by Terri Reed
Shaking her head, Kaitlyn joined him and slammed the door shut.
The ambulance engine fired up.
“Hang on,” the paramedic said.
Nick braced his feet apart and wedged the baby carrier between his ankles. Kaitlyn’s steady stare was unnerving, as if she were trying to see inside his head. But he was good at keeping up the wall. He gave her an impertinent grin. As expected, she frowned and jerked her gaze away.
A prick of guilt stung Nick. He shouldn’t use his tricks on Kaitlyn, but ingrained habits were hard to break. He dropped his gaze to the child at his feet. The paramedic had given the baby a pacifier, and she sucked happily on it. Big dark eyes stared up at him. So trusting. So innocent.
A strange warmth spread through his chest. He didn’t understand the sensation. He tugged at the collar of his mock turtleneck.
“How do you know this woman? Did you date her?”
Kaitlyn’s sharp tone grated on his nerves even as his conscience reminded him he deserved her censure for deliberately annoying her.
“No. We were friends.” He didn’t date. Dating implied emotional connections. The thought of lowering his guard and exposing his inner thoughts and feelings made him itchy. Despite his reputation, he kept himself isolated when not in public.
Yet the only woman he’d ever considered actually dating, as in getting to know and opening up to, was Kaitlyn. There was something about her that piqued more than just his interest in her as a beautiful woman. She had depths that called to him. And the fact that she wasn’t impressed with his family name or wealth was unique.
That she wasn’t impressed with him made her very captivating. What would it take to impress her? What would it take to make her see him as someone worthy of knowing?
Pastor Brown had commented that maybe he pursued Kaitlyn because there was no chance she’d say yes. But Nick wasn’t looking for a fling. He was looking for... He honestly didn’t know. The concept of commitment was so foreign, yet still intriguing.
“Why was she here in Bristle Township?”
Nick met Kaitlyn’s gaze. “I have no idea. You know as much as I do at this point.”
Though Kaitlyn’s eyes held doubt, she fell silent as the ambulance raced for Bristle Township Hospital. When they arrived, Nick and Kaitlyn disembarked from the ambulance and moved out of the way so that the paramedics could remove Lexi and wheel her inside the hospital.
Nick hustled forward, carrying the car seat with the baby tucked inside. As they walked through the doors, the paramedic held up a hand. “Wait here. Someone will come out to get her.”
At that moment, the baby spit out her pacifier and started crying again, her little arms flailing and dislodging the blanket tucked around her tiny body.
“Shhhh. Little one. It’s okay,” Nick crooned, unsure if he was doing any good. He looked at Kaitlyn for help.
She held up her hands. “Don’t ask me. I don’t know anything about babies. I need to talk to hospital security.” She strode away.
With a sigh, Nick headed for the waiting area. He settled on a seat where he could keep an eye on Kaitlyn where she stood talking to hospital security near the entrance. Did she believe the gunmen would come to the hospital to finish what they’d started?
Anxiety twisted in his gut. He gently pressed the pacifier to the baby’s mouth. “Come on, sweetie. Take this thing.”
Using her tongue, the little girl pushed the pacifier out.
He had no idea what to do as the baby wailed. He’d never been confronted with a situation like this one before. Give him a boat to steer, a plane to pilot or a race car to drive and he was confident. But a child who wouldn’t stop crying? Beyond his expertise.
“You’re safe now, sweetie.” And he didn’t even know the baby’s name. “I’ve got you.”
An older couple sat nearby. The woman smiled at Nick. “She might need a diaper change.”
Nick winced. There was an odorous stench coming from the baby, but he didn’t know how to change a diaper. Nor did he have one with him. He thought about the diaper bag he’d seen near Lexi’s car. He quickly got out his phone and texted Alex, asking him to grab the bag and all the baby stuff.
But he still needed to figure out what to do now for the baby.
Cradling the car seat in his arms, he went up to the counter where the intake nurse sat. The midtwenties brunette glanced up at him. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, you can.” He glanced at her name badge. “Doris.” He gave her one of his most charming smiles. “This little one needs some attention. I was told a doctor would be examining her. Can you make that happen for me? I could so use your help.”
