“How is she?” Erin threw herself into his arms and he automatically closed them around her, drawing strength from her nearness.
“I don’t know. No one has told me anything yet. I guess they’re still working on her.”
Nathan glanced his way and then headed for the nurses’ station. As a police officer and part of the official investigation, he might be able to find out something. Jackson sure hoped so, because he was quietly going crazy waiting for news.
Erin drew back and stared up at him, her blue eyes cloudy with distress. “How are you?”
He shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Erin looked as if she might argue the point, but thankfully let it drop. “The house is surprisingly okay. There wasn’t as much fire damage as we thought. Mostly smoke. The kitchen table and floor are a write-off and the room will need to be painted from top to bottom. Some of the kitchen cabinets may have to be replaced. I’m not sure about that. Other than that, a good cleaning will go a long way to setting the place back to rights.”
He gave her a quick squeeze before releasing her. “Thanks for sticking around until the fire was out.”
She patted him on the arm. “The police and the fire marshal are out there investigating, but there’s little doubt that the package contained some kind of bomb.”
They all paused when Nathan came striding back. “The nurse said that the doctor would be out in a minute.”
Jackson nodded as he raked his fingers through his hair. He hated not being able to do anything. Emerald was somewhere behind the large swinging doors at the end of the hallway, and she was alone. He needed to be with her.
“Why don’t you sit down?”
His sister’s voice penetrated his thoughts and he gave her a soft smile. “Don’t worry about me, honey. Other than smelling a bit smoky, I’m fine.”
“Did the doctor check you for smoke inhalation?” Abel stepped up beside his wife, wrapping his thick arm around her shoulders.
“Yeah.” Jackson realized that his voice was slightly hoarse. That, coupled with the fact that he was covered in soot, was making him appear much worse than he was. “I’ll be back to normal in a day or two.”
Erin looked relieved and even the tight set of Nathan’s shoulders eased slightly. Jackson felt anything but relaxed or relieved. That wouldn’t happen until he knew what was going on with Emerald. As if his thoughts had finally summoned him, the doctor pushed through the door and headed toward the waiting room. Jackson met him halfway.
“How are you holding up, Jackson?” He’d known Dr. Williams his entire life, but right now he wanted to shake the man to get him to hurry.
“I’m fine. How’s Emerald?”
“She’s a lucky lady. Whatever device set off the explosion, it wasn’t all that powerful, but she’s still fortunate that she wasn’t standing right next to it when it went off. The fact that her back was turned means that it took the brunt. We removed some flying pieces of debris, mostly shards of wood from the kitchen table. She hit her face when she fell forward, but her nose isn’t broken. Mostly, she’s bruised and shaken. There are some minor burns on her back as well, but they’ll heal with little problem.” He clapped his hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “She’ll be hoarse for a few days because of the smoke, but physically she’ll be as good as new in a week or two.”
Jackson cleared his throat, almost overwhelmed by the news. “Can I see her?”
“Sure. She’s been asking for you. After you see her, we’ll get her cleaned up and moved to a room.”
Nathan stepped forward. “Is someone with her now?”
Dr. Williams nodded. “The officer you sent showed up about the same time I started working on her. He’s posted right outside her door.”
Jackson stared at his brother, thankful for the precaution. It hadn’t even occurred to him that Emerald might be in danger here at the hospital, but it should have. “Have you contacted Hatcher?” It was important that Emerald’s investigator in New York know about this latest development.
“Yeah. I talked to him and the detective in charge of the case back in New York. We’ll be sending them all the information on the bombing as soon as we get a report together. In the meantime, he knows what’s going on.” Nathan hesitated. “I talked to her sister’s bodyguard as well. He answered the phone when I called, so I explained the situation to him. You should probably call them later.”
“I will.” He rubbed his hands over his soot-covered jeans and glanced at the doctor.
“Follow me.” The doctor gave them all a nod and headed back toward the heavy closed door of the emergency room.
“Don’t worry about a thing with the house,” Erin said. “We’ll take care of everything.” He turned and gave Erin a grateful smile as he stepped inside the doors. They swung shut behind him, shutting his family on the other side. He followed the doctor to a room at the end of the hall. A uniformed officer nodded as they passed. That was one of the benefits of living in a small town—a stranger would stand out like a sore thumb.
“She’s a bit groggy, but don’t worry. She truly will be fine.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Jackson pushed through the door, pausing just inside.
Emerald was lying facedown on the pristine white mattress. He could smell the smoke from here. Or maybe it was himself he smelled. He took a deep breath and went to her side. Her face was pale and he could see the smattering of small cuts on her cheek. Her nose looked slightly swollen, but not too bad considering the blood she’d had on her face.
His hand was trembling ever so slightly when he reached out to stroke her hair. The ends were a bit singed, but nothing a trim wouldn’t take care of. He swallowed back the lump forming in his throat. He was so damn grateful she was alive.
She stirred and her eyes fluttered open. “Jackson,” she croaked.
He winced at the sound of her voice. Her throat sounded incredibly sore. “I’m here.” Stroking the side of her face, he leaned closer to her. “Everything is okay. You’re going to be fine.”
“The house?”
“To hell with the house. I’ve got insurance.” He wasn’t sure it would cover a mad bomber, but he didn’t care. She flinched at his harsh words and he gentled his voice as much as he could. “The house isn’t important. The only thing that matters is that you’re going to be all right.”
She nodded, her fingers plucking at the sheet beside her. “I’m sorry.” Her red-rimmed eyes filled with tears.
Jackson eased down onto the mattress next to her, careful not to jar her. “What are you sorry for?”
“I brought all this trouble to you.” A lone tear spilled out of the corner of her eye, nearly breaking his heart.
“I’m not sorry.” He brushed her hair over her shoulder and gently wiped the tear from her cheek. His thumb caressed the side of her face. “I’m glad you came into my life.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips lightly against hers.
Emerald gave a soft sigh and parted her lips. It was a brief kiss, but they both needed the connection, the intimacy of it. Jackson sat back, lightly stroking his hand over her shoulder. “Me too,” she breathed and then started to cough.
“You need to rest.” He started to stand, but her hand shot out, catching his. She winced as the movement shifted her battered body. “Don’t worry,” he promised. “I’m not going farther than that chair.”
Her fingers slowly released his and she sighed. “You should go and get cleaned up. Maybe check on your house. It’s selfish of me to keep you here.”
“If it’s selfish, then I’m selfish too,” he assured her. “I don’t want to leave you.” The memory of hearing the explosion and the realization that Emerald was inside the burning house was still too fresh. He wanted to haul her into his arms and keep her there for at least a month, if not longer.