Page 79 of Blackwood

Garrett, not the sheriff, held me. The nurse had both hands on my right arm, pinning it down. My body relaxed as I looked into his familiar, kind eyes. I was safe. The rapidly beeping monitor began to slow. Another nurse darted in with a syringe.

I shook my head as much as I could.

“Are you sure, honey?” My nurse let up on my arm and leaned down to stare into my eyes. “I can send you back to sleep for a bit.”

I blinked twice as slowly and deliberately as I could.

“All right, but if you have another attack, I’ll have to sedate you.” She pocketed the syringe. “You need to rest.”

I blinked once, and Garrett wiped my tears away with his thumbs.

“She’s all right.” He didn’t take his eyes from mine. “She’s strong. Strongest person I’ve ever met.”

“Seems to me like you’re the one upsetting her.” She scowled at him. “Ms. Vale, would you like Mr. Blackwood to leave?”

I blinked twice.

After a wary glance to Garrett, she strode out. “I’ll be just outside at the station.”

I tried to calm myself, to snap out of the aftershocks of fear. Garrett wasn’t the enemy. He’d saved me. Again.

He kissed my palm and sank back into the chair next to me. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea about any of it.” He pressed the back of my hand to his cheek. “I still can’t believe it.” He sighed and ran his lips along my knuckles. “Do you want me to tell you about it?”

Blink.

“I don’t want to upset you.”

I need to know.I squeeze his hand.

“You sure?”

Blink.

“When I found out you left with Rory, I followed. By the time I caught up, all I saw was you staggering out of the woods and into Rory’s truck.” His voice turned cold. “I saw them chasing you, and I didn’t understand, but I knew I’d kill them to protect you.” He laced our fingers together. “All I had was a pistol. I aimed for Len. He was the one shooting at the truck you were in. I killed him in a few shots. Sheriff Crow ducked behind a tree. I should have stayed and shot him in the fucking face, but I couldn’t risk losing you.”

So much killing. Death lived in the woods near the Lodge, not Blackwood. Anything that happened on Garrett’s property was spillover and misdirection by the sheriff. And I’d fallen for it.

“You were in surgery for hours. Bonnie and Ty came by but could only stay for a moment since you’re in intensive care.” He quieted, though the storm in his eyes continued to churn.

The steady beep of the machines and the comforting touches from Garrett soothed my soul. But a thought soured in my mind, and I dreaded sharing the bitter taste with Garrett.Lillian.He needed to know the truth. I drew my other hand across to him, though it took far more effort than it should have. Spreading his palm open, I traced the letter L.

“Lillian?”

Blink.

“Are you saying Pete…”

Blink.

He squeezed my fingers. “I fucking knew it. Lillian didn’t kill herself. The photos, hanging around with your father—they found out about what he was doing at the Lodge.” He hung his head. “How did I never see it?”

I ran my fingers through his hair, giving what little comfort I could.

He wiped at his eyes, then glanced up at me. “Just rest. I’ll be here. I’ll always be here. I swear.”

I believed him, every word quieting my ragged nerves as I lay back and closed my eyes.

Something nagging broke through the veil of sleep. My chest hurt, and I couldn’t seem to fix it.

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