by Lynn LaFleur
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
“Sl-Slade. I w-was so afra-aid you w-wouldn’t find me.”
“Shhh. It’s over. You’re safe.” He drew back and cradled her face in his hands. She winced when he touched the side of her head. Gently, he pushed back the hair at her temple. Rage turned his blood hot when he saw the cut. “Who did this to you?”
“No one. I tripped and hit my head on a rock. I think my ankle is broken too. It really hurts.”
Slade’s anger abated when he learned her kidnapper hadn’t hurt her. He silently cursed when he realized he couldn’t do anything to help the cut on her head or her hurt ankle. “I didn’t bring any first aid with me, Brenda. I’m going to take you to the hospital in Reno, okay?”
“Okay.”
Her face looked so pale and she could barely keep her eyes open. Slade worried that she wouldn’t have the strength to wrap her arms around his neck. “I need to carry you on my back. Can you hang onto me?”
She nodded.
“Good girl.”
“I have a sweatshirt beneath my coat,” Kari said.
Slade had been so concerned about his sister, he’d forgotten Kari stood behind him. He looked at her as she unfastened his heavy denim jacket. She pulled out one of his sweatshirts. “It’s a little damp, but dryer than that quilt.”
“Thanks, Kari,” he said past the lump in his throat. She continued to amaze and please him with her thoughtfulness and caring. He unwrapped the quilt from his sister’s shoulders. “Brenda, this is Kari. She helped me find you.”
“Hi, Brenda,” Kari said, smiling.
“Hi.”
“Do you need some help taking off your jacket?”
“I can do it.” She tried to pull off the wet jacket, but Slade could see the stiffness in Brenda’s fingers. After the second attempt, he decided to help her.
Kari beat him to it. She knelt beside Brenda and tugged on the jacket’s sleeves. “Not easy taking off that wet denim, is it?”
“No,” Brenda said weakly.
The lump in Slade’s throat grew as he watched his usually independent sister let Kari dress her as if she were a toddler. He needed details of how long she’d been out here in the cold, but didn’t want her to talk and get even more tired. Whatever happened to her, she’d have to tell him later, after she’d regained her strength.
Kari gathered up the jacket and quilt and pushed herself to her feet. She swayed before righting herself again. Slade wished he could carry her too, but knew Brenda wouldn’t be able to walk at all. He turned his back to his sister. “Climb on.”
The snow stopped falling as Slade led the way down the hill. He looked over his shoulder often at Kari to be sure she stayed up with him. He’d stop if she needed to, but he wanted to get Brenda to a hospital as quickly as possible. Kari walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. Her exhaustion showed with each step she took, yet she stayed two feet behind him the entire journey to the vehicles.
“I’d appreciate your help with Brenda. Will you ride with me?”
“Of course I’ll help her.”
“Synda’s Tahoe has more room, so we’ll take it. I’ll have someone pick up my Jeep later.”
Kari nodded as she opened the liftgate. Slade gently lowered Brenda to the ground, then helped her crawl into the back of the vehicle. He’d already lowered the back seats for more room. She wouldn’t be able to stretch out, but at least she could lie down and rest. She did just that, curling up into a ball, her body shaking.
“Synda always carries a pile of blankets with her to cover up supplies when she shops. Will you help Brenda get undressed? She needs to get out of her wet clothes. So do you. I’ll turn on the heat and aim the vents toward you.”
“I’m fine. My concern is Brenda. She needs water too.”
“I brought a couple of bottles, but I don’t want to give her too much until a doctor sees her.”
“I won’t let her drink more than a few sips.”
“Good.” There was so much he wanted to say, so much he needed to say. He touched her cheek, caressing it with one finger. “Thank you, Kari,” he said softly.
She stared into his eyes a moment before stepping back. His hand dropped to his side. “Let’s get her to the hospital.” She climbed into the Tahoe beside Brenda.
