To Claim Her Read Free

catty girls from high school that had hated her for dating Mark. Until he’d left.  Then she’d been like a leper because she’d been somehow guilty of running him away.  
    She hadn’t dated anyone seriously in years so there couldn’t be a crazy ex.   The only real ex-boyfriend in her history was holding her hand, and if anyone in that relationship should have had a killing issue it was her.  She pulled her hand free to tuck her auburn hair behind an ear.
    “I can’t really think of anyone.”
    Officer Landry gave a sigh.  “I was afraid of that.”  He leveled his gaze on her again.  “This could have been entirely random.  Maybe you were just unlucky enough to run out of gas on the path of a deranged criminal.”  He jotted something in his notes.  “That sort of thing happens.”
    She didn’t feel much relief from that comment. 
    “The doctor is planning to release you by morning.  You planning to go back to your residence?”
    Where else would she go?  She had no parents or extended family to speak of.  Her one family member, her sister, was hours away in college.  No way was she going to disturb her life by hiding out there in a girl’s dorm.  “Yes, I’ll go home.”
    Mark stiffened.  “I’ve never believed much in coincidences.  She’ll stay at our place.”
    She cut her eyes at the comment.  “No way.”  The idea of staying with Mark, having to come clean with him now, on the heels of the abduction made her want to stay in the hospital instead.
    “There’s no way you can go back alone.  What if he comes after you?”
    She would have to be alert.  In protective mode.   It wouldn’t be the first time, but it would certainly be easier if she knew who she was protecting against.  The alternative, though, seemed even more daunting than the faceless abductor.  She could hear Mark’s molars grind at her stark expression and silent response.  His protective response was misguided.  He had left without a backwards glance five years before.  Back when she had needed him more than anything.  She couldn’t forget that.
    Officer Landry scanned Mark’s scowl before nodding and glancing at his paperwork.  “We’ll put a patrol car outside your place while we collect information.  We need to find out if this is personal.  I can’t promise how long the surveillance will last but it might give you some relief for now.”
    Sitting in front of the deputy with Mark looking on, it certainly felt personal.  Gretchen was ready to crawl out of her skin with the tension.  Mark was saying little but his teeth were still clenching.  He’d broken her heart years before, leaving for the military without even glancing back.  No letters, no apologies, no regrets.  Why the change of attitude now?
    Mark leaned closer.  “Why would you insist on something so ridiculous?”  His position and tone told her how sincere he was trying to be.  She wasn’t making that mistake again.
    His care would last until he found out her secrets.  Then all hell would break loose.  She didn’t want to live in the same house when that happened. 
    Life had taught her to be a realist.  “I have to go home eventually.  I might as well start out there.”  Now was no time to cave to tender feelings that he would stomp on later.  Pity wasn’t a reason to edge her way back into his life.  It would get her in the door, but for how long?  She’d been there and done that.  She had become an independent woman and intended to stay that way.
    The officer paused at the door.  “I’ve got a few things to check into.  I’ll get back with you tomorrow.  Try to get some rest tonight, Gretchen.” 
    The nurse slid back inside and quietly administered a syringe into the IV port, calling the meeting to an end.  “The doctor has ordered a sedative for Ms. Hamilton.  You’ll need to wrap this discussion up pretty quickly, folks.”  Then she turned to Gretchen.  “Let me know if there is