Chapter 24
Destiny
The constant mechanical beeping and the sharp antiseptic smell dragged Destiny from the warm cocoon of unconsciousness. There was a slight hum of an air conditioner. She opened her eyes to find herself in a hospital room. Electrodes wires ran from her chest to the monitor displaying the steady pulse and blood pressure.
She tried to move and winced. A rustling noise from across the room ended with her father by her side.
“Des,” he said, using her nickname.
“Dad.” Destiny’s word came out scratchy, and the rhythmic beeping picked up the pace. Each beat of her heart pounded in her temples.
“Get her doctor,” her father called out, and one of the men in suits standing guard ran out the door.
“You’re going to be fine, Des. Relax. We can talk about all this later.”
“Where’s Walker?”
“Who?” he asked.
“My ranger, where’s Walker?”
“I don’t know, Des, but no one is getting near you. I have your security detail stationed outside. I promise you’re safe.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I need Walker.”
Her words were spoken just as the door opened and a doctor in a white lab coat walked in. “Ranger Bennett is waiting down the hall.”
She nodded even as a tear slipped. “I need to see him.”
The doctor clasped the clipboard to his chest and smiled at her. The name on his badge made her racing heart slow. Dr. Dexter Bennett.
“You’re related to the ranger?” her father asked.
“He’s my brother,” the doctor answered, checking the machine. “I need to give her an exam and check her wounds if you wouldn’t mind stepping out.”
“Sure.” The senator snapped his fingers, and the rest of the men walked out. “I’ll be right outside, honey.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Dr. Bennett stared down at her and smiled. “You’re one lucky girl.”
“Will I be okay?” she asked as Dr. Bennett moved the sheet and lifted her gown to the side to reveal the bandage on her stomach while not exposing the rest of her body. She winced when he peeled back the tape.
“Sorry,” he said. “That’s always the hard part.”
“The hard part?” she asked, watching the bandage lift to see the ton of stitches beneath it.
“The bullet didn’t nick any major arteries, but you’re out of commission for a while. No more hiking with my brother. Doctor’s orders.”
Her heart ached at his words. “Your brother made it pretty clear he wants me out of town.”
“And you were going to listen?” the doctor asked with a grin. “Let me give you a piece of advice, Destiny. Walker is a master of pushing people away, with or without reason. I understand you were researching our hometown. He can get a bit protective of the people in it. I’m sure you understand, just like the way you didn’t want people to know your secret.”
“I would never…” Her words trailed off. “I can see why he’d think I was going to expose you all. But I wouldn’t.”
“Weren’t you? You’ve got to admit it would sell a ton of papers.”
Destiny sighed. “I wouldn’t do that.”
