“Sorry, I thought you two had just started seeing each other.”
“That’s true, but she’s already become important to me.”
“How about if I talk to Shannon first? Then we’ll give you a call—”
“Sorry, but I didn’t call for permission. I called to let you know about Kimber. As soon as I see her tomorrow I’ll check in again.”
“Hold on. Give me your name again. And your phone number.”
After he rattled off his information, he said, “I’ve got to go. I’ve got to find a place for my boy and book a flight.”
“Thanks for calling. Now listen, I’ll be expecting to hear from you tomorrow.” Her voice had a new thread of iron in it.
But he was in no hurry to enter into some pissing match with her. He was the one who had called her with news, not the other way around. “Yeah, you will,” he replied before hanging up.
Just as he was searching through his contacts, Jeremy approached. “What’s going on?”
“I think Kimber got mugged or something in New York City.”
“No way. Is she okay?”
“I don’t know. She wasn’t real coherent. All I know is her hotel and that an ambulance had just arrived for her.”
The boy’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do?”
He forced himself to speak as calmly as he could. “I’m going to call Ace to see if you can stay with him for a day or two.”
“Why?”
“I’m flying out there, Jeremy. She’s alone and it’s freaking me out.” Looking him in the eye, he said, “I know this isn’t the best situation, but she needs someone right now.”
“I like Ace all right. I’ll be fine.”
“I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t so important.”
“You don’t need to explain. I’m not a kid.”
Just as Gunnar was about to tell him that he actually was, he thought about it again. Maybe Jeremy was right and he was wrong. Jeremy had dealt with a lot and now he was being pretty agreeable and not arguing about going to Ace’s house at all.
“You’re right. You’re practically a man. Thanks for understanding.”
Jeremy nodded before wandering into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator.
Pleased that the boy was thinking about food, Gunnar called Ace. He answered immediately, and even offered to come get Jeremy as soon as Gunnar made plans.
Buoyed by that, he got online and booked a ticket. There was a flight out at six in the morning and he was going to be on it.
He just hoped he was going to be able to find her after he arrived.
CHAPTER 27
“For unto us a child is born.”
—Isaiah 9:6
Kimber had a pounding headache and was pretty much covered in bruises and scrapes. She also had a sneaking suspicion that she’d somehow managed to get a cold while she was passed out on the pavement.
But as she shifted uncomfortably in her hospital bed, all she wanted to do was give thanks that she was all right. More than one nurse and doctor had told her that she was lucky not to be hurt worse—and by worse they meant dead.
No way was she going to complain about a couple of small injuries.
She was, however, not feeling especially grateful to the cop who had set up shop in the chair next to her bed and was acting a little too full of himself.
“What I don’t understand, Miss Klein, is that if you’ve really been having so many problems with this stalker—”
“I have been. I have proof.”
“If you do have proof, and you were so worried, why were you still walking in the dark by yourself? It doesn’t sound very smart.”
Boy, he was a jerk. “You know where I was attacked. It’s a nice area.” And, yes, he was probably right that she’d been stupid, but she was a victim, not an idiot!
The cop folded his hands over his rotund middle. “For that matter, why did you even come to New York? I’m sure that even a woman like you would be aware of the dangers you were putting yourself in.”
“What do you mean by a woman like me?”
“That’s not the point of this conversation.”
“I’m afraid it is, since I fail to understand what constitutes a woman like me.”
“You know.” He waved a hand. “A woman in your occupation. A model.” He smiled. “No offense, but models aren’t always known for making the best decisions.”
What was this? 1972? She briefly considered arguing with him about his stereotypes, but she decided to keep that to herself. “Instead of worrying about my reputation, I’d appreciate it if you would focus on the person who attacked me.”
“It’s been my experience that a lot of these attacks don’t happen randomly. Because of that, we need to go over your history once again.”
Just as she was about to answer, two of the best faces in her world peeked in the doorway. Gunnar Law and her sister, Traci. Ignoring the cop’s latest irritating comment, she smiled at them both. “Gunnar! Traci! I can’t believe it. What are you two doing here?”
Gunnar came right to her side. “Did you really think I would be anywhere else?” He bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “There’s no way I was going to let you be alone another day.” Reaching for her hand, he tucked it in between his. “No way.”
“You didn’t need to do this, but I’m so glad to see you.” Reaching out her other hand, she said, “You too, Trace.”
Traci walked to Kimber’s side, sidling in the space between her bed and the cop. “That’s what sisters are for, right?” she asked, carefully holding her hand around her sister’s IV tube.
And . . . now she was choked up. “Right,” she murmured. “Thanks for being here.”
“Don’t thank me. You okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“Excuse me,” the cop said. “I need to know who you both are . . . and then you can leave. I’m asking some questions here.”
“I want them here,” Kimber said. “This is my sister and my . . . my boyfriend.”
The cop’s expression didn’t soften one bit. “Where were you both last night?”
Traci turned on him like a Doberman. “We were both back in Ohio. Why? Do you really think that either of us had anything to do with Kimber’s attack?”
