Page 114 of Asher's Assignment
“Possibly.” Stroud tipped his head briefly in acknowledgment. “We won’t know until we talk to her.” He turned his attention to Asher. “Her attorney agreed to a video interview this afternoon. I’m not sure how much we’ll get from her. He won’t let her implicate herself in any wrongdoing. But nonetheless, I’m here to extend an invitation for you to sit in and watch the conversation. You’ll be in the room, but you can’t ask questions.”
Esther looked at Asher. She could see he didn’t like the idea of being sidelined, but there was little he could do.
He nodded once. “Fine. What time?”
“We should head out in the next few minutes.”
“Okay. I’ll find you.” Asher’s gaze flicked to the door.
Stroud backed toward it. “Five minutes. I’m leaving then, with or without you.”
“I’ll be there.”
The detective tipped his chin, then turned and left.
Asher squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to leave you yet.”
“It’s fine, Asher. I’ll just sleep, anyway. You’d just sit there and stare at me being unconscious.”
A smile flirted with his mouth. “I’d probably sleep too.”
She chuckled, then winced. “Ouch.”
“Sorry. I’ll do my best not to be funny for a while.” He brought her hand up and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
“It’s fine.” She gave him a soft smile. “Laughing isn’t comfortable, but I enjoy your wit.”
He ran a thumb over her cheekbone, staring down at her with a tenderness in his eyes that warmed her insides. “I’m quite happy you’re still here to do that.”
Esther lifted her free hand, grazing his forearm with her fingers. “Me too.”
He tugged her oxygen mask lower and leaned down to brush his lips over hers. “I need to go. We’ll talk more later?”
She nodded. “I’ll be here.”
Forty-Seven
Asher walked out of Esther’s room, reluctant to leave. He knew there was nothing he could do to help her heal, but it didn’t change the fact that he wanted to just sit there in her presence and be thankful he could.
Stroud pushed away from the wall and tucked his phone into his pocket when he saw Asher emerge. “Ready?”
“Yep. Let’s go.” Tucking Edie’s laptop under his arm, he followed Stroud down the hall toward the elevators. As they approached the ICU lounge, he saw Edie through the glass doors. She was camped in a recliner, reading a book, but glanced up in time to see him. Asher gave a quick tip of his head. Without question, she got up and met them as they passed.
Stroud sighed as Asher paused. “I invited you, Horn. This is not social hour.”
“Invited him where?” Edie frowned.
“He finagled an interview with the woman who owns the car Lennox was driving.” He’d told her about his discoveries this morning before he went to see Esther and subsequently passed out on the couch in her room.
“Let me tell Mom and Dad where I’m going.”
“Now, hang?—”
Asher waved a hand, cutting Stroud off. He glanced at Edie. “Go ahead.”
She spun away, retreating through the glass doors. Asher turned to Stroud. “Trust me, it’s easier to give in. She’d probably follow us, then make a ruckus at the station until you either arrested her or let her come back, anyway.”
Stroud huffed and glared, but stayed silent. A moment later, Edie returned, and they traipsed toward the elevators.
