SECRETS OF THE MOUNTAIN

It took just one look in Quinn Donovan’s eyes and Wilhelma “Billie” Bronson knew the search and rescue volunteer had saved her life. Again. But this time her fall down a mountain was no accident. It seemed her past had come back to haunt her, and trusting Quinn to protect her was the best way to stay alive. Before long, though, old feelings resurfaced, and being around him became more challenging than figuring out who wanted to hurt her. And why they’d stop at nothing to spoil any possible future with Quinn.

Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State

“I want answers,” Billie said.

“Like who is still after me,” she continued. “Who tried to run us down, and most importantly, why won’t you look at me?”

“They have a video image of the driver from the hospital and are sending it to local police departments for identification,” Quinn said. “That should help them narrow down the suspect list.”

“And you won’t look at me because…?”

“You’re imagining things.”

“Look me in the eye and say that.”

He snapped his attention to her, his blue eyes aflame with anger. “Let’s see, the fact I shouldn’t have let you leave this room for the SAR mission and I shouldn’t have left your side at the hospital because the thought of…” He shook his head.

“What?” She squeezed his upper arm.

“The thought of you being hit by a car because I wasn’t there is tearing me apart.”

“What would you have done? Would you have stopped the car with your bare hands?”

He gently gripped her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “I could have protected you.”

HOPE WHITE

An eternal optimist, Hope White was born and raised in the Midwest. She began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when she was in grade school, and wrote her first book when she was eleven—a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

She and her college sweetheart have been married for thirty years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, two feisty cats and a bossy border collie.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, Hope enjoys hiking, sipping tea with friends and going to the movies. She loves to hear from readers, who can contact her at hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com.

Mountain Rescue

Hope White

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Whoever does not love does not know God,

because God is love.

—1 John 4:8

To Dr. James Keen for answering my medical research questions, and SAR volunteer Doug Caley for his insight into this special world.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

DEAR READER

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

EXTRACT

Copyright

ONE

Her husband was dead.

Billie Bronson stood on the Cascade Mountain trail overlooking the steep drop down the side of the mountain. She took a deep breath and finally released the pain weighing heavy on her heart.

Pain. Anguish. Dread.

There, she’d finally admitted it. She’d been living under a cloud of dread during the last year of her marriage, nervous about Rick’s volatile moods and erratic behavior.

She tugged her fleece hat down to cover her ears. It felt as if the temperature had dropped ten degrees since she’d started out on her hike. But she had to finish this, had to visit the site where Rick had spent his last hours in her arms.

It had taken her a year to get to this place emotionally, the place where she accepted that what she needed most was closure. Closure and forgiveness.

“And I do forgive you,” she whispered, hugging herself. Forgiveness was a step toward grace, and it would help her heal.

Still, there were those occasional moments when she’d lie awake at night wondering if she could have done something to stop him from his downward spiral.

She glanced at the plateau below where Rick had shivered and groaned as she’d portioned out food to sustain them both until help had arrived.

If only they hadn’t argued; if only he hadn’t stormed off and tripped, falling over the edge and hitting his head on a rock below. But you can’t rewind the past, no matter how much you want to.

A sudden flash of Quinn’s blue eyes and confident smile haunted her thoughts. No, she wouldn’t think about search-and-rescue volunteer Quinn Donovan, not today. He may have rescued her from the mountains and helped her get back on her feet by giving her a place to live, but he was another lost soul like Rick, running from his pain.

“It’s good that I left,” she whispered.

She’d only seen Quinn sporadically since she’d started her new job at the Echo Mountain Resort. They’d agreed it was the best thing to do, the right thing, because they both had suspected she was leaning on him a little too much after he’d rescued her.

She was falling for him.

But she wouldn’t make the mistake of thinking what they had was anything more than an emotional condition brought on by trauma. Billie was smarter than that.

A sudden gust of wind whipped through the mountain pass. If she were so smart, she wouldn’t have gone hiking by herself. Although her friend Bree had offered to join her, letting go of the past wasn’t something you did with an audience. She interlaced her gloved fingers and closed her eyes. She said a prayer in an effort to completely let go.

“Lord, please help me make peace with Rick’s mistakes, with my own failures as a wife and—”

Snap!

She spun around and peered into the mass of trees to her left, but saw nothing, no wild animal or hiker. The hair pricked at the back of her neck.

“Sorry to interrupt,” a deep male voice said.

She spotted a man coming up the trail and relief washed over. It was a hiker, probably seeking solitude, like Billie.

“I’ll just...” The man motioned that he’d trek past her and give her privacy.

She stepped aside to let him pass. He was tall, about six feet, in his forties with brown hair combed back and a full beard. She noticed his lack of sensible gear. He wore a denim jacket over a purple University of Washington sweatshirt and sneakers instead of hiking boots. He wasn’t even wearing a hat.

Billie assumed he was a tourist passing through town on his way to Vancouver. Travelers often stopped in the town of Echo Mountain for day hikes in the North Cascades.

Yes, he was definitely a tourist. A seasoned hiker would be better prepared with warmer clothing and a backpack.

With a polite smile he edged past her and followed the trail. She thought about suggesting he go back to town, warning him that he was ill prepared for a mountain hike, especially when the weather seemed to be turning cooler, but she didn’t want to seem judgmental. He hiked about ten feet and hesitated.

“Hang on,” he said and turned to her. “I know you. You’re that woman who was stranded out here with her husband.”

Billie glanced at the ground, still ashamed that she’d been unable to save Rick’s life.

“That was you, wasn’t it?” he pressed.

“Yes, it was.”

She’d been a local celebrity of sorts for weeks after the rescue. Everyone wanted to know how she’d survived, how she’d managed to keep Rick alive until the search-and-rescue team found them. All that attention made her uncomfortable, which is why she’d welcomed getting out of town and moving into Quinn’s coach house.

“That must have been a traumatic experience, watching your husband die like that.”

“Actually, he died at the hospital,” she said, defending her failed efforts to treat his injuries.

“Oh, sorry.”

“Thank you.”

“Actually, I knew Rick,” he offered.

“You did?” She glanced up.

“Sure, he did some work for me. Seemed like a good guy. I would think you’d be too traumatized to return to this place.”

“Yes, well, there’s something to be said for closure.”

“Oh, I think you came out here for more than closure,” he said, his voice taking on a sharp edge.

He stepped closer and goose bumps prickled her arms.

“I think your husband left something behind and you came out here to get it,” he said.

“Excuse me?” A shudder racked her body as she edged away from him.

“And it’s worth a lot of money,” he growled.

Before she could take another step, he grabbed her arm in a viselike grip and shoved her against a tree. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder at the steep drop.

He leaned close. “Don’t run. I think we’d make a great team.”

His hot, stale breath on her cheek shot panic through her body. With a guttural cry she jammed the heel of her hiking boot against the top of his foot, stunning him enough to loosen his grip. She spun around and took off down the trail.

“Where are you going?” he called after her.

