Survival by Rhonda Hopkins Read Free Book Online Page A

but they had known each other a little over a
year—ever since he transferred as head ranking personnel from the
sheriff's department at the courthouse.
    "You have absolutely no idea how glad I am
to see you here. I didn't think you were supposed to work
today."
    "I wasn't. But Malone called in with a
family emergency." They both sat in silence as they thought about
what the emergency may have been in light of recent events.
    "Meredith told us she saw you doing some
kind of ninja stuff tonight. Where'd you learn that?"
    She snickered. "Not quite ninja. Just some
basic stuff and a little martial arts. Mostly just plain dumb luck
for the most part. Brian, our cousin, taught self-defense to us
both as well as making sure we knew how to handle all kinds of
firearms. He encouraged us to keep training over the years."
    "Your folks didn't mind him teaching you
girls all that?"
    Sarah lowered her eyes and her voice
softened. "Brian was only 7 years older than us when he took us in.
Our parents were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver when we
were sixteen. He was our only family and he fought like hell to
keep us out of the system. He wanted to make sure we could protect
ourselves, plus it was his way of spending time with us—doing what
he enjoyed. I really hope he's okay."
    "I'm sorry. I didn't know about your
parents." His finger lifted her chin and he placed a gentle kiss on
her lips.
    "It was a long time ago." She stood up.
"Thanks for fixing me up. I need to go take some food to Meredith
and see if she needs anything. I'll be back in a bit." She kissed
his cheek and left him to ponder his thoughts.
    Meredith sat up and leaned against the wall
next to the bed, making room for Sarah.
    "Here." She handed her a wet cloth. "I
thought you might want to freshen up a little. And I brought you
some soup. There are ham sandwiches, too. I just didn't know what
you felt like you could eat." She sat, holding the bowl while
Meredith ran the cloth over her face and hands
    "Thanks. Soup sounds good." She took the
bowl, sipping a little from the spoon. After a few bites, she put
the bowl in her lap and leaned her head against the wall.
"Actually, I've been waiting to talk to you."
    Meredith said nothing for a moment. Sarah
waited, giving her time to collect her thoughts.
    "I want to thank you for helping me out
today. I wouldn't have made it without you."
    "No thanks necessary. I'm just glad we all
got here safely. And we wouldn't have if you hadn't been able to
drive us here. And get us inside. I'm afraid we would have lost the
kids. So thank you for getting us through that horde."
    Meredith waved her off. "No. I know you
didn't have to bring me along. I wouldn't blame you for not wanting
to. I've been a real bitch to you since you started working here."
Sarah started to speak, but Meredith continued. "Seriously. I know
I have. And I want to apologize. There was never any reason for it.
Other than my jealousy."
    "Jealous? Of me? Why on earth . . . ."
    "I worked hard to get to the point I was
everyone's go to person for investigations. Then you came along and
with all your passion — well, everyone was so impressed right off
the bat. It didn't matter if it was a client, an attorney or even a
judge. If you felt something deeply enough, you just didn't quit."
Meredith raised her gaze to Sarah's. "I used to have that . . .
that intensity. But I was just burned out. Oh I still did my job
and did it well, but the fire wasn't there and everyone knew it.
Especially when you showed up."
    "I just wanted what was best. I did the
custody investigations and tried to make sure that—"
    "That the kids came first. I know." Meredith
leaned forward and grabbed her hand, squeezing gently. "There
really was no excuse for the way I treated you and I am very
sorry."
    Sarah scooted closer and hugged the woman.
"I didn't make it easy either. I certainly could have been less
defensive and made more of an effort."
    They sat silently for a moment. "Yeah.