Page 62 of Rescued Dreams

“He’s been in prison for more than ten years.” Amelia hadn’t seen him and didn’t want to.

Jess frowned. “He was released a month ago. Didn’t anyone inform you?”

“Like, as a courtesy?” When they indicated yes, Amelia said, “I’m not listed as his family. I have a different name. No one is supposed to know we’re related.”

“I’ll call his parole officer. Make sure he’s squared away, following the rules. There will be conditions on his release, and if you believe he means you harm, then I’d recommend filing a restraining order.”

Amelia wanted to point out that a paper wouldn’t deter her brother from doing whatever he wanted. But the reality was, it would enable the police to lock him back up if he violated it. He had to follow the law, or he couldn’t be free.

“Are you worried he might come after you?” Olivia asked her.

Amelia blew out a breath. “I have no idea. I thought I saw him, and now that I know he’s been released from prison, I guess that makes sense.”

Jess picked up the line of thinking when Amelia stopped, saying, “Whether or not that makes him part of what’s happening to you is something we’ll need to find out. I’ll track him down through his parole officer and get an alibi for the times you were accosted. Does that sound good?”

Olivia stood. “At least it would rule out his involvement if he can prove he had nothing to do with these attacks.” She went to the door and opened it, revealing Ridge holding a tray. “We’ll leave you to your dinner.”

Jess took the tablet and handed Amelia her card. “Call me direct with any questions, or if you have a problem. Any problem.”

“Thanks.” Amelia held on to the card, watching them leave.

Ridge eased the door shut with his foot. “Did it go okay?”

“I didn’t recognize any of the pictures, but I think I gained two friends.”

He smiled, set the tray on the rolling table that would go over the bed, and wheeled it to her. “That’s good, right?”

“It’s different.” She was different.

At least, that’s how it felt. Given everything that’d happened over the past week or so, who wouldn’t be shaken or off-kilter?

Before he could ask her about it, she said, “Are you really missing a shift just because I’m here? You should be running Truck 14 so that I know it’s in good hands while I’m working on getting my rank back.” She shot him a look. “One tiny issue and you’ve abandoned your post.”

His brows rose. Ridge sat by her feet on the end of the bed. “You want me to leave?”

“No.”

He stared a little longer. “Good, because I’m right where I want to be.”

Now what was she supposed to do with that?

Amelia grabbed the bowl that turned out to have grains, beans, and pieces of chicken in it. And it smelled amazing. “Who knew hospital food would actually be good?”

She swallowed a big bite so she didn’t have to talk and say things she wasn’t ready to say.

Ridge grabbed a couple of fries from beside his burger and folded them into his mouth. Once he was done chewing, he said, “How are you feeling?”

She held the bowl with one hand, her fork with the other. Pausing before the next bite, she said, “Like someone tried to kill me.”

She knew what the marks on her throat looked like.

As if someone had tried to strangle her.

His gaze lowered to her neck. “You got out of there. If you hadn’t, you might’ve…” He cleared his throat.

“I’m glad it worked out.”

“The trick will be making sure nothing like that happens again. Not to you or anyone else.” Ridge grabbed his burger and took a bite. He’d never even changed into his uniform for the shift. She needed her bag of street clothes from the firehouse if she was going to have something to wear when she left—which would be a good idea. Hospital gowns were breezy.