Witness Undercover

Laura frowned. It sounded as if Griffin was interrogating the man, although the pastor didn’t seem to mind. Was her protector bothered by something or was he just getting information?

Rick’s hazel eyes shone warmly at Laura. “How long have you known Nolan?”

Was the pastor making friendly conversation or fishing for information? Griffin must have wondered the same, because he shifted, putting his body slightly, protectively in front of her. “Several years,” she answered.

“Yes,” her father said weakly, still grasping her hand. “We’ve known each other a long time.”

Hughes nodded. “I met Nolan during his initial hospital stay after he was first diagnosed.”

“That was about nine months ago, wasn’t it?” Griffin asked.

“Yes.” Rick glanced at the patient, concern crossing his round features.

Laura checked her father. His eyes fluttered as he fought the effects of the painkiller.

She squeezed his hand. “We’ll let you rest now.”

She wasn’t sure he heard her, but he gave her fingers a light squeeze. When his hold went limp, she gently laid his hand on his chest and studied him for a moment.

Griffin cleared his throat and she realized he held the door open, waiting for her. She quietly walked outside followed by the chaplain and Griffin, who closed the door.

Rick Hughes walked a few yards with them, then stopped in front of another patient room. “I need to drop in on someone else. It was nice to meet you both. I’ll probably see you again if you visit Nolan.”

Griffin said nothing while Laura gave a noncommittal response.

“Please let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Rick offered.

He seemed sincere. “Thank you,” Laura said.

As she continued down the long hallway with Griffin, she noticed that he frequently glanced over his shoulder. They stopped to pick up her things, then made their way to the empty waiting area.

“Are you suspicious of the pastor?” she asked.

“Right now I’m suspicious of everyone.”

That was probably good, though the act of always being wary made her tired. She didn’t want to leave her father, but she didn’t want to take any chances, either. “Thanks again for letting me see him.”

He took her elbow to steer her toward the elevator and inside. Despite his relaxed appearance, energy pulsed from him. She had no doubt he could move in one flat second if necessary. Before the doors closed, his sharp gaze scanned the hall like a laser.

Seemingly satisfied that she was as secure as possible, Griffin turned to her. “How was Nolan before I came in with the chaplain?”

“Frail, but he was alert. We spoke for a few minutes.”

Hit all over again with just how fragile her father’s health was, her throat tightened.

Griffin frowned. “Your conversation didn’t go well?”

“It did.” She sniffed, looking into his steady sea-green eyes. “He said he was glad I came. He forgave me.”

“And you forgave him?” the former SEAL asked gruffly.

“Yes.” They really had made progress. Relief and astonishment and gratitude flooded her. She dabbed at the sudden tears in her eyes.

Griffin looked confused. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

“It’s very good.” She opened her purse, looking for a tissue. “Sorry.”

“Here.” A handkerchief with her aunt’s trademark embroidery appeared under her nose, small and delicate in his large sun-darkened hand.

She glanced up.

He smiled. “Your aunt has given one to all of us at Enigma.”

With a small laugh, she wiped her eyes. He flashed a half smile and her nerves shimmered in reaction.

Their gazes locked and something flickered in his eyes before they shuttered against her.

He glanced away. “Were you able to tell Nolan everything you wanted?”

“Yes,” she answered slowly. “I wish we’d had more time to talk, but the morphine makes him so groggy.”

“Did he apologize?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Crumpling the handkerchief in her hand, she tilted her head. “Why is that?”

He shrugged. “Maybe I don’t know the whole story, but from what I do know, it sounded as though he should.”

For some reason, his words warmed her. “Thanks.”

He nodded, searching her face.

She couldn’t seem to look away from him. His rugged appearance was in stark contrast to the kindness in his eyes. She couldn’t deny that she found him appealing. Very appealing.

She frowned at the unexpected, unwelcome realization.

“I’m not sure you’ll be able to see him again.”

Why had he said that? Because her father wouldn’t make it?

Or you might not, she reminded herself, gingerly touching the raw mark circling her throat.

“Coming here is too risky. This may have to be our last visit to the hospital.”

Her heart sank. At least she and Dad had started to put things right.