She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relieved that she’d be lifted out of here instead of having to climb her way out.
The search-and-rescue team would take her to the hospital where Quinn could absolve himself of his responsibilities. She knew he wasn’t here because he cared about her. He was here because Billie had become his pet project ever since he’d rescued her last year. He’d given her a job and a place to live, away from her local notoriety. He’d helped her find solid ground during a turbulent time in her life.
She’d always be grateful to Quinn for that, but she had to make it clear that it was time for both of them to move on. Alone.
* * *
Between the doctor’s examination, tests and giving her statement to the police about the man on the trail, six hours had passed and she still hadn’t had a chance to speak with Quinn alone. She wanted a private moment to set the boundary between them that she needed so desperately to define. Sure, he’d stuck close since the rescue, practically tailgating the ambulance to the hospital. He’d even tried pushing his way into the examining area but security managed to keep him out—at her request.
The sooner she distanced herself the better for both of them. But she wouldn’t humiliate him by having that conversation in front of strangers.
It was a necessary conversation. She was done being dependent on men who kept her at an emotional arm’s length. When she’d worked for him, Quinn had never missed an opportunity to remind her that he’d never be foolish enough to settle down with one woman.
Then why did he keep showing up to save her? It was a coincidence, that’s all. He happened to be nearby and responded to the text alert.
Stop thinking about him and focus on protecting yourself from Rick’s questionable business practices.
The man on the trail said Rick had worked for him. Doing what, some type of illegitimate activity? Her attacker accused Billie of going into the mountains to get something Rick had left behind worth a lot of money. But a sensible person wouldn’t hide something in the wilderness that could be destroyed by animals or weather.
The first thing she’d do after being released from the hospital would be to dig into Rick’s accounts. She’d abandoned her life after the accident because her insides had been so tangled in grief and regret, confusion and shame. Yet maybe a part of her was afraid to find out how far he had fallen.
She couldn’t do it any longer, especially since Rick’s business seemed to be putting her life at risk. Maybe she should leave Echo Mountain and conduct her investigation from a safe location in a different part of the country.
Which meant finding a new job and making new friends, again. She sighed at the thought. She’d grown close to Bree, her boss’s sister and was finally feeling a part of the community and Echo Mountain Church. She didn’t want to think about moving again, although it could be the best option to remain safe.
Another option would be hiring a private investigator to dig into her husband’s accounts. If only she had the budget to afford one. Knowing what Rick was involved in could help Billie anticipate what was coming next and protect herself.
The things you didn’t see coming were the most dangerous of all, things like Rick’s sudden personality change and questionable behavior.
And Billie’s imprudent attraction to Quinn Donovan.
She’d been so relieved earlier today when she’d regained consciousness and seen Quinn staring down at her with worry in his eyes. She’d almost thought she was dreaming.
She was not only relieved but also surprised. After she’d left Waverly Harbor, she never thought she’d see him again. Oh, he’d texted her a few times to make sure she was okay and had settled comfortably into her new life.
She’d purposely kept her responses to his text messages polite but short and didn’t dare ask about his life. She didn’t want to know about his latest conquests, either in business or in the romance department.
A doctor in his mid-fifties with a gentle smile stepped into the examining area. “I’m Dr. Green. So, Wilhelma, are you on any medications or have you had any medical issues we should know about?”
“Please, call me Billie. No, no medications. I’m pretty healthy.”
“And extremely lucky. You don’t seem to have sustained any serious injuries from the fall, but you do have bruised ribs, a sprained wrist and slight concussion.”
“Great, then you’re releasing me?”
“I’d prefer you stay overnight for observation. Your injuries have the potential for complications.”
“I’d rather not. I have to—”
“She’ll stay,” Quinn said, stepping around the corner into the examining area.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” she snapped.
The doctor glanced from Quinn to Billie. “Do I need to call security?”
Billie crossed her arms over her chest and stared straight ahead. “No, it’s fine.”
Quinn extended his hand to the doctor. “Quinn Donovan. I’m with search and rescue. I helped retrieve Billie. Believe it or not, we’re friends.”
The doctor glanced at Billie for confirmation.
“It’s true,” she said.
“Fine, well, they’ll come to move you to a room shortly,” the doctor said.
“Do I really need to stay?”
“We need to keep an eye on swelling of the tissue, both in the lungs and brain, which could lead to more serious problems. Twenty-four hours to be safe.” Dr. Green nodded at Billie and left.
Quinn stepped closer to the bed. “What’s the rush to get out of here?”
“I don’t like hospitals.”
“It’s more than that. Are you worried the guy from the trail is going to track you down? Because I won’t let that happen. I’m staying with you until you’re released.”
“That’s not necessary,” she said a little too sharply. “I’m not worrying about him, but I want to get out and start investigating what he said about Rick.”
“Investigating?”
“Yes, I need to figure out what Rick was into and why that man approached me on the trail.”
“No, I won’t allow it.”
“Excuse me?” She half chuckled, wincing at the pain in her chest.
“It’s too dangerous.”
“It’s more dangerous if I do nothing.”
He leaned closer. “You don’t know what your husband was into. If you go digging into his business you’ll risk stirring up all sorts of trouble. You need to hire someone to do that for you, like a retired cop or a P.I.”
“I don’t have the budget to—”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Billie—”
“Not happening, Quinn. I won’t let you keep paying for things and taking care of me. I’m not a charity case and I resent being treated like one.”
He jerked back as if she’d physically slapped him. She regretted the words, but they had to be said.
“I’m just trying to help,” he said.
“You have. You’ve rescued me twice now. You’ve done more than enough. So please, go back to Waverly Harbor and leave me to manage my own life.”
* * *