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“Thank you.” She said those two words of gratitude as sincerely as she’d said anything in a long while. Here was a man who was willing to risk so much to help her, and he didn’t even know her. Prince Steffan and Chief Jensen were on par with her own father and uncle, rest their souls.
“My pleasure,” he murmured.
His blue eyes were sincere and warm and … she shivered, imagining the pleasure that kissing him would bring. She needed to control her thoughts better; hopefully he couldn’t read them.
The handsome doctor walked out of the room, and Hattie deflated against the inclined bed. She’d never see Prince Steffan after they got her out of here. If only she could dial Sadie’s number. Talking to her cousin would be comforting and help her see more clearly. But her brain was fried, and she couldn’t remember the number.
Hattie tried to eat and managed to get a few more bites down. She took the Tylenol, hoping it would ease the pounding in her head. She preferred Advil.
Closing her eyes, she wished she could fall asleep, but that wouldn’t happen for a while.
Jensen and the nurse who’d chased her earlier came into the room. Jensen gave her a conspiratorial smile behind the nurse’s back as Melanie said in a no-nonsense tone, “Dr. Steffan discharged you and apparently talked our police chief into helping you figure out who you are.”
“Friends in high places,” Hattie tried to joke.
“It would appear so.” The nurse looked her over, seeming concerned, not annoyed or suspicious. “Do you feel well enough to leave?”
Was the nurse questioning her superior’s orders, or was she only being vigilant with the patient in her care?
“Honestly, I feel good. A lingering headache and I’m tired, but the worst thing is not knowing who I am. If Mr. Police Chief can help me with that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”
Jensen’s smirk grew. Hattie already was eternally grateful to him and would always be in his debt.
“We’ll figure out who you are,” Jensen said confidently.
“Thank you.” She wanted to stick her tongue out at him. She’d always wanted a brother, and Jensen would’ve been a fun and loyal brother to have around.
“All right.” The nurse shook her head but stepped to the door. “You’re free to go.”
“Thank you, Melanie,” Jensen said, nodding to her.
“Of course.” She exited the room, and the door fell closed behind her.
“Let’s give Steffan another minute,” Jensen said. He looked her over. “It’s surreal to see you again.”
“For me too. I’ve been everywhere in the world, and I worked so hard to avoid Augustine.” She shook her head. “Crazy paraglide anyway. I am glad to see you again, and thank you. You sacrificed a lot to protect me. You’re a true hero, Detec … Chief Jensen.”
He shrugged, looking embarrassed by the praise. “I like to be a hero when I’m not tampering with a case and hiding evidence.”
“I’m sorry you had to do that.”
“It cost me.” He thumped his chest. “Up to that point, I was by the book. I’d never not followed the letter of the law. Thank heavens Peter could see the bigger picture and knew what a sleaze Treven was, and still is.” He folded his arms across his chest, his dark eyes as serious as she’d seen them. “It was worth it to protect you. Let’s just pray Treven doesn’t get released soon and his parents never catch wind of where you are. Your wandering lifestyle is probably a good thing on that front.”
“Could he get released soon?” Her stomach turned over at the thought of running into that guy again.
Jensen nodded, thankfully not expounding.
Silence fell in the room. Hattie looked around and then met his dark gaze again. “Are you married now?” She hoped he didn’t think she was hitting on him. He and Prince Steffan were both off-limits for her. No matter how intriguing the prince was.
“Nope.” The smirk was back. “Married to my work.”
“That’s pretty sad, Chief Jensen. I’m sure all the Augustine women are fighting each other to date the police chief.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “There is someone I’d love to date, but … it’s complicated.”
“It always is.” She grinned.
“She’s being threatened by Treven Rindlesbacher from prison. She’s the one ‘dare’ that he didn’t complete. She’ll have a restraining order against him when he’s released, and he’s been warned to leave her alone, but …”
