Chapter 43
Chapter forty-three
Cooper
It took almost three hours for the police to get the information they needed and for the doctor to release Kota and Ari.
Ari is currently drawing on a notepad that a nurse let her borrow.
Thankfully she came out of the accident without a scratch.
Dakota keeps glancing over at her, and I can already read the look in her eyes. She blames herself.
We’re waiting on the nurse to bring the discharge papers when the curtain sweeps back and Christine steps inside. I can practically see the blood drain from Dakota’s face.
“Christine.” She slides off the bed.
“Hi. I got word you two were in an accident and I wanted to check in. I was actually planning a surprise visit this evening, but I figured it would be less hassle to just come here and check on Arizona.”
“Of course.” Dakota waves her in.
Ari looks up and gives a small smile. “Hey.” She darts her gaze to me.
“Hey, Arizona. You ok?” She asks.
“I’m good. Not even a bruise.” She motions her hand. “Dakota got the brunt of it.”
Christine nods, her eyes focusing on Dakota. “Mind if I speak with Arizona in private for a moment?”
“Is that ok with you, Ari?” Dakota asks.
“Yeah. That’s fine.” She shrugs.
“Here.” I pull out my wallet and take out a few dollar bills. “Why don’t you grab you a snack from the vending machine down the hallway.”
Ari pushes to her feet, taking the money before she follows Christine. As soon as they disappear down the hallway, Dakota sinks to the bed.
“She’s going to take her away.” Her voice cracks.
“Baby. Look at me.” I walk over, crouching down in front of her. “No one is taking her away.”
“They will,” she hisses. “I almost got her killed today!”
I capture her hands in mine. “You did nothing wrong.”
“But it’s my fault,” she argues. “Someone literally tried to kill us, Cooper. Me.” She points at her chest. “Ari was just collateral damage. I brought that danger to her.”
I intertwine our fingers. “What happened was twisted. And I promise you that I will not stop until I find the asshole who did this.”
She nods, her eyes closing.
“But you need to hear me,” I say, clearing my throat. “You are not responsible for someone else’s actions.”
“But if it’s him. It’s my fault,” she whispers.
“No. If it’s him, he’s just proving why he should be locked up behind bars for the rest of his life.”
I push to stand, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I need you to stay with me, Kota. With Ari. Don’t go rogue because you’re convinced this is on you.”
“We’re back,” Arizona announces as she takes her spot in the chair.
Christine smiles. “Do you two have a minute?”
I nod and hold my hand out to Dakota. She takes it, then we follow Christine over near the nurse's station.
“Arizona told me what happened, and I’m so sorry someone did that to y’all,” she begins. “I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.”
“Thank you.” Dakota blows out a breath. “It was unexpected.”
“I do have a question.” She glances around. “It’s my job to investigate thoroughly. And I’ll be honest. I haven’t come across anything to paint either of you in an ill light.”
My hand rubs up Dakota’s arm, tugging her into my side for comfort.
“But I am concerned about your father and his release.” Her eyes meet Dakota’s. “From what I gather he is dangerous. Would he be directly involved with Arizona? Are you planning on reconnecting with him?”
“Absolutely not,” Dakota answers. “I broke ties with him years ago. He’s called a handful of times since being in prison. We’ve had only a few conversations. He has no place in my life, and especially not in Ari’s.”
“Dakota has not been notified of his release. We are not sure he is even out yet,” I add.
“Ok. I understand.” She adjusts her purse. “I want you to know I’m sorry for the situation. I’m just doing my job. Arizona’s safety is my priority.”
“She’s safe,” I assure her. “The ranch is the safest place she can be.”
“I will keep in touch and notify you when I plan to do my final home visit.” Christine gives Dakota’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Take care.”
When she leaves the space, I can feel the tension coiling in Dakota’s frame. “I’ll never be rid of him. Will I?” She looks up at me. “He’s not even here and he still manages to ruin any good thing I have.”
Cupping her face, I smooth my thumbs over her cheeks. “Not this time, Birdie. He won’t win this time.”