Taming the Carefree Billionaire - Marie Higgins Page 0,61
stopped, recalling that Antonio’s father was also in the hospital. Antonio was most likely with him. “Actually, strike that. Call Dad’s driver, Parker, and have him go pick up Mom.”
Tasha nodded as she punched the numbers in her phone.
Thomas glanced over at the field. The fire was out, but from where he sat, all he could see were burned vines. How did this happen? Only trusted people were allowed in this section of the fields. That only meant one thing... Someone they trusted had started the fire. But who?
Thomas moved his gaze to Joshua McBride, the man who was in charge of the workers in the winery. The man’s clothes were soot-covered, as well as his hands and face, evidence that he’d been helping to put out the fire.
“Joshua, we need a count of everyone who was here. We need to find out who did this.”
“I’m on it, sir,” Joshua said as he headed back to the main building.
Emptiness filled Thomas as he watched the ambulance pull away. There was so much to do, but he didn’t know if he had the energy. He didn’t like asking for help, but he needed some now.
Thomas searched for Morgan, not realizing when she had moved away from him. Maybe she was taking pictures of the burned field – which was what she did best. Instead, he noticed her standing beside Joslyn, talking. In fact, the two women looked as though they were arguing. He wanted to call out to her and ask her to go with him to the hospital, but he didn’t want to take her away from her job, either. He wanted to explain to her about the photo, and the money, but now wasn’t the time.
He turned away and walked toward his Ferrari as his thoughts shifted to his father. Lord, don’t let him die. I’ll do anything... anything...
“Thomas,” Morgan called out, running toward him.
He stopped and spun around. His spirits lifted as he studied her face. The anger she’d displayed when he saw her in his office earlier, had disappeared. He prayed it wouldn’t return.
“Thomas, let me drive you to the hospital. You’re in no condition to do it yourself.”
He nodded. “My car or your bike?”
“Your car. I don’t have an extra helmet.”
He tossed her the car keys. As they moved toward the Ferrari, he placed his hand on her lower back, wanting to be close to her again.
Someone called his name again, and he looked over his shoulder. Joslyn came running up, waving her hand.
“Mr. Powers?” she asked. “Do you know who started the fire? What will you do now that your vines have been burned? Do you think your father will die?”
Morgan gasped and shot her friend a scowl. “Seriously? You’re going to ask that question? How stupid are you, anyway?”
Reporters! He rolled his eyes and turned away from Joslyn, and yet he wanted to give Morgan a great big kiss for saying that to her coworker.
He opened the driver’s side door for Morgan before hurrying around to the passenger side and climbing in. A few cameras flashed from other photographers who were there. Some even dared to come right up to the car to take pictures.
“Go!” he told Morgan, but her mind was already aligned with his, and she gunned the engine, making the photographers back away, before she put the car into gear and took off.
Sighing, Thomas leaned back in his seat and looked at Morgan. Her face held smudges of soot, along with her clothes. His heart softening, knowing that she was helping to put out the fire instead of taking pictures for her employer.
She glanced his way for a moment. “How are you holding up?”
“I don’t know yet. Ask me in another hour.”
Morgan reached over and patted his leg. “You saved your dad’s life.”
“Did I?” He shook his head. “He still might die.”
“No, I think you caught him just in time.”
He covered his palm over her hand. “None of this makes sense. My vineyard is protected.”
“You’ll have to review the security feed to see if you can find anything.”
Thomas coughed a bit to clear his partially smoke filled lungs then nodded. “As soon as I get back, I will do that.” He glanced out the window for a few moments. “Joslyn got there quickly.” He looked Morgan’s way again. “How did she know what was going on?”
“She told me that she was passing by when she saw the smoke. She got there just shortly after we did.”