The lawyer stood eye to eye with Malloy. “Jennifer Daly from Thymes, Witherspoon, and Craft.” She shuffled muscular calves, handing him a cream-colored business card. “Did you read my client her rights?”
“Nope.” Malloy slid the card into his jacket pocket. “She’s not under arrest and was free to go at any time.”
Josie stiffened. “I don’t need a lawyer. We were just finishing the paperwork.”
Malloy smiled at the lawyer. “Yep. Sorry to waste your time, ma’am.”
Tom slid his arm around Josie’s shoulders. “I’ll taking you home, Josie.” He tugged her gently toward the door.
“Call me if you need anything, Mrs. Dean,” Malloy said behind her.
Warmth filtered through Josie’s stomach as they hurried outside into pure late-fall sunshine. Crisp and chilly. Her mind spun. Why were Tom and Daniel at the hospital? Were they going to try and save her from herself, too? She was a grown woman who knew what she wanted. Besides, she could always save herself if necessary. “How in the world did you afford a lawyer?”
Tom grinned. “That’s my client—the one who wants to invest in fast-food restaurants. She’s a lawyer.”
“Ah. The woman with the hands. I take it you flirted?”
Tom shrugged. “I’m still waiting for you.”
Sadness at what could’ve been caught Josie up short. Tom was a good guy who worked hard—who would’ve given his all to any relationship. He’d be a fantastic husband and an even better father to kids—and he’d be safe. No danger courted him. But her heart had gone another way. She smiled. “Thank you for coming.”
Tom led her to his truck, opening the door for her. “Of course. I’m sorry we didn’t get here sooner.”
Josie hesitated and then pulled herself up into the seat.
Daniel jumped in beside her, and she scooted to the center.
Tom hustled around to climb into the driver’s seat. “Have you eaten?”
“No. I just want to go back to the hospital. Will you take me?” She knew what she was asking.
He started the ignition and pulled out of the lot. “No.”
“Our game is in an hour.” Daniel stretched his neck. “If she wants to go to the hospital, we should take her.”
Josie turned to him in surprise.
He shrugged. “I’ve been in love before. Yeah, it ended badly. But for a while there, I had fun.” A grin lifted his upper lift. “For a brief time, I even loosened up.”
“Yeah, right,” Tom muttered.
Josie sighed. “Tom, you can’t save me from myself, no matter how badly you want to.” The words sounded as stupid as they felt. But the truth was the truth.
Tom frowned, squinting at the rearview mirror. “Sure I can.”
Josie swiveled her head. “What are you looking at?”
“A van. A black van pulled out right after we did.” Tom shrugged. “Now I’m imagining cloak-and-dagger stuff.”
Daniel frowned, glancing in the rearview mirror. “It is keeping pace with us.”
The van followed, and dread heated the air in Josie’s lungs.
*
Shane forced the pain down, striding toward Matt’s Jeep in the hospital parking lot. “Did you get my blood samples?”
Matt nodded, jumping inside. “Yes. All of your records, as well. There’s no trace left of you here.”
“Good.” Shane edged inside, folding his arm over his aching midsection. The bullet hadn’t done any real damage, though he was still sore. In fact, his entire body hurt like a raw wound. “I need a vacation.”
Matt snorted. “You just spent a day in a bed. That’s all you get.” He started the ignition and pulled out of the lot. “Your memory is back?”
“Yes. Everything except for the last two years. The recent stuff should be coming back next.” Shane eyed the traffic. “The nurse said Josie left with Detective Malloy?” He’d called her cell phone several times, but she hadn’t answered. Hopefully she’d just forgotten to turn it on. Unease and anger ripped through his skin.
“Yep. You can’t blame the guy. Nothing is adding up for him.”
“All of it adds up except my part.” Shane grinned. “Poor detective.”
Matt frowned. “You don’t think Josie will tell him about us, do you?”
“No.” Loyalty coursed through his little wife. But she shouldn’t be facing the cop alone. Hell, she shouldn’t face anything alone.
“Neither do I.” Matt signaled and changed lanes. “Though I don’t like Malloy dragging her down to the station for questioning.”
“No. Though he seems like a pretty decent guy. My guess is he wanted to give her a chance to get the heck away from me.” Shane tensed, wincing at the sudden pain. “I’m taking her out of here tonight. We’re heading to the ranch in Montana.”
“You could come to Seattle, if you want.”
His brother would break every rule he’d created. “No. There’s a reason we’re all in different cities right now, Matt. You know it.” Time was drawing near. They’d make their move and take out the commander as well as his scientists. “Frankly, I’m surprised you’ve managed to keep Nate on the ranch these past four years.”