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“When has that stopped Lunceford?” Shane wasn’t sure Trollinger had been drugged, but ruling it out would help them get closer to the real truth.
They all turned as another set of footsteps echoed off the marble floors.
Corey appeared, his face tight with worry. “Where is Belle?”
Shane knew that he and his brother were in total agreement about the situation. He opened the door, unwilling to let another second pass without making sure both Belle and Paris were safe, especially Belle. “Inside.”
* * * *
Belle was startled when the door opened and in charged Shane and Corey, followed by Doc, Jason, and Mr. Black.
“How’s my patient?” Doc walked over to Paris.
“She’s doing well.” Paris handed him Cindy’s chart.
Shane and Corey came up to Belle, one on each side. Corey put his arm around her shoulder and Shane grabbed her hand.
Only three dates and they were already acting like she was in something permanent with them, something more serious than it actually was, something it could never be.
Lead with your head, Belle, not your heart.
Easier said than done. Shane and Corey might have been quite overprotective of late, but she definitely liked being the center of their attention.
Why were Jason, Corey, and Mr. Black here? Did they have news about Cindy’s brother?
Belle kept her eyes on Cindy, looking for any sign that Shane and Corey might be correct about her. They didn’t trust her.
Were they right or could this woman, Kip’s sister, be trusted? Belle wasn’t ready to make the judgment just yet, still remaining cautious. So far, there’d been nothing to make her doubt Cindy, who seemed, at least on the outside, very kind.
Was it only an act? She just didn’t know.
Doc listened to Cindy’s heart through his stethoscope. “Quite the ticker, Miss Trollinger.”
“I really am fine, doctor.” Cindy’s eyes were wide. She turned to Mr. Black. “I’ve met Corey, Shane, and the sheriff, but who are you?”
“You know me, too, Miss Trollinger, though we’ve never met face to face. I’m Easton Black.” He extended his hand to her.
Cindy smiled, shaking his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Black. You can’t imagine how thankful I am that you are here. I guess you’ve been told about the letter I received from Kip.”
Belle noticed Cindy’s lips begin to tremble. She seemed honestly frightened.
“I have. I’m assigning several agents to guard you, at least two a shift.” Easton turned to Shane and Jason. “These are the two men who will be just outside your door for the first shift.”
The smiling face Belle had come to expect on Shane wasn’t there. In its place was a serious look that spoke volumes. It was clear he would keep any attackers away from the woman, but would also keep an eye on Cindy in case she turned out to be a threat as well.
“Thank you, Mr. Black, but will you mind if I move to the hotel? Can they guard me there?”
“Eventually we can set up something at the hotel for you, Miss Trollinger, but for now, I would prefer you stay here. This is an easier place to guard you. There is a single entrance and exit to this room. Once we assess the entirety of the situation, I’ll have my team move you.”
“I would like you to stay put a little longer, too, Miss Trollinger.” Doc glanced at the monitors.
Katy, Doc’s other nurse, walked into the room. “Quite the crowd.” The woman was young and had a ton of moxie. “I’ve got the results of our patient’s blood test, Doc.” She handed over the folder to him. “Should everyone leave? I can escort them out. You know…for HIPAA regs?”
“They can stay.” Cindy glanced around the room. “I have nothing to hide.”
Could the woman tell that everyone was on the fence about whether to trust her or not?
Belle’s heart went out to Cindy. She also knew what it was to feel alone.
