I awoke with a start, blinking from the daylight in my eyes, and relishing the warmth of Solomon next to me. Sometimes when I awaken, it takes a moment for me to get my bearings, but not today. The hoarse sound of his breathing tube and the beep of the heart monitor reminded me exactly where I was. In a hospital room, shivering and trying not to cry again because I knew it wasn't a bad dream.
Winding my fingers around Solomon's warm, still hand, I lay my head on his shoulder and matched my breathing to his. "Wake up," I whispered into his ear. "John, wake up."
Solomon didn't move.
I rolled my shoulders. My body ached, partly from falling asleep perched precariously on the edge of his hospital bed, and partly from my need for his affection. What would I do if Solomon never woke up again? What if he never ran his hands through my hair again, or pulled me in for a hug? What if he never held my hand? What if the last time we made love was the last time, forever?
I stroked his hand, then his arm, winding a little trail to his wrist and back again. When my body couldn't take anymore uncomfortable aches, I tipped my chin and kissed his cheek, then slid off the bed, landing on the floor in my stocking feet.
"I hate this," I muttered to the air.
"Me, too," said a voice.
"Arrgh!" I shrieked, leaping almost a thousand feet into the air before I spun around. Someone had set up a cot at the side of the room before I returned yesterday. I tried sleeping in it, but gave up around midnight and crawled onto the bed next to Solomon where I finally slept. Now, it was occupied. Delgado lay on his back, his eyes closed, his face looking restless. The butt of my gun peeked out from under the pillow.
"Sorry," he said, his eyes still closed. "Didn't mean to startle you."
The door to the room pulled back and an officer appeared, his weapon drawn. Behind him was a nurse. "Who screamed?" asked the officer.
"Me," I said, jabbing a thumb at my chest. "I thought I was alone and he surprised me."
"I need to check my patient," said the nurse. She bustled past the officer who holstered his weapon and nodded to me before stepping aside for the nurse. I stood, frozen and unsure, watching while she did her work, then she smiled at me and left.
"What are you doing down there?" I asked.
"I hope you're talking to me," said Delgado.
"Who else?"
"I heard you talking to God last night. I figured you might try down there too," he said, pointing to the floor. Thankfully, it didn't open up to reveal a pit of fire.
"I haven't talked to God."
"Last night you said 'God, this is shit'."
"That was more of an observation than a conversation! Why are you still here?"
"Doing my duty," said Delgado. "Protecting you and Solomon."
"Didn't you get any sleep?"
"I'm doing Army Sleep," he said. "One ear and one eye open at all times."
"That's Mom Sleep," said Lily from the doorway. She held up a tray of takeout coffees and a brown paper bag with a grease stain forming at the bottom.
"I can't wait for Dad Sleep," said Delgado. His lips curled at the edges. "Stepdad Sleep is the same thing, right?"
"Absolutely the same," I told him and he smiled wider. Delgado, and Serena's toddler daughter, Victoria, had taken to each other instantly. It was nothing less than charming to watch the hulking ex-soldier being dominated by the frilly-dressed, little girl.
"I can't wait for normal sleep," said Lily. "I would dream about it if I actually got any sleep. Look, I put mascara on. Achievement unlocked." She pointed to her perfectly made up face and glossy, bouncy curls.
"Yeah, you look terrible," I teased, looking around her for Poppy and my constant distraction. "Where's my favorite niece, not including my other nieces, especially Victoria," I added hurriedly, in case that question got back to any of my siblings. Each one had a daughter. Delgado mimed zipping his lips. Not so coincidentally, my fear level and the need to avoid all family functions for the next two years, instantly diminished.
"I know, right?" said Lily, seriously. "I brought coffee and donuts. I brought Solomon some too, just in case," she added, darting a glance at him. "I also gave a box to the police officer outside and I dropped some off at the nurse's station. Can I get anyone a napkin?" she asked, depositing her load on the table and reaching into her purse.
"You don't have to feed us," I told her, reaching for a coffee.
"I do. I'm a Jewish mother now. I have to feed everyone. It's the law," she said. "Also, it makes me feel better because I am useless to you right now and I don't know what to do except bring more food."
"I really appreciate it," said Delgado. "Lily, you're a very thoughtful woman." He eased himself upright on the cot, stretched, and showed no signs of tiredness after sleeping on alert. "Please excuse me for a few minutes, then I'll be back in to vacuum up any leftovers." He grabbed his backpack and stepped out of the room.
