Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“The CT Scan results aren’t back yet. And Nikki was in to visit but you were sleeping, and she didn’t want to wake you. She sat for a bit while I arranged for you to be moved to a private room since they want to keep you overnight.”
She was too tired to argue. “Thank you,” she said groggily, suddenly wiped out. Like just talking was too much effort.
“Sleep, Winter. I asked, and the doctor said it was safe with the concussion.”
Her eyelids felt heavy, and she couldn’t even manage a nod. “’Kay.”
She placed her free hand on her belly and let herself go, floating somewhere she was aware of the pain but didn’t have to work so hard to stay focused.
“Sleep,” he said again. “I’ve got you.” His warm hand covered hers, protecting the life inside her. “I’ve got you both.”
Then silence descended. Only the sound of footsteps and voices outside the curtain reached her ears but from a hazy distance.
“I love you,” he said as she fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter Thirteen
It was after dinner by the time Winter was moved into a private room. Although much of his family had driven here after hearing the news, Harrison asked them to wait until tomorrow to visit. If Winter wasn’t discharged before visiting hours started, they could come by. Tonight, she needed to sleep.
After a stare-down with a nurse, she allowed him to stay overnight. It helped that he offered to have his publicist send a signed movie poster for the daughter he’d heard her mention to a colleague. The couch in the room was small, but he had no intention of sleeping there.
He called his housekeeper to go to the house and feed, walk and check on Panda, but Mrs. Baker insisted on taking the dog to her house until Winter was settled back home so they didn’t have to worry. And once he told Winter her dog was taken care of, she’d been able to close her eyes.
Harrison slept in a chair by Winter’s side. He put his head on her mattress and kept her hand in his. The one thing he didn’t do was badger Winter to talk about her ordeal or ask her questions. He was content to be with her, and there was plenty of time to talk later. Thank God.
The next morning, the doctor who needed to check Winter before she was discharged had a family emergency and was coming in later in the day. Given how much pain Winter was still in, Harrison didn’t mind. He liked Dr. Kline and was comfortable with her treating Winter. Neither he nor Winter slept well. Typical of hospitals, someone came in every three to four hours to wake up Winter and do their usual medical checks.
Zach texted that he was on his way from the city to see Winter. He also said he had information and insisted on meeting with Harrison and Asher alone. Since Nikki and Derek had come to visit, he left Winter with her family and met up with Asher and Zach in the waiting room. One that was more private than the crowded emergency room had been yesterday.
Zach’s brother pulled him into a one-armed hug. “Fuck. I’m sorry I didn’t figure this out before Winter was hurt.”
Harrison swallowed hard. “She’s going to be okay. That’s what matters.”
Asher and Zach did their own brotherly hug.
“So, what do you know?” Harrison asked.
“And why did you need us both?” Asher folded his arms across his chest.
Zach tipped his head toward a private corner and they sat, Zach and Asher on a sofa and Harrison in a chair pulled close to them. A television was bolted into the wall across the way, the volume on low and another couple talked quietly on the far side of the room before stepping into the hall.
But for the three of them, the room was empty.
“I hacked into the security feeds from street cameras first and then the café shop,” Zach said in a low voice. “I also did some digging into what the police know, and I casually spoke to some of the witnesses.”
Harrison inclined his head. “Morgan already told the police the car had passed by the café a few times, scoping out the area and he thought the driver deliberately turned and sped up, aiming at Winter.”
“Based on the video and witness statements, I’d agree,” Zach said. “The driver turned toward where Winter was standing and hit the gas. The car lurched forward and kept going. Morgan flung your girl out of the way and the car hit his leg.”
Harrison winced. “What else?”
Asher leaned forward, listening in his quiet way.
“The license plate is registered to a man who lives in New York City. Local police are coordinating with the New York cops to bring him in for a chat. Suffice it to say, Remy’s partner is taking this case more seriously now.”