The woman’s cheeks pinkened. “I’ll see what I can do, Mr. Delaney.”
Not surprised the woman was aware of who he was, Nick said, “I’d appreciate that, Doris.”
He moved back to the waiting area and off to the far side, away from everyone else, trying not to disturb them with the baby’s cries or smell.
The older woman who had talked to him earlier waved, gaining his attention. “Rock her,” she instructed and set her bent arms in a swaying motion.
Deciding it was good advice, he threaded the baby carrier over his forearms then began to rock back and forth. The baby’s cries settled to hiccups.
Eventually, a nurse came out and walked over. “We’re ready for the baby now.”
“I’m coming with you,” he said.
The nurse hesitated. “Are you the father?”
“I’m responsible for her.”
“You’re her legal guardian, then?”
Nick swallowed, then smiled, pouring on as much charm as he could muster while anxiety chomped through his gut. “The baby’s mother asked me to watch her. I wouldn’t want to disappoint Lexi when she wakes up.”
“Nick.” Kaitlyn stepped to his side. “Let the nurse do her job. The baby will be in good hands. We need to talk.”
With a nod of thanks to Kaitlyn, the nurse carried the baby away.
Nick ran a hand through his hair as he faced Kaitlyn. She wasn’t alone. Nick hadn’t noticed that Alex, holding the pink flowered diaper bag, and Deputy Daniel Rawlings had arrived at the hospital.
“Did you catch the men who hurt Lexi?” Nick asked.
“Not yet,” Alex said. He set the bag down. “But we will. I’ve alerted the state patrol in case they’ve headed out of the county.”
Nick could only hope the men who’d caused Lexi’s crash would give up and disappear, but he didn’t think that would happen. If only he had a clue why Lexi had sought him out. What could have brought her to Bristle Township and his doorstep?
* * *
“Tell us about Lexi Eng,” Kaitlyn said, as a hot stab of something unfamiliar jabbed at her. Jealousy? Really? She shook it off.
Now was not the time to be distracted by irrational emotions. She needed to stay focused. Zero in on the issue of the woman in the car and the men targeting her. Nick admitted to knowing this woman and she’d been on her way to find him. Kaitlyn needed to understand why.
And she didn’t want to examine her own motives in uncovering the truth. It was enough the woman had been hunted and hurt by bad men. Kaitlyn couldn’t abide evil in any form. She’d make sure they were brought to justice.
Nick’s gaze bounced between her and the new sheriff and Daniel. “I met Lexi about three years ago in New York. She is—was—a graphic designer when I knew her. We met at a charity function and became friends.”
Right. Friends. Kaitlyn wrestled with that unfamiliar sensation again. It twisted in her stomach and constricted her chest. No, she couldn’t be jealous. She wouldn’t let herself be. It was only anxiety that made her heart race and her jaw tight. And she decided she was anxious because this woman had brought danger to their community. Whatever she’d been involved in had resulted in disaster.
“You kept in touch?” Alex asked.
“No. I left New York, and last I heard, she’d taken a job in Washington, DC,” Nick replied. “I have no idea how she tracked me down.”
Kaitlyn’s eyebrows twitched. A whirlwind romance. A fling with no commitments. So typical. Exactly the reason she’d been avoiding all his invitations. She didn’t want to be another one of his conquests. Even hearing through the town grapevine that Nick was apparently in counseling with Pastor Brown didn’t help Kaitlyn trust Nick.
“Why is she seeking you out now?” Kaitlyn asked. “And with a baby in tow?”
“I don’t know.” His perplexed expression appeared genuine. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
A knot formed in her stomach. “Is the baby yours?”
He drew back. “What? No! I haven’t seen Lexi in three years.”
She was unsure she believed him, and her only response was “Hmm.”
His jaw firmed. “I’m telling you the truth.”
“We’ll have to wait for Lexi to wake up and tell us.” She focused on Alex. “Should I call the state child protective services?”
