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“Yes.” Elle wiggled her fingers as if remembering that very thing happening before.
“Same feeling but times twenty,” the doctor said.
“Thank you,” Logan said to the doctor. Then he turned his attention to Elle.
Dark circles marred Elle’s face. She had to be ready to crash. They’d been separated after arriving at the hospital. A Detective Lexington had questioned Logan first. He’d answered questions about the shooting, explained the situation to the police, and had given Eric’s number for a reference. Neither he nor Elle could offer ironclad proof that Brandon knew about Nicki’s plan. The detective spoke with Elle last. No doubt she’d been grilled thoroughly.
“You must be tired of answering questions.”
“He just wanted to be sure we told the same story.” She leaned over and kissed Logan. “I was so scared. What if you’d lost the use of your hand or fingers because of me?”
“But I didn’t. I’m sorry you worried about me.”
“As you should be.” Her weak attempt to smile hurt his heart. Elle’s eyes reflected the stress she’d been under.
The evidence backed up her claim of self-defense, but the Colorado police department had protocol to follow. The day had been hard on her. She’d come through it like a seasoned cop. Logan’s pride in her grew every day. A uniformed officer and the detective on the case reentered the ER bay just as Logan slipped on his shirt. He got off the bed and caught Elle’s hand.
“Detective Lexington,” Logan said. “Did you have time to verify our story?”
“Yeah.” The detective had yet to smile. “Can’t say I appreciate the way you two handled this, but you checked out. I’ve stationed men at the resort to make sure Brandon Ethridge doesn’t leave.”
“You think he’s still there?” Elle asked.
“Can’t say. We had men on the scene right after the cable incident. If he left, he didn’t check out. We’re following up with the shuttle drivers.”
“Has the word of who was killed spread?” Logan asked as he and Elle followed the detective out of the hospital.
“No name has been released.”
“You checked his room?” Elle asked. “Sorry. I’m sure you did.”
“Ethridge didn’t respond when an officer knocked on the door. He didn’t enter and conduct a search. I’m waiting for a warrant.”
“If he’s gone?” She smoothed a stray lock of hair off her face.
“We’re watching the airport. I’m heading to the castle now.” The detective turned to leave. “You two need a ride to the resort?”
Logan bargained all the way back and finally convinced Detective Lexington to let him tag along when they opened Brandon’s suite.
The ride back was filled with more questions. Only this time, Detective Lexington wanted to know about possible job opportunities in Texas and the warmer climate. It seemed he had grown tired of cold weather.
Logan and Elle followed the detective into the resort, where Liam was wringing his hands and waiting for them. He quickly le
d them into his office, where Alana waited. She stood and walked to meet them, greeting them both with a little less enthusiasm than they’d been receiving.
“I’m glad you’re both okay. Liam and I have been quite worried,” Alana said. She moved to stand next to Elle.
“I’m sorry about all the trouble. It’s all my fault.” Elle took Alana’s hand. “Neither you nor this wonderful old resort deserve bad publicity.”
“Nonsense,” Alana said. “We’ve weathered many storms. We’ll come through this one. Besides, you saved us from making a bad investment.”
The detective asked Liam for the card key to the Ethridge suite. Once he had it in hand, he thanked them and turned to leave, pausing to look at Elle.
“This is as far as you go. I suggest you stay here with the Fitzgeralds.”
Elle marched right up to Lexington. “No. Either you take me or I’ll follow. I have the most invested here. Brandon Ethridge stole my grandmother’s life savings. And I was almost killed. Not to mention, I took another person’s life.” She glared at Lexington. “I promise to stay out of the way.”
The detective had been tolerant, and Logan didn’t think it wise to push him. But damn, he was proud of Elle. Her shoulders were back and her head held high. Lexington’s eyes narrowed. He glared at her briefly and then sighed.
