Page 40 of Her Only Hero

“I’d prefer you didn’t.”

“You still don’t think it’s safe?”

“I don’t.”

“I actually need to pack a few more things. And I have to check for mail and water my plants.”

He shook his head.

“I promise I’ll be fast. I’ll go right after work when it’s still light out.”

One of his brows rose in a doubting expression, prompting me to convince him further.

“You can weaponize me. Lend me your baton, or stun gun.”

He thought for a second. “Pepper spray. I’ll give you a cylinder to use until I give you a shooting lesson.”

“Deal.”

“And check your front and back doors. Do not go in if they’ve been opened or tampered with. I’ll duck out and meet you there, if I can.”

“Check front and back doors. Gotcha, Officer.” Were these security measures all part of his job, or was he being overly protective of his woman? I hoped it was the latter, because if not, I was in more danger than I realized. Like a bad meal, that thought didn’t sit well with me.

About ten minutes had passed when patients started checking in and occupying seats around us.

“I wonder how much longer the doc will be,” Patrick said and looked at his watch.

“Maybe he’s delayed with rounds or something.”

“Possible,” Patrick said.

A man in a toque walked past us, sat a few chairs over, and unzipped his jacket. He peered at Patrick. The others in the waiting room stole glances as well.

I leaned closer to Patrick. “I think you’re drawing attention.”

“The uniform does that,” he whispered.

“Nah. I don’t think it’s the uniform.”

His mouth curved into the slightest smile, and he checked his wristwatch again.

“Should we have Dr. Fulthorpe paged?” I asked.

“That’s a good idea.”

Patrick had barely finished speaking when a man in a cream linen suit, matching hat, and shoulder bag walked briskly intothe room and went to the front counter. He spoke with the receptionist and then turned to look at us.

“That might be him,” I said.

“Let’s find out,” Patrick said. We both stood and trekked to the reception desk. “Dr. Fulthorpe?”

“No, Dr. Gideon Crawford.”

The doctor’s heavy spicey cologne made my nose tingle.

“Do you know when Dr. Fulthorpe will be in?” Patrick said.

“It doesn’t look like he’ll be in today. Can I help you with anything?”

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