“Watch your tone, Miss.”
“And you need to watch your attitude, Officer . . .”
“Benson.”
Kimber felt like closing her eyes. Even though she couldn’t see Traci’s expression, she knew by her tone that she was fighting mad. She looked over at Gunnar and raised her eyebrows.
He did too, just as Traci went on a new tirade. “I’m a cop myself, Officer Benson.”
“In your small town?” His voice oozed with sarcasm.
“Yep. When I’m not saving kittens I’m serving the public just like you are. And what we both know is that your victim has been hospitalized and needs rest. Not you interrogating her or her family. You’re going to have to come back tomorrow.”
“We are not done.”
This time Gunnar stood up. “Yeah, we are. My girl here can hardly keep her eyes open. Sorry, but you’re going to have to come back when she has her lawyer.”
Officer Benson got to his feet. “You two are making a mistake.”
“I was about to tell you the same thing.” Gunnar’s voice was calm and low-key but had the same amount of ice in it as Traci’s.
“I’ll be in touch, Miss Klein,” Officer Benson said before walking out of the room.
Traci closed Kimber’s door and then turned back to her. “How long was he here?”
“I don’t know. Fifteen minutes?”
“Fifteen minutes too long, I think.” She took a deep breath and stared at her sister hard. “So . . . for being such a pretty thing, you currently look l
ike crap.”
“Thanks.”
“Were you done with your fancy photo shoot?”
Kimber loved Traci for getting right down to business. “For the most part. I was supposed to go back today but obviously that couldn’t happen. Brett called them and explained why.”
“Brett, your agent? Gunnar asked.
“Yes.”
“What else has he done? Has he been by?” Gunnar asked.
“No.” Not wanting to talk about Brett, she said, “How did you two find me?”
“It wasn’t easy,” Gunnar replied. “At first we went to the Lexington. You told me you were staying there when you were lying on the sidewalk.”
“But they wouldn’t have known . . .”
“That’s where my profession helped us out. I called a buddy in NYPD. After a couple minutes of checking, he found out you were here.”
Gunnar sighed. “I just wish we got here before that cop arrived.”
“Don’t worry about that. I was fine.”
“Now, how are you?” he asked. “Traci and I tried to talk to someone on our way in here but the nurses wouldn’t give us any information other than your doc was going to be coming back around here within the hour.”
After filling them in on her injuries, Kimber frowned. “The nurse told me that she has a feeling that they’re going to make me stay one more night.”
“Good,” Traci and Gunnar said, practically in unison.
“You two are bossy.”
Traci pushed a lock of hair off her cheek. “Yep.”
Kimber might have argued about their heavy-handed ways but she was too tired. She leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes.
Gunnar immediately rearranged the sheets around her. “Are you warm enough, honey?”
“Yes. I’m okay. Just resting my eyes for a moment. How did you two end up coming in here together?”
“I called her to get information and filled her in.”
“After we spoke, I decided that I had to come out too. Shannon and Jennifer said to tell you that they were sorry they couldn’t make it.”
“I’m glad they didn’t come. I’m sorry you spent the money.”
“Don’t say things like that,” Traci said.
“Do you have a place to stay?”
Gunnar shook his head. “Not yet. Don’t worry about that none. We’ll find someplace.”
“Kimber!”
Recognizing that voice anywhere, Kimber jerked and felt a combination of alarm and happiness. “Get ready, you two. The hospital called my parents.”
Traci turned to the doorway and then her face went slack.
On her other side, Gunnar sucked in a breath.
“Kimber, look at you!” her mother exclaimed as she strode to her like a steam engine. After kissing her brow, she moved aside for her dad to enfold her in a bear hug.
“Kimber Jean,” he murmured.
Even though she’d often felt like she’d disappointed them, in the past, Kimber knew they loved her and she loved them back. She took a moment to appreciate their presence.
When they stepped away with another couple of pats, she smiled at them. “Hi, Mom. Hey, Dad. I can’t believe you both came.”
“I can’t believe you’d think we’d be anyplace else,” her father said. “You’re my sweet girl.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
She wasn’t sure if he heard her or not, because he’d already turned to stare at the other two occupants in the room. “Now, who are you two?”
“I don’t think we’ve met. Have we?” her mother asked on her dad’s heels.
Taking a deep breath, Kimber performed the introductions—all while silently praying that everything wasn’t about to get even weirder. “Mom, Dad, this is Traci, my sister. And, this is Gunnar Law, my boyfriend.” And she wouldn’t have guessed it, but calling him that was feeling almost easy. Easier than introducing Traci as her sister to her parents.
“Your sister?” her mother gasped.
She looked kind of spellbound. Worried for Traci, Kimber said, “I know I’ve mentioned Traci and Shannon, Mom.”
Traci held out a hand. And yes, it was awkward. “Hi—”
“I can’t believe it. Look at you!” she exclaimed as she hurried to Traci’s side and embraced her in a fierce hug. Seconds later, she stepped back, smiled wider, then hugged her again.
When her mom released Traci at last, Traci reached for the edge of the bed to steady herself.