"Our soon-to-be brother-in-law is a very nice man," said Lily.
"I agree. Let's keep him." I reached for a donut and wrapped the hot dough in the napkin Lily handed me.
"Can you imagine what his kids will look like?" Lily mused.
"Well-dressed tanks?"
"With really nice hair," added Lily. "Should I reserve you for babysitting now?"
"As the only single aunt in the family, you really should."
"Sorry," said Lily, suddenly hugging me. I tried not to choke on the piece of donut I chewed. Over her shoulder, I shoved in the last piece in case the hug lasted for a while. A hungry rumble would probably ruin the moment.
"Why are you sorry?" I mumbled. Was now the wrong moment to lick sugar from my lips? What if Lily thought I was trying to lick her? Her hair smelled really nice but I didn't want to actually lick it.
"In case you thought I don't value you for not having a child, and using you for being the single aunt. I really do value you for many, many things."
"I don't think that," I assured her as we disentangled. "I don't have a child because it's not my time yet, and I guess I'll know when it's time. When did you know it was time?"
Lily tapped a finger against her lip. "When I was pregnant," she decided.
"Hopefully, I'll know before then. Until then, and if I'm available, I'm happy to babysit. I get to squish the sweetest people and watch them grow up and be part of their lives. I get to help the people I love."
"But reserve your services well in advance, yeah?"
"Definitely."
Lily paused, and I felt the weight of an important question bearing down on her. She looked into my eyes, took a deep breath and asked, "You are counting all the favors we owe you, aren't you?"
"I'm covered for my future children's entire childhoods," I said and she broke into a grin.
"Now we have that decided, what's happening today? Where's Damien? I thought the mystery brother might be here."
"He met up with Anastasia last night and my parents insisted he stay with them too. He'll be here soon and you can meet him then."
"Is he a lot like Solomon?"
"Sort of. He's a couple inches shorter and not quite as fit but they have similar faces. It's in the eyes I think."
"Do you like him?"
"He seems nice. It's a shame we didn't meet before now. I think Anastasia is glad he came."
"What about the investigation?" Lily perched on a chair and pushed the bag over to me. I plucked another donut and took a sip of the coffee before reaching for my phone.
"Fletcher and Flaherty are still staking out Mikey Gibbs," I told her, scrolling through my messages. "They had a few hours to sleep while some other guys from the agency took over watching. They assumed their posts an hour ago. Lucas wants me to call." I hit dial and waited for him to pick up.
"I ruled out a few more names," said Lucas, jumping directly into the latest update. "We confirmed overnight that forty-seven are in jail. Two are in long-term comas. Witness protection accounts for eight. One dude found God and joined the priesthood, one is a monk, and one runs a yoga retreat in India. The others are still unaccounted for."
"That leaves, what? Seventeen names?"
"Yeah. I know it's still a lot but I'm working on it. I'll find everyone."
"Maybe someone in jail masterminded this," I said, taking another sip of the coffee. "They could have sent out a hit man."
"I thought that too but I don't see a connection between any of them and Solomon, or this city, in the last six months. I'll keep digging though."
"Thanks. Call me when you have more information. Any new names?"
"A couple. I'm working on them too," said Lucas. "I would ask how Solomon is but I already got into a network I normally don’t have access too, so I already know."
"Lucas!"
"I know, I know," he said, "but I thought it was okay under the circumstances."
"Everything okay?" Lily wanted to know after I hung up.
"I think Lucas hacked the hospital network and read Solomon's file."
"So very wrong!" said Lily. She got up and stood at the foot of the hospital bed and looked down at Solomon. "How does he do it?"
"I don't know. Computer stuff is not my forte."
"No, I meant how does Solomon manage to be hot even when he’s unconscious?"
"It's one of his many skills," I said, looking at him with the kind of longing I usually reserved for cake. When my eyes began to sting, I had to force myself to turn away. Otherwise, I would have climbed back into bed with him and slipped into a demi-sleep that I wouldn't emerge from until he stirred. The idea was comforting, but, practically, I was hungry and needed the caffeine Lily had provided if I intended to investigate further today.
"Do you want me to take you anywhere today?" Lily asked.
"I need to drive to Fort Charles. I made an appointment with Solomon's old buddy, Captain McAuley. As soon as Anastasia and Damien get here, I'm leaving to go." I pulled a face, realizing the issue with that. I sat down, annoyed at my lack of foresight. "I don't have my car! I've been driven around since we got here."