She had better gear, hiking experience and good instincts, but he had brute strength and what she assumed was a motivation to do her harm: retrieving something worth a lot of money. What had her husband gotten himself into?

“I said...where are you going?”

A firm hand clamped down on her shoulder.

“No!” She jerked away and lost her balance.

Arms flailing, she lunged forward, hoping to grab something to keep from careening down the mountainside. Instead, she caught air as she skidded over the edge.

She cried out as she tumbled downward, her pack cushioning her fall. She willed her body to relax knowing that tensing would only increase her injuries.

Injuries? She should be more worried about her attacker, who was probably carrying a weapon in his denim jacket.

She came to an abrupt stop and gasped for air. Tears rolled down her cheeks, not so much from the pain but from the realization she hadn’t come close to accomplishing what she’d hoped to in this lifetime. Like her husband, Billie had made her own share of bad decisions.

Like falling for Quinn Donovan.

Unbelievable. She was bruised and battered, possibly going to die so close to where Rick had suffered life-threatening injuries, yet she was thinking about Quinn, his warm eyes that grayed when he was upset, eyes that sparkled bright blue when confident or pleased. Blue, like the sky peeking through the western hemlock and Douglas fir trees towering above.

“Stay conscious,” she ordered herself. She had enough presence of mind to reach into her pocket and activate the personal locator beacon that would alert her friend Bree that she was in trouble.

A gray fog drifted through the trees like a curtain, similar to the one drifting across her mind, muddling her thoughts, her prayers.

“Please, God...”

She struggled to focus, to hold on to a sense of time and place. She couldn’t pass out, not yet.

In her last moments of consciousness, maybe even the last moments of her life, she struggled to pray, but the prayer was not for herself.

“Help...Quinn,” she whispered.

And the world faded to black.

* * *

Quinn had sent Billie away months ago for her own good, yet she lay at the bottom of a mountain trail so very still and motionless...and dead?

No, Quinn would not accept that.

“I’m going down,” he said, gripping the rope with both hands.

“Maybe you should wait for the rest of the team,” Artie Meyers suggested.

Quinn and Artie were the first to arrive. Not a surprise since it was the middle of the day when most Snoquamish County Search and Rescue volunteers were at work. More would be coming soon, but as one of the first two at the scene, Quinn took the field command position. That’s about as far as normal protocol would matter to Quinn today. He wouldn’t get bogged down by procedure, not with Billie’s life at stake.

“I’ll radio when I get to her.” Quinn nodded at the middle-age man and started his descent.

Quinn had to pretend this was a routine rescue, that Billie wasn’t lying broken and bleeding on the plateau below. He had to act as if the injured party wasn’t the woman he’d rescued over a year ago and taken into his life to help her get back on her feet.

The only woman who’d touched a spot inside of Quinn that he thought had been destroyed by a brutal childhood, war and loss.

He shifted his boots against the mountainside and steadied his descent, trying to rein in his panic. He needed to get control of his thoughts, needed to think of Billie as a random, injured hiker.

The text he’d received half an hour ago flashed across his mind: Female victim, thirties, fell while hiking. He hadn’t been sure he’d be able to leave his business meeting to join the team.

Then Aiden, Quinn’s friend and Billie’s boss, sent another text: the victim was Billie.

Billie knew better than to take off into the mountains without hiking buddies. The rule was at least three in a group so that if someone was injured, one hiker could stay with the immobilized party while the third person went for help.

Billie was smart and sensible, yet she’d fallen off a trail close to where she and her husband had been stranded for days, and her husband had sustained a blow to the head from a fall that ultimately took his life.

Was this some kind of penance? Return to the scene where she’d been unable to save her husband in order to drive home her personal failure?

The rope slipped between his gloved fingers and he tightened his grip. He had to focus on helping the victim and stop analyzing his friend’s motivations for coming out here alone.

A friend? Is that what she was? The frantic beating of his heart when he’d read Aiden’s text indicated otherwise. Quinn couldn’t remember driving to the trailhead, or specifics of the conversation he’d had with Aiden. Everything was a blur except the rope between his fingers and the chill seeping through his jacket.

And, of course, the thought of Billie lying on a mountain plateau bruised and broken, and no doubt terrified.

But alive. God, please let her be alive.

Back up, buddy. God doesn’t listen to guys like you, remember?

He must have dropped a good fifty feet before he touched down. Corralling his panic at what he’d see when he examined Billie up close, Quinn took a deep breath and kneeled beside her still body.

“Billie?” he said, brushing copper-streaked dark brown hair off her cheek. “Can you hear me, sweetheart?” The endearment slipped out.

He pulled off his glove with his teeth and pressed his fingers against her neck. He realized he held his breath.

A strong and steady pulse beat against his fingertips. A sigh of relief escaped his lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered, not sure if he was thanking God for watching over her or thanking Billie for her incredible strength.

He cleared his throat and pressed the button on his radio. “The victim’s alive. Send a litter down ASAP, over.”

“Roger that. How many team members will you need to secure her to the litter and lift her up, over?”

“It’s a small area. I can manage it by myself.”

“Roger.”

Quinn took off his pack and pulled out a thermal blanket. He covered Billie, tucking the blanket snugly around her body. Glancing at the sky, he hoped the weather would hold until they got her out of here. They’d strap her securely to the litter and raise her to the trail. Her injuries would determine how they’d get her out of here, either by helo or ambulance.

A moan drew his attention to Billie. She opened her normally colorful eyes—usually rich with hues of amber, green and warm brown—now a dull dark gray.

He forced a smile. “We have to stop meeting like this, Wilhelma.”

“Quinn? What are you doing here?”

She must be in pain if she wasn’t scolding him for calling her by her full name, a name she disliked. “I’m on speed dial for damsels in distress, remember?”

“Yeah, right.” She closed her eyes.

He couldn’t admit the truth: that after Billie got the job at one of Quinn’s properties, Quinn asked his friend and resort manager Aiden McBride to keep Quinn in the loop. In other words, let Quinn know how Billie was doing.

Quinn couldn’t help himself. He’d felt a connection to her, a connection he chose to ignore because he excelled at hurting the people closest to him. He’d already hurt Billie in so many ways, ways she didn’t even know about.

Even though Quinn kept his distance from Billie, he’d appreciated the updates from Aiden: Billie excelled at her job as a restaurant hostess, was making friends in the community and was active in the local church. She had blossomed after leaving Quinn’s life. He was glad, even if some days he missed her so much it physically hurt.

“Injuries?” he asked her.

“Head mostly. I’m okay.” She tried to sit up.

“Lie down. You don’t want me to get in trouble for not following protocol.”

“Fine.” She lowered herself to the ground. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“I was in a business meeting nearby. Aiden texted me after Bree got the alert from your personal locator beacon. She would have been here, but she was stuck up north on business. Sheriff’s office also got a call from another hiker who saw you fall.”

“Another hiker.” She opened her eyes, panicked. “Did he see the guy who attacked me?”

Every muscle in Quinn’s body tensed. “Someone attacked you?”