Kimber didn’t blame their reactions one bit. Her parents were larger than life and seemed to suck the life out of any room.
“Dad?” Kimber prodded. He was currently eyeing Gunnar like he didn’t trust him and Traci like he couldn’t believe she was real.
“Real glad to know you,” he said quietly to Gunnar.
“You too, sir,” Gunnar said as they shook hands.
“When did you two arrive?”
“A couple of hours ago,” Gunnar replied. “We got the first flight out of Cincinnati.”
“Shannon wanted to come but we decided that the two of us might be enough,” Traci added.
“You are a sight for sore eyes, girl,” Dad said to Traci as he reached for her hands. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you. You’re the sister who’s a cop, right?”
“Right.” After sneaking a glance at Kimber, Traci smiled at Kimber’s dad. “It’s real good to meet you, Mr. Klein.”
“It’s Charlie and that’s Jennifer. We’re Charlie and Jennifer to you.”
“All right. Thank you,” Traci said quietly.
While Kimber’s parents had been scaring poor Traci to death, Gunnar had been edging his way back to Kimber’s side. She reached out and took hold of his hand. He steadied her and she was so grateful for it.
“You hanging in there?” he whispered.
“I am. I might even be doing better than that,” she added. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Leaning down, he brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Me too, sweetheart.”
Just then she realized that her parents and Traci were all staring at them. Though part of her felt like she was fourteen and getting caught holding a boy’s hand, Kimber kept ahold of Gunnar. She might be lying in a bed, but he was helping to center her, and that was the truth.
“Maybe we should bring in some more chairs so we can get caught up,” her dad said. “It looks like we’ve got a lot of things to discuss.”
“I don’t know if now is the best time, Dad.”
Eying their linked hands, her father shook his head. “Actually, I can’t think of a better time than right this second. Gunnar, how about you and I go find two more chairs?”
“I’d be happy to.” He squeezed Kimber’s hand lightly. “I’ll be right back. I promise.”
Even though she hurt, looked awful, and was a nervous wreck, she smiled. She knew Gunnar wasn’t going to go back on that promise. Not a chance.
CHAPTER 28
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”
—Marjorie Holmes
Jeremy hadn’t been worried about spending the night at Ace’s house. Despite the guy looking like he was part of a motorcycle gang or something, Gunnar’s boss was easygoing and really nice. His wife, Meredith, was sweet and kind of shy, and their son, Finn, was pretty much the most popular kid at Bridgeport High.
He was the star quarterback on the football team, had a dog and a girlfriend, and also happened to be one of the coolest guys Jeremy had ever met. Finn Vance was laid back and never acted like he was anything special.
Jeremy had worried that he’d have to share a room with Finn, but Meredith had their spare room all tricked out with a queen-size inflatable bed and a TV on a cart. She was worried that he would be upset about the bed, but Jeremy assured her he was just fine. He was glad she
had no idea about some of the rooms and beds he’d had to sleep in over the years.
Now, though, Jeremy was sitting with Henry, Finn’s dog, on the couch watching the family’s big television in their basement. He was also staring at the screen of his cell phone. He’d just texted Gunnar, to see what was going on in New York, and Bethany, because that was what they did now.
Finn came in and sat down on the opposite side of the couch. Henry inched closer to him, obviously pleased to be by his favorite person. “What are you watching, Jeremy?” he asked.
“Nothing really. I’ve been flipping channels.” He handed Finn the remote. “Here.”
“Thanks.” He clicked on ESPN. “I’m hoping to get my fantasy football lineup set for the week. Do you have a team?”
“Nah.” He not only didn’t have the money for it, but it wasn’t like a kid in foster care had gotten a lot of chances to watch cable or follow players and teams. He wouldn’t know who to put on his team.
“I’m in the same league as my dad. Since Gunnar works with him, maybe you could be in it next year.”
“Yeah. Maybe.”
Finn blinked like he was taken off guard. “Are you not into football? I mean, it’s cool if you’re not.”
“I’m into it.” He grinned. “I mean, not like you or anything. Is it true you’re going to have your pick of colleges next year?”
Finn shook his head. “A couple of scouts are taking an interest in me, but it’s not like everyone is making it sound.”
“Oh.” When his phone buzzed, he looked down at the screen. It was Gunnar, saying that he wasn’t going to be back until probably Sunday but that he’d call later.
Jeremy frowned at it.
“What’s wrong?”
“That was my foster—I mean, Gunnar. He said that he wasn’t going to be back until Sunday now. His girlfriend, Kimber, must be bad off.”
“Wow. That’s too bad.”
“Yeah.” Suddenly feeling like he was in the way, he said, “Sorry I’m going to be here so long.”
Finn gave him that same look again. “I don’t care how long you’re here. It’s good to have the company.”
Comments like that were probably why everyone liked Finn Vance so much. He not only was cool, he was nice. Way more chill than most seniors. Feeling like maybe he could trust him to not make fun of him, Jeremy said, “Are you going to the Christmas dance?”
Save the Last Dance Page 18