Page 150 of Forever Dead
Blethan stepped closer.
For one awkward second Selena thought he was going to take the cane.
Instead, his arms went around her.
She froze.
Then the fear she had been holding since seeing the television gave way completely.
Selena pressed her forehead against his shoulder and sobbed.
Blethan held her without speaking at first. One hand rested between her shoulder blades, moving once in a slow, uncertain gesture that made it obvious this was not something he did often.
“He could’ve died,” Selena managed.
“Aye.”
“I should’ve been there.”
“No.”
“I should have.”
Blethan drew back slightly but kept his hands on her shoulders.
“The last thing he needs is to see you like this, lass.”
Selena dragged both palms over her cheeks.
“I’m trying.”
“Try harder.”
She gave a wet, disbelieving laugh.
Blethan’s mouth moved faintly. “There she is.”
Selena wiped under her eyes again. “Don’t tell anybody about this.”
“About what?”
“You hugging me.”
“I was restraining an emotionally unstable federal agent.”
“That sounds worse.”
“It probably is.”
The humor lasted only a moment, but it gave Selena room to regain control.
She drew a slow breath and straightened.
“Thank you.”
Blethan nodded.
“When can I see him?”
