SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,108
right, Dad.”
“What happened last night? I don’t remember anything after Hugh forced me to sign the contract giving him the CEO job if something happened to me.”
“The police know you signed the contract under duress. You signed to protect me, didn’t you?”
“I would do anything for you.”
For the next several minutes, Kristi and Rafe told her father everything that happened from the time he’d been kidnapped.
Alan sighed. “I’m surprised the police haven’t questioned me about the warehouse fire. With Stewart Group losing money, I’m a prime suspect for torching my own warehouse to collect the insurance money.”
“Fleming skimmed money from the company’s accounts. The police will receive an anonymous tip about his computer activities today,” Rafe said. “The police need information from you to make their case against Ward and his cronies. Kristi and I gave our statements while you were in surgery.”
“I’ll tell them everything I know.” He looked at Kristi. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
She squeezed his hand. “For what?”
“Pushing you to marry Hugh. He’s a snake. I should have seen him for what he is.”
“He fooled many people, including me. He took out a life insurance policy on me a few weeks ago. I think he planned to cash it in after he’d drained my trust fund.”
Alan scowled. “He promised to let you live if I signed the contract. I don’t understand why he wanted your trust fund. Hugh has one of his own.”
“His fund is almost depleted. Hugh owes money to Las Vegas casinos. Marrying me was a quick fix for his problem. He also has a mistress who’s married.”
Her father groaned. “Now, I’m even more sorry for pushing you to marry him. In my defense, I thought he cared a great deal about you, and you seemed fond of him. What about Hale? Did he participate in the kidnapping for money?”
Kristi shook her head. “His father is Trevor Cain. Hale blamed us for his father being in prison with extra time tacked on for what he did to me.”
“His father is a monster. Hugh pieced together his background and brought him in on the scheme, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did.”
“Would you mind going into the corridor? I need a minute with Rafe.”
“You’re kicking me out?”
“Not for long.”
Kristi glanced at Rafe. “Want coffee?”
“I’d appreciate it. Thanks.” He brushed a soft kiss over her mouth.
Jake followed her from the room. “What was that about?”
“I think my father will ask Rafe his intentions toward me.” Her lips curved. “I’m thirty years old.”
“You’re still his daughter, and he loves you.”
She gave him a sidelong glance as they walked to the elevator. “Do you have children?”
“Not yet. My wife is a full-time student with plans to go to medical school. How serious are you and Rafe?”
“I love him.”
“He’s a good man.”
“I’m blessed to have him in my life.”
They returned with three coffees and one iced herbal tea for Kristi. After spending another hour with her father, his eyes grew heavy.
Kristi kissed him on the forehead. “We’ll let you rest, Dad. We’ll come back later.”
“You need to rest yourself.” His gaze shifted to Rafe. “Bring her tomorrow. I hope the doctor will give me an idea when I’ll be released by that time.”
“Yes, sir.”
Although Kristi didn’t want to admit the truth, she was exhausted. How did Rafe keep up this pace when he was on a mission? “I’ll call you later.”
“Love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you, too, Dad.” She walked out with Rafe after getting a promise from Jake to call if her father’s condition changed.
Rafe wrapped his arm around her as they walked to the elevator. “Jackson will take over for Jake in two hours. He’ll be on watch through the night.”
She sighed, relieved that the Fortress medics were staying with him. “Good.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No, but you must be.”
“I could eat.”
Kristi laughed. “Know any good restaurants around here?”
“One of the nurses recommended a family restaurant near the hospital. Want to give it a try?”
She nodded.
They sat at a table for two in the corner of McCoy’s dining room. After placing their orders, Rafe captured Kristi’s hand. “If you could do anything you wanted tomorrow, what would you do?”
“Drive to Otter Creek to get Oliver.”
He smiled. “I noticed a pet store on the way to McCoy’s. Do you want to stop to pick up his supplies on the way home?”
“I’d love to. Do you know what he needs?”
“Deke sent me a list of his recommendations early this morning.”
“That’s great. I’m so excited about Oliver. I’ve missed him. Do you think he’s forgotten me?”
Rafe chuckled. “Don’t worry.