“Get some rest.” Liam sat forward and leaned his forearms on his legs. “We’ll be here when you wake up.”
Sam nodded and let herself drift back to sleep.
Liam had remained rooted to the loveseat while Sam slept. His mind raced with a myriad of things. His growing feelings for Sam and the fact that the fire had been set with the intention of ending Sam’s life were at the forefront. She had grown to be so much more than just a witness. He cared for her. More than he should as her handler.
Did that make him the best person to keep her safe, or the worst? He could argue both sides. Hopefully, that was an argument he wouldn’t need to have any time soon.
Liam’s phone vibrated in his hand.
Glover
I’m here.
While Sam had been visiting with her coworkers, Liam had made a few calls. Sam and Bella were under twenty-four-hour protection, and he couldn’t be at two places at once, so he asked Glover if she would be available to work the night shift at the hospital while he took the girls home.
Before Sophia, he would have been good to stay at the hospital the entire time. When it came to sleeping and eating, Liam could regulate his body. Now, he had another person to think about. Two people, actually. Until Sam was well and out of the hospital, Isabella was his responsibility.
He stood up and opened the door just as there was a knock.
Glover looked more tired than she had earlier. It had been a long day for all of them.
“Good evening.” She smiled at him and then everyone else in the room.
“Glover, this is Samantha. You already know Isabella and Sophia.”
“Nice to meet you.” Glover nodded at Samantha.
A look of confusion crossed Sam’s face.
“Glover is going to sit with you while I take the girls home so they can rest.”
“No.” Isabella stood up. “I’m not leaving Sam.”
“Bella.” Sam reached up and grabbed her sister’s hand. “Relax. You heard the doctor. I’m going to be fine. There’s no use in you being stuck here sleeping on that uncomfortable sofa.”
“We’ll come back first thing in the morning. I promise.” Liam smiled softly at Isabella.
“She’ll be safe,” Glover said. “The hospital has security, and I’ll be here, standing at the door all night. No one will get past me.”
Isabella was quiet. Thinking it over.
Liam took a deep breath. “She should be able to go home tomorrow, and she’ll need some clothes and personal items. I could really use your help.” It wasn’t just an excuse. Liam didn’t really want to rummage through Sam’s things.
Isabella turned to Sam. “Promise me you’ll call if something happens.”
“I promise. I plan on going to sleep.” Sam yawned.
“Okay.” Isabella leaned over and hugged her sister. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Isabella grabbed her stuff and walked to the door.
Liam fought the urge to walk over and give Samantha a hug. A handler wouldn’t hug his witness goodbye. “I’ll have Isabella get your clothes and toiletries. Is there anything else you’ll want or need?”
Sam looked around. “Maybe my phone charger.” She reached over and grabbed her cell phone off the hospital bedside table.
“I have a charger that will fit.” Glover pulled a charger from her pocket. “Never leave home without it. I brought it up in case anyone needed to use it.”
