Page 54 of Breaking Matt

"My father has assigned a bodyguard to watch over you."

She shivered slightly.

"It's just a precaution while the police investigate it."

"I don't know how they'll be able to solve it if I can't remember anything."

"I'm sure they have their ways." That seemed to reassure her enough and she smiled as she looked down at the box of chocolates on her lap.

"You really know how to make me feel better." She began to open the box.

"Best friends know this stuff."

We'd been close friends since high school. I still remembered the moment she'd taken the seat beside me in the cafeteria on our first day of school and we'd been inseparable ever since.

She was on her third chocolate when the doctor came in to check on her. He was an older man with gray hair. She offered him a chocolate but he shook his head.

"I see you're feeling better," he said while he checked her chart.

She nodded and ate another candy. "Chocolate heals everything."

The doctor smiled and shook his head slightly. "I think it has more to do with the sugar and endorphins." He looked at the chart. "You should be able to leave tomorrow."

I had some questions about her condition but I couldn't ask them in front of Courtney, so I excused myself for a moment after the doctor put her chart back and left. I told her I was going to get some coffee. I caught the doctor just outside her room.

"Sorry, Doctor, but I wanted to ask you some questions." Matthew watched from a few feet away as I spoke.

"Sure."

"Will she remember the memories she's blocked out?" I asked.

"Every person and every situation is different but the likelihood is that she will. It could take months, or years," he said. "It could be triggered by a smell or sound. I think she will remember when she's ready."

There was no surety in his voice, and I didn't like that.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

"You're welcome." The doctor left to continue his rounds.

Chapter Seventeen

Ignawedmy lip as I thought over his answer. It was then that it struck me. If Courtney remembered what happened to her, she might be able to tell us who did it and there was the slimmest chance she could link it to Nick. But I refused to even entertain the thought of trying to get my friend to remember something that would have a huge impact on her just to be able to save myself. No—I couldn't do it. And there was no guarantee that telling her what had happened would actually make her remember anything anyway. It could all be for nothing.

"What are you thinking?" Matthew asked, studying me. His hand touched my arm.

I shook my head, trying to clear my current thoughts. They were a waste of time. "It doesn't matter."

"Tell me," he insisted, cocking his head to the side with a slight frown as he studied my features. He had a way of making me open up.

"It just occurred to me that if Courtney remembers her attack, she might be able to tell us who was involved and it could be the information we need to link Nick to her abduction."

Matthew inclined his head. "Yes." He'd already thought about it.

"But I can't do that to her." I looked at him, feeling bad I had even considered it for the briefest moment.

"I know." He reached out and caressed my face. "Like the doctor said, she'll probably remember on her own when she's able to handle it better."

I nodded in agreement. "Besides, there's no guarantee that even if we reveal the details that she will remember."