“He grabbed me and I pulled away and lost my footing. He was wearing a denim jacket and gym shoes and he asked me about Rick, and...and...”

Her breathing sped up and her cheeks flushed. Quinn guessed her blood pressure was in the triple digits.

“Shh.” He placed an open palm against her cheek. “We’ll deal with that later. Right now you’ve got to lie still and relax.”

With a few shallow breaths she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. The feel of her skin against his hand spread warmth up his arm. No other woman had this kind of effect on him. A part of Quinn ached to explore the dynamic further, but he’d never do that to Billie.

She suddenly turned her head, breaking the connection.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“Try again.”

She opened her eyes, now tinted with amber and golden hues. He relaxed a little.

“You don’t believe me about the man on the trail.”

“I do believe you, but I’d like to deal with one thing at a time. I know you’re the master multitasker, but I’ve got a guy’s brain, remember?”

He thought she smiled. He hoped she smiled.

“We’ll get you to the hospital, then we’ll deal with the mystery hiker,” Quinn said. Although he hadn’t a clue how he was going to control himself if he ever came face-to-face with the guy.

“I’m afraid,” she whispered.

“He’s not here. It’s just me.”

Quinn assumed she wasn’t afraid of him, yet he wouldn’t blame her if she were.

She sighed. “Quinn, if my injuries are worse than they seem and I don’t—”

“Stop it,” Quinn ordered, because if she didn’t make it...

He wouldn’t be able to survive that kind of pain.

“But, Quinn,” she started, “you should know that the hiker accused me of coming out here to get something Rick left behind.”

She obviously couldn’t stop thinking about the threat so he encouraged her to continue. “Left something? Like what?”

“I have no idea. Something worth a lot of money apparently.”

“Why did you come out here?”

“I was hiking.”

“Alone?”

“I needed closure.”

Quinn leaned back on his heels. Closure was something he’d wished for with so many people in his life, especially his mom, who died when he was a kid.

He glanced at the ridge above, then at Billie. “So, was it worth it?”

“You’re making fun of me?”

“No, I’m not, although I was hoping to make you smile.”

“This isn’t funny. The guy said we’d make a good team. He was creepy and his breath smelled awful and he shoved me against a tree, and I thought, I thought—”

“Shh.” He touched her shoulder. “He’s gone. No one’s going to hurt you while I’m here.”

She sighed and looked away. They both knew that wasn’t true since Quinn could hurt her worst of all. Not physically, but in every other way that mattered. He couldn’t give Billie the sincere love and devotion she deserved. He was incapable of such feelings, incapable of opening his heart to a woman. After everything Billie had been through, she deserved a loving man with integrity.

“I hate this,” she muttered.

“The pain?”

“No, I meant I’m sorry to be inconveniencing everyone, making them drop whatever they’re doing to come out and rescue me.”

“It’s not an inconvenience. They live for this stuff—you know that.”

“Well, I’m embarrassed that I need their help.”

“There’s nothing wrong with accepting help, Billie.”

She chuckled and clutched her wrist to her chest, pinching her eyes shut.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You giving me a pep talk about accepting help from others.”

She was right, of course. Quinn was not the type to seek counsel or ask anyone for help. A few seconds passed and he wondered if she’d lost consciousness. He was about to speak her name.

“Thank you,” she suddenly whispered.

“For what?”

“For saving me...again.”

“I haven’t saved you yet,” Quinn said, trying to lighten the mood.

She opened her eyes and he could tell she struggled to crack a smile. She was in pain and it was driving him nuts.

He yanked the radio off his belt. “Artie, where’s that litter, over?”

“The guys just got here, over.”

Quinn turned to Billie. “Saving you is getting to be a full-time job, Ms. Bronson.”

“Don’t worry, this will be the last time,” she said, her tone flat.

“Hey, I was—”

“Kidding, I know.” She cracked a sad smile. “But I wasn’t.”

That sounded awfully final, as if she no longer wanted him helping her, being there for her. “I don’t mind playing hero where you’re concerned.”

“Maybe I do. Maybe I mind depending on you because it makes me feel weak and naive. You won’t be there forever, or even tomorrow, or—”

“Hey, calm down.”

“I’ll be calm when you get me out of here,” she snapped.

He wondered if a head injury was causing the edge to her normally affable personality. She suddenly didn’t seem like herself.

Not taking his eyes off her, Quinn stood and reached for the radio to see what was taking so long.

“Quinn!” she cried, her eyes rounding with fear.

He glanced up and caught sight of something careening toward them. There was no way to dodge what looked like a large piece of equipment without leaving Billie exposed, making her the prime target.

“Close your eyes!” He instinctively threw himself over her body like a human shield and clenched his jaw in anticipation of the impending blow.

TWO

Adrenaline rushed through Billie’s body and strangled her vocal cords. One minute she was setting her boundaries, letting Quinn know he didn’t need to feel obligated to her in any way. The next, she saw something barreling down the side of the mountain—straight at them.

She wasn’t sure what she expected Quinn to do, but throwing himself on top of her wouldn’t have been her first guess.

“Quinn?” she said.

His warm breath tickled the side of her neck as he exhaled. Was he unconscious?

“Quinn, are you okay?”

He groaned. “What was that?”

“The litter, I think.”

“I’m gonna be sore tomorrow.”

She realized they’d never been this physically close before. She’d practically lived at his lake house as his personal assistant, but they’d never touched except for a polite hug now and then.

His body, pressed against hers, felt solid and comforting. But she couldn’t afford to enjoy it too much.

“Are you hurt?” she asked.

He tipped his head back to look at her. He was so close she could see the gray specs in his blue eyes.

“It nailed me in the back, but I’m okay,” he said.

“Then would you mind...?”

“I’m heavy, right. Sorry, I’m probably crushing you.”

She didn’t correct him. It wasn’t his weight that bothered her as much as the ache of wanting something she could never have with this man.

Shifting off her, he stood and clenched his jaw as he pressed his hand against his back. He yanked the radio off his belt with his other hand.

“Artie, what’s going on up there?”

No response. Quinn glanced at Billie and she started to sit up again.

“Hey, hey,” Quinn said, putting out his hand to stop her.

“The litter’s gone and it’ll be dark in a few hours. I’m not spending the night here, Quinn. I can’t,” her voice cracked.

“You won’t. I’ll get you out of here.” He tried the radio again. “Artie?”

A few tense seconds passed. “Sorry, Quinn. A new guy messed up.”

“Then they shouldn’t have approved him for fieldwork.” Quinn sighed, shaking his head. “Have you got another litter, over?”

“Sending one down now, over.”

“Roger that.” He glanced at Billie. “You’re going to be okay.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relieved that she’d be lifted out of here instead of having to climb her way out.

The search-and-rescue team would take her to the hospital where Quinn could absolve himself of his responsibilities. She knew he wasn’t here because he cared about her. He was here because Billie had become his pet project ever since he’d rescued her last year. He’d given her a job and a place to live, away from her local notoriety. He’d helped her find solid ground during a turbulent time in her life.

