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Even as she reached for the door, it swung open. The doctor, Roarke thought, was a more courageous soul. He barred her path, folding his arms across his chest and using a frown as a shield.
“I was told you’d been notified and were en route. The patient is barely conscious and drifting in and out. Her condition is still critical. I won’t risk having her interrogated at this point.”
“Twenty-four hours ago, you told me she’d never regain consciousness. She has.”
“Frankly, I consider it a miracle she’s come out of a coma, even briefly.”
Sela Cox had asked for another miracle, Eve thought. And by God, she’d gotten it. “I don’t believe in wasting miracles. Somebody put her in that room, and there’s a chance she can tell me who before he puts someone else in the hospital. Or the goddamn morgue.” Now her voice lashed like a whip that had the uniform wincing. “You don’t want to get in my face on this.”
“On the contrary.” Laurence kept his melodious voice low. “I am in your face on this, and this is my turf. My patient’s welfare is paramount.”
“On that last point, we’re in perfect agreement. I want her alive and well.”
“For her testimony.”
“Goddamn right. If you think that makes me the enemy, then you’re just stupid. I put her in the dead column, Laurence, just like you. But she showed us both what she’s made of. Now, I want her to know the man who did this to her has been put away. I want her to know I’m going to do that for her, and that she had a part in making it happen. Right now, she’s just a victim. I’m going to help make her a hero. That’s something to live for. You’ve got two choices,” she said before he could speak again. “I have this officer restrain you, or you go in with me and supervise.”
“I don’t like your tactics, Lieutenant.”
“File a complaint.” She pushed open the door, glanced at Roarke over her shoulder. “I need you to wait.”
When she stepped in her heart sank again. Marlene lay still and deathly pale in the bed. Her mother stood beside her, holding her hand.
“She’s just resting,” Sela said quickly. “When you said you’d come, I asked my husband to go down to the chapel. They’ll only let two of us in here at a time.”
“Mrs. Cox, I must tell you again, Lieutenant Dallas’s presence is against medical orders. Your daughter needs to remain calm and quiet.”
“She’s been quiet since this was done to her, and she won’t be calm until he’s caught and punished. I’m grateful to you, Doctor, more than I can begin to say. But Marley needs to do this. I know my child.”
“Watch your step,” Laurence warned Eve, “or you’ll be the one restrained.”
She kept her focus on Marlene as she moved to the side of the bed. “You should talk to her, Mrs. Cox. I don’t want to scare her.”
“I’ve told her you were coming.” Sela leaned over the bed, touched her lips to her daughter’s forehead. “Marley? Marley baby, wake up now. Lieutenant Dallas is here to talk to you.”
“So tired, Mom.” The words were slurred and soft.
“I know, baby. Just for a little while. The lieutenant needs your help.”
“I know you’ve been through a lot.” Eve ignored the doctor as he edged closer. “I know this is hard. I’m not going to let him get away with what he did to you. We’re not going to let him get away with it, Marley. You and me. You got away from him. You stopped him once. You can help me stop him once and for all.”
Her eyes fluttered open. It was painful to watch, the effort of lifting those lashes, the intense focus in those eyes. Eve recognized the look, the determination of fighting back pain.
“It’s all blurred, all runs together. Can’t bring it clear.”
“That’s all right. Tell me whatever you can. You were coming home from work. You took the subway.”
“Always take the subway. Just a few blocks. Hot night. Feet hurt.”
“There was a van.”
“Little moving van.” Marlene shifted restlessly, but before the doctor could move, Sela was stroking her daughter’s hair.
“It’s all right, baby. It’s all over now. Nobody’s going to hurt you again. You’re safe. I’m right here.”
“Man. Big cast on his arm. Never seen big cast like that. Couldn’t, couldn’t get the sofa in. Kept sliding back out, thumping against the street. Felt sorry for him. Mommy.”
Deliberately Eve stepped closer, took Marlene’s other hand. “He can’t get to you now. He’s never going to touch you again. He thinks he beat you, but he didn’t. You’ve already won.”