"You aren't going with Maddox?"
"No, I thought it might be hard for him since Solomon and I were working that case at Fort Charles when Maddox and I split up."
Lily raised her eyebrows and her mouth formed an O. "Did you tell Maddox you were going without him?"
"No. I didn't mention it at all. I'm going to go there and back, somehow, before he even knows I'm gone."
"Now's probably not a good time to mention this," said Lily. She raised her finger and pointed behind me. I swizzled my seat around and looked out the window. Maddox stood there with the officer. He waved.
"Give me your car keys, and distract him while I run," I said as I held out my hand.
"No."
My hand wavered in the air. "Seriously?"
"Seriously. Take Maddox with you. He's not a monk. He's dated since you two split up and he can cope. You're still friends. Plus, he's got a gun and I don't want anyone to shoot you."
I flapped my lips and wondered what to retort. When I decided she was right, I settled on, "When did you get so grown up?"
"It crept up on me, but it doesn’t happen every day, I swear," Lily replied with breathy alarm. "Please don't tell anyone else."
I crossed my heart as I got up and stepped around Lily, leaning over Solomon to kiss his cheek. "When I come back, you're going to wake up," I whispered to him. His ventilator clunked. I swallowed my fear and turned away, walking outside to meet Maddox.
"Am I too early?" he asked.
"You're just at the right time," I told him. "I need to clean up and as soon as Anastasia and Damien get here, we can go."
"Do you have a plan?"
I nodded. "I'll fill you in on the way."
~
We were halfway to Fort Charles when my phone rang just as I took a sip from a bottle of water. I rammed the cap on, grabbed my purse, rifling through it. I found it and my heart thumped as Anastasia's name flashed on the screen. "Is everything okay?" I asked, my breath quickening.
"Everything's fine," said Anastasia. "Damien and I are sitting with John. I forgot to ask you when you're coming back. Where are you?"
"I'm on my way to visit a friend of Solomon's. I mean, John's," I said, correcting myself quickly. Anastasia rarely called her brother by their family name, and I rarely heard someone address him by his given name. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Don't worry," she said. "I was just worried about you and wanted to make sure you're okay. Does John's friend know something that might be of help?"
"I don't know yet but I hope so."
"I asked the police officer guarding the room and he doesn't seem to know anything at all. I'd like to speak with someone about my brother's case. Can you mention anybody whom I should speak to?" she asked.
"Garrett can help you with anything you need to know."
"Shouldn't someone know something more by now?" she asked, her voice small and sad. I wished there was something I could say to comfort her, but I had nothing to say to comfort anyone. Not even myself.
"This is Damien," said the male voice that came on the line. "We can stay as long as you need us so don't worry about John being alone. Are you okay?"
"Hi, Damien. I'm okay. How are you both holding up?"
"It's strange seeing my brother like this," he said. There was a sound of the door sliding and footsteps. "I just stepped out of the room," he explained. "Anastasia is pretending she's okay but I can see she's not. Truthfully, seeing John like this makes me sick to my stomach. I want to help and just do something."
"You are helping by staying with him," I said.
"You know what I mean. I have a law enforcement background. I could be of some use to you. I really want to help."
"I'm sure the agency would appreciate it," I replied, then added, "I'd appreciate it too."
"Tell me what to do."
"Sit tight until I get back and then we can go to the agency for an update. You might be able pick up something from John's past that we don't know about."
"You think that’s what this is about? Something from John's past? His professional life?"
"Don't you?" I asked, not sure if I still did.
"I guess," said Damien. "It makes sense. He's been involved in a lot of stuff that he doesn't like talking about. If it were really bad, it would make sense if someone wanted revenge."
"We're looking at a revenge angle but so far, it's not paying off," I told him. "My colleagues made a long list of anyone who might have harbored a grudge against him and they've ruled a lot of those names out."
"Professional or personal?"
I blinked. Why didn't I consider a personal relationship? "We only looked at grudges in a professional capacity. People he might have helped put away in jail. Is there someone who might have a personal grudge against him?" I asked, a new sense of worry filling me as I contemplated what personal might mean. A former colleague? A romantic relationship gone wrong? It seemed an extreme way to pay him back if he were simply guilty of stealing the office stationery or dumping a girlfriend years ago.
"Hey, I was just throwing out a question," Damien said quickly. "I can't think of anyone right now but I'll talk to Anastasia."
