wasn’t sure what to say. Melissa had obviously kept secrets. From both of them.
“She didn’t mention Gary or that she had a new boyfriend?” she asked, hesitantly. It did seem odd to her that Melissa hadn’t mentioned her brother during any of their meetings. Although maybe it was because he was so far away, stationed in Iraq, Melissa hadn’t seen him as a true support system.
For a long moment, Lieutenant Forrester stared down at his hands. “A few months ago, she did mention meeting a guy but didn’t really say much about it. I don’t always have a chance to respond to e-mails, especially once the fighting heats up. Weeks can pass before I’m able to return messages.”
She could only imagine how difficult it must be for the men and women who fight overseas. Even if Melissa had mentioned Gary, what would it matter? The damage was already done. Clearly, this time Gary had gone too far.
“I understand.” She tried to smile, but it wasn’t easy. Melissa’s situation was grim. When the hospital had called, letting her know about Melissa’s admission and suspected abuse, she’d immediately rushed over. Seeing Melissa in such bad shape had shaken her. Especially when Melissa had begged for her to keep Gary away, right before she’d slipped into a coma. There wasn’t much she could do at that point, other than pray for her safe recovery. But sitting there, watching Melissa fight for her life, she’d vowed to stay close, supporting Melissa’s escape from her boyfriend once and for all.
At least having Lieutenant Forrester here eased one of her concerns. Melissa wasn’t alone, not any longer. Between her brother and herself, she was convinced they could pull Melissa through this crisis.
“You’re Lissa’s social worker?” he asked, breaking into her thoughts. “That’s why you were allowed in?”
She hesitated, knowing she couldn’t tell him much about Melissa’s history of substance abuse without breaking her client’s confidentiality, before nodding. “Yes. The hospital called me when she was admitted.”
“I see.” Max Forrester stood ramrod straight, his military bearing ingrained to the point she wondered if he ever relaxed. A spurt of sympathy nudged her heart. This couldn’t be a very nice homecoming for him. After fighting for three years in Iraq, coming home to find his sister in the ICU had to be a shock.
“Have you spoken to Melissa’s nurse?” she asked, wishing there was more she could do to help him.
“Not yet.”
“I’ll get her for you.” Grateful for something constructive to do, she stepped out into the hallway, glancing around for Natalie, the young woman taking care of Melissa. Natalie was in by another patient, but as soon as she saw Tara hovering there, she finished what she was doing and stepped out. “Do you need something?”
“Melissa’s brother is here, having just arrived home from Iraq, and he would like some information on Melissa’s injuries.”
“Sure. I’ll be right in.”
Tara returned to Melissa’s room, and Natalie followed a few moments later. She introduced herself to Lieutenant Forrester.
“Melissa has two cracked ribs and a fairly serious head injury. The doctors have ordered another CT scan of her head for first thing in the morning, which should tell us if the injury is getting worse or better.”
The lieutenant paled. “Will she wake up?”
Natalie offered a gentle smile. “So far her head injury is serious, but if it doesn’t get much worse, she should recover just fine. I wish I could tell you more, but right now we can only wait and see how things go.”
He swallowed hard. “Thank you.” He looked so grim, his face drawn into harsh lines, that Tara had the insane urge to step closer and take his hand, offering him her support. But she kept her hands tightly clasped in front of her.
“I’ll need your contact information,” Natalie said, picking up a clipboard. “Have you spoken to the police yet?”
“No. But I’d like to,” Max said.
Tara was surprised to hear the police were involved this time. “Do they have Gary in custody?” she asked.
“I don’t think so,” Natalie said with a tiny frown. “Officer James Newton gave me his card and asked me to call him when Melissa woke up so he could question her.” She turned to Max. “What’s your phone number?”
She wrote the information as Max rattled it off. “Can I have the police number, too?” he asked.
“I don’t see why not.” Natalie gave him the information and then glanced up when a shrill beeping echoed from across the hall. “Excuse me,” she murmured before dashing away.
With a grim expression, Max tucked the phone number into the pocket of his camouflage shirt. Silence hung heavily between them.
Smoothing her hands over her wrinkled jacket, Tara glanced at him. “Well, it’s late and I really need to get home. But I’ll be back in the morning to check on your sister.”
He stared down at Melissa. “I’ll stay here.”
She sensed his exhaustion and understood the desire to stay near his sister, but it was obvious that he needed some rest. Her social worker training kicked in. “Lieutenant, you should really find a hotel nearby to spend the night. Melissa is in good hands. The nurses here are wonderful. We’ve limited her visitors to protect her. You need your rest, too. She’s going to need your strength and support over the long haul.”
He remained silent, but she could see the emotional tug of war on his face. “Maybe you’re right,” he admitted finally. “I’ve been on a plane since yesterday. Are there cheap hotels nearby?” His troubled gaze cut back to his sister. “I’d like to be close, keeping in touch regarding Lissa’s progress.”
“Of course.” Tara folded away her own problems and concerns, trying to remember which hotels offered the best prices. “The family center has brochures for all the nearby hotels, and I’m pretty certain a few offer discounts for families with loved ones here at the hospital.”
“That would be great.” He smiled, and she was struck by how his harsh features softened with the gesture. His eyes were the same bright green as Melissa’s. With his broad shoulders and chocolate-brown hair cut military short, Lieutenant Forrester was a very handsome man.
The realization made her stomach clench, sending her back a step. How could she notice Melissa’s brother in that way? She’d loved Ted, her husband, with her whole heart and soul. Her love hadn’t changed when he died. She’d vowed to love him forever.
“It’s no problem.” She worked hard to ensure her tone portrayed only the utmost professionalism. Turning, she led the way out of the ICU, taking the elevator back down to the main level, acutely aware of Max walking silently at her side.
She found the brochures in the family center, quickly pointing out several options before leaving. She needed some distance from the tall, handsome stranger. The bus stop was right outside the main doors of the hospital, so she walked in that direction.
Remembering why she was forced to take the bus, rather than her car, made her shiver as she stepped outside. When she’d left
