Page 80 of Lethal Game

"This whole situation is complicated."

"That's true. But I haven't ever heard you talk about a man the way you talk about him."

"Well, he's different than everyone else."

"In what way?"

"Pretty much every way."

"Do you think it's possible you have a little hero worship going on?" her mother asked tentatively.

"It's more than that. I really like him. He's very blunt and calls it like it is, and that's refreshing. There aren't any games. I feel like he's someone I can trust. Like he means what he says. He is who he is."

"You're talking about your father now."

"Maybe a little. I think what he did was wrong, Mom. He should have filled us in on his life a long time ago."

"I understand why he didn't."

"I know you do, but maybe we could have prevented what's happening now if we had been better prepared."

"Or maybe our lives wouldn't have been so wonderful if we'd known what darkness might come after us."

"You'll never be angry at him, will you?" she asked with a sigh.

"I wouldn't go that far," her mother said. "He's made me angry plenty of times. But it's never diminished the love I have for him or his love for me. We have a connection that is strong and steady and will never go away."

She had to admire her mother's unwavering belief in her dad. "I've always wanted a love like you and Dad have."

"It's real. Even if the foundation is built on something false, what we have together is pure. He's not perfect and neither am I. But we've built a good life together, and I really hope…" For the first time, her mother's voice broke.

She moved to the bed to hug her mother. "He's going to be all right," she said as they embraced each other.

"He will be," her mother said, infusing strength into her voice. "He said he'd make things right, so I'm going to keep believing until I can't."

She pulled away from her mom, her eyes filled with the same moisture she saw in her mother's. "I'm going to try to do that, too."

"He's a good man, Alisa."

"I think you're right." She blew out a breath. "Maybe we should unmute the TV and try not to think about everything."

"Why don't you take a break?" her mother suggested. "You've been here all day."

"I promised Jason I wouldn't leave."

"You don't have to leave the hospital. You can go to the nurse's lounge, talk to some of your friends, or go to the cafeteria and get lunch. It might do you good."

She thought about that. She really needed to get out of this room. "Do you want me to bring you something?"

"Maybe something sweet out of the vending machine. That would be safe. But don't come back too soon. Catch your breath. This could be a long day."

"All right. Call the nurse if you need anything."

"I'm feeling very close to normal, Alisa. You don't need to worry about me anymore."

"Okay, I'll be back soon."

As she entered the hallway, she saw a woman with a cane walking slowly down the hall. She offered her a brief smile, surprised when the woman stopped.