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My lungs collapsed and my mouth dropped open.
“Laura was eighteen and on her way to medical school. We… we thought we were doing the right thing, and we wanted to guide her, but she wasn’t the same after the attack. She dropped out of school and spent nights and days working out, working and saving money while her belly grew.”
She was attacked?
I shook my head. “What do you mean, you thought you were doing the right thing?”
Mrs. Young sat straight up and took her husband’s hand again.
“We tried to explain that science was in her blood, but Laura pulled out of school and away from her family. She cursed medicine because no doctor could save her baby, and she went into police work. We’ve barely been in touch ever since.”
Oh, fuck.This made Laura more traumatized than me. No wonder she’d kept her distance. Was Ozzy’s father absent from their lives because… oh, my God. It made sense.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I said.
Her father cleared his throat. “We’re not bad parents. We just haven’t figured out how to get our daughter back.”
I checked the time.“I understand. Sometimes trauma forces us to take paths we don’t expect. I’m sure Laura simply needs time. I’ll make sure she checks in with you more often. Thank you for your time and confidence.”
Mrs. Young took my hand. “Please—you can’t mention this conversation to Laura, but I hope you can bring our daughter back to her family.”
“I won’t say anything, and I will do my best to ensure Laura thrives.”
I left them at the table and headed for the elevator. This weekend, Silver Securities would lead an operation to rescue a family friend. Today was all about clearing the mind.
The elevator door dinged open, and my morning instantly brightened. I walked inside and stood beside Laura.
“James?”
“Laura? What are you doing here?”
“We have to stop meeting at the hospital.” I laughed out loud when we said the same thing.
“This hospital is my home away from home. I had an appointment. You?” The garage button had been lit, and I leaned back against the wall.
“I… ahem… just saw my parents. We’re reconciling, and I’m hoping they’ll finally have the time for me and Ozzy.”
I lifted a brow. “Really?”
“Yeah. Why are you so surprised? Fifty-eight percent of estranged families reconcile.”
And how many lied about actually reconciling?
I tipped my head sideways and pressed the emergency button on the control panel. The elevator halted, and she steadied her stance. The lines of her neck moved as she swallowed, and I stepped closer, forcing her back against the wall. Bob, the security guard in the downstairs lobby, came on the intercom.
“This is Fox Silver. Look away from the camera, Bob. I’ll let you know when we’re done.”
“Ma’am, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask you whether you’re all right.”
She trembled in my hold, but a slow smile slid up the corner of her mouth. “I’m fine, Bob.”
“You hear that, Bob? She’s fine.” I lowered my lips to her ear and whispered. “Very fine. Why did you leave my office so fast in the morning?”
Her throat lurched with a hard swallow.
“Bye, Bob,” I said.
“See you at the Christmas party, James.”
