Cora’s stomach flipped back and forth as she walked, with the help of crutches, though the hospital corridors. Everyone insisted she get medical attention for her cuts and ankle sprain, but Cora was more than anxious to see her father. Nick understood. Even now, he smiled at her every few seconds, feeling the same high.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. It’d buzzed quite a few times and he had ignored it until now.
“That could be important.”
“Nothing is as important as this time with you,” he said easily. She raised an eyebrow at him, laughing, and he pulled his phone out. He added a sigh, although it sounded more endearing than anything else. They continued walking at a slow pace, both because he was on the phone and because her crutches slowed her down.
The conversation was rushed, with Nick mostly listening. She didn’t like the dark look coming into his eyes. All the panic and fear from the last few days jumped right back into her stomach.
He ended the call and shook his head at her. “It’s not… bad. Well, not…”
“Nick, tell me.”
“The police found Alexander’s car at the park, just like you described, with him inside…dead. They’re not sure if it was a real or staged suicide yet.”
“But he’s dead?”
“Dead as dead can be. A bullet through the head. I personally think Angela just might be that ruthless. I know Keith is.”
She wouldn’t have to run anymore. Even though she valued life, it was a fitting end to an evil man. “It’s all over now.”
“Exactly.” Nick stopped to wrap his arms around her and bury his face into her hair yet again. In unison, they breathed a deep sigh of relief. He lifted his head to meet her gaze with that warm, I only see you, look. “Are you okay?”
“Let’s see, I’m holding onto you and going to see my father again.” A smile sprung onto her lips. “I’m doing great.”
They continued until they reached the right room number and she stepped in. “Dad?”
“Sweetie!” He held a hand out to her. “Come here, give me a hug.”
“Oh, Daddy.” She gently leaned over him, but he didn’t act like a wounded man. He squeezed her tightly, and she understood that he needed to have her close.
“I’m so sorry I put you through all this.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, good things came of it.” She smiled toward Nick. Jerry held out his hand, but Cora saw flickers of uncertainty in Nick’s expression.
“Nick, I don’t know what I should say, or how I can ever thank you.”
“It’s all good, sir.”
Now Jerry smiled and said, “It’s not some little thing. From what I hear, you saved her life, and mine. Thank you.”
“Actually, she saved mine several times.”
She swatted him. “We helped each other quite a bit.” What a crazy story. They looked at each other, transfixed and happy. Jerry wiped at his eyes and gestured to the nearby chairs. Cora saw the beginning of good things to come.