Summer's End (Wildflowers #5) - Jill Sanders Page 0,59

like some bad movie,” she said softly once they were on their way.

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing. I mean, what else could go wrong?”

“Don’t say that. Remember what Ryan Kinsley did to us?” Aubrey shivered and tugged her coat closer to her.

“Right.” He shook his head. “I think Bridgett and Ryan were cut from the same cloth.”

Aubrey glanced over at him. “Ryan pulled a gun on Dylan; Bridgett was sneaking around trying to kill. I’m not sure which is worse.”

“This changes our plans,” he admitted.

She rested her head back as she nodded. “We may end up sticking around the city a little longer. You know, to make sure he gets back on his feet. If he does. Harold’s health had never really been… spectacular. Not that he is an invalid. But when I met him for the first time, I remember thinking he was old back then. Now.” She shook her head again, then she winced. “You don’t think he and Bridgett actually…” She let the rest of her question hang in the air.

“God.” He shook his head quickly. “Let’s not even go there.”

“Too late, it’s already seared in my brain.” She groaned.

“Hey.” He nudged her chin until she looked at him again. “He’s going to be okay. I know the two of you don’t have the best relationship, and you try to come off tough, but it’s obvious you still care for him.”

“How can you hate and love someone at the same time?” She glanced out the windows.

He took her hand in his, then tugged her closer and wrapped his arms around her.

When they arrived at the hospital, they were told to wait in a waiting room. They were both slightly surprised that Bridgett wasn’t there waiting as well.

“Do you think they let her back there with him?” she asked him.

“Not sure,” he answered. “Could she be in police custody already?” he questioned.

“Let me text Dr. Williams and tell him we’re here.” She pulled out her phone.

Less than five minutes later, the older man walked into the room and glanced around with a frown.

“What is it?” Aubrey went on guard. “My father?”

“He is resting comfortably,” he assured her quickly. “We’ve pumped his stomach and are flushing the drugs from his system, which will take some time. I want to keep him under surveillance for a few days.”

“Had he been drugged?” Aubrey asked.

“The lab is confirming his blood and the bourbon now. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Bridgett?” Aiden asked.

“Didn’t get to the hospital, as far as I know,” the doctor answered. “The police are already looking for her for questioning. They’ll want to talk to the both of you as well. I’ll show you to a room where you can wait.” He turned to go.

“Can I see him?” Aubrey asked.

Dr. Williams smiled. “Yes, I’ll come get you when he’s been moved to a private room,” he said as they followed him down a hallway. “This is my office.” The older man motioned to a large room. “I’ll come get you after they move your father. If it’s okay, I’ll send the police your way as well, so you can both give them your statements.”

“That would be fine,” Aubrey said with a smile. “Thank you.” She touched his arm. “For showing up so quickly. For being there for my father.”

Dr. Williams sighed. “I should have checked in on him sooner.” He shook his head as he walked out.

They waited for less than fifteen minutes before three police officers knocked on the door and stepped in behind Dr. Williams.

After introductions were made, Aiden was asked by the officers to wait outside while they talked with Aubrey. Dr. Williams disappeared again and told him that when Aubrey was done, she could see her father in room eleven-forty-three.

“She’ll have to show ID at the door. The police have put a guard on his room. If Bridgett shows up, they’ve been instructed to detain her and keep her out of the room.”

“So, it was confirmed poison then?” he asked.

Dr. Williams sighed. “Technically, I’m not allowed to say.” He glanced towards the door. “Tell Aubrey if she needs anything, I’m heading home for a few hours of sleep. I’ll be back around eight.” He shook Aiden’s hand. “It was smart thinking.” He shook his head as he walked down the hallway.

When the office door opened again, he had a fresh cup of coffee in his hands from the vending machine down the hallway and handed it to Aubrey. “Your dad’s up in room eleven-forty-three,” he