Page 88 of Coff

An image of Delaney flipping Nelson takes over. I have to say I was impressed because the man is twice her size. Or was. I turn to her. “The way you flipped Nelson was impressive.”

She pulls her feet up onto the chair so her knees are bent. She rests her head on her knees. “I told you that I’ve been taking some Krav Maga classes.”

I hadn’t realized how effective that would be for her. “I’m happy your brother did that for you. Was your Dad okay with you taking those classes?” Then I wince. That’s a low thing to say. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

She sighs. “He didn’t know. Only Duke. I didn’t even tell my best friend, Samantha.”

“Why not?”

She shrugs. “It was something I did for me. I didn’t want to share it.”

I wonder how she kept that from her father. The man seemed to keep close tabs on his daughter. “How long have you been taking classes?”

She turns to stare straight ahead. “A little over three years.”

Wow, that’s longer than I expected. But then I have a feeling I know why she chose to do this. “How long have you been married to Nelson?”

She turns her gaze back to mine. “Almost four years.”

“Did Duke set up those classes because of Nelson?”

She shrugs again. “He never said. I figured it was just him being a protective older brother.” She takes my hand in hers. “Nelson didn’t hit me until after my father passed away. Before that, he really didn’t pay any attention to me.”

There’s so much more I want to ask her about Nelson, but it really isn’t my business. Nor do I want to open old wounds.

Ozzie returns, and we all sit there, waiting until a doctor comes out in scrubs.

“Duke Manzia’s family?” he asks.

Delaney stands up. “Yes.” Her legs are shaking, so I stand up and put my arm around her waist to hold her steady.

“Duke’s going to be fine. We were able to get the bullet out, and no major organs were damaged.”

Delaney goes limp, and I catch her. “Thank you!”

“He’ll need to stay here for a few days to make sure he’s healing and has no infection.”

“Can I see him?” she asks.

“The nurse will let you know when you can. He’s still groggy from surgery, so it will be about thirty minutes or so.”

Ozzie steps forward. “He needs security outside his door since this was an attempt on his life. What room is he in?”

The doctor nods. “Follow me.”

Once they’re gone, Delaney throws her arms around me. “Thank you for being here.”

I hug her back, and I’m transported to all those years ago when holding her was second nature. Back when I thought she was my future. Hell, I still have the ring I bought for her. One time I tried to pawn it, but it felt wrong, so I packed it away instead.

Seeing Delaney again has stirred a lot of memories and feelings that I thought I’d buried. But right now, they are right at the surface.

“Did you love him? Nelson?” I ask. Damn, I guess I can’t let my questions go.

She stiffens in my arms, then pulls back. “No. Never. Marrying him was the last thing I ever wanted.”

I shake my head. “Then why did you?”

She said she was forced to, but I have to know if there was anything more to it.

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