Love Inspired Suspense July 2015 #1 Read Free Page A

incident tonight. She was working here, right on schedule, when it went down.”
    â€œThat doesn’t mean some of her friends weren’t involved.” McCord studied Isaac’s leg. “You sure you guided Abby to every bench?”
    â€œYeah. The area was clean when we’d finished our sweep. She didn’t alert until after the press conference had started.”
    â€œOkay. We’ll concentrate on looking for newcomers to the scene when we get a chance to review the videos. Want me to hang around to give you a lift home?”
    Isaac shook his head. “You don’t have to bother. Culpeper’s not that far. I can call my brother or sister to come get me.”
    â€œAnd miss my big chance to grill you all the way to your place? No way. I want to hear every detail.”
    â€œDo you have any info on the device yet?” Isaac asked.
    â€œOther than the fact it was an amateur job, not really. We’ll be sending the remnants to Quantico for analysis.”
    â€œI guess that’s better than deciding it was made by an expert.”
    Isaac’s gaze drifted aimlessly as he mulled over his own observations at the blast scene. Movement caught his attention. He froze, nudged the captain and pointed at the feet and ankles visible on the opposite side of the cubicle’s curtain.
    Gavin McCord moved silently, swiftly, to yank away the cloth barrier. A woman gasped. Covered her mouth with her hands. The nervous nurse had been eavesdropping on their discussion!
    Both officers stared at her, not speaking.
    â€œI—I was just waiting to finish that bandage,” she said, hurrying to Isaac’s side and pulling on a fresh pair of gloves. “I take it you’re through talking.”
    â€œFor now,” Isaac said, turning to his boss. “I’ll meet you outside when I’m done here, Gavin. Will you take care of Abby for me?”
    â€œSure. No problem. I’ll get your boot, too.”
    Isaac tried a slight smile to see if it would relax his nurse. “Is it still a madhouse of reporters out there?”
    She nodded, yet didn’t meet his gaze directly.
    â€œThat reminds me of another thing that struck me as odd,” Isaac told his captain in parting. He knew McCord was friendly with Jeffries but he just had to ask. “What made Congressman Jeffries decide to call a press conference so late?”
    â€œHe says he decided to go public because his pet anti-crime bill was coming up for a vote in the morning.”
    â€œHe couldn’t have waited until tomorrow?”
    â€œApparently not. He was allegedly proving to his constituency how much that bill is needed to keep DC safe.” McCord touched the brim of his cap and picked up the beagle. “Take your time in here. I’ll be waiting outside, asking questions and listening to rumors.”
    Isaac lay back and let Daniella work on his leg, noting her unsteady fingers. As soon as she stripped off her gloves again, he reached for one of her hands.
    â€œYou can tell me,” he said tenderly.
    She pulled away. “Tell you what?”
    â€œWhy you’re so afraid.”
    He thought she was going to leave the room without replying until she said, “I just hate bombs, that’s all. They’re so indiscriminate. So lethal.”
    â€œThis one wasn’t much, if that helps any.”
    â€œPeople were still hurt.” After a barely perceptible shiver she continued. “The doctor has released you. You should see your family physician for a follow-up in a few days. Watch for redness, swelling or discharge from the wound and keep it clean and dry.”
    â€œYes, ma’am. Can I walk without crutches?”
    â€œYour leg will hurt more in a few days than it does now but walking won’t do any more damage, if that’s what you’re asking. The injection we gave you will get you home tonight. After that you can take one of the pills in this envelope every