Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,46
worry eating away at her insides. Chloe had been attacked on her way to the courthouse, but the extent of her injuries wasn’t clear.
Jason placed a hand on the small of Addison’s back. His touch was warm. Comforting. Everything about the man was comforting. No one else could’ve calmed Addison down the way Jason had when she fell from the ledge. Their connection was beyond anything she’d ever experienced.
Grady flashed his badge at the front desk and asked for Chloe. Within short order, a nurse escorted them into the interior area of the hospital. “She’s been asking for you specifically, Ms. Foster, and was quite insistent we call your office. No one could locate you. Then one of the patrol officers mentioned that Chloe’s apartment caught fire with you inside and she was beside herself.”
Addison’s hand flew to her jacket pocket, but it was empty. “I don’t have my cell with me.”
She’d shoved her phone in the side pocket of her briefcase at the courthouse. The same one she’d handed to Rachel. Her paralegal was probably frantic with worry. Addison made a mental note to send Rachel a text from Jason’s phone at the earliest opportunity.
Grady stopped outside the door leading to an exam room. “Addison, go in first and introduce me. Chloe will feel more comfortable with your presence.”
His consideration touched Addison. Jason might be selective with his friends, but he knew how to pick the best ones. She’d just met the Texas Ranger, but so far, he’d been both capable and kind. It was a tremendous relief to have him leading the investigation into the attacks.
Addison slipped into the room, followed by Grady and Jason. Chloe glanced up as they entered and gasped. A hand flew to her mouth. “Addison, thank God you’re okay.”
She started to sit up and Addison hurried over to stop her. Chloe’s face was bruised along one side as if she’d been struck several times. A scrape followed the graceful line of her neck and her left arm was encased in a cast.
Addison gently hugged her. “I’m fine, Chloe, but you look a bit worse for the wear. What happened?”
“Someone attacked me on my way to court.” Chloe’s bottom lip trembled. “Michael has to be behind this. He threatened to kill me if I ever left and now he’s making good on that promise. I’m so sorry, Addison. I never should’ve dragged you into this. It’s been a giant mess from the beginning.”
“I told you before. You have nothing to apologize for. This isn’t your fault.” Addison gestured to the men standing quietly near the door. “But you can help us with the investigation. Grady is a Texas Ranger. He’s a friend of Jason’s and someone we can trust.”
Grady stepped forward, removing his cowboy hat and tipping his head toward Chloe. “Texas Ranger Grady West. Ma’am, I’m very sorry about what’s happened to you. I promise to do everything in my power to catch the man responsible.”
Chloe tugged Addison down and whispered, “Are you sure we can trust him?”
“Yes. I know this is hard, but think of Stella. We need law enforcement’s help to protect you and your baby.”
Chloe hesitated and then nodded, but there was a lingering wariness in her eyes. She let out a long breath. “I don’t know how much I can help you, Mr. West. Or is it Texas Ranger West?”
“Grady is just fine, ma’am.” He settled the hat back on his head before removing a pad and pen from his suit jacket. “Let’s start by walking through your morning.”
“It was normal. I got my daughter, Stella, dressed for the day and took her to my mother’s before returning to the apartment. I got ready for court and left. As I was driving, I heard a thumping coming from the car. I pulled into the nearest parking lot and discovered my tire was flat.”
Addison passed a glance toward Jason and saw her own thoughts reflected in his expression. The attacker had waited until Chloe went back to the apartment and then sabotaged her car. There was no doubt this was a well-planned attack.
“I was about to call triple A,” Chloe continued, “when another vehicle raced into the parking lot. A man dressed in all black and a ski mask—”
Her voice broke off. She was clutching Addison’s hand so tightly, the bones rubbed together. Addison was tempted to halt the interview since it appeared Chloe was on the verge of a panic attack. She’d been through a lot.
“Take your time,” Grady