Chapter 46
Deputy Luke Hale
The elevator chimed on the fourth floor.
Luke Hale stood outside Sara Parker’s door, one hand resting near his belt out of habit. He’d slept maybe four hours in two days and looked it.
Not again. Not on his watch.
The elevator doors slid open.
Hats. Handbags. Perfume.
A parade of floral prints and purpose marched toward him.
Luke blinked once.
The book club ladies.
Willow Harkens led the charge, bakery box in hand. Emma, Leigh, and Mrs. Kinsey followed with flowers, books, and a knitted throw.
Luke stepped forward. “Ma’am—this floor is restricted—”
“Oh hush,” Willow said, waving him off. “We’re here to see Sara. Sheriff Scott cleared it with the charge nurse and Dr. Calder.”
Mrs. Kinsey gave him a once-over. “Son, you look like you need a sandwich.”
Luke opened his mouth. “Ma’am, I—”
The elevator chimed again.
Caitlin stepped out, a soft blue scarf wrapped around her neck. Rosie trotted beside her on a leash, vest on like she had official business.
Caitlin took in the scene and smiled. “It’s okay, Hale. They’re cleared.”
Luke exhaled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Willow winked. “Don’t worry. We’ll behave.”
Emma elbowed her. “No we won’t.”
They swept past him in a wave of perfume and sugar and small-town determination.
Luke stepped aside, still a little stunned.
He looked back at Sara’s door.
And stayed right where he was.
Inside Sara’s Room
Sara was propped against her pillows, trying to ignore how sterile the room felt.
Her hand froze halfway to her water when five women and one dog came rolling in.
Her chest tightened.
Then Rosie padded up to the bed and pressed her head against Sara’s leg.
Sara exhaled.
“Sara, honey,” Willow said, setting the bakery box on the tray table, “we brought lemon bars, brownies, and a romance novel that won’t ruin your sleep.”
Leigh held up the paperback. “Cozy kind. Hunky baker. Zero murder.”
Mrs. Kinsey placed the flowers on the table. “And something pretty.”
Caitlin moved in and touched Sara’s arm. “We were so scared for you.”
Sara swallowed. “I didn’t realize so many people…”
“We do,” Emma said firmly. “You matter here.”
Sara blinked hard and gripped Rosie’s fur.
Willow leaned back, eyeing the hallway. “And we noticed the very handsome deputy outside your door.”
Leigh whispered—loudly—“Tall drink of water.”
Heat climbed Sara’s face. “I—I hadn’t noticed.”
Caitlin laughed softly. “You haven’t been awake long enough to notice anything.”
Emma fanned herself. “If I were twenty years younger—”
“If you were twenty years younger, you’d still be bossy,” Mrs. Kinsey cut in.
The room filled with laughter—soft, easy, real.
“Thank you,” Sara said quietly. “All of you.”
Caitlin’s smile softened. “This isn’t kindness.”
“It’s community,” she added.
Leigh squeezed Sara’s wrist. “And you’ve got one.”
Into the Hall — Luke
The ladies drifted out eventually, leaving behind a romance novel, a vase of flowers, and a box of lemon bars with a sticky note:
Eat these first. Life’s too short.
Luke straightened as they passed, fighting a smile.
Willow paused beside him. “You take good care of that girl, Deputy.”
“Yes, ma’am. Always.”
When the hallway quieted, he glanced through the window into Sara’s room.
She was reading.
Not staring at the ceiling. Not flinching.
Reading.
Luke adjusted his stance.
About damn time, Parker.