She’d always be grateful to Quinn for that, but she had to make it clear that it was time for both of them to move on. Alone.

* * *

Between the doctor’s examination, tests and giving her statement to the police about the man on the trail, six hours had passed and she still hadn’t had a chance to speak with Quinn alone. She wanted a private moment to set the boundary between them that she needed so desperately to define. Sure, he’d stuck close since the rescue, practically tailgating the ambulance to the hospital. He’d even tried pushing his way into the examining area but security managed to keep him out—at her request.

The sooner she distanced herself the better for both of them. But she wouldn’t humiliate him by having that conversation in front of strangers.

It was a necessary conversation. She was done being dependent on men who kept her at an emotional arm’s length. When she’d worked for him, Quinn had never missed an opportunity to remind her that he’d never be foolish enough to settle down with one woman.

Then why did he keep showing up to save her? It was a coincidence, that’s all. He happened to be nearby and responded to the text alert.

Stop thinking about him and focus on protecting yourself from Rick’s questionable business practices.

The man on the trail said Rick had worked for him. Doing what, some type of illegitimate activity? Her attacker accused Billie of going into the mountains to get something Rick had left behind worth a lot of money. But a sensible person wouldn’t hide something in the wilderness that could be destroyed by animals or weather.

The first thing she’d do after being released from the hospital would be to dig into Rick’s accounts. She’d abandoned her life after the accident because her insides had been so tangled in grief and regret, confusion and shame. Yet maybe a part of her was afraid to find out how far he had fallen.

She couldn’t do it any longer, especially since Rick’s business seemed to be putting her life at risk. Maybe she should leave Echo Mountain and conduct her investigation from a safe location in a different part of the country.

Which meant finding a new job and making new friends, again. She sighed at the thought. She’d grown close to Bree, her boss’s sister and was finally feeling a part of the community and Echo Mountain Church. She didn’t want to think about moving again, although it could be the best option to remain safe.

Another option would be hiring a private investigator to dig into her husband’s accounts. If only she had the budget to afford one. Knowing what Rick was involved in could help Billie anticipate what was coming next and protect herself.

The things you didn’t see coming were the most dangerous of all, things like Rick’s sudden personality change and questionable behavior.

And Billie’s imprudent attraction to Quinn Donovan.

She’d been so relieved earlier today when she’d regained consciousness and seen Quinn staring down at her with worry in his eyes. She’d almost thought she was dreaming.

She was not only relieved but also surprised. After she’d left Waverly Harbor, she never thought she’d see him again. Oh, he’d texted her a few times to make sure she was okay and had settled comfortably into her new life.

She’d purposely kept her responses to his text messages polite but short and didn’t dare ask about his life. She didn’t want to know about his latest conquests, either in business or in the romance department.

A doctor in his mid-fifties with a gentle smile stepped into the examining area. “I’m Dr. Green. So, Wilhelma, are you on any medications or have you had any medical issues we should know about?”

“Please, call me Billie. No, no medications. I’m pretty healthy.”

“And extremely lucky. You don’t seem to have sustained any serious injuries from the fall, but you do have bruised ribs, a sprained wrist and slight concussion.”

“Great, then you’re releasing me?”

“I’d prefer you stay overnight for observation. Your injuries have the potential for complications.”

“I’d rather not. I have to—”

“She’ll stay,” Quinn said, stepping around the corner into the examining area.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” she snapped.

The doctor glanced from Quinn to Billie. “Do I need to call security?”

Billie crossed her arms over her chest and stared straight ahead. “No, it’s fine.”

Quinn extended his hand to the doctor. “Quinn Donovan. I’m with search and rescue. I helped retrieve Billie. Believe it or not, we’re friends.”

The doctor glanced at Billie for confirmation.

“It’s true,” she said.

“Fine, well, they’ll come to move you to a room shortly,” the doctor said.

“Do I really need to stay?”

“We need to keep an eye on swelling of the tissue, both in the lungs and brain, which could lead to more serious problems. Twenty-four hours to be safe.” Dr. Green nodded at Billie and left.

Quinn stepped closer to the bed. “What’s the rush to get out of here?”

“I don’t like hospitals.”

“It’s more than that. Are you worried the guy from the trail is going to track you down? Because I won’t let that happen. I’m staying with you until you’re released.”

“That’s not necessary,” she said a little too sharply. “I’m not worrying about him, but I want to get out and start investigating what he said about Rick.”

“Investigating?”

“Yes, I need to figure out what Rick was into and why that man approached me on the trail.”

“No, I won’t allow it.”

“Excuse me?” She half chuckled, wincing at the pain in her chest.

“It’s too dangerous.”

“It’s more dangerous if I do nothing.”

He leaned closer. “You don’t know what your husband was into. If you go digging into his business you’ll risk stirring up all sorts of trouble. You need to hire someone to do that for you, like a retired cop or a P.I.”

“I don’t have the budget to—”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Billie—”

“Not happening, Quinn. I won’t let you keep paying for things and taking care of me. I’m not a charity case and I resent being treated like one.”

He jerked back as if she’d physically slapped him. She regretted the words, but they had to be said.

“I’m just trying to help,” he said.

“You have. You’ve rescued me twice now. You’ve done more than enough. So please, go back to Waverly Harbor and leave me to manage my own life.”

* * *

Quinn didn’t care how much she protested, he wasn’t abandoning her, not until he knew she was truly safe. With a nod, he stepped into the hallway to give her space. He wouldn’t go far. She was fighting him with what little strength she had left and he didn’t want to upset her further.

But it was his duty to make sure she was okay. He’d assigned himself her protector after the first rescue for many reasons, the least of which being a request made by her dying husband: Take care of Billie. She deserves so much better.

No one knew about the dying man’s plea. Quinn didn’t even tell his own brother, Alex.

Quinn would never forget the look in Billie’s brown eyes when she was told her husband had died. It wasn’t simply grief, it was complete and utter confusion. She’d obviously loved her husband and had been devastated by the loss.

After she came to work for Quinn and he got to know her better, he suspected something else, as well: regret. What he never figured out was if she regretted not being able to prevent her husband from spiraling into depression, or if she regretted marrying Rick Bronson in the first place.

“Wishful thinking,” he muttered.

It would make things so much easier if Quinn thought she’d wanted out of her marriage long before her husband died. Easier as in easier to pursue something more than friendship with Billie? That’s not easy. That’s insanity.

He’d made himself a promise never to go there with her, no matter how much his heart ached to have this special woman in his life. He simply didn’t deserve that kind of goodness, and she surely deserved better than a blackguard like Quinn.

“Quinn?”

Quinn spotted his friend Aiden with his sister, Bree, heading in his direction. The tall, sandy-haired Aiden had become a good friend after they’d met on a search-and-rescue mission a few years ago. They’d bonded over their military service and love of hiking.

“Hey, man, thanks for the call,” Quinn said as they shook hands. He never would have made it to Billie as quickly as he had if Aiden hadn’t called him. “Hi, Bree.”

