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Lori looked away and clasped her fingers together.
“Lori?” Andrew said as he covered her hands with his to get her to acknowledge him.
“Only one other time. I’m fine, Doc, really and I promise to take the alone time. As a matter of fact I’m going to start right now.”
“Where are you going to go?”
“By the stream. It’s peaceful there and relaxing.”
“Okay, that sounds good. Be sure to tell your family where you are going. Just in case.”
“I’ll be fine. Thanks.”
Lori shook Andrew’s hand and he gave her a hug in return. He was a caring and empathetic physician and she was glad she met him at his office today. She was feeling a bit nervous about what happened and his advice gave her peace of mind as she headed outside to begin her day of relaxation.
* * * *
“What have you found out so far?” Connor asked the stranger over the phone.
“Charlie Henley is no one to mess around with. He’s Special Forces, has a degree in engineering, and worked for a firm a year and a half out of the military. Made a lot of money, great reputation, enjoyed playing hardball and one day just threw it all away. He’s an amazing architect and engineer, so are his two brothers. Together the Henleys and Cantrell will make big money.”
“Not if I have something to say about that. We need to get to Henley, hit him where it hurts, get close to him and make him end his partnership with Cantrell.”
The stranger was filled with fury. He had his eye on Lori. She would be his prize, his reward and souvenir after the job well done. Now she would play victim earlier. Connor would want him to harass Lori to get to Henley. Just maybe he would go a little further to appease his personal desires.
“There’s a woman he’s involved with. I know how to get to her.”
“Tell me more,” Connor said. The stranger told Connor one plan, but the stranger had plans of his own.
* * * *
“What happened?” Dante asked Jasper all concerned.
“Maggie said Lori couldn’t breathe, she wouldn’t wake up. Lou and Diana were about to call for an ambulance,” Jasper told Charlie, Dante, and Trevor as they stood outside his cousins’ house.
“Where is she now? Is she all right?” Trevor asked.
“She went to see Andrew and get checked out. Maggie said she just got home about twenty minutes ago and was headed to the stream for some alone time. Andrew thinks she had an anxiety attack. She’s been through a lot, Charlie, and her work schedule is insane. Maggie’s real worried about her.”
“So are we. I’m gonna go find her and make sure she’s all right. She shouldn’t be alone or far from help. What if she has another attack?” Dante asked.
Charlie was concerned. “Let’s grab some things first. Wait for Trevor and I.” Charlie ran inside the house to retrieve some drinks and a few snacks in case Lori needed them. Jasper headed back to the Shays’ house to spend the day with Maggie and Ben.
* * * *
Lori walked through the fields by the stream. She drew in a breath as she closed her eyes. She envisioned the patches of multicolored wildflowers scattered around the area and she inhaled their fragrances.
This place was so peaceful, so calm, and the fact that she didn’t have to work today gave her enormous relief.
She strolled back toward the secluded area where she had spread a large blanket out earlier as she glanced toward the bouquet of wild flowers. She was startled to see Charlie, Trevor, and Dante sitting there waiting for her.
“I hope you don’t mind that we came. We heard you might be here,” Charlie told her as he rose from the blanket and greeted her. He was about to embrace her when Lori turned away and sat down on the blanket.
* * * *
Charlie was shocked by her reaction. A glance at his brothers and they seemed to be, too. She was shutting them out. That was obvious. For some reason she didn’t want to face them right now.
He never backed down from a challenge. He was a soldier.
