Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon Read Free Book Online Page B

forehead.
    “Good-bye, Steph.” The whispered endearment was more breath than sound. “I’m sorry for all the ways I failed you. I hope you’re happy now. And at peace. And I hope you finally get your chance to dance. Always remember how much I love you.”
    A tear slipped past her lashes, leaving a dark splotch on the pristine sheet. Another followed.
    Straightening up, Liz groped inside her purse for a tissue. Swiped at her eyes. Tried to stem the flood of tears.
    Failed.
    She felt Jake move beside her.
    Was it time to go? Already?
    But much to her surprise, instead of urging her to leave, he laid a hand on her shoulder.
    That silent gesture of support gave her more comfort than any words he could have said.
    For an instant, she was tempted to lean back against his powerful chest, to let his solid strength support her physically as his touch had shored her up emotionally. But he was already doing far more than his job required. She didn’t want to overstep the bounds of professional propriety.
    Taking her sister’s hand once more, she gave it a final squeeze, choked back a sob . . . and commended her to God.
    As she turned away, she kept her watery eyes downcast and fiddled with her purse. “I’m ready to leave. But I’d like to stop by the chapel on our way out, if that’s possible.” Though she made a valiant attempt, she couldn’t stop the quiver that ran through her voice.
    “I’ll see what we can arrange.”
    Jake pulled the curtain aside and she started toward the exit. But three steps outside the cubicle, her vision blurred and she stumbled. He was beside her at once, his hand again firm on her arm through the thin leather of his jacket, supporting her, guiding her as they wove through the ICU.
    Once they reached the door, he settled her against the wall beside it, signaling to his colleague on the other side of the glass entry. “Wait here while I talk to Spence about the chapel, okay?”
    Not trusting her voice, she simply nodded.
    He pushed through the door, and she watched as the two men conversed, aware that Jake was keeping tabs on her. They conferred with a passing aide, and then Jake rejoined her.
    “We’ll leave by way of the chapel and check it out. If it’s not crowded, we can make this work. Let me introduce you to Spence, who will be part of your security detail.”
    Jake ushered her through the door, and she found her hand engulfed in a strong grip. She liked Jake’s colleague at once. As tall and dark-haired as her husband’s best friend, he, too, projected a powerful presence. His eyes were sharp and incisive, and he radiated competence and integrity.
    But Jake didn’t waste time on social niceties. Before she’d even finished shaking hands, he was propelling her down the hall. Spence fell into step on her other side.
    Fortunately, the chapel was empty when they arrived. After escorting her to a pew near the rear, the two men retreated to the back.
    Grateful to have a few quiet minutes alone with God before she was plunged back into the craziness that had become her life, Liz closed her eyes, bowed her head, and resolved to make the most of them.
    Because she didn’t know when she might have this luxury again. And she needed every bit of comfort, fortitude, and strength the Almighty was willing to impart during this brief moment of spiritual communion.

     
    “What’s the exit plan?” Standing half in and half out of the chapel, the door propped open with his shoulder, Jake kept one eye on Liz and the other on the hall as he directed the soft question to Spence.
    “The Suburban’s waiting near a service entrance on the lower level. Dan and Larry are inside. You might have met them on your orientation tour.”
    “Yeah.” As he recalled, Dan O’Leary had the ruddy complexion stereotypical of his Irish heritage, reinforced by strong auburn tints in his brown hair. Larry Olsen, lean and a little gangly, had reminded him of a cowboy in an old western.
    “They’re good