“We’ll hold off until we have the woman’s prognosis,” Alex said. “We’ll have to make arrangements for childcare until Ms. Eng can care for her baby again.”
“Hey, wait a second.” Nick took a step forward, asserting himself and forcing Kaitlyn to face him. “Lexi asked me to keep the baby safe. You heard her say the words. The little one will stay with me.”
Kaitlyn stared at him. She didn’t understand him. Caring for a baby would be hard work and a big responsibility. And certainly wouldn’t be in his wheelhouse. He couldn’t care for a child. “No way—” A strong hand on her shoulder prevented her from saying more. She looked at her new boss.
“We’ll keep the mother’s wishes in mind,” Alex said. “But for now, all we can do is wait and pray Ms. Eng recovers.”
* * *
Nick paced the waiting area. What was taking so long? Why hadn’t the nurse returned with the baby? Was there something wrong with her? His stomach flipped. Had she been injured in the crash or worse?
Nervous energy coursed through his veins. And what about Lexi? Someone had run her off the road and then attempted to kidnap her. How extensive were her injuries? What could he do to help?
The only thing he could think of was to hire security for her. His father always used a personal protection agency out of Boston. As soon as Nick had a moment, he would contact Trent Associates and have them send a team to keep Lexi and her baby safe.
“You’re really upset,” Kaitlyn commented.
He paused, taking in the puzzled way she stared at him. “Of course I am. I’m not trained like you to take trauma in so casually.”
Her eyebrows jumped. She opened her mouth, then clamped her lips together.
Before he could consider what she might have intended to say, the emergency room doors opened and the nurse returned, carrying the car seat over one arm and the baby in the other, the little girl now happily sucking on her pacifier.
Nick rushed forward, surprised by the amount of relief that flooded him at the sight of the child. “Is she okay?”
“She’s a healthy three-month-old and such a sweetie,” the nurse said. “We gave her a bottle and changed her diaper.”
Nick reached for the little girl.
The nurse held on tight and looked at Alex. “Sheriff?”
Alex gave a nod. “She’ll be fine with Mr. Delaney.”
Relinquishing her hold, the nurse gingerly put the baby into Nick’s arms. So tiny. Vulnerable. He’d never held an infant before and was afraid he’d drop her. But he couldn’t let anyone, especially Kaitlyn, see his insecurity.
“She should be seen by a pediatrician soon,” the nurse instructed.
“I’ll see to it,” Nick promised.
Over the nurse’s shoulder he met Kaitlyn’s frown. Clearly, she didn’t think he was capable of taking care of this child. He wasn’t surprised by her skepticism. But he was sure going to do his best.
“Any news on Ms. Eng?” Alex asked the nurse.
“I can check for you.” The nurse hurried away.
Now that the baby was quiet and peaceful, Nick moved over to the bank of chairs by the window.
Carefully, he put the baby back in her seat and tucked the blanket around her, noticing the monogrammed name in the corner. Rosie.
The perfect name for a perfect little girl. He smoothed back her thick dark hair and stared into her big dark eyes as she made sucking noises on the pacifier. “Don’t worry, Rosie. I’ll protect you.”
The only thing he’d ever been tasked with protecting before was his family’s good name. An intangible thing, really. And something he’d rebelled against. But this sweet baby girl... Every cell in his body screamed with the need to keep her safe.
When a doctor in green scrubs walked out with a grim expression on his face, dread gripped Nick’s gut. Sitting frozen with the baby at his feet, he watched as the doctor talked to the sheriff and Kaitlyn. The doctor shook hands with Alex and then walked back through the double doors.
Nick stood, his gaze locking with Kaitlyn’s. The troubled look in her eyes didn’t bode well.
She walked over to him. “Lexi’s in a coma. The doctor isn’t sure she’ll wake up. She had severe internal bleeding and trauma.”
Sorrow pinched his heart. “Poor Lexi. I want to take Rosie to her.”
“Rosie?”
He showed her the monogrammed blanket.
