Page 42 of The Desperate Warrior

“The car accident, I think. It’s all so hazy. I can’t really make sense of it.” She paused, trying to give voice to her impressions. “I just keep thinking that there’s something I’m forgetting about that night—something I’m supposed to remember.”

“Maybe it’ll come back to you in time.”

She shrugged. “I guess so. I have no memory of the accident. Well, except for the part where I’m sitting at the stoplight,and headlights come barreling towards me. That’s all I can remember … until waking up in the hospital.”

“Can you think of anyone, other than Steve Randall, who would want to hurt you?”

She searched her brain. “No. Do you think the hit-and-run could be a random thing? Maybe someone panicked because they didn’t have insurance, or they were drunk?” She was clinging to that hope so she could be in the clear.

He considered her theory. “It’s certainly possible.”

Relief spritzed through her. Brock had a level head. His opinion on matters such as these was valuable.

“Although Steve Randall’s disappearance makes me think that he’s the culprit.”

Her heart dropped. Even though she hated hearing it, she knew that Brock was right.

“We’ll find him,” Brock assured her. “And I won’t let him hurt you. You have my word.”

Her eyes grew moist. “Thank you,” she croaked. Before she realized what was happening, he scooted close and draped his arm around her. She knew she should pull away, but it was nice to be held by the only man who’d done what she thought could never be achieved—the one who captured her heart and then broke it.

Chapter 10

A little after midnight, Mom called and announced that the tornado watch had escalated to a warning.

“Make sure you get someplace safe, like in a closet or under the stairwell,” Mom had admonished with the shrill hiss of fear in her voice.

Jules assured her that they would stay on top of the situation.

Brock insisted that he and Luke sleep in the living room so they could keep an eye on Jules and Nikki.

Nikki had been sleeping in the guest room upstairs. Jules’s bedroom was on the first floor. “Maybe Nikki should sleep in your bedroom tonight,” Brock suggested. “It’s not good to be on the second floor during a tornado warning.”

“That’s fine with me,” Jules said, even though she wasn’t keen on the idea of Nikki sharing a bed with her. Nikki snored like a buzz saw. Still, she couldn’t put her own comfort over her cousin’s safety. Exhaustion was settling in. Her left shoulder was throbbing, and her pelvis ached. She needed to take a couple of ibuprofen tablets before going to bed.

“You look tired,” Brock observed.

“I am.” She used the back of her hand to stifle a yawn. “Goodnight.” She reached for her crutches and used them to getup off of the armchair. In another day or so, she’d start weening herself off the crutches. She couldn’t very well use them at work, so she needed to practice for a few days beforehand. It was only Tuesday. She had a little less than a week to get stronger. She could do it. “Nikki, would you get out the extra blankets, sheets, and pillows and help Brock and Luke get situated?”

“Sure thing,” Nikki answered.

Jules was hobbling into the kitchen when Brock caught up with her. “What do you need?”

“A couple of ibuprofen.”

“Where are they? I’ll get them for you.”

“It’s okay. I can get them.”

“I’ll do it,” he insisted. “Where are they?”

“In the cupboard to the right of the fridge.”

“Okay, go on to your room, and I’ll bring them to you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Just so we’re clear, being Mr. Nice Guy is not going to make me change my mind about us getting back together.”

His eyes swirled with amusement. “Just go to your room. I’ll be there shortly.”

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