Page 84 of Final Approach
“So, you’re saying someonewantedus to crash?”
“That’s what it looks like. Tate’s going to ask if you know who.”
“B-but I don’t. I can’t even fathom it. No way. That’s crazy.”
Kristine hated upsetting her sister, but the questions had to be asked. “Think about it, hon, okay? I know you don’t want to think it’s possible someone may have gone that far to hurt your friend, but we have to consider the possibility. The facts don’t lie, Em. Someone messed with the brakes. The question is, who?”
They fell silent for a few minutes while Emily processed the information.
Kristine was about to offer to leave her alone when Emily sighed. “I don’t want to talk about that. Let’s talk about our father. So you really think Dad’s being nice because he has regrets?”
“I do.” Kristine let her change the topic. “It’s the only thing I can think of anyway. I recommend you enjoy it while it lasts.”
“Hmm. Right.” She glanced at the door. “I don’t know how long he planned to chill in the cafeteria, but if he’s still there, I’d love a frozen lemonade.” She snagged her phone. “I’ll text him and ask him to get me one.”
“No need,” Kristine said. “I’ll get it for you. I need to make a call, so I’ll do that while I walk down there. Tate should be here soon too.”
Emily hesitated, then set her phone back down. “Thanks. And I don’t know what good it’ll do for Tate. The answers won’t change.”
“Well, sometimes different people can ask the same question a different way, sparking a different thought. So, just go with it, okay?”
She sighed. “Fine. You know more than I do about this kind of thing.”
“Great. I’ll be back with your frozen lemonade soon.”
“Thanks.”
Kristine left the room and headed toward the elevator that would take her down to the cafeteria on the first floor. She’d been spending way too much time in this place, as she already knew she was going to get the lemonade for Emily and a chocolate milkshake for herself.
She pulled her phone out and dialed Andrew. When it went to voicemail, she hung up, stepped off the elevator, and turned right, passed the hallway that led to X-ray, and stopped. Backed up and gaped. A man had her father shoved up against the wall, forearm against his throat. “Hey! Let him go!”
The man spun away and shoved through the exit door behind him. Her father grabbed his throat and sagged against the wall.
Kristine raced over to him and grabbed his arm. “Dad!”
“I’m okay,” he croaked. “I’m okay.” He crossed the hall and dropped onto a bench, breathing hard, pain registering on his pale face.
She grabbed her phone and dialed 911, reported the incident, and was assured hospital security was on it. Then she turned back to her father. “Are you sure you’re all right? Let’s get you to see a doctor.”
“No, no, I’m good, but honestly, people will do anything in broad daylight these days.”
“What did he want?”
“My wallet.”
“And you didn’t recognize him?”
“What? No. He just came up to me and shoved me against the wall and demanded my wallet. Then you shouted and he ran. That’s the gist of it right there.”
“Unbelievable.”
“Tell me about it.”
Hospital security arrived, along with two other officers whotook their statements. The whole time she was talking to them, something nagged at her. She hadn’t gotten a good look at her dad’s attacker, but he reminded her of someone. And it finally hit her who.
Her phone rang. It was Andrew. She looked at the officers who were just finishing up with her dad. “I’ve got to take this.” She shifted her gaze to her father. “After I finish this call, I’ll get Emily the frozen lemonade she wanted. Why don’t you go up and rest for a bit once you’re done here?”
“I think I’d rather go home.”
