Page 73 of Shadow of Deceit
If Mia could believe God looked out for her, she would thank Him for saving her life. More likely, He was watching over Ryan who’d survived the intruder’s escape without injury. Sadly, she didn’t survive the attack unscathed. The back of her head had hit a parking block and it throbbed. She gingerly touched the area and winced. Her fingers came away sticky. Blood.
No way she would tell Ryan about the blood. He would return to clucking over her like a mother hen. She was beginning to warm to his concern and honestly wouldn’t mind if he pulled her into his arms for comfort. But even more, she wanted to get into the office to see the burglar’s handiwork before Russ arrived to take over the crime scene. If Ryan knew she was bleeding he would make her sit right here and call paramedics.
She got to her feet. Dizziness enveloped her. She plopped back down.
“Here.” Ryan handed her the camera. “Let me help you.” He bent low and lifted her by the arm.
She got up, faltering and swaying.
“Whoa.” He took hold of her upper arms. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Fine. Just got the air knocked out of me.” Mia pointed down the driveway to divert his attention. “Looks like Russ is here.”
She’d expected Russ to come barreling down the drive with lights blaring, but his car crept forward in stealth mode. Made sense. He didn’t know the burglar had run off.
“Can you wait here for Russ? I want to take a quick look to see what was stolen?” She didn’t wait for an answer, but started moving toward the office as fast as she could before another fresh wave of dizziness took her down.
Inside, she found the tall file cabinet behind Verna’s desk tipped on the side. Files splayed across the linoleum like avalanched snow. A white pillowcase stuffed with what looked like file folders sat near the door.
She wanted to peek in the case, but Russ’s and Ryan’s voices drifted inside stopping her.Drat.She was too late. If she took time to look in the bag, Russ would catch her.
Her back to the door, she quickly took in every detail. The computer, other office equipment, and valuables remained untouched. This wasn’t some random break-in. The thief wanted information. If they hadn’t interrupted him, maybe he would’ve gone for the computer hard drive as well.
Too bad he’d worn his hood up, shadowing his face. Not to mention in the dark with the flashes of light, she hadn’t seen him clearly or she could at least give Russ a description.
“You’re hurt,” Ryan said from behind.
She jumped and faced him, the room spun and whirled like a carnival ride.
He stood in the doorway, alone. She could hear Russ talking outside. Maybe one of his deputies had also arrived.
Biting his lip, Ryan strode across the room to her. “Why didn’t you tell me you were bleeding?”
“I didn’t want you to stop me from looking inside before Russ arrived.”
“Let me look at it.” He turned her around, and she wobbled. “Dizziness isn’t a good sign.” He softly probed with his fingers. “The wound doesn’t look too bad. Are you nauseous?”
She faced him and smiled. “No, I’m fine. It’s really just a bump.”
His mouth drew up in a pucker. “You might not have a concussion, but I think you should have a doctor look at it anyway.”
She waved away his concern. “Really, I’m fine. But thanks.”
“If you won’t go to the doctor, you’ll need someone to check on you tonight. To make sure you really are okay.”
“I think you’re overreacting.”
“And I think you’re downplaying how serious this could be.” He stroked the side of her face, and paused near the gash, then let his fingers linger long enough to raise her heartbeat.
Even if he was trying to take charge, she enjoyed the feel of his fingers—coarse yet gentle against her skin.
“I hope you haven’t touched anything.” Russ charged inside, a deputy trailing him.
They split apart.
“Well, except each other.” Russ grinned.
“Don’t worry. We know the protocol.” Ryan dug his cell from his pocket. “I’ll just step outside for a minute to update my staff in case the burglar is still on the property. And I’ll head up to the lodge to be sure this guy didn’t make a stop in there too.”