“Oh, Quinn, I’m so sorry. I got here as soon as I could.” She hugged him and Quinn glanced at his friend, questioning the emotional moment. Aiden shrugged.

“How is Billie?” Aiden asked.

“Banged up and cranky.”

“Billie, cranky?” Bree said, breaking the hug. “She must be hurting.”

“She’s putting on a good front, playing tough. But I sense she’s in a dark place.”

“And probably not only because of the fall,” Bree said.

Quinn studied her for a second, trying to figure out the meaning of her words.

“We’ve become friends,” Bree explained. “So I know a lot about her past, her marriage, stuff like that.”

Quinn wondered what “stuff” she knew about him.

“I’m so glad she activated the locator beacon and I got the emergency text,” Bree said. “She almost didn’t get the device, but I insisted.”

Quinn studied the twenty-seven-year-old search-and-rescue K9 team member. “Did you know she was going into the mountains by herself?”

“I did,” Bree said.

“Why did you let her go alone?”

“She’s an experienced hiker,” Bree offered. “She knew what she was doing.”

“That’s not the point,” Quinn said.

“Billie is a grown woman. She’s not your little sister,” Bree said. “She’s extremely capable. She’s joined the SAR team and last month helped locate an Alzheimer’s patient who went missing.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“She said you two hadn’t spoken in months. Anyway, she needed to go into the mountains for—”

“Closure, I get it,” he said, a little impatient.

“Really, Quinn? Because I doubt you’ve ever sought closure for any of your brief relationships.”

“Bree,” Aiden warned.

Her sharp words stung, but were not untrue.

“I’m going to see Billie.” Bree brushed past the men and went into the E.R. examining area.

“Sorry, man, she can be snappy when she’s worried about a friend,” Aiden said.

“It’s okay, I probably deserved it.”

“A few SAR members have been texting me about Billie, wanting to know if they can visit, bring flowers or something.”

“Maybe when we get her home. Right now she needs peace and quiet.”

“So, what happened? She’s a solid hiker.”

Quinn looked at Aiden. “She was assaulted.”

“What?”

Quinn led Aiden to a visitor waiting area where they could speak privately. “Some guy on the trail threatened her. In an effort to get away it seems she fell off the trail.”

“She must have been terrified,” Aiden said.

Quinn’s gut clenched at the thought. “She’s not safe, not until we find out what her husband was into.”

“My cousin Tyler is a sheriff’s deputy. Want me to call him?”

“No, Officer Vanguard already took her statement, but thanks.”

“Are you staying with her?”

Quinn glanced down the hall toward the examining area. “Yes, even if I have to camp outside her hospital room.”

“You should ask to stay in her room tonight,” Aiden suggested.

“She’d never allow it.” Quinn glanced at his friend. “I think it’s a pride thing.”

“Well, someone’s got to stay with her. Maybe Bree can stay.”

“No. I don’t want to put your sister in danger.”

“You think it’s that bad?”

“I won’t know what to think until I have more information. I need to get my clothes and laptop from the car. Can you hang out here for a few minutes and keep watch?”

“Sure. Go ahead, I’ll check in on Billie.”

Aiden walked away. Quinn didn’t move for a few seconds. Even in a hospital full of doctors and nurses Quinn worried about Billie’s safety.

Now he was overreacting. Her attacker wouldn’t wander into a hospital to do her harm. She could identify him since she’d seen his face.

Which only put her in more danger.

Quinn headed to his car, focusing on the next three steps to achieve his goal. His organized mind had served him well, both in business and the military. He’d created the term the next three to help his staff stay focused on the prioritized projects of the day.

In staff meetings he’d remind everyone about the importance of focus, yet today his focus had been blown to bits the second he saw Billie’s still body lying on the plateau below the trail.

Jogging to his car, he reminded himself that Aiden was a capable man and between him and hospital security, no harm would come to Billie in the next ten minutes, the time it would take Quinn to change clothes.

Quinn had been very appreciative when Aiden offered Billie a job at Echo Mountain Resort months ago. Aiden said the favor was the least he could do considering Quinn designated the barn on the resort property as Search and Rescue headquarters for folks in their part of the county.

Even though Quinn owned the resort, he rarely meddled in Aiden’s management of the business. Sure he’d hoped Aiden would hire Billie. She needed to get away from Quinn and their dysfunctional relationship to start a new life, which she had as a hostess for the resort’s four-star restaurant. Quinn knew firsthand what a gracious hostess Billie could be since she’d planned plenty of dinners for Quinn and his business associates.

But those weren’t the only people he’d entertained at his lake house, and whenever he’d bring a woman to his place, Billie would serve a four-course, delicious meal. She’d smile and explain what ingredients were in the dishes she was about to serve, a smile that never seemed to reach her eyes.

Every time he brought home a date he sensed he was breaking Billie’s heart, even though he’d been clear that he and Billie could never be more than friends.

Quinn got his duffel out of the trunk and slammed it shut. He’d never meant to hurt her. Subconsciously he’d brought dates to the lake house so Billie would see what a jerk he was and keep her emotional distance.

Instead she’d always looked at him with those compassionate eyes that saw straight through to his soul.

“The next three things,” he reminded himself.

He’d change clothes, contact his P.I. friend, Cody, about digging into Rick Bronson’s accounts and find a quiet spot to do some work close to Billie’s room.

Because there was no way he’d let anyone hurt her again.

* * *

Spending the night in a hospital was dreary to say the least. It was nearly midnight and Billie lay wide awake, alone and disappointed: in Rick for making bad choices, in herself for not admitting the truth sooner about their failed marriage and...

She was disappointed in Quinn.

There, she admitted that she’d secretly hoped he would have stayed close to keep an eye on her even though she’d demanded he leave.

“Talk about mixed messages,” she whispered to herself.

A young, blond nurse breezed into her room. “Hi, Billie, I’m nurse Beth. Sorry I’m running late for the eleven-o’clock vitals check.”

“No problem. My dance class doesn’t start for another hour,” she joked.

Nurse Beth smiled. “How’s the pain on a scale of one to ten?” She took Billie’s pulse.

“About a four. I’m basically sore all over.”

“Are your ribs worse than they were this afternoon?”

“Not really.”

“Good.” Nurse Beth took Billie’s temperature. “A-okay.”

A male orderly in his mid-twenties with coal-black hair brought a wheelchair into the room. “Doctor wants another CT scan.”

“I didn’t see that order,” Nurse Beth said.

The orderly handed her a piece of paper.

“Huh, okay.” She looked at Billie. “Let me help you.”

Nurse Beth helped Billie slide out of bed. A little light-headed, Billie plopped quickly down into the wheelchair.

“Take good care of her,” Nurse Beth said, hooking the IV bag to the wheelchair.

“Will do.”

The orderly pushed her out of the room and down the hall to the elevator. Although she’d been unable to sleep in her hospital bed, she felt drowsy from the meds they’d given her to manage the pain.

“So, head injury, huh?” the orderly said, pressing the down button on the elevator.

