Rogue Survivor by Patricia D. Eddy

Author:Patricia D. Eddy [Eddy, Patricia D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub

“We’re back,” I announce after Connor punches in the code to Veronica’s hospital room. “And we brought you something.”

“Coffee!” Veronica squeals.

AJ yawns from where he’s sitting at the foot of Veronica’s bed. “Don’t suppose there’s one of those for me?”

“I’m not that much of an ass—jerk,” Connor says and hands the Texas Ranger a tall cup of black coffee. “Cream and sugar packets are in the bag. Along with a couple of scones and some chocolate monstrosity that, apparently, Veronica would kill for, so I wouldn’t touch it if I were you.”

“You got me a choco-croissant? I love you, Mom.”

It’s so good to see her happy, even though the weight of our current situation—and Mitzi’s—is evident in her gaze. Scattering flakes of pastry all over her hospital gown, she devours the entire thing—along with a sixteen-ounce macchiato complete with whipped cream. So much for the nurse’s orders to keep things “light.” I don’t care. The color is back in her cheeks, and while she winces in pain more than once as I help her get dressed, when she’s ready to go, she hugs me tight.

“Is Mitzi’s mom okay?” she asks quietly. We’re alone in the room, Connor and AJ waiting outside with the day shift Rangers, and I expect her discharge paperwork any minute now. “AJ said they found Mitzi’s car and a few drops of blood in the old mall, but no sign of her.”

Connor gave me the same update when I was almost done packing. “Leah…she came to the house.” I touch my cheek gingerly. The skin is hot, but I covered the burgeoning redness with some foundation before we left the house. “She’s scared, but she has two of AJ’s guys with her, so she’ll be safe. ”

“Can I call her? Please?”

“No, baby girl. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Smoothing Veronica’s hair, I press a kiss to her temple. “Leah’s hurting right now. Let’s give her a little space, okay?”

Tears shimmer in my daughter’s eyes. “She blames me, doesn’t she? ”

“No.” After a beat, I let out a heavy sigh. “I honestly don’t know, V. But if she does, she’s wrong. You and Mitzi didn’t cause any of this. The bad guys did.”

“I wish I’d never signed up for the student newspaper,” Veronica says, her tears finally spilling over. “If I’d picked chess club, we’d be at home right now.”

“You hate chess, remember?” I lean in and rest my forehead against hers. “When I was your age, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But you’ve known since you were twelve. You’re an amazing journalist already, and you’re going to get even better at U of A. This is who you are, and I’m so proud of you.”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.