Once the gals were settled and Slade had the heater on full blast, he picked up his cell phone from the passenger seat. He punched in Meka’s number while pulling away from the parking space.
“Kari and I found Brenda,” he said as soon as his friend answered.
“What?”
“I’ll explain later. I’m taking her to Saint Mary’s in Reno. I’ll hit I-80 in a few minutes. Is it snowing there?”
“No. The snow didn’t make it over the mountains.”
“Good. Tell your CHP buddies I’m on my way. I’m in Synda’s Tahoe and I’m not the least bit worried about a speed limit.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Slade called his father next. Leon answered after the first ring. “Any news, son?”
“Great news, Dad. Brenda is with me.”
“Brenda is…” His voice broke. When he spoke again, it was barely a whisper. “You found my baby?”
“Yeah. I’m taking her to Saint Mary’s. We’ll be there within an hour.”
“You’re taking her to the hospital? She’s hurt?”
“Not seriously. She’ll be fine. I’ll tell you everything when I see you.”
“Alora and I will meet you there.”
“Tell Alora to bring some clothes for Brenda. Hers are wet.”
“Yes, of course. We’ll see you soon.”
Slade tossed his phone on the passenger seat. He looked in the rearview mirror to check on the gals. Kari had traded his denim jacket and her T-shirt for the sweatshirt Brenda had worn. She lay curled behind a blanket-draped Brenda with her arm around his sister’s waist. Both of them were asleep.
The two women in his life who meant the most to him.
He had to make sure Brenda received the care she needed. Right now, that was the most important thing he had to do. Once she was settled and he knew she’d truly be all right, then he had to apologize to Kari for being a fool and not trusting her.
Chapter Ten
Kari sank into a chair in the ER waiting room and closed her eyes. She didn’t think there was a part of her body that didn’t ache. Long, leisurely walks and a couple of days a week at the gym hadn’t prepared her for two days of uphill hiking, especially through snow. She’d be so sore tomorrow, she wouldn’t be able to move.
Every ache, every pain, was worth it. She’d found Brenda.
Sleep would be the most wonderful thing in the world right now. Kari had napped on the way here, but the few minutes she’d snatched wasn’t nearly enough. Food ranked right up there with sleep. Other than two sips of coffee this morning and a bottle of water in the Tahoe, she’d put nothing in her stomach since dinner last night. She couldn’t even buy a bowl of soup at the cafeteria for she had no money with her.
Soup sounded good right now…so good she thought she could smell it.
“Here,” Slade said next to her.
She opened her eyes to see him holding a tray bearing two bowls of chicken noodle soup and two cups of coffee. Kari’s stomach growled loudly.
Slade chuckled. “Yeah, I’m hungry too.” He sat beside her and set the tray on the low table in front of them. “I thought we could use some nourishment while waiting for the doctor’s report on Brenda.”
Kari dug into her soup. The broth was weak and the noodles overcooked, but it tasted delicious. “Thank you.”
“I’m the one who should be thanking you for finding Brenda.”
“You’ve already thanked me for that.”
“Not nearly enough.” He sipped his coffee, then cleared his throat. “I also owe you an apology. A big one.”
She didn’t want to hear this. Sure, he wanted to apologize now, since she’d
proven herself. She’d wanted his trust this morning when he spoke with his police friend. That hadn’t happened. She took another spoonful of soup to keep from commenting.
Slade watched Kari silently eat her soup for a few moments before he picked up his own bowl. She’d risked her life for his sister today. She deserved to know why he’d been so quick to believe something bad about her.
Talking about what a fool he’d been wouldn’t be easy.
“Slade!”
He looked up to see his father and stepmother hurrying toward them. Setting his empty bowl back on the tray, he stood to greet them. Leon drew him close for a quick hug.
“Where is she?”
“The doctor is checking her over now. He’ll be out to talk to us soon.”
“We can’t see her?” Alora asked.