“Ah.”
“I know Lexi is unconscious, but having her baby close might help,” he pressed, determined to make Kaitlyn see his logic.
For a moment, she didn’t respond. Then she nodded. “It couldn’t hurt. Come with me.”
After clearing a visit to Lexi’s room with the sheriff, Nick carried the baby in his arms to a room where Lexi lay comatose. She had a breathing tube, and machines monitored her vitals.
Seeing the once vibrant woman like this sent a jolt of shock through Nick. He steadied himself and held the baby next to Lexi. The baby turned her face toward her mother as if breathing in her scent. Nick’s heart pounded with tenderness and sorrow. He lifted a prayer heavenward for Lexi.
The hospital room door slammed open. Shock jolted through Nick as two men wearing lab coats burst into the room with weapons drawn. The same two men who’d caused Lexi’s crash.
THREE
Kaitlyn’s heart jumped in her throat. Reacting on instinct and training, she withdrew her sidearm to meet the threat coming through the door. The same two men who’d been at the crash site now held them at gunpoint. Somehow these men had managed to slip past the hospital security and found white doctor’s coats so they could pose as medical personnel and gain access to badges that would allow them into restricted areas.
“Deputy, drop your weapon,” one of the men said.
He had sandy hair and cold blue eyes that sent a shiver down Kaitlyn’s spine. She ground her molars together. No way did she want to give up her sidearm, but she was outnumbered. She pushed back the prickling of fear. There had to be a way to alert the sheriff.
Hoping to buy time, she slowly lowered her weapon to the floor, her gaze catching on the cord attached to the oxygen monitor clipped to Lexi’s index finger. Kaitlyn shifted her position to better reach the cord. As she rose, she subtly yanked on the cord, pulling it from Lexi’s finger.
Knowing there would be a twenty-second delay before an alarm sounded, Kaitlyn stepped in front of Nick and the baby. She prayed this didn’t get her killed.
Right on time, a shrill beeping from the monitor display pierced the room. Rosie let out a protesting wail. Kaitlyn couldn’t blame the infant. The noise was earsplitting.
“What did you do? You’ll pay for this!” the blond gunman shouted with mali
ce twisting his face. “We have to go!” He yanked open the door and ran out.
The other man rushed forward, his gaze on Lexi. Was that concern or fear in his eyes? “Is she okay?”
“Thanks to you, she’s in a coma,” Kaitlyn replied. “What are you after?”
The wiry man pointed his Glock at Nick. “Give me the baby.”
“No.” Nick backed away and curled protectively around the infant. “Stay back.”
Kaitlyn edged between the man and Nick and the baby, aware of the barrel of the gun too close to her chest. Even with a flak vest on, being shot at such a close range would cause damage. A broken rib, bruising and pain. Her heart thudded with fear, but she held her ground.
The wiry man let out a string of curses, turned and raced for the door.
Kaitlyn scooped up her weapon. “Stop where you are!”
The man paused at the door with his back to them.
“Drop your weapon and put your hands up!” Kaitlyn shouted, holding her weapon in a two-handed grip and hoping the tremors racking her body didn’t show.
With a vicious curse, the man whirled around, his gun aimed at her head. His finger moved toward the trigger.
“No!” Nick shouted and shoved Kaitlyn out of the way with one hand while keeping Rosie tucked to his chest with the other.
Kaitlyn stumbled to the side in stunned surprise just as the man fired, the loud bang echoing off the walls. The air whirled hot next to her ear as the bullet hit the monitor display.
Regaining her balance, Kaitlyn raised her firearm, but the gunman slipped out the door and escaped.
She raced after him. “Stop!”
At the end of the hallway, a hospital security guard rounded the corner, colliding with the gunman. They grappled for the gun. Kaitlyn ran toward the men. A loud bang filled the hallway, pounding at her ears.
The gunman dropped to the floor.
The security guard, a local named Henry Drummond, backed away, shock on his face. “I didn’t mean to. It was an accident. He wouldn’t let go of the gun.”