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By this point, there was a gaggle of reporters waiting outside the door for a statement. Once Alex had cleared the property, Elizabeth went to stand on the porch to answer a few questions, much to Alex’s disgruntlement.
“Just a few questions, then we’ll go inside,” she promised.
“Fine, but I’m holding you to that.”
Elizabeth smiled, wishing she could kiss Alex, but all too aware of the dozens of cameras pointed at them. She turned to the reporters and pointed to one at random. “Yes?”
“What do you think prompted the attack today?”
“I imagine it’s the same person who attacked me several weeks ago. The police have been doing their best, but last I heard, the suspect remained at large.”
“What security measures have you taken to ensure the safety of your staff, after the last incident?”
“This is Alex Jameson. She’s now my personal bodyguard.” Alex reluctantly came into the spotlight. “She’s been doing an excellent job of protecting both me and my staff. Additionally, I’ve been working from home, which my team and I will be doing until whoever is behind this is brought to justice.”
Something was wrong. Alex’s posture was off. Elizabeth glanced at her, and her heart sank to see that Alex’s gaze was far away and her shoulders were shaking.
She recognized the signs of a flashback by now. All the noise and activity had probably done it—reminded Alex of the chaos of the explosion and the medical center afterward.
“That will be all, thank you.”
Elizabeth gently took Alex’s wrist and led her inside. She knew the cameras must be picking up on the contact, but there was nothing to be done about that right now. Alex came unprotestingly, still frozen, staring at nothing.
“Alex. It’s Lizzy. Come back to me. You’re safe here. You’re home.”
“Don’t take them,” Alex whispered. “Please, take me instead. It should be me.”
Elizabeth did what Alex’s therapist had taught her, sitting Alex down on the couch and perching next to her, talking steadily and calmly. “You’re not there anymore, Alex. You’re here, with me, Lizzy. Please, come back to me.”
Alex blinked, her eyes finally clearing as she looked at Elizabeth. “Lizzy?”
“I’m here.”
“It happened again, didn’t it?”
“Yes, it did.”
Alex groaned. “I’m so sorry, Lizzy. I made a mess of your press conference, didn’t I?”
“I don’t think so. All the therapy has been paying off. You didn’t scream or collapse or anything. You just froze, and I think I was able to get you out of there before anyone noticed anything amiss.”
Alex reached a hand up to caress Elizabeth’s face. “What about you, Lizzy? How are you doing?”
Elizabeth took a moment to take mental stock. A lot had happened in the last few hours, and she hadn’t had time to process it yet. “I’m a bit shaken,” she admitted. “It’s been weeks. I guess I hoped that they had given up after the first failed attempt. Maybe it was a stupid hope.”
“It was a possibility. I don’t think hope is ever stupid.”
Elizabeth sighed and leaned into Alex, and Alex put an arm around her. They held onto each other for a while, saying nothing, simply soaking in the comfort of the other. Looking back, Elizabeth didn’t know how she’d ever gone without this. Her life before seemed lonely and empty. Sure, she had been fulfilled by her work, but how could it ever be enough again, now that she knew what it was like to have Alex by her side?
“I’m scared,” she admitted quietly.
“You don’t need to be, Lizzy. I’ll protect you with my dying breath, I promise.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want you to get hurt, Alex.”
“It’s my job. Don’t worry, I’m good at what I do. Being a bodyguard isn’t just about keeping the client safe, it’s about keeping myself safe, too. If I don’t do that, then I’m no good to you.”
“Yes, but you can’t guarantee that.”
