while.”

Adam kissed her gently, just a small peck, then pulled up. “I’ll carry you.”