You and me both. Whoever sent that threatening note is going to a lot of trouble to hurt me.
Thats why its important Ted stay close, Gordon said. And that you cooperate and let him do his job keeping you safe.
Nick had every intention of staying safe and alive.
Hey, theres something else I need to tell you, Gordon said.
They found the ski? Nick asked.
Yes. Given the circumstances, the local police have taken charge of it and sent the ski to the crime lab for inspection.
Nicks fingers curled into a fist. There was no doubt in his mind this hadnt been an accident but another attempt on his life.
But thats not what I wanted to talk about, Gordon said, drawing up a chair to the bedside. The local lifestyle TV show Northwest Edition is going to do a feature piece on you.
Nick drew back. Excuse me?
Gordon held up his hands like brackets on a marquee. Local Hero Comes Home for Anniversary of Brothers Death. He shrugged and lowered his hands.
A knife twisted in Nicks gut. I will not use Codys death to bolster my career.
Not just your career. Thunderbird wants the exposure. They are fully on board with Ms. Frosts idea for a feature story on you. This will be good exposure for them.
Nick snorted. Great. And if I refuse?
You can tell Lucas Davenport. Gordon took out his cell phone. You want me to get him on the line?
As much as it galled him, Nick shook his head.
Gordon put his phone back in his pocket. Northwest Edition wants to do a human-interest story. Their reporter, Julie, is a sweet gal and easy on the eyes.
Jules is great, Nick said, figuring better the enemy you know.
Tell me you didnt break her heart.
Nick scoffed. Naw. Nothing like that.
Shed been out of his league then. Now she was just plain dangerous. A reporter. His mind struggled to wrap around the concept.
Gordon rubbed his hands together. Excellent. Local girl, local guy. Its all good.
Gordon was always working the angles. I dont know about this.
I worked out a deal with the station manager that we reserve the right to edit the piece or scrap the whole thing if it doesnt meet with our approval. Does that help?
A small consolation. One he could live with. I suppose.
Good. Shes waiting to come talk with you, Gordon said. I told the nurse to give me ten minutes and then send her in.
Nick wasnt surprised to hear she was still at the hospital. She wanted her story. Oh, by the way, Kitty followed me home to Bend. I saw her in the crowd tonight.
Katherine Kitty Rogers, a ski groupie, had been hounding him for the past year. When shed first starting hanging around the competitions, making it clear she was there to see him, hed been flattered. Amused, even, the first two or three times she appeared in the crowd. But then it started to creep him out. Last month shed gone so far as to find his hotel room in Colorado and wait outside his door. Shed made it clear she was willing to be more than just an adoring fan. There was something slightly off about her that made him wary.
Gordon wrinkled his nose. Shes your biggest fan.
Shes taking it to the extreme.
Excuse me. The nurse stood in the doorway. There are two women waiting to see you, Mr. Walsh. A Julie Frost and a Kitty Rogers.
Of course Kitty was here. Nick nearly laughed at the irony. Send in Jules, not Kitty.
The nurse nodded and retreated.
And the hits just keep on coming, Nick commented dryly.
A few minutes later Julie knocked on the door frame.
Come on in. Nick drank in the sight of her. The pink color of her outfit heightened the rosy hue of her cheeks and brightened her crystal-blue eyes. Her sleek blond braid made him wonder if she was as tightly coiled. What would she do if he reached out and undid the band holding the strands together?
Im glad to see youre feeling better, she said, moving farther into the room.
Much, thank you. He didnt like being in such a vulnerable position, trapped in bed wearing a hospital gown and totally at a disadvantage with a lovely lady.
Theres a woman out there waiting to see you, Julie said. Is she your girlfriend?
No, Nick said quickly and exchanged a glance with Gordon.
Gordon stood. Here, sit. Ill take care of that situation.
Nick sent Gordon a grateful nod. He hoped Gordon would be able to send Kitty on her way. There was something in the womans eyes that gave him the same feeling that had seized him when his boot had shifted in the ski binding today.
Julie took a seat and pulled out a notebook from the big flowered shoulder bag that she dropped at her feet.
So she wanted to get down to business. He watched her slender hands flip open the pad, her pen poised. There was a noticeable lack of a wedding ring. Curious, he asked, Wheres Mr. Frost tonight?
