Free Final Deposit by Lisa Harris Page A

scenario in his mind. More than likely the van was irrelevant and the break-in had been nothing more than a random burglary with very bad timing.
    Lindsey leaned against the back wall of the elevator and stared at the floor. “I hate this. Trying to deal with some faceless criminal online is hard enough, but if they’re right here—”
    â€œYou have enough to worry about, Lindsey. Don’t drag in the possibility of that blue van being involved.”
    She glanced up at him. “It’s possible, though, isn’t it?”
    â€œJust like it’s possible someone put a bomb underneath this elevator.”
    She shot him a piercing glare. “Now, that’s a comforting thought.”
    â€œSorry. All I’m trying to say is, don’t borrow trouble.”
    She gave him a half grin. “Are you reminding me once again to stop playing superwoman?”
    â€œAh. You’re finally catching on.”
    The doors opened, and he followed her past the nurses’ station toward room 617.
    â€œNot only am I a slow learner at times, but it’s always been hard for me to give situations over to God.” Her sandals clicked on the tiled floor. “I’m very good at keeping at least a corner of the problem for myself.”
    He understood all too well what she was saying. “I admit to being a hands-on guy who wants to be in on every step of the process. That’s why you found me working during Brad’s wedding. A bad habit, to say the least.”
    â€œI’m glad I’m not the only one.”
    She stopped halfway down the hall. “I don’t want to do this, Kyle. I’m about to confront my father about the fact that he’s foolishly fallen for a scam and given his entire life savings away to some con man.”
    â€œYou’ve got to understand that there’s still a good chance he won’t be ready to admit there’s even a problem,” Kyle said.
    Lindsey cocked her head. “What do you mean?”
    â€œHe’s so emotionally involved in the situation that he probably hasn’t even admitted the truth to himself.”
    â€œHe sold my mother’s porcelain collection and went into debt.”
    â€œExactly.” How could he tell her that the situation would probably get worse before it was over? “All he needs to know right now is that you will support him no matter what.”
    Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. “You’re right.”
    â€œAre you ready?” he asked.
    â€œAs ready as I’ll ever be.”
    Kyle hung back as Lindsey greeted her dad, not certain how her father was going to react to his presence.
    â€œHey, Daddy.” She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “They’re letting you out today?”
    â€œThe sooner, the better. The food here is terrible. No salt, no sugar, no flavor.”
    She laughed and sat down beside him on the bed. “Daddy, do you remember Kyle Walker? We were friends back in college.”
    Kyle shook the older man’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you again, Mr. Taylor.”
    â€œWeren’t you that math major who tutored Lindsey?”
    Kyle nodded. “The one and only.”
    â€œThen if I remember correctly, I owe you a few thousand dollars. You saved Lindsey from having to repeat classes, and me from having to pay more tuition.”
    â€œDad. I wasn’t that bad.”
    Kyle laughed. “I’d say we can call it even. Your daughter had a rare talent for doing laundry that saved me a time or two.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you marry this guy, Lindsey? I like him. He’s smart, funny—”
    â€œEnough.” Lindsey rolled her eyes. “What did the doctors say?”
    â€œI have an infection, which apparently is common with the cancer, but I should live.”
    â€œIs the pain any better?”
    â€œA little. At least my hip’s not broken.” He waved his hand in dismissal.