"Do you know if there are any ex-girlfriends around?" I asked.
"In Montgomery? No," said Damien.
"What about your hometown?"
"I guess, but I don't think he ever introduced me to a single woman in the last decade."
"Really? He didn't have a girlfriend at all?"
"I didn't say that. I mean, I don't know. I don't recall him mentioning anyone. The first time he mentioned anyone’s name was yours and that was when he set up the agency. I think I teased him about you."
"Really?" I couldn't help the smile that curled my lips.
"It was obvious he liked you. Anastasia noticed it too. We were really pleased when he said you two were dating."
"That is nice to hear," I said. Maddox tapped my arm and pointed ahead to the sign for Fort Charles. I nodded, the bubble of joy broken. "I have to go," I said, "but please call me or Garrett if you think of anything. Oh, and I didn't tell you but we have a strong lead on the shooter. I don't want to get your hopes up but this could be over very soon if we catch him."
"That's great!" said Damien. "Wow. I'll tell Anastasia."
"All good?" asked Maddox as he drew the car up to the guardhouse and rolled down the window.
"Damien pointed out there could be a personal angle," I told him quickly as the guard approached. "I didn't consider it before but if we catch the shooter soon, that should reveal everything."
"Good morning, sir, ma'am. Names?" said the guard.
Maddox gave our names and the guard checked our names off his list and waved us through. Maddox drove us to the office building where I once spent a little undercover time and parked outside. We walked in together, gave our names again, and a few minutes later, Captain Mitch McAuley walked into the small lobby, one hand rubbing his short-cropped, fading, red hair.
"I'm so sorry to hear the news," he said, his voice a deep rumble as he shook my hand first, then Maddox's. "I can't tell you how shocked I am. How's Solomon doing?"
"He's stable but in a coma," I said. "I hope he'll wake up soon."
"I hope so too. I'm sorry I didn't realize it was so serious, otherwise, I would have insisted on driving out to Montgomery and meeting you there. Come on through," he said, leading us to his office. "Are you here to assist, Detective Maddox?"
"It's Special Agent Maddox now," corrected Maddox, "but yes, I'm here to help Lexi however I can."
"Glad to hear it." Captain McAuley dropped into the chair behind his desk and we took the two in front. "How can I help?"
"We're looking into Solomon's past to find a reason for someone to have sent a hit man after him," I explained. "I know you're old friends and thought you might have some insight, but I'm not sure how far back you two go."
"Back to our Army days and we kept in touch, of course. I've known Solomon a long time now and, sure, he's knocked a few heads together over the years, but the few men that I thought might have posed a threat to him are definitely dead."
"You're sure?"
"One hundred percent positive."
"With all due respect, sir, how can we be certain of that?" asked Maddox.
Captain McAuley fixed him with a steely look. "As sure as you can be when you look through your sights at a man," he said. "I can tell you Solomon crossed paths with a couple of warlords, some gun runners, some corrupt soldiers, and the occasional brother-in-arms. None of them, however, pose a current threat."
"What about someone more recently? Has he mentioned anyone?"
"I haven't spoken to him in a few weeks but if you're thinking about the case you both worked here, then I would say you were just as much likely to be the subject of a grudge as Solomon. Since you appear to be unscathed, I don't think that case has any bearing."
"What about personal relationships?" I said, recalling my conversation with Damien.
"Solomon always kept to himself. He was polite and professional, but he didn't court friendships. I wouldn't say he was a loner but he definitely wasn't the type to join the Sunday morning soccer league, or attend any potlucks. Shame, because that man can cook."
"Were you aware of Solomon's career path after he left the Army?" I asked.
McAuley didn't answer right away. Instead, he contemplated me for a little bit, then he leaned in, and said. "Yes."
"Did he discuss any of that time with you?"
"His operations were all classified," said McAuley.
"That doesn't answer the question," said Maddox.
"No, it doesn't."
"Would Solomon have discussed any concerns he might have had from that time in his life?" I asked, wondering if I should tread even more carefully than I already was. Something about McAuley visibly changed when I brought up Solomon’s change in career. His shoulders stiffened, his eyes narrowed just a fraction and the whole atmosphere chilled.
"Hypothetically, he might if he were deeply concerned about something."
"Captain McAuley, did something happen that made Solomon either leave the Army or abandon his next career step?" I asked.
Captain McAuley took a deep breath, then stood up. "Let's take a walk outside."