Page 48 of Nowhere to Hide

I didn’t like feeling out of the loop, but my head was already fuzzy as my leg throbbed.

“I have medic training from the army. I know what to look for. We’re going to stay near the wharf here for a few days, just out in the bay. I can have her back in the hospital if anything happens.”

The doctor sighed. “All right. I wasn’t aware the security of the hospital had been compromised.”

“Twice,” Locke said darkly.

I swiveled my head. “Twice?”

He squeezed my shoulder, but didn’t say anything else.

I was feeling more and more out of control and my heart started kicking up. It was as if Locke knew. He lightly smoothed his hand down over my shoulder to my arm and back up in a firm pressure.

Like the hard press on my chest, the pressure set me back in the moment.

My mouth dry, I tried desperately to swallow.

He lifted the cup and handed it to me.

How did this stranger know what I needed?

Hell, he was more attuned to me than Marcus—my ex.

“Fine. I would like review her charts with the nurses before I make a decision.”

Locke nodded. “Thank you.”

The doctor looked annoyed, but she left without another word.

“Why the hell are you pretending we’re involved?”

Locke drew his hand away.

I immediately wanted it back, but I was also pissed. “And why didn’t I know there was another...” I closed my eyes. Frustration laced my words. “I’m not incapacitated, dammit.”

“I know. I’m sorry to do this to you, but I am worried about your safety. Locke’s agreed to hide you on his boat.”

“Why didn’t you tell me,” I said to Locke.

“I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Oh, and now is fine?”

“I was more worried about it last night. Now I just want you safe.”

“And why would I be safe with you? Shouldn’t I stay in police custody if it’s that important?”

“I wish I could give it to you, Cilla. I might be able to handle a day or two on my own for a hotel where I can give you some security, but the police department doesn’t have the budget to give you twenty-four seven protection,” Stone added.

“Why not? If this asshole has been here twice, wouldn’t that get me at least some help?”

“I could push it, but my captain is more worried about how things look if the press gets wind of your attack.”

“So, other women won’t know about this?”

Stone looked annoyed and frustrated. “I’m working on it. I need to prove that what happened to you wasn’t a solo occurrence.”

I didn’t know the ins and outs of actual police work, only the kind that I saw on television. “And you want me to stay with Locke?”