Colton's Secret Bodyguard

“My face... How bad is it?”

Bree was saved the necessity of answering when a paramedic intervened and administered a sedative. There were two hospitals in Roaring Springs, one specializing in trauma, while the other dealt mainly with surgery. She had called Kasey’s mom, who was already on her way and would meet them at the Roaring Springs Trauma Center.

As they approached the hospital entrance, the rescue team bustled into action. The deputy caught up with Bree as she followed Kasey’s trolley toward the assessment unit. A nurse halted them at the entrance.

“Go into the waiting room, please. Someone will give you an update as soon as we’ve completed our initial assessment.”

It was only then that the enormity of what had happened finally hit Bree. She had focused all her energy on getting Kasey the medical attention she needed, but now that her assistant was in good hands, all the horrifying details of what had gone down in the basement came flooding back.

The taut muscles around her mouth began to tremble and she bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears. It was too late. She felt warmth trickling down her cheek and rolling off her chin. First one, then another. Fast and unstoppable, like a rainfall. She went to sit on one of the chairs in the waiting room. Covering her face with her hands, she leaned back, alternating sobbing and sniffing.

A muscular arm slid around her shoulders and pulled her close against a powerful chest. Rylan. She sank gratefully into his strength, letting the tears flow.

“It’s okay. I’m here.” His voice was warm and comforting against her hair. “Let it all out.”

After a minute or two, she straightened and sniffed. “I don’t have my purse. No tissues.”

“Let me see what I can do.”

He disappeared for a few seconds, returning with a handful of scratchy paper towels. Bree blew her nose and did what she could to repair the damage to her face.

“Have they said anything about Kasey?” Rylan asked.

“They’re assessing her injuries now.” Bree got to her feet as a small woman in her fifties dashed toward her. “This is Mrs. Spencer, Kasey’s mom.”

The two hours they spent waiting for news was like forgotten time. Everything felt too much. The overhead lights were too bright, the hospital smells too strong, the slightest noise hurt Bree’s ears. She held Mrs. Spencer’s hand and tried to reassure her, without having any real knowledge herself. When a doctor finally came, Bree didn’t know whether to be relieved or apprehensive.

“Kasey’s jaw is broken in several places, and she is missing a few teeth. She is going to need emergency surgery to fix the initial damage. Longer term, she will require facial reconstructive and cosmetic repairs, plus extensive oral surgery.”

“Whatever it takes,” Bree said. She turned to Mrs. Spencer. “As Kasey’s employer, I hope you’ll allow me to meet the full cost of her medical bills.”

On the advice of the hospital staff, Rylan and Bree decided not to stay. Kasey, who was heavily sedated, would have her mom with her, and Trey had posted a twenty-four-hour guard on her private room until David Swanson was caught.

When they stepped outside, Bree, who wasn’t wearing a coat, shivered. Darkness was falling, bringing a chill wind with it. Rylan shrugged off his fleece jacket and draped it around her shoulders. She pulled it tighter.

“Take me home, Rylan.” There was a question in his eyes as he scanned her face. “Back to the ranch.”

* * *

Rylan cast a few worried glances in Bree’s direction as he drove. Her eyes were closed, and she was very still. She could have been asleep, but he doubted it. He knew she would be reliving what had happened. Going over and over it, her thoughts trying to make sense of another person’s agenda. At some point, he figured it was likely she would find a way to blame herself for some of it.

As they reached the gates to the ranch, she turned toward him with a frown. “Papadum?”

“Trey had someone drop him off earlier. They brought your purse and coat as well.”

When he stopped in front of the house, she exited the car slowly, moving like a person trying to wade through fast-moving water. Rylan took her hand, and, after looking blankly at his fingers wrapped around her own for a moment, she returned his grip. Together, they walked into the house and through to the kitchen.