Chapter 17 #2
“She worried when she came down with the flu. Little did I know what kinds of books you ladies read. I swear I haven’t blushed this much since puberty,” he said, raising his hands.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely vested in Tad and Vera’s story.
Will she ever forgive him for using his nozzle to put out his ex’s fire, or will she find a pole of her own? ”
Hannah giggled. “Some books sound corny while others tell a story about a couple who persevere against all odds. It’s nice to see people get their happily-ever-after.”
“Do you like other genres?” he asked while taking a bite of his dressing.
“Scarlett loves thrillers. I don’t like them. They make me feel weird at night when it gets dark. I prefer fantasy, a more realistic romance, or second chances,” she informed him while she dipped her fork tines into the cranberry sauce.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked, placing his fork on the table.
“What?” she said warily.
“Why don’t you leave the room? Don’t you miss the sunshine on your face or the smell of the leaves after it rains?
The team gave me a cabin near the training center.
It’s in the middle of the woods, and I love the screened-in back porch with the glass roof.
I put a hammock out there to sleep in when it rains.
There’s nothing better than a nap during a storm. On a calm night, I can see the stars.”
Hannah glanced down at the dog’s head in her lap and sighed. “Bad things happen when I go out there,” she whispered.
“Why do you think that?” he asked curiously, not sounding judgmental.
Hannah frowned and turned her gaze to the window. He saw the longing in her eyes. “I’ve stayed at other hospitals. When I left the room, I saw things,” she said hesitantly.
“Like visions? Or people?” he asked quietly. “My friend always felt like someone hid in the shadows. Every night, he double-checked the locks on the windows and doors. Sometimes he went outside to walk the perimeter.”
“I’m afraid,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “They’re waiting for me to relax and then they’ll attack. Sometimes, I think you’re a dream. Maybe I’m having an illusion right now, and I’ve never spoken a word.”
Cole rose from his chair and bent on one knee, taking her hand. “You’re very much awake, Hannah. I’m happy you’re here, and I hope you’ll continue to stay with me.”
Brody whined, pushing Cole to the side.
“Obviously, Brody feels the same way,” he said sarcastically.
Hannah smiled shyly. The puppy’s head whipped up and she let out a yip as if agreeing.
“They’re ganging up on me,” Cole complained, laughing. “You’ll have to trust us, Hannah. We will never lead you astray.” He rose and returned to his seat. “Do you know how security works on this mountain?”
“No. I’ve never left the room,” she said, focusing on her plate.
“How’d you feel if I introduced you to my team? Scarlett’s name at work is Sparky. I bet you can guess why. She did this to my eye,” he exclaimed. “Leo and the men take the security on the mountain seriously.”
Hannah kept her head down. “Then how did Scarlett get shot? Ty told me a teen shot her. She stayed on the mountain.”
“From what I understand, the teen’s father abused him.
He blended in with the other teens to gain access.
Since the incident, the Russians search all the vehicles coming and going.
The teens have special IDs to swipe when boarding the van.
The Irish monitor the mountain. Bear, another team member, has alarms set up everywhere.
In Leo’s words, a deer can’t fart without us knowing.
Plus, I’m here to train the dogs,” he explained.
“What about the visitors?” she asked.
“They go through the same process. Do you know the other veterans here volunteer to surveil the trails? Others bring the seniors to the community center, supervise the teens, and I have two helpers for the dogs. Does it sound like someone can harm you here?”
She shrugged noncommittally.
“I think you might feel better if you met the team responsible. Do you trust me, Hannah? I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I feel like I’ve known you forever.” Cole waited for her answer.
Hannah gazed at the door and blinked away the tears. “I can’t stop the thoughts. I try to tell myself they can’t find me. They usually medicate me to transfer me to a different hospital. I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Why?” he asked, surprised.
“My dad wants to send me to a nursing home. Kassie’s trying to keep me here. It’s no use. He always gets his way,” she confessed.
“Where do you want to go, Hannah?” he asked firmly.
“I don’t know. The people seem nice here, but I’ve never left my room. What does it matter? One wall seems like any other,” she said sadly.
“It’s the only thing that does,” Cole insisted. “If they appear the same, you need to focus on the ceiling. Did any of the other places have the stars and the moon? Why did you decide to talk here and nowhere else?”
“I can’t disappoint them anymore,” she said, her voice drifted away.
“I can’t imagine you disappointing anyone. You’ve become one of the highlights of my day,” he argued.
Hannah pushed the rest of her food away. Her stomach felt full for the first time in ages.
“Will you trust me to take you to meet the team? Scarlett can come with us. We’ll watch your six at all times,” he promised.
Brody whined as if begging her to agree.
“I don’t want to disgust you,” she said softly. “I never make it past the doors. My brain can’t get past…things.”
“If I found a way to help you feel safe, would you consider it?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. “It’s weird to even talk to you. You’re a man.”
“Maybe it’s not about speaking to a male or a female. Sometimes our gut tells us who to trust,” he reasoned.
Hannah raised her shaky hand to her lips, contemplating his idea. Cole held his breath.
“I don’t think I can do it,” she finally admitted. “It’s too risky.”
“I’ll accept your answer for now,” Cole said, making her relax. “Don’t dwell on it. Let’s take one step at a time.”
A knock came from her door, making them turn to see their visitor. Doc and Kassie entered, smiling.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Hannah. It seems we have you to add to our list of blessings today,” Kassie greeted before turning to Cole. “I’m sorry, Cole. We need to assess Hannah. I’ll have to ask you to leave. You’re welcome to return when we’re finished.”
“I’ll take our plates to the kitchen. It appears the little girl has tired herself out,” he said, glancing at the bed where Nine lay on her back with her legs in the air and tongue hanging out of her mouth.
Hannah grinned. She rose and walked over to her.
“Goodnight, Nine. We need to find you a better name,” she said, rubbing her soft belly.
Brody moved to her side and placed his paw on her leg.
She knelt and kissed his head. “Thank you for your pinecone gift, Brody. I’m thankful you found me,” she whispered.
Cole slipped the leash onto Nine’s collar and signaled Brody to his side. “Goodnight, Hannah. You did a fantastic job today. You’re stronger than you think,” he encouraged before walking out.
Hannah watched them go, wishing he planned to return. Once she started talking, the words didn’t want to stop. What happened when everyone left? Would her body raise its walls again?