Page 116 of Fatal Strike
“How did you find out?”
“The news of the firefight popped on my phone’s alert. Idrove here as soon as I learned where the injured had been taken.”
“I haven’t even washed my face.”
“It’s a beautiful face.”
She wanted to spare him any more anxiety.
Dad turned to Jon. “How are you doing?” He grimaced at Jon’s exposed raw flesh.
“I’ll heal,” Jon said. “Looks worse than it is.”
“You’re being admitted?”
“I can handle this better at home. We’re waiting on a nurse to bring the discharge papers.”
Dad smiled, a sweet, loving gesture she remembered from years ago. “I’ll take a seat in the waiting area until I know everything’s okay. Been through a few emergency ordeals with my kids. The doctor may pressure you to stay.” He kissed Leah’s cheek and left the two alone.
“Close one, Agent Colbert,” Leah said.
“For you or me?” His hoarse voice continued.
In her concern over him, she’d forgotten he’d saved her life.“Both of us. You saved my life twice, and I owe you. But I’m glad this case is over.”
“Now you hurt my feelings.”
She squeezed his hand. “Except for us.”
“Seriously.” He breathed in deeply. “I don’t want us to walk away and label our time together as a solved case.”
She needed to be honest. “We could label the case as how we met?”
“And?”
He was making this hard. “The beginning of a meaningful relationship?”
He coughed. “You got me choked up.”
She hesitated, more truth time. “You’ve shown me a lot about life and created a desire in me to learn more about God. Thank you.” She lightly kissed his raw lips. “Hope that didn’t hurt.”
“Bring it on.”
“Good, ’cause I think we’re stuck with each other.”
His phone chirped with a text. “Would you mind checking my message?” He closed his eyes.
Jon was weaker than he realized. “It’s from Richard James. He says, ‘Thank you for saving Elena’s life and helping to end the deaths. Olivia and I are forever grateful.’ What would you like for me to say?”
“Thanks, and treasure your family.”
Her eyes watered. “Oh, that’s so sweet.”
“Are you turning girlie on me?”
“It’s not impossible.”
“Do you have a red dress?”