“And ribs and wrist. I decided to tumble down a mountainside for fun.”

“Whoa.”

“So, what’s your name?” she asked.

“Dylan.”

“I’m Billie.”

“Nice name.”

“Thanks.”

He wheeled her into the elevator and the doors closed.

“Needless to say, I won’t be hiking for a while,” she said.

“I used to love to hike.”

“Used to?”

“No time. I work at the hospital, plus go to community college and help out with the family business.”

“Which is...?”

“Restaurant.”

“What kind?”

The elevator doors opened to the imaging department.

“It’s called Healthy Eats. Sustainable living, organic ingredients, stuff like that.”

“Oh, I heard about that opening up. Interesting concept.”

“Yeah, Mom had some health issues a few years ago so she and Dad changed our entire menu to be more health oriented.”

“So no cheeseburgers, then?”

“Sure, but we use grass-fed beef,” he said.

He wheeled her into the imaging room for the CT scan and looked around. “Huh, the tech was supposed to be waiting for us. You okay here for a second? I’ll go find him.”

“Sure.”

He locked the wheels and went in search of the technician. She studied the CT machine, which looked like a large doughnut. That thought made her tummy grumble and she realized she hadn’t eaten anything substantial since breakfast.

“Hey!” a male voice shouted.

A crash echoed in the hallway.

She heard grunting and a squeak, like rubber soles kicking against vinyl flooring.

The hair bristled at the back of her neck.

It couldn’t be what it sounded like. No, low blood sugar was sending her imagination into overdrive. Dylan would be back shortly with the tech and everything would be fine.

Her gaze darted to the wall phone. If she’d learned anything from being married to Rick, it was to listen to her gut.

Billie grabbed her IV bag off the hook and shuffled to the wall, grabbed the phone—

A pop resounded from the hallway, then silence. She frantically pressed buttons, trying to focus, trying to press the right button to call security, the operator, someone who could help her.

Suddenly the lights went out, plunging her into complete darkness.

THREE

Quinn had done a pretty good job of maintaining his distance while keeping an eye on Billie’s hospital room. Luckily he’d been able to convince the nurse to let him stay close by, explaining that he was worried about Billie’s safety.

Which is why he didn’t like having to go outside to take a business call. But there was a crisis at Decker’s Resort and he had to find a solution before guests were inconvenienced. Being a closet computer genius, Quinn talked the manager through a couple of troubleshooting protocols and they got the system up and running again.

Although he’d done his best to keep the call brief, it had taken half an hour to resolve the issue. As he headed into the hospital, he decided to take a chance and peek into Billie’s room for peace of mind. She’d surely be asleep by now so it would be safe to check in on her without being caught. Maybe that would ease the knot in his chest.

He wandered down the hall, stepped into her doorway and froze. The bed was empty. Her sheet and light blanket were crumpled into a ball at the foot of her bed.

Fighting the panic gnawing at his gut, Quinn strode to the nurses’ station.

“I still think it’s a mistake,” a middle-age nurse said to a young blond nurse.

The blond nurse handed a piece of paper to her counterpart. “Maybe scheduling meant 11:45 a.m. not p.m.”

“Excuse me,” Quinn interrupted. “I’m looking for the patient in room 210?”

“An orderly took her to imaging,” the blond nurse offered.

“Give her a minute. She’ll be right back,” the other nurse said.

“It takes more than a minute,” the blond nurse countered.

“I’m telling you, it’s a mistake. Dr. Green wanted her to get a good night’s sleep. He wouldn’t have ordered a scan in the middle of the night.”

“Well, somebody ordered it,” the blonde said.

“Probably for tomorrow.” The older nurse typed something into the computer and frowned. “Huh.”

“What?” Quinn asked.

“I see the scan request for tonight, but I have no idea who ordered it. I’ve never seen this doctor’s name before.”

“Where’s imaging?” Quinn said.

“Basement.”

Quinn took off.

“Down the elevator to the left,” the blonde called after him.

He didn’t have the patience for the elevator. He took the stairs two at a time and swung open the door to the basement level.

Pitch blackness greeted him. Instincts on full alert, he pulled out his smartphone and clicked on its flashlight application. Fighting to calm the adrenaline pouring through his body, he aimed the light down the hallway, slowly making his way to imaging.

The deafening silence spiked panic in his chest as he took slow, determined steps. Then he had a thought: if someone was down here planning to harm Billie, Quinn’s very presence could scare him off. “Billie?” he called out.

Silence. A pit grew in his stomach. Had the attacker already found her? Hurt her?

“Billie, answer me!” he demanded.

“Quinn?” her soft voice drifted down the hall.

“I’m here.” He headed in the direction of her voice and turned the corner. He spotted a man dart out of a room and race down the hall.

Quinn wanted to go after him, but needed to get to Billie. As he approached the doorway he spotted something on the floor: a body. He kneeled beside an unconscious young man in scrubs and placed two fingers to his neck. Luckily his pulse was strong and steady.

The slam of a door echoed down the hall.

“Quinn? Are you there?” Billie’s shaky voice called from inside the room.

“Right outside the door,” he said.

“What happened?”

“You’ll be okay, buddy,” he whispered to the orderly. He stood and aimed the beam of his phone into the room, but couldn’t see Billie. “Where are you?”

She peeked her head around the CT machine. He’d never seen her eyes so big and round before, not even the day they’d rescued Billie and her husband from the mountain.

No, tonight her expression read utter fear.

He crossed the room, kneeled beside her and pulled her against his chest. She let out a gasp, like she’d been holding her breath.

“It’s okay. I’m here.” He stroked her hair, holding her close. Relief finally uncoiled the knot in his chest.

She placed her hand against his chest and leaned back to look into his eyes. “Dylan went to find the tech but didn’t return.”

“Twentyish kid with short black hair?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s okay, but unconscious. Is there a phone in here?”

“On the wall.” She pointed.

He handed her his smartphone. “Aim the light toward the phone and I’ll call security.”

She pointed the beam of light and Quinn found the phone hanging off the cradle. He grabbed it, pressed zero and waited.

Billie was okay. Everything was going to be fine. The knot in his chest might have uncoiled, but tension still hummed through his body.

Billie had been threatened, in danger, and where was Quinn? Absent. He’d abandoned her. More proof of his deep-seated failure.

“Operator,” a woman answered.

“My name is Quinn Donovan. The lights in the basement are out and someone was attacked. Notify security and turn on the emergency lights, please.”

“Who is this?”

“Quinn Donovan. My friend is a patient here, Billie Bronson. Send someone with a stretcher to the basement. One of your orderlies was knocked unconscious.” Quinn hung up and turned to Billie. “We’re going to be fine.”

As Billie nodded with relief, a tear trickled down her cheek. His chest ached at the thought of her being terrorized.

“Come on, let’s get you in the wheelchair.” He helped her stand. She wavered and he automatically picked her up.

“What are you doing?” she said.

“I don’t want you to fall down and hit your head again.”

