“Can I help you get into bed?” he asked.
“Thanks, but I have to do it so I can manage the pain.” Moving gingerly, she got into bed and relaxed against the propped pillows.
“Until your memory returns, I don’t think we should tell the staff much.” He sat on the edge of the bed. But he didn’t touch her.
“I agree.” Her heart ached for him. She wanted desperately to hold his hand.
“Let’s keep the explanation vague. Tell them you were mugged over the holiday weekend and don’t remember what happened.”
She nodded. “Thank you for staying at the hospital with me. I’m sorry I’m putting you through this. If I could move out, I would.”
“No more talking. Rest.”
Taylor arrived with tea and settled onto the sofa. “I’ll stay with her.”
“I’ll be back.” Colton pecked Brigit’s forehead and left. Had she mistaken a convenient sexual relationship for something meaningful? Her heart hurt as much as her broken body.
Throughout the afternoon, returning staff stopped by to express concern and offer support. That evening, there was a knock on Brigit’s door. Taylor jumped up and cracked open the door. “She’s sleeping.”
Brigit opened her eyes. “Pretending.”
Tucker and Colton stood in the doorway “Hiya.” Tucker’s usual laid-back smile was fraught with concern.
“C’mon in.” Still wearing a T-shirt and sweats, Brigit was propped against a mountain of pillows and tucked under the bed linens.
Looking like a sentry, Colton stood at the foot of her bed and crossed his arms. She wished he’d hold her, not guard her. As soon as Mojo spied Tucker, he sprang from his doggie bed.
“I heard this fella was your guardian angel.” Tucker relaxed onto the sofa. “How are things?”
Mojo shoved a pull toy at Tucker who grabbed the end and the two tug-o-warred while Mojo made playful growly sounds.
“Things were dicey,” she said. “I hope to be back to work soon.”
“Not likely,” Colton said. “The doctor told you to rest.”
“I’ve got some good news.” Tucker released the toy and Mojo dropped to the floor and gnawed it. “I found your Escalade.”
Brigit held her breath.
“Parked on a side street in Old Town, about two miles from where Colton found you. Spark anything?”
Slowly exhaling, she imagined driving to Alexandria.No way. I was too scared to leave the mansion.“I don’t know how my vehicle got there, but I didn’t drive it.”
“It was locked. No damage,” Tucker said. “My guys are dusting for prints. I checked with the City of Alexandria P.D., but there were no incidents around Thanksgiving. Helps that I’m a former Fairfax County police detective.”
Shifting in bed, Brigit winced.Great, a former cop.
Tucker glanced at Colton and Taylor. “Could I speak privately with Brigit?”
Taylor headed toward the door. “Shane baked you somethingchocolaty. I’ll be back with dessert.” Colton left with her and shut the door.
Brigit started overheating and slowly tossed off the bed linens. When she reached toward the water bottle on her nightstand, she reared back in pain and grabbed her ribs.
“Here you go, darlin’.” Tucker handed her the bottle, then sat on the sofa arm and chatted about his ski weekend in Vermont. His attempt to put her at ease didn’t, but she was grateful for the distraction.
Once finished, Tucker rested his forearms on his thighs. “Now, sweet cakes, I’ve a good hunch the person who vandalized your home is the same one who tried to kill you. Time to make this easy on both of us and tell me who you’re running from.”
Brigit swallowed hard. Was now the time to come clean? What if her assailant wasn’t Vinny Ray?Of course it’s Ray.Telling Tucker would open Pandora’s box. Afraid of the repercussions, she shook her head. “I’ll tell you as soon as I remember.”
