Page 51 of Blind Trust
He glanced over. “You keep shifting your position to get comfortable, which means you’ve probably got some bruising and stiffness. Maybe even cracked ribs. You should’ve listened—” He caught himself before he said “to your parents.” “You should listen to your body. Let it rest.”
For several minutes, the only thing filling the silence between them was the hum of his truck, the heater, and a song playing quietly from the radio. He took the exit for Jack’s place and felt Lyla’s eyes on him.
“I wish there were an answer I could give you that would take away that look of hesitation in your eyes, make you believe I’m not so self-absorbed that I’m oblivious to the risks to those around me—”
“Lyla.” He made sure she was looking at him before he continued. “Self-absorbed is the last thing I would ever call you.”
She gave him a half smile. “I appreciate that, but ten minutes with my parents and they’ll give you a lifetime of stories in which I play the starring role of defiance. I like to say it was bold independence, but”—she exhaled—“I know it’s gotten me in trouble a time or two.” His eyes flashed to hers, and she smiled—a real one. “Fine. Five times, tops.”
“Just this month.”
“Your exaggeration is interrupting my attempt to apologize. Iknow you asked me to be more cautious, and I promise I’m trying, but when I heard the shots...” Her voice wavered, and he reached over and took her hand in his in an all-too-comfortable way. “Nicolás, today the four people I love most in the world are basically under lockdown with armed guards patrolling our home because of me. Not to mention endangering a senator, a federal judge, and a few key members of the Defense Department. Those people mean nothing to me compared to my family and to Walsh, Jack, Brynn, Kekoa, Elinor, and you.”
Nic tried not to read into the way her voice dipped at the end. She really did feel bad, but would it be enough to make her change? To consider the risks before engaging? He wasn’t so sure. Lyla’s self-preservation revolved solely around those she wanted to protect. And at her own admittance, she would do anything to keep them safe.
He sighed. And he would do anything to keep her safe.
Fifteen quiet minutes later, Nic pulled up in front of Jack and Brynn’s home, and the front porch light turned on. “We’re going to find out who’s behind this, Lyla.”
Lyla squeezed his hand with a nod before releasing it. “So, tomorrow you’ll pick me up and we’ll go by the hospital to see Jerry’s wife?”
The porch light revealed her apprehension. Like she was already expecting him to go back on his word. He wouldn’t do that. “Yes, but I can swing by midmorning if you want a few extra hours of sleep.”
“Visitor hours start at nine.” She grabbed her purse and opened the door. “I’ll be ready by then. Good night, Nicolás.”
“Night, Lyla.”
Jack walked over, and Nic rolled his window down. “She’ll be fine, brother. We’ve got alarms, we’re armed, and whether or not she likes it, Walsh has some friends from the police department patrolling the area.” He gave Nic a reassuring smile. “We are officially the safest neighborhood in NoVA.”
Nic watched Brynn welcome Lyla into the house. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all night.”
“I don’t know how you talked her into staying with us.”
“That was all her doing.” Nic held up his hands. “But I’m grateful. Means I’ll be able to sleep tonight.” His body reacted to his words, feeling heavy at the weight of the day. One day, and it felt like a week. He imagined Lyla felt the same way—maybe worse, considering the fall she took. “Will you make sure she eats and takes pain medicine? And sleeps?”
Jack’s lip tweaked. “I can do that.”
“Don’t give me that look, Jack.” Nic sighed. “I’d be reminding you and Kekoa to do the same thing.”
Jack laughed. “You wouldn’t have to remind Kekoa to eat—ever.”
“Did you find out anything about Ammar?”
“Secret Service is working a counterfeit investigation that might be connected. Walsh said the FBI is going to try and get an agent into Roumieh to visit Ammar, but they’re probably not going to roll out the welcome mat, if you know what I mean.”
Nic exhaled again. “We’re going to swing by the hospital and check on Tiffany Miller. See if she knows anything or can tell us where Genevieve is.”
“I hope she can answer that last one. My gut’s giving me a bad feeling.”
“Mine too.”
“It’s good to know we haven’t lost you yet.”
Nic’s attention swung on Jack. “What?”
“Walsh mentioned you’re considering an outside mission.” Jack waited a beat. “Have you told her?”
Nic watched Lyla cross the front window. She was smiling, and he took another deep breath, recognizing his breathing had come easier over the last few minutes knowing Lyla was safe. It felt cowardly to admit that he hadn’t told her yet. “I’m trying to figure out the best way to do it. Sometimes she takes things personally.”