She pointed the smartphone to illuminate his way and he carried her across the room to the wheelchair. The emergency lights popped on with a click.

Which only made matters worse since now he could really see how terrified she was. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes continually scanned her surroundings. Then her gaze landed on the doorway where the orderly lay unconscious.

“Dylan,” she whispered.

“He’s okay,” Quinn assured.

“But—”

“Billie, look at me.” With his thumb and forefinger he tipped her chin so she’d look into his eyes. “Dylan’s okay. You’re okay. Everything’s going to be fine.”

* * *

Quinn had meant it when he told Billie everything was going to be fine. Unfortunately the hospital security guard was on a power trip and Quinn was the victim of the guy’s overblown ego.

“So you mysteriously happened to know your girlfriend was in trouble?”

“She’s not my girlfriend. I guessed she was in trouble when I heard the nurses talking about the mysterious doctor who’d ordered the CT scan.”

“Is she a former girlfriend?” the security guard pushed. His nametag read Steven and he looked to be in his forties.

“She’s a friend,” Quinn clarified.

Steven walked to the corner of the small office and crossed his arms over his chest. “How do you know each other?”

“Do you have someone watching her room?” Quinn asked. “Because she might still be in danger.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I was on the rescue team that recovered Billie and her husband a year ago.”

“And you kept in touch? Isn’t there a name for that? Some kind of syndrome or something?”

“She fell on tough times and I gave her a job and a place to live after the accident.”

“With you?”

“What’s with all the questions?”

“Why are you afraid to answer?” Steven pushed.

“I’d rather be watching over my friend.”

“Don’t worry. She’s fine.”

Quinn leaned back in his chair. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“What?”

“Pretending to be a real cop.”

Steven took a step forward and gripped the metal flashlight on his belt. Quinn’s older brother always said Quinn should learn to control his smart mouth. But right now Quinn couldn’t control it because he was worried about Billie. Well, he wasn’t going to get back to her if he kept antagonizing this guy.

“That was outta line,” Quinn apologized.

The door swung open and a rugged-looking, middle-age man in a crisp navy suit joined them. He glanced at Quinn, then at the security guard.

“Hey, Steve.” The men shook hands. “Could you go relieve Officer Trent outside Mrs. Bronson’s room?”

“Sure.” Without looking at Quinn, Steve left and shut the door behind him.

“So you’re the infamous Quinn Donovan?” The guy slapped a folder onto the table.

“I don’t know about infamous, but yeah, I’m Quinn Donovan.”

“Detective Issacs, Echo Mountain P.D. Good to meet you.” The guy extended his hand.

Quinn must have look skeptical.

“Relax, I know your brother, Alex.” They shook hands. “We worked on a task force together a few years ago. When Steve gave me your name I made the connection and gave your brother a call to confirm.” Detective Issacs sat across the table from Quinn. “So, give me your take on what happened to Mrs. Bronson.”

“I think someone’s after her. You know about the assault on the trail, right?”

Issacs nodded. “Officer Vanguard filled me in. Mrs. Bronson thinks it has something to do with her husband’s criminal activity?”

“She does.”

“What was he into?”

“We’re not sure.”

Detective Issacs opened a folder and glanced at its contents. “I did a background check on Rick Bronson. He moved from Idaho to Echo Mountain five years ago for a job at—”

“Evergreen Lumber, I know.”

“So you knew the Bronsons back then?”

“Actually, no.” After the accident Quinn had discovered that Billie’s husband had worked for a company Quinn and his partners shut down due to mismanagement and lack of productivity.

Another reason Quinn felt responsible for Billie’s situation after her husband had died. It was becoming obvious to Quinn that being unemployed and broke had motivated Rick Bronson to pursue questionable sources of income, which meant Quinn was responsible for Rick Bronson’s desperation, Billie’s failed marriage and, yes, even her current predicament.

“Maybe Mrs. Bronson should get out of town, stay with relatives,” Detective Issacs suggested.

“She doesn’t have any.”

“No parents or siblings?”

“No, sir. She’s alone.”

“Well, she’s got you. That’s a plus. Your brother told me about your military background. You’ll make the perfect bodyguard.”

“She doesn’t want me around, requested I stay out of her room. Didn’t Steve tell you? That’s why he was giving me a hard time and considered me a suspect.”

“Well, maybe she’s had a change of heart since the attack in the imaging department. Your timing couldn’t have been better.”

“Tell me about it.” Quinn fisted his hand. If he’d shown up a few seconds later...

“I don’t think it’s wise for her to go to her place when she’s released,” the detective said.

“I agree. I have some ideas on that.”

“I’ll dig into Rick Bronson’s background and you take care of his wife.”

There’s nothing Quinn would like better than to take care of Billie...if she’d let him.

“I’d like to hire a P.I. friend of mine to look into things, if you’re okay with that,” Quinn said.

“Sure, as long as you share your information.”

“Will do.”

* * *

When Billie was admitted to the hospital after yesterday’s fall, she was determined to distance herself from Quinn, yet she’d actually slept a few hours last night thanks to Quinn staying in her room. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Every time she’d wake up, she’d catch a glimpse of him sitting in the corner working on his laptop, and the clicking sound soothed her to sleep.

Well, that and his masculine presence, strong and determined, acting as her protector. She had to admit she liked having someone looking out for her, although she knew better than to get used to it.

A nurse came in to take her vitals at 6:00 a.m.

“Good morning, I’m Nurse Rose,” she said, then noticed Quinn in the corner. “Oops.”

Quinn’s eyes were actually closed, and his head tipped back as he dozed.

“Sorry,” Nurse Rose whispered.

“I’m awake.” Quinn shifted in his chair and rubbed his eyes.

It amazed Billie how he could look like a strong and powerful man one minute and a little boy the next. Billie always suspected a wounded little boy lived inside Quinn’s grown-up body.

Dr. Green came into the room and stopped at the foot of Billie’s bed, analyzing a chart. “Heard there was a little excitement last night.”

“And here I thought hospitals were supposed to be quiet. I want my money back,” Billie teased.

Quinn cracked a slight smile.

“I don’t blame you,” Dr. Green said. He directed his attention to the nurse. “Vitals are...?”

“Good.”

Dr. Green glanced at Billie. “Your pain level, on a scale of one to ten?”

“Two.”

“Billie, it’s the day after a fall,” Quinn challenged. “You’ve got to be hurting more than a two.”

“Fine, it’s more like four. But I really want to go home.”

“There’s nothing to indicate anything more serious than the slight concussion and bruised ribs. No broken bones or internal damage.” The doctor glanced at her over his reading glasses. “It’s quite remarkable considering what you’ve been through.”

“So, I can go?”

“I’ll sign the release papers and your husband can take you home.” He nodded at Quinn, who went completely white.

“No, he’s just a friend,” Billie corrected.

“Well, friend—” the doctor turned to Quinn “—Billie should be ready to go in about an hour.”

“Thanks.” Quinn closed his laptop and gathered miscellaneous papers.

