Page 6 of Serial Burn

As soon as she drove onto the off-ramp, she put the reckless driver out of her mind and made it to the hospital with ten minutes to spare. Plenty of time to get inside, change, and meet Lainie in the line. She parked near the entrance closest to the cafeteria and texted her friend.

On the way inside.

Want me to order for you?

My usual. Thx. I have cash.

She climbed out, the cold wind whipping her messy ponytail around her eyes and sending shivers down her spine despite the protection of her gear.

Her phone pinged with a text and she glanced at the screen. Her aunt Carol.

I’ll have breakfast ready if you can still make it in the morning.

Jesslyn sent her a thumbs-up just as another chill sent goose bumps pebbling beneath her heavy coat, and just like that, the sensation of being watched returned full force. The parking lot was well lit with cameras and security monitoring 24/7, but she’d feel much better inside the building.

She grabbed her bag from the back seat of the car, slung it over her shoulder, and headed for the door. She walked fast, keeping her eyes on her surroundings, but didn’t see anything that might have set her internal alarm ringing.

Shoving off the feeling, she directed herself toward the cafeteria, the delicious smells growing stronger the closer she got. She zippedinside the nearest single bathroom, changed clothes, washed her face, and brushed her hair into a fresh ponytail.

When she walked into the cafeteria, Lainie was fourth from the end. Jesslyn stepped up beside her. “Thanks for holding me a spot.”

“Sure thing.” No one minded her breaking in line.

Once they had their food, they found a table at the back. “Pot roast,” Jesslyn said. “My favorite.”

“I know. I figured that’s why you wanted to come eat.”

She laughed. “I actually forgot it was on the menu tonight.” They said grace and Jesslyn took a bite, savoring the rich, hearty flavors. The tender meat rich with herbs and seasonings exploded on her tongue. She swallowed. “Okay, I’m never cooking again.”

“What do you meanagain?” Lainie said. “Has there been a first time?”

Jesslyn waved her full fork at her friend. “I should throw this bite at you for that, but I don’t want to waste it.”

“I knew I was safe.” A full minute of silence passed before Lainie looked up. “So, are you okay?”

“I am. Or I will be. It’s Mr. Christie I’m worried about.”

“I was here when they brought him in. Nathan and Andrew are upstairs hoping he’ll wake up so they can talk to him.”

At the mention of Nathan’s name, heat flooded Jesslyn’s neck and into her cheeks. She ducked her head to focus on her food and hope the pink faded before Lainie saw it. But she was fooling herself. With her fair skin, she probably resembled a lobster.

After another bite and swallow, she glanced up and saw Lainie’s speculative look. Yep. Lobster.

“He’s a nice guy,” Lainie said after a few seconds of silence.

“Who?”

Lainie laughed. “The guy who shall remain nameless so you don’t turn red again.”

The heat flared once more. “Ugh. It doesn’t matter. Why do I do that? He’s just a guy.”

“A handsome, kind, compassionate, fiercely loyal, very protectiveguy. And rather mysterious.” She nodded. “Can’t leave out mysterious.”

“Accurate.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“Who said there was a problem?”

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