Julie grinned. Afraid hell come storming in, jealous over me being at your bedside?
I like to be prepared.
She laughed. Frost is my stage name. Rolls off the tongue better than Tipton. Theres no mister attached to it or me.
You never married? Hed figured shed have found some intellectual at the fancy college shed surely attended and be happily married by now.
Her gaze dropped to her hands. She fiddled with the pen. A shadow crossed over her face. No. Never found the right guy.
Too picky?
Her gaze shot up to meet his. Indignation flared in the light blue depths. No. Thats not it all. Why would you say that?
Hed struck a nerve. Which made him more curious and stirred an ache in his chest he couldnt explain. Had someone hurt her? The thought didnt settle well. I remember in high school you didnt date. I figured you were holding out for a brainiac like yourself. At least that was what hed told himself when hed chickened out and didnt ask her to homecoming their junior year. Of course that was before hed had his talk with Dad and realized falling in love, making a commitment, meant giving up on his dreams. Something he had no intention of ever allowing.
A rueful twist touched her mouth, drawing his gaze again. I didnt date in high school because no one asked.
He felt like a heel. I should have asked you.
She looked at him from beneath her lashes. I would have liked that.
If you drop this whole interview thing, we could go on a date. It had been a while since hed dated anyone. Dating did not equal commitment. At least not to him, which was why he rarely dated.
She inhaled sharply. That would be like asking me to stop breathing, Nick.
Good thing I know CPR.
She rolled her eyes. You promised to tell me why you have a bodyguard, she said briskly. And why did you think the ambulance crash wasnt an accident?
So much for dating her. Someones trying to kill me.
THREE
Julies jawed dropped. She snapped it shut as his words reverberated through her brain. Someone was trying to kill Nick?
Her mind reeled. First his talk of dating if shed drop the feature on him and now this? Nicks story was bigger than shed ever imagined. Her mind popped with questions. Why would someone want to kill you? Who wants to kill you? Whats happened that would lead you to believe that?
Whoa. Nick held up a hand. Slow down. Shouldnt you be waiting for me to answer one question before you throw me another?
Her face flamed. Of course. Yes. Sorry. Youre right. Of course, youre right.
He touched her arm. Its okay. Take a deep breath.
She took in a shuddering breath to calm her racing heart.
Better?
Yes. She poised her pencil over the pad of paper. Okay. This is huge, Nick. Wheres Bob and his camera? She tapped the pencil against the pad. Id like to get a shot of you here in the hospital, if youd be comfortable with that. From the appalled look on his face, she guessed he wasnt. Okay, scratch that idea.
Please do. In fact, lets call the whole interview off.
She searched his face, trying to decide if he was serious. His jaw was set. His eyes flinty. Yep, he was serious. But we cant. Surely you understand that.
He shook his head. Im not thrilled about being the subject of your interview.
But you will go through with the interview, right? She hated how desperate she sounded.
His dark blue eyes narrowed. Why is this so important to you?
Should she tell him what was at stake? She didnt want to sound whiny or pathetic, but if he understood that her shot at becoming an on-air reporter hinged on how well she delivered this story for Northwest Edition, then maybe hed cooperate. She didnt have anything to lose except her pride.
This is my first big break. I went out on a limb and pitched this idea for a feature on you to my boss in hopes of securing a permanent on-camera spot. I cant afford to keep working there if I dont get this promotion.
So what is your actual job now?
Im a production assistant.
Ah, okay. Nick repressed the chuckle that bubbled up. No wonder shed been nervous and overly enthusiastic with her questions. And why she needed the promotion. He doubted being an assistant paid that well. Id like to help you, but...
She sat forward. Mr. Davenport at Thunderbird was excited about the idea. He said he wanted to make new skin designs for your skis and to unveil them live during the segment. Her voice rose slightly. Her teeth tugged on her bottom lip.
His gaze landed on her mouth. Shed always had perfectly shaped lips. Soft and supple. Kissable. He remembered thinking that in high school. Of course back then her lips had been devoid of lipstick. Shed never been one to wear all that stuff on her face the way most of the teen girls did.
Her lips parted slightly, making him aware hed been staring.