He shifted his attention to his stepmother. She looked beautiful, as always, with her blonde hair perfectly styled and her makeup in place. Still, Slade could see the evidence of crying in her eyes, the lines of fatigue around her mouth. “Not until the doctor finishes his examination. It shouldn’t be much longer.”
Kari stood beside him. Taking her elbow, he tugged her closer to his side. “Dad, Alora, this is Kari Winchester. She’s the one who found Brenda.”
Leon reached out and took both of Kari’s hands in his. “You are the Seer, the one with vision.” He squeezed her hands. “Thank you for finding my daughter.”
Kari smiled. “I’m glad I could help.”
A young doctor wearing jeans and a blue T-shirt beneath his white coat walked toward them. His gaze passed over each of them before lighting on Leon and Alora. “Are you Brenda’s parents?”
“Yes,” Leon said. “How is my daughter?”
“Tired. Dehydrated. The cut on her head wasn’t deep, but required a few stitches. Her right ankle is broken. Her foot will be in a cast for several weeks.”
“But she’s all right?”
The doctor smiled. “She’s young and healthy. She’ll be fine. I would like to keep her overnight, though, to make sure she gets enough fluid back in her system.”
“May we see her?” Alora asked.
“Of course. She’s sleeping now, but I know you want to see for yourself that she’s fine.”
“You and Alora go ahead, Dad,” Slade said.
Leon squeezed Slade’s shoulder. “Thank you, son.”
Slade waited until Kari returned to her chair before sitting beside her. She picked up her coffee and sipped it. She didn’t look at him. He waited for her to speak, but it soon became apparent that she wouldn’t.
“This isn’t exactly the place for a serious conversation, but I need to talk to you, Kari.”
“You’ve already thanked me and apologized. We have nothing else to talk about.”
She still didn’t look at him. Slade’s hope began to crumble. “I’d like to explain why I didn’t trust you.”
Finally, she turned her head toward him. Her eyes were dull, her lids heavy. “I’m really tired, Slade. A serious conversation is way at the bottom of my to-do list.”
He wanted to touch her. He needed to touch her. Lifting his hand, he drew one finger slowly down her cheek. “Maybe the doctor should take a look at you.”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine once I eat something solid and get some sleep.”
“There are plenty of places to eat in Reno. We can go to—“
“No. I’d like you to take me to your father’s hotel. I want to be alone.”
Slade dropped his hand from her face. “You aren’t going to give me a chance, are you?”
“I want to leave as soon as you check on your sister.”
Pushing Kari wouldn’t work. He knew his mistrust had hurt her. He didn’t blame her for not wanting to have anything to do with him now.
Patience was a big part of being a cop and a PI. It wouldn’t be easy, but he had to remember that and give Kari the space she wanted. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Slade saw his father and Alora sitting by Brenda’s bedside. Her eyes were closed, but her face didn’t look nearly as pale as it had when he and Kari found her in the snow. His heart beat easier knowing his sister would be back to her normal bratty self in a few days.
Leon looked up and saw him. Slade jerked his head to the side, silently asking his father to leave the room. Leon whispered something to Alora, then rose and walked toward Slade.
“I’m taking Kari back to the hotel. She’s really tired.”
“Of course. She must be exhausted, and hungry. Please take her to one of my restaurants.”
“She won’t eat with me. I’m not exactly her favorite person right now.”
“Why not?”
Slade blew out a breath. “I fucked up, Dad. It’s that simple. I didn’t trust her visions. I thought she could’ve been the one who’d kidnapped Brenda. I hurt her deeply.”
“Yes, I can understand that.” He laid his hand on Slade’s shoulder. “Are you serious about her?”
“I…think I could be. I like her. She’s bright and intelligent and caring.”
“And lovely.”
“Yeah, I noticed that too.”
“Then there’s only one thing you can do, son. You have to unfuck whatever you did.”
