Serving Trouble (Second Shot 1)

“Not dead,” she said, her voice still trembling. “But it’s bad. They didn’t provide details. I don’t know how it happened, where he’s hurt, or where he was. Just that they’re moving him to Germany and he’ll need surgery.”

Noah squeezed her thigh. “He’s strong. Your brother will make it through surgery.”

“But the thought of him in a hospital alone.” She closed her eyes. “I’ve counted on him being the best, the strongest, the smartest ever since he left. He wanted to serve. And I trusted him to always be the one out of the two of us who would succeed. He’s the star. I know he’s fighting, going to dangerous places, but I always thought he’d be all right.”

“He’s not dead yet,” Noah said. But he knew that thought wasn’t high on the comfort meter.

“I know.” She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I also know all about sitting and waiting for it to happen.”

Ah hell.

“You’re not alone this time,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “And, sweetheart, you can’t give up on Dominic. He’s going to pull through.”

I need him to make it out of surgery and get his ass back here.

“I hope so,” she said, her words hollow. And yeah, he’d bet there was a fifty-­fifty chance she believed them.

“Where’s your dad?” he asked. “He must be upset.” Wasn’t that a fucking understatement? This might break the police chief.

“My dad left for the airport. He packed a bag and climbed into the truck after we got the call. I don’t think he stopped to book a flight. He just planned to show up at the terminal and find a way to get to Germany. He left his patrol car behind. I was supposed to take it to the station, but I came here first.”

Suddenly aware of the gravel digging into his knee, and the fact that he was wearing a towel, which wasn’t covering much with him kneeling like this, he released her face and withdrew his hand from her leg. But before he could stand, she reached for him and grabbed ahold of his wrist.

“I’m not ready for this, Noah. I’m not tough enough to see my dad cry, or, or any of it.” She glanced around the sedan. “Right now, I don’t even think I could drive this car back to the station. It’s a miracle I made it here.”

“You should go to Germany,” he said, the words out before he’d thought them through. He wanted her here, with him. But she’d be safe in Germany. And she’d be with Dominic just in case Noah’s faith in his friend’s ability to pull through didn’t hold.

She let out a harsh, dry laugh. “I can’t afford it.”

“If the army hasn’t offered to cover your travel and lodging that’s a good sign,” Noah said. Part of him wanted to quiz her on every little detail from the early-­morning call. But he didn’t want to scare her.

“They did.” She blinked as if trying to fight a fresh wave of tears. But her efforts were no match for her grief. “But I’ll miss work. And I have bills due.”

“Go. I’ll cover your lost wages and tips.” With his free hand, he gently removed her grip on his wrist. Then he leaned into the patrol car and drew her out. He slipped one arm under her legs, his other supporting her back.

“Noah, it’s too much,” she murmured.

“I’m not worried about the money, Josie.”

But I’m fucking terrified for you, and for Dominic.

“If you’re sure.”

Slowly he straightened, cradling her in his arms. “Please, Josie. Just say thank you and let me help you this time.”

He was aware of her face pressed against his chest. He’d dried from the shower, but now her tears dampened the hair. Even though she was crying, she felt so damn good in his arms. Someone to hold on to. Someone to keep him from falling apart.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “But you don’t have to carry me.”

Holding you tight? That’s for me, sweetheart. To keep me from falling to pieces in my driveway while wrapped in a towel.

He tightened his hold and headed for the house. “Let me take you inside, get you a piece of pie, and then we’ll book your ticket. Later, I’ll find a way to get the patrol car back to the station. I’m sure your dad’s deputies understand. He’s probably briefed them by now.”

He kept his voice low and soothing as he rambled. If he were in her shoes—­and shit, he was pretty damn close, Dominic had been like family to him—­he’d want a barrage of reassurances blocking the bleak what-­ifs from parading through his imagination. What if Dominic had already lost too much blood? Or what if his friend had lost a limb? What if he stayed alive but was never the same?

Noah clenched his teeth as he reached the porch steps. He refused to cry. Not here. Not now. He’d give her pie first. Get her settled. She didn’t need to see him fall apart.

“The pie’s pretty good. It’s the one Josh dropped off for Caroline.” He pushed through the door and headed for the kitchen table. Scanning the room, he didn’t see Caroline. He had a hunch she’d disappeared. Whether she’d run out of fear or out of respect for the emotional moment they’d shared in the driveway, he wasn’t sure.