Solitary Man by Diane Benefiel

Author:Diane Benefiel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romantic suspense, he has guilt over his desire for her, he must save her from a horrible scandal, he was attacked by the taliban, on the battlefield sergeant promises dying friend to look after his wife, she does not believe she can love again, she is in danger, she is the target of a sinister scheme, veteran of war in afghanistan, war and the military
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Chapter Ten

Ryder felt relief course through him at Olivia’s pronouncement. This was something positive, a step forward in resolving what had become a very dangerous situation.

“Maybe Marco and I won’t have to testify.” Brenna’s tone was hopeful and tugged at his heartstrings. Every instinct he possessed urged him to put her somewhere safe and keep her there until both Wade and Clint were in prison.

“Oh, they’ll still want you to testify,” Olivia responded. “But there’s more. The state attorney general’s office announced this afternoon it has opened an investigation of the Bridgewater PD, specifically over the shooting of my brother and possible patterns of racial discrimination by officers of the police department.”

Ryder glanced at Marco; he could see the battle being waged behind his friend’s impassive expression. Brenna sat at the table and leaned forward. “You are part of this department, so was Kenny, so it’s hard. But this is the right course.”

“Yeah, it’s the right course. I just wish things were different.”

Olivia face looked stricken. “I’m sorry, Marco. I was just thinking about my brother. You’re a cop with the Bridgewater PD. I should have realized an investigation might be hard on you.”

“It’s not hard on me. There are some good people in that department, and I’ll have to trust that an outside investigation won’t sweep up everyone with the same broom.”

They sat at the table and passed around the Chinese take-out boxes. Though the conversation centered on Wade’s arrest and speculation about what the attorney general’s investigation would turn up, Ryder finally felt himself relaxing. Pulling his gaze away from Brenna, he caught Olivia eying him, and realized he’d probably been giving Brenna too much attention. He gave himself a mental shake.

Dinner cleanup was quick, thank God, with Marco getting a pass on kitchen duty because of his injuries. He leaned back in his seat, face tight. Olivia opened the prescription bottle sitting on the counter and shook out two tablets. She ignored Marco’s glowering look until he finally relented and swallowed the pain pills. Once the kitchen was in order, Olivia retrieved a box from a bag she’d set on the counter. “Look what I got for you, Officer DeLaCruz.” She waved the box at him.

“What’s that?”

“Epsom salts. I’m going to draw you a warm bath and sprinkle in these Epsom salts and you can take a soak. You’ll feel much better.”

Olivia headed up the stairs, and Marco scowled. “I’m not a damn invalid. That woman treats me like I’m as helpless as a newborn.”

Brenna laughed and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. “Don’t worry, big guy. I think Olivia is feeling anything but maternal toward you.”

After Olivia returned to badger Marco into following her upstairs, the kitchen grew quiet. Ryder opened the kitchen door for the dogs, letting in a gust of cool air and the sound of falling rain. Lightning flashed, followed seconds later by a crack of thunder that sent the dogs scrambling under the table. He didn’t know why they felt safer there during a thunderstorm, but that’s where they went every time.

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