He seemed nervous at the mere mention of being Billie’s husband. Well, he didn’t have to worry. She’d tell him so the minute they left the hospital. And take her where? It probably wasn’t safe to go to her apartment.

The doctor gave the nurse instructions and smiled at Billie. “Limit your activity for the next three to five weeks. Lie around, watch TV, read a book.”

“What about work?”

“Aiden can find someone to cover for you,” Quinn said.

“I’d hate to leave him shorthanded,” she countered.

“What is your line of work?” the doctor asked.

“I’m a hostess at the Echo Mountain Resort restaurant.”

“Is there a lot of bending and lifting involved?” the doctor asked.

“Not really. I mostly seat guests and sometimes bus tables.”

“I’d rather you not lift anything,” the doctor said. “The nurse will give you the rest of my instructions.”

“Thanks.”

With a nod, the doctor left the room.

Billie eyed Nurse Rose. “How’s Dylan, the orderly who took me downstairs last night?”

“A nasty bump on the head, but he’s fine. These kids are tough.” She smiled.

Billie felt guilty that she’d indirectly been responsible for his injury.

“Let’s go over a few things for your recovery,” the nurse said. “Keep the wrist wrapped tight for a week to ten days. Then you can take off the wrap and see how it feels.”

“What about the ribs?” Billie shifted and winced against the pinch in her chest.

“Ice the area for twenty minutes, four times a day to help them heal. You can wrap them if it feels better, but not too tight. The tendency is to take shallow breaths but you want to try to avoid that.”

“Okay, sure. How do I wrap my ribs?”

Nurse Rose pulled a compression bandage off a nearby cart and glanced at Quinn. “I need to show her how to wrap her ribs.”

“Okay.” Quinn didn’t move.

The nurse glanced at Billie in question.

“I should watch so I can help her,” Quinn said.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Billie said.

“But—”

“No,” Billie said. The thought of him touching her with gentle, nurturing hands made her crazy. “Please give us some privacy, Quinn.”

Without another word of protest, Quinn left the room. Billie must have seemed unusually tense because the nurse studied her. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

At least she would be as soon as she got to work on a plan to protect herself, not only from Rick’s shady business associates but also from relying too much on Quinn Donovan. In her wounded state it wouldn’t take much to surrender and let him take the lead, especially after he’d saved her last night.

That’s what the old Billie would have done. Handing her life over to a man is what she’d done with Rick. She’d trusted him to support her and take care of her and look how that turned out.

Never again. She’d learned that painful lesson and didn’t plan on repeating it.

* * *

It was midafternoon before Billie was officially discharged. As Quinn steered his SUV to the hospital entrance, he spotted her being wheeled out by a volunteer. Quinn could tell she shivered against the cool, misty rain. He wished he could hold her and warm the chill from her body.

A dangerous thought, Donovan.

He got out of the car and came around to help her but she waved him off. “I’m good.”

Once she was safely buckled, he got behind the wheel and prepared for battle. She wasn’t going to like his plan, but somehow he had to convince her it was the best way to keep her safe. He pulled out of the hospital lot and headed east.

“This isn’t the way to my apartment,” Billie said, glancing out the window.

“We’re not going to your apartment. I’ve made other arrangements.”

“No, I can’t go to the lake house,” she said in a panicked voice.

“No worries,” Quinn said. “I’m not taking you home with me.”

Quinn’s chest ached. She seemed horrified by the thought of going to Waverly Harbor and staying in the coach house on his property. Had it been such a bad five months? It hadn’t been for Quinn. Seeing her at least once a day had always brightened his mood.

That was then. Today he had to respect her need for distance. He knew she was wise to feel this way.

“I think it’s best if I move away,” she said.

He clenched the steering wheel. He suspected she wouldn’t share the forwarding address with Quinn.

“To where?” he asked.

“I don’t know.” She glanced out the window. “Someplace safe where I can hide out and investigate this mess.”

“Moving is exhausting. You need to rest and take care of yourself.”

She scoffed.

“What?” he said.

“That sounds weird coming out of a guy’s mouth.”

“I’m sure it’s not the first weird thing I’ve said.”

“True.” She smirked.

At least it wasn’t a scowl.

“Billie, you need time to recuperate from your fall. I’m going to make sure you do just that.”

“I’ll rest better in my own bed.”

“That may be true, but your apartment is the first place someone will look for you.”

“‘Someone,’” she sighed. “I wish I knew who ‘someone’ was.”

“I’m working on it.”

She glanced at him in question.

“I’ve hired a private investigator to look into things,” he explained.

“I asked you not to do that. I can’t afford—”

“He’s a friend and he owes me a favor, okay?”

“Okay.” She shifted slightly, wincing against the pain of bruised ribs.

His gut twisted when she did that. He wanted to ease her pain somehow, yet knew there wasn’t a lot you could do about bruised ribs but let them heal on their own.

“We’ll ice the ribs as soon as we get there,” he said.

“Where are you taking me?”

“You’ve got a suite at Echo Mountain Resort.”

“I can’t afford those rooms.”

“I own the place, remember?” He winked.

“But Aiden needs the rooms for real guests.”

“They’re not even at half capacity, plus they’ve got a solid security system and plenty of activity. Even if the guy finds out where you are, he wouldn’t risk making a move on you in a busy setting like that.”

She sighed. “I guess, if that’s my best option.”

“It is, in my opinion.”

“You’ll drop me off and head back to Waverly Harbor?”

He hesitated before answering. “I know you want me to say yes, but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Talk about a loaded question.

“I need to make sure you’re okay,” he said.

“Because I’m still your wounded-bird project?”

“Don’t say that.”

“Or is it because you feel guilty?”

He clenched the steering wheel, but didn’t answer. He had plenty to feel guilty about, from taking away her husband’s income by closing the plant to letting her develop an attachment to Quinn when he knew it wasn’t real.

“You don’t have to feel guilty about anything, Quinn. I was fragile when I first went to work for you, but I’m different now and I can stand on my own two—”

A bump from behind made Billie yelp.

He’d been distracted by their conversation and hadn’t noticed a car following way too close. Eyeing the rearview mirror, he considered speeding up but didn’t want to put them both at risk by going too fast for conditions and spinning off the road.

The car retreated and flashed its lights.

“Does he want us to stop?” she said, eyeing the side mirror.

“That’s not happening.”

The car smacked into them again. Billie lurched forward and groaned against the pain in her ribs.

Quinn handed her his phone. “Call 9-1-1.”

She focused intently on the phone and made the call. “My name is Billie Bronson,” she said. “We’re on Route 2 and someone is trying to run us off the road.”

Quinn again glanced at the car in his rearview mirror. It dropped back even farther. Not good.

“Tell them we’ve been working with Detective Issacs,” Quinn said.

He glanced into the rearview and noticed the car speed up.

“Billie!” He instinctively threw his arm across her body to brace her.

The other car clipped Quinn’s bumper.

Quinn spun the wheel to avoid careening into a ditch. He tapped the brake but lost control as they skidded into a full spin.

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