Free Dance or Die (White Oak - Mafia Series Book 3) by Liza O'Connor Page B

they come out, they’ll spend time in the ICU and then if all looks well, we’ll put them right across the hall.”
    He then returned his focus to Cobbs. “Anything you need, Lee, just let me know.”
    The sheriff patted his back and thanked him.
    Once the doctor was gone and they both settled onto the leather sofa, Tess spoke. “Evidently, spending your life helping people pays off. You have friends everywhere.”
    He grinned. “Let that be a life lesson. The time you spend helping and befriending others will pay itself back triple-fold when you need a favor. Steel didn’t get the best surgeon by chance or because he’s British royalty. He got it because I asked. But don’t mention that to Secret Service.”
    ***
    Tess woke to voices. She sat up on the leather couch and stared at the pillow near her arm and the blanket covering her. Sheriff Cobbs had not only relinquished the couch to her, but he’d even found her a pillow and a blanket. He truly was a good man.
    He was also gone. But she was sure she’d heard voices just before she woke. He probably took the discussion into the hallway. She rose to investigate but stopped. If it were the FBI agents that were determined to interrogate her like a criminal, then she’d just as soon not let her presence be known.
    She returned to the couch and sat.
    But if it was the doctor bearing news…
    She stood up and ran to the door.
    What if the news was bad? What if she’d lost the chance to keep Steel from taking the easy path? She sat down in the chair by the door before she fell.
    Just the thought that he could be dead wiped her strength. How would she survive if he were truly dead? The guilt alone would kill her.
    She remained in the chair, too terrified of the truth to step outside.
    She waited…and waited. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she forced herself up and opened the door.
    The sheriff and one of her grounds crew, Malcolm, were talking near the door across the hall. Upon sight of her, Malcolm nodded while the sheriff came to her and placed a hand upon her forehead. “I was hoping a good sleep would help, but honestly, you look worse than ever.”
    “I’m fine, except I got it in my head you were talking to the doctor and it wasn’t good news.”
    The sheriff gripped her chin and forced her face up. “You cannot think that way. You must stay positive. Negative thoughts bring negative conclusions. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I’m telling you from a lifetime of experience, it’s true.”
    Malcolm stepped forward. “I brought you some clothes and stuff from your house.”
    She stared at the suitcase she’d quickly packed this morning. “How did you get that?”
    “The skinny ranger, Sonny, brought it to the door of the cabin. He asked you to call him the first chance you get.” He then handed her a phone. “He also asked me to give you your cell phone.”
    She smiled at Malcolm. “So you didn’t actually go into my house?”
    “Nope. The kid refused to let me inside.”
    “He was just following my rule not to let anyone but Andy inside.”
    Malcolm nodded. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to have two of my guys search the cabin.”
    “For what?”
    Sheriff Cobbs replied. “For your uncle. He’s gone into hiding and we’ve checked all known places he might be. However, he probably knows you’re here and might think the cabin is empty.”
    She shook her head. “Sonny and Jack would throw him out in a second.” A dark thought came to her. “Unless you think he’s holding them hostage.”
    “No, but if he’s hiding in your decoy cabin, they might not even be aware of his presence.”
    She opened her phone and called home at once, fearing that her uncle might have become aware of their presence when Sonny answered the door for Malcolm.
    The moment Jack answered the phone, she spoke. “Are you guys okay?”
    “Given what happened to everyone else, we’re feeling damn lucky. Those bastards could have grabbed us as well. We