His pained brown eyes flickered with remorse.“This is all I wanted.You back safely.I’m pissed you got shot, but I’ll make sure you heal.I promise.”
She shrugged her good shoulder.“Now I’m just as badass as you are.Besides, you got shot twice.”She brushed her fingers over his shoulder.“How are you feeling?”
“Like I got shot twice,” he countered dryly.
She smirked, but the image of him slumped on the dock would haunt her forever.“My god.It’s a miracle you’re alive.I’ve never seen so much blood.”
He tightened his hold on her fingers.“The bullet took a good chunk out.Thankfully it missed my main artery and just grazed the muscle.”
Knock,knock
Natalie steered her attention to the door.Chief Wiebe stood there, in uniform, his face somber.She gave an involuntary shudder.She might be out of the woods as far as Keetan was concerned, but there was still Shelby’s death to contend with.
Brick’s hand warmed.It was as if he sensed her need for protection.“What can I do for you, Chief?”
He entered the room, his mouth moving into a reluctant half smile.“Thought I’d check on you both.I heard what happened, of course.Natalie,” he said, nodding at her.“I’m glad you’re safe.Sorry to see you’re both injured.”
“Thank you,” Natalie managed.She didn’t want to talk to anyone but Brick.Didn’t want to relive the events of the previous night.But now that they were both out of surgery and coherent, they’d have to face the music and answer all the questions.
“Mind if I have a seat?”
“Go ahead,” Brick said.His terse tone told her he was on as high alert as she was.
Chief Wiebe dragged a chair close to the bed, sat and leaned back, then folded his hands over his solid belly.“Natalie, are you aware of what happened to Keetan?”
Some of the blood drained from her face.Her stomach clenched around a pit of nausea.Brick and Taschen were responsible for Keetan’s death.No matter how honest she wanted to be, she wouldn’t implicate them if she didn’t have to.“Last I saw him was when he shot me.I don’t remember seeing him after that.”
“Well, I’m here to inform you he’s dead.”
Her eyes widened.Blinking away her pretend shock, she swallowed.Manners prompted her to offer condolences, but her tongue refused to speak the words “I’m sorry.”
Because she wasn’t.
“Taschen shot Keetan after he opened fire on Natalie,” Brick explained.“She fell overboard immediately, hitting her head on the way and knocking herself out.We pulled her out of the water and got her back to the boat—and you know what happened on land.”
Chief Wiebe cleared his throat.“Yes, that’s the other news I’m here to deliver.Tommy’s in the hospital as well.His injuries aren’t life-threatening, and he’s got police supervision round the clock.It’s been confirmed he and Keetan were working with Club East,” he said, looking pointedly at Brick.“Once he’s well enough, he’ll be held until a court hearing.”
“Tommy was with Keetan when he attacked me and kidnapped Bray, and there was a third person there as well.Did you find out who that was?”
The chief nodded, his face pinched.“Tommy admitted to everything and testified as to who was involved that night.The other officer is being investigated.”
She nodded, and numbness crawled over her skin.While the chief’s admissions gave her some comfort, there was Shelby’s death to face.
“Natalie, if you’re up to it, we’d like to have you taken back to your room to give your statement.”
“She’s staying right here,” Brick stated firmly.
Chief Wiebe pursed his lips.“I assure you—”
“No offense, but the last thing I’m going to trust is your department.Whatever information you need from Natalie or me will be given right here.”
The chief pressed his hands onto his thighs and stood.“Fine.I’ll have Officer Braden come see you if that’s okay, Natalie?I figured you’d feel most comfortable with her.”
After last night’s events, Rosealee was probably the only one of Wiebe’s team Natalie trusted.
A scampering of footsteps down the hall brought a smile to her face.“I see my momma!”Bray’s excited little voice turned the smile to tears.
“Sure,” Natalie finally said to Wiebe.“After we spend some time with our son.”
