Page 113 of Exposed

Bennie turned to Detective Lindenhurst. “So let’s nail this down. When are you releasing Simon?”

“If Walker comes through with the information we requested, I’m hoping I’ll be able to release Simon by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Or nine o’clock.”

Detective Lindenhurst smiled slightly. “Noon is a possibility.”

“How about ten o’clock? I’ll settle for ten o’clock.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Detective Lindenhurst chuckled, rising, and everybody behind him stood up, getting ready to leave.

“Thank you.” Bennie stood up, too. Her ribs were hurting again but she ignored it. “I’m sorry I yelled at you before.”

“It’s okay. It happens.” Detective Lindenhurst’s smile widened.

Declan burst into laughter. “At least she apologized to you. I think she likes you better than me.”

Bennie laughed too. “I don’t like anybody better than you right now. You’re golden!”

They all laughed again, said their good-byes, and walked to the door of the meeting room. Detective Lindenhurst and the others went left, heading for the elevators, and Bennie and Declan turned right, toward the lounge. Just then, she spotted a familiar figure midway down the hall, coming toward them. Nate, wearing a blue sweater, pressed jeans, and a contrite expression.

“That’s Nate Lence,” Bennie said under her breath.

“TheNate Lence?” Declan focused on Nate like a police dog. “Am I allowed to take him outside? We’re already at the hospital. He won’t have to go far to get stitches. Or crutches. It’s convenient for all parties.”

“No.” Bennie smiled. “Just be nice and civil.”

“Is hand-to-hand combat civil?”

“Please be nice, for Mary’s sake. She’s what matters now.”

“Fine,” Declan said, resigned.

Nate reached them in the hallway. “Bennie, I heard what happened and I came to say how sorry I am. About Mary, about you, and everything.”

“Thank you. Nate, meet Declan Mitchell.”

“Nice to meet you, Declan.” Nate pursed his lips, extending a hand to Declan, who shook it without breaking it off.

“Hello, Nate.”

Nate turned to Bennie. “I was just in the lounge. I met Simon’s family and Mary’s. I’m going to get to the bottom of what happened at OpenSpace. I’ll find a way to make it right. First thing in the morning, I’m going to speak to Corporate Giving at CHOP. I’m sure the Blood and Marrow Unit could use a contribution.”

Declan interrupted, “Does money excuse what you did? Firing Bennie? Accusing Mary of disciplinary violations?”

Bennie rushed to say, “Nate, I’m sure CHOP would appreciate that. Now, we have to go. We want to be with Mary’s family as well.”

Nate avoided Declan’s eye. “I truly am sorry. We can talk later.”

“We don’t have anything to talk about, Nate. Good-bye.” Bennie started to walk away, taking Declan’s hand before he used it to commit bodily harm.

“But Bennie,” Nate called after her, turning. “We do have cases coming in, and I’d like for you to represent Dumbarton again. We need you in your former role.”

“No, thank you,” Bennie called back, taking Declan away. “We have to go. Good-bye.”

They left Nate behind, and Declan looked over. “Nice burn, babe.”

“Wasn’t it? And you behaved yourself. Sort of.”