Page 16 of Risky Obsession

Back then, I didn’t have anything to live for. I hated myself, and what I’d done and who I’d become.

This time was different. I knew exactly who I was, and what I wanted.

I wanted to catch the bastard who had just slipped through my fingers.

My hospital gown was open at the back, and the cool air brushed across the opening, teasing my skin. I lowered myself onto the toilet and winced at the agony gripping my chest.

Closing my eyes, I clenched my jaw and begged for the pain to go away.

At the basin, with trembling fingers, I splashed water on my face with my left hand and tried to push away the dizzy hazeengulfing me.

When I stepped out of the restroom, Captain Watts stood by the door, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

“You should be resting.”

“Yes, sir. Sorry. I had to pee.” I grinned.

He scowled.

I shuffled back to the bed, trying not to wince with every movement. I sat on the edge of the cot, but the pain in my leg made my eyes water, so I swung my legs up and laid back.

“Did you get Aria?” I asked.

“She’s on her way. I have Kingsley heading up to get a statement from you, and Whisper is coming too.”

“Whisper!” I’d forgotten she had been on that island, too. “Is she okay?”

“She is now that you’re awake. She was the one who dragged you from the water and gave you CPR. She saved your life.”

“CPR? Oh.”

“Yes, you bloody idiot.”

“Sir, I had absolutely no indication that situation was going to play out like it did. Did anyone else get hurt?”

“No. Thank Christ.” He shook his head at me like I was a naughty teenager caught stealing. “Nearly every building on the island was damaged though.”

A knock sounded at the door, and Detective Kingsley appeared at Watts’ side.

“Lacey, glad to see you awake.” He strode to the bed and rested his hand on my shoulder in a show of affection that was unprecedented from him.

“Thanks. I need to get out of here.”

Kingsley’s eyes mirrored concern. “I don’t think you’re going anywhere for a while.”

“I have to.” I jerked forward. “I have?—”

“Hey, captain.” Aria’s voice came from the doorway that I still couldn’t see.

She swept into the room, her presence commanding attention. Her black eyes locked onto mine, assessing the state I was in.

“Lacey,” she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and fury, “you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“That’s an understatement.” Captain Watts stood by the foot of the bed with his arms crossed and a stern expression etched on his face.

“I’m sorry, Aria . . . everyone. It all happened so quickly. One minute, I was working on a hunch, and the next minute I realized I was face to face with Chui’s accountant, Grant Hughes. That’s when he attacked me.”

“I hear there’s a crazy woman in here.” Whisper bounded into the room. “There you are. You look better than the last time I saw you.”