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An ache throbbed at the base of his gut.
“I’ll be right there. Noah? Thank you.”
He grimaced as he disconnected the call, not sure he deserved the ‘thanks’, knowing he needed to replay all this from beginning to end and work out what the hell he missed, what he could have done differently.
When the police had removed Baslemore from the room, Noah turned towards the stairs.
“Sir, you need to come with us,” the EMS insisted.
“I will. Just – give me five minutes.”
She pursed her lips, clearly not sure it was wise, but Noah was already halfway up the stairs.
When he entered the room, Max was standing, staring at the bed, DCI Wingrave at her side, speaking in a low voice, careful not to alarm her, explaining events as they transpired. She was silent, nodding from time to time, her face pale, her features pinched. It was only when she lifted her gaze to Noah’s face that she sobbed, lifting a hand and pressing it to her lips.
He moved quickly, striding across the room to stand in front of her. He wanted to pull her against his chest, to run his hands over her and assure himself she was okay, but Drew stood right there and already Noah was beginning to regret their closeness, knowing it could have been the reason he hadn’t been able to catch the stalker before he’d broken into Max’s house. Guilt was a writhing snake in his belly.
“You’re hurt,” she said softly, reaching out and pressing a finger lightly to his arm.
“It’s nothing. How are you?”
“I – not hurt,” she shook her head, holding her hands out so he could see that she didn’t have a mark on her. “He didn’
t find me. I hid in the wardrobe.”
The dark wardrobe. He heard the fear in her voice, the trauma, and a part of him splintered apart and broke. “You did well,” he promised calmly. “You did the perfect thing.”
“He hurt you. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t.” He couldn’t bear her apology. “I’m fine. The police are taking him into custody.”
“Edward’s driver?” She repeated with a tremble. “I’ve been in the car with him. Last summer. He drove us home from a party we were attending. My God, I think he’s actually filled in for Felix, when he got a flu and Edward was out of town.” She pressed a hand to her forehead.
“That would explain how he was able to access your office carpark,” Drew said with a nod. “We’ll look into all the circumstances, Ms Fortescue. The important thing to focus on now is the fact you’re safe. Being stalked is a very harrowing and intense experience. Frankly, it completely messes with your head. My advice would be to get some counseling. I can recommend some NHS services, or some private doctors, but it’s important you speak to someone about this.”
She nodded, her eyes swinging from one to the other. She wanted to be alone with him.
“Would you give us a minute?” Noah asked.
“One minute. Sixty seconds, not any longer. You need to get to hospital.”
Noah nodded curtly, waving his friend away. When they were alone in her room, he reached out and touched her, as if it was the only way he could assure himself she wasn’t injured. She closed her eyes and breathed in.
“You’re okay?” He asked, the words gruff.
“I’m fine, he didn’t find me.”
“You hid in the dark,” Noah said gently. “You must have been petrified.”
Her eyes probed his, the fear in them so obvious, he groaned and hugged her then, wincing as she sobbed against his bound arm.
“I was so scared, Noah. Scared he’d find me, scared of the dark, so scared that he might have already hurt you, or worse. I felt powerless and I just –,”
“I know, I know.” He ran a hand over her hair, breathing her in, aware that this would end soon, that he had to leave, that their relationship was complicated and dangerous, and that leaving was the only choice he had. “It’s over.” He repeated the word to himself; a mantra, a warning, a reminder. It’s over.
“I’ll come to the hospital with you.”
“No.” The rejection was too fierce. He pulled back while he still could. “Gray’s on his way over; he’s worried about you.”