He could tell this meant a lot to her. But the anger hed felt over the media raking Cody through the mud grated something fierce.
She reached to touch his hand. Sympathy tinged her gaze. I was sorry to hear about Codys accident. I sent flowers.
Nicks breath hitched. Grief stabbed him. He fought the burning behind his eyes. The place where her fingers rested lightly on his hand created a hot spot, distracting him from the pain stirred up by her words. He hadnt known shed sent flowers. Of course, he hadnt really been aware of much at the time. That was thoughtful of you.
A commotion outside the door drew his attention away from the pretty lady sitting beside him.
Ted blocked the doorway.
But I want to see him! said a female blocked from Nicks view.
He didnt have to see the woman to recognize Kittys voice. She was making a scene and disturbing the peace of the hospital. Nick winced. Hed thought Gordon was going to deal with her. Obviously he hadnt been successful.
That other woman was allowed in, Kitty shrieked. Nick! Nick, tell this man to let me in.
Whos she? Julie asked in a whisper.
A fan, Nick said. He sighed. Thinking of the other patients, he called out, Ted, its okay. Ill see her if it will make her stop fussing.
Ted glanced over his shoulder. Youre sure?
Why not? Lets just add to my humiliation.
Julie gave him a chiding look as Kitty barged into the room, carrying a small, wrapped present. She was an attractive woman with dark hair curling around her impish face, wide dark eyes, red lips and a Marilyn Monroetype mole at the corner of her mouth. He wasnt sure if the detail was real or for effect. She had on well-worn jeans and a red sweater that emphasized her assets. But to Nick, Kitty was a dark shadow compared to the shimmering lightness of Julie. The two couldnt have been more opposite in looks or personality.
Hello, Kitty, Nick said, trying hard to keep his irritation from showing. What are you doing here?
She laughed lightly and shot Julie a curious glance. You know I come to every one of your competitions that I can. Im so excited to see your hometown. You gave me quite a scare today. I thought for sure you were going die when that ski flew off. She moved to wedge herself in front of Julie and put one hand on his shoulder. Are you all right?
As you can see, alive and well.
Then why are you in the hospital?
Observation. Ill be leaving soon.
She thrust the gift at him. I brought you something.
He didnt take it. Thats thoughtful, but you shouldnt have. Really, you shouldnt have.
A steely glint flashed in her eyes. Its for you.
Apparently she wasnt going to let him refuse. He took the present and quickly unwrapped it to reveal a money clip engraved with his initials and a note telling him where she was staying. As if hed ever take her up on her propositions. He tucked the money clip back in the box. Thank you, Kitty.
Julie cleared her throat.
Nick gave Julie an apologetic grimace. Julie, this is Kitty Rogers. A fan.
Kittys fingers dug into the top of his shoulder. His number-one fan.
Julies speculative gaze bounced from Kitty to Nick to the hand on his shoulder and back to Kitty. I can see that. She stood and held out her hand, forcing Kitty to relinquish her hold on his shoulder. Nick gave Julie a grateful smile.
Nice to meet you, Julie said.
What are you doing here? Kitty asked with barely veiled jealousy.
Julie opened her mouth to respond, but Nick jumped in. Shes with me. He reached past Kitty to take Julies hand.
Two sets of eyes blinked at him.
I am?
She is?
He squeezed Julies hand, hoping shed go along with the ruse. He needed Kitty to back off. He didnt want her attention. And faking a girlfriend might just be the ticket to sending Kitty scurrying back to Idaho, where shed come from. Julie and I are rekindling our relationship.
* * *
Julie choked at Nicks words and wished she had a drink of water to wash away her surprise. Nicks eyes implored her to confirm his statement.
The need to back him up compelled her to admit, We are old friends.
Kittys eyes narrowed. Shockingly obvious anger flared in the dark depths. Nick and I are friends, too.
Sensing how uncomfortable the woman was making Nick, Julie sought to defuse the situation. Most people wanted their fifteen minutes of fame, and Julie counted on Kitty to be no different.
Julie smiled sweetly. Kitty, I work for Northwest Edition, a weekly lifestyle television magazine, and Im doing a piece on Nick. And because you are his self-professed number-one fan, Id love to interview you.