He needed to keep it together. She had to lean on him so he put all his own panic and fear as far aside as he could as he walked back to join Edward. “They’re stitching her up now. Thanks for bringing her here. And for being so good to her, in general.”

Edward nodded. “In her I see a girl who got a pretty raw deal. A woman who turned all that insanity and lack of control over her circumstances into a hugely promising career. Polly and I, well, we want to scoop her up and mother and father her because heaven knows the Lassiters are useless fools. I have children myself. Love them more than is reasonable sometimes. But you do because you created them and raised them and they’re your babies even when they’re well over six feet tall and have babies themselves. Caroline is brave and she stands up for what she believes in and for people who need her to defend them.” He shrugged a shoulder.

Royal was so glad Caroline had Edward and Polly in her life. “She’s going to apologize for this you know. I’m so sorry some freak shot through the window and I know it’s causing trouble and I understand if you need to fire me.”

“It’s good you understand her. Yes, she will and I’ll tell her exactly what I think of that. But this means we need to work even harder and faster to find this man before he truly hurts her.”

Matt came out, and about two minutes later, the doctor followed with Caroline. Royal hadn’t realized he’d come to stand until he was at her side.

“If you have any problems give us a call. Watch out for infection. Careful using this arm for a while. The stitches in your back will pull and that’s no fun. Come back in three days and we’ll get the stitches out.”

Shane rolled up as they were heading toward the parking lot. Royal waved. “I’m going to get Caroline back to my place. Can you get her statement there?”

“Oh for God’s sake.” Caroline managed to get herself into a seat in a waiting room. “He’s here. I’m here. He’s got other stuff to do. Let’s do this now.”

Royal held back a snarl. Barely. “Caroline, Jesus, you were just shot at. Can you ease back if for no other reason than my heart?”

She took his hand, and she was so cold he put his around hers to warm them. “Can you please just let me do this? I’m still mad and that helps.”

He got it then. She needed her anger to help her get through this. So he sighed, sitting next to her, keeping her hands in his. She leaned against him as she told Shane everything that had happened.

“I’ll keep this short since you need to get some rest. We found a bullet from a high-powered rifle lodged in the far wall in your office. Given the general angle, it looks like the shooter was up in a tree just beyond the back parking lot for the building next door.”

“Was it an easy shot or a complicated shot?” Caroline asked.

“The rifle was one used by someone who wanted to kill something. A deer, a nosy attorney, whatever. That says he’s serious. That he’s been camping and watching you is also an indicator that he’s focused on getting rid of you. The angle? Are you asking if I think the guy is military or law-enforcement level trained? If so, I don’t know yet. It wasn’t from a long way and through a bunch of crazy obstacles or anything like that. You’d need that sort of aim and concentration for deer hunting too.”

She nodded.

“We’re on it. Asking around. Some of the nearby businesses have video so we’re trying to piece something together now. I’ll let you know what else I hear. Now go home and be safe.”

Caroline faced Edward, who shook his head before she could say a word. “No you don’t, Caroline. You aren’t responsible for what this person did, so no we’re not firing you and no one is mad at you. We have your schedule handled today. Also, head’s up but I’m fairly sure my wife will be knocking on your door in about half an hour. I told her you’d been hurt and were here.”

Caroline smiled. “All right. We won’t sick Spike on her because she’ll probably have pie.”

“We definitely won’t then.” Royal helped her to stand and they walked out.

Once they were on the road, after she’d called Shep’s phone and left a message, she tipped her head back and rested it against the back of the seat.

He knew she was on the verge of losing it, so he waited until he’d gotten her into the house and changed into pajamas.

“You want me to set you up on the couch or in bed?”

“You need to go back to work. It’s still daylight. I’m just going to take some pain relievers and sleep a while.”

“Do you really think I’d just tip my hat and let you be here alone? You’re out of your mind. Bed or couch?”

“Why are you mad at me?”

He pointed to the bed and she got in. He kicked off his shoes and followed. “I’m not mad at you. I’m scared something is going to happen to you. I’m worried for your emotional and mental well-being with all this stress. I hate that your grandparents weren’t there. I hate that I can hear the tears in your voice that you won’t just share.”

She burst into tears and he felt bad for a moment. “I didn’t mean to make you cry! Well I wanted you to let go but not because I made you upset.”

Caroline snuggled into his body, and he held her, mindful of the stitches on her back and forearm.

After a few minutes she’d calmed to an occasional hiccup. “I hate being shot at.”