Slade laughed out loud, drawing a stern look from a passing nurse. He cleared his throat to get his laughter under control. “You do have a way with words, Dad.”
Leon grinned. “I’m always honest. You know that.” The amusement faded from his face. “Why don’t you stay at the hotel? There’s no reason for you to drive back to Truckee tonight. You can borrow some of my clothes. I believe the Alpine Suite is available. I’ll call Madeline to be sure. Unless you’ll be staying with Kari—”
“No, I won’t be staying with Kari. She wants to be alone. And I don’t need a suite. A regular room will be fine. Or I can crash on your couch.”
“Use the Alpine. You’ll be comfortable there. I insist.”
Slade knew arguing would be useless. Besides, he figured part of Leon’s offer of a suite was to have his son close tonight. “Okay. Thanks.”
“Alora and I will sit with Brenda a while longer. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Dad.”
Slade found Kari standing near the door when he returned to the waiting room. She must be eager to get away from him. “Ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes, but I have a problem. My purse is in my car at your office. I don’t have any I.D. or money or the key card to my room.”
“That isn’t a problem. I’ll contact Dad’s assistant, Madeline. She’ll get you another key card. I can loan you some money.”
“I’ll pay you back tomorrow, when we return to Truckee.”
She made it sound so final, as if she had no intention of ever seeing him again. His hope crumbled a bit more, but he wouldn’t give up…not until he’d explained everything. For tonight, he’d leave her alone. Tomorrow he’d begin his campaign to convince her they could have something very special together.
*
Kari stood at the window, staring at majestic Lake Tahoe spread out before her. It was so beautiful here. She could easily spend the rest of her life enjoying this incredible view every day.
Reality meant she had to head back to Sacramento today and return to her job tomorrow. She’d done what she wanted—she’d found Brenda before anything serious happened to the teenager. It could’ve been much worse than a broken ankle and a case of hypothermia.
Her stomach rumbled. Despite having next to nothing to eat all day yesterday, she hadn’t been able to make herself eat once she returned to the hotel. She could’ve dined in any of the restaurants, or ordered room service. Her churning stomach had made eating impossible. Slade’s mistrust had angered her, but it had also hurt her.
She couldn’t seem to get past the hurt.
She glanced at her watch. He should be here within thirty minutes to take her back to Truckee. He’d told her last night that
he’d pick her up around nine.
A gentle knock on the door drew her away from the view. He’d arrived early, but she was ready to go. The sooner she left, the sooner she could get back to her normal life.
Alone.
She didn’t expect to see Slade’s father standing outside her door. “Mr. Blackstone.”
He smiled. “Good morning, Kari. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“No, of course not.” She opened the door wider and stood aside so he could enter. “Please come in.”
She closed the door and joined him in the middle of the room. Unsure of what he wanted, she waited for him to speak.
“I trust your room is comfortable?” he asked.
“Oh, yes. It’s lovely.”
“There is no charge, of course.”
She blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Surely you don’t think I’d charge you to stay here, not after you saved my daughter’s life.”
“I don’t expect any payment, Mr. Blackstone.”
“Leon, please. I know you don’t expect anything, but I want to give it to you.” He reached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a piece of paper. “I’d also like to give you this.”
He held out the paper toward her. Kari hesitated a moment before accepting it. She unfolded a check made out to her for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Her mouth dropped open.
“I assume the amount is acceptable?”
Kari stared at all those zeroes while trying to decide what to say. She couldn’t accept it, even though it would solve so many of her problems…and her mother’s. She folded the check in half again. “I can’t accept this.”
“I want you to have it. Spend it on something you need, or blow it on something frivolous. Your choice.”
“I don’t want to be paid for helping your daughter.”
“Then consider it a gift…an early Christmas present.”
“All the Christmas presents I’ve ever received wouldn’t amount to this much.” A sudden thought occurred to her, one that made her stomach clench with anger. Surely Slade wouldn’t have told his father of her debt. “Did Slade tell you to do this?”