A Dark Love (28 page)

Something that had lain crushed inside her unfolded its wings and took flight.

Nan and Gus were in the waiting room. They had visited with Maebeth, and pronounced her on the road to recovery.

Nan gave Caroline an appraising look. “You could use a hot bath and a good night’s sleep.”

Gus pressed the keys to his pickup into her hand. “You go on. We’ll get a ride with Ted.”

Caroline accepted the keys gratefully.

“The dogs will be glad to see you,” Nan said. “Pippin’s in the truck and Scout’s probably sleeping near a heat vent at home.”

Caroline’s heart leaped at the mention of her dog. She didn’t remember much about the ride down the mountain in the Sky County SUV, except for Pippin whimpering in the back.

She searched for the right words now. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

Gus’s voice was gruff. “You just run along and take care of yourself.”

“He’s right,” Nan said, ruffling Caroline’s hair before giving her a small push toward the door.

Caroline was too worn out to do anything but follow their advice.

A security guard brought Gus’s pickup around to the ambulance bay, as promised, so she could avoid the small band of reporters waiting at the main entrance.

Steering with her good arm, she drove through Storm Pass to Nan’s place. Everything gleamed silvery white under the full moon. Main Street was quiet, empty at this hour. The buildings, constructed for miners in search of fortunes long since found and spent, rested under a blanket of winter white. Tomorrow would bring another sunrise, and with it the fresh possibilities of a new day.

My fabulous and daring agent, Stephanie Cabot, and her team at The Gernert Company, who took a chance on me. Carrie Feron and her brilliant team at HarperCollins, especially Tessa Woodward. Trish and cousin Maggie, world’s greatest cheerleaders. Aunt Kay and Uncle Joe, for a sunny place in winter to dream up this book. Kate, the world’s greatest camper. John, for teaching me what it looks like to never quit, never give up. Jim and Dore, for helping me on my way. Jeannie Arlin Koster, for fluency in French. Therese McGratty, world’s best neighbor. John Fundukian, who knows about handguns. Andrew Baxley, who knows his way around Washington, D.C. Dr. Swami Mamboni, who dreamt up a cocktail with a heckuva kick. Chip Ber-schback, Jenny Emmons, and Dr. Kathleen Moore, who do heroic works. Tim and Jodi (you know why). Rand, for showing me Pagosa Springs (heaven on earth) and making all my dreams come true. And Buddy, just for being my buddy.