Not because he’d wanted to look after her.
“Well, I’ll get dressed, and after I’ve spoken to the police, I’ll get out of your way.”
“What are you talking about? You’re not going anywhere. You’re not in any condition to be left alone, plus, we need to talk. I’ll see if I can find you something to wear, your other clothes are ripped. I threw them out.”
“I need a shower.”
“All right, I’ll put a stool in the stall so you can sit.”
Before she could protest, he was moving into action. She had to admit, she was feeling kind of shaky and standing in a hot shower probably wouldn’t be the best idea right now.
After her shower, she stared at herself in the mirror. Crap, she looked like shit. There was a huge bruise covering her cheekbone, more bruising over her ribs and stomach and a nasty bruise on her thigh. Her hand ached, although it was only slightly swollen.
With a sigh, she reached for the soft clothing Hunter had found. A pair of woman’s pants and a sweatshirt. She felt a surge of jealousy. Where had these come from?
“Cady?” he called out. “The police are here. Did you get the clothes? They were Angie’s. She was taller than you but they should fit.”
Feeling stupid over her burst of jealousy, Cady got dressed and moved through the bedroom into the living area. Two people stood up as she walked in. One was an attractive, blond-haired male and the other a rather plain-looking woman with her dark hair pulled back into a short ponytail.
“Cady.” Hunter moved to her side, putting a hand on the small of her back. His touch filled her with instant warmth and need, which is why she forced herself to step away from him. She was not going to start relying on him.
“This is Detective Ryans,” the woman nodded, “and Detective Stanson.”
“You have some questions for me?” she asked as she sat on the couch. Hunter sat beside her, his thigh brushing hers.
“We do,” Stanson replied, looking down at his notepad. “I understand you used to be a police officer, Ms. Franklin.”
She stiffened. “I fail to see what that has to do with anything.”
“Well, obviously you still have the instinct to jump in and help someone, but you’re not a cop anymore, you’re a civilian. Next time, leave it to the professionals.”
“You seriously expected me to just sit next door and listen while he abused her? Just sit and wait until you guys got there? Should I have made some popcorn as well, made a real night of it?”
Detective Stanson sighed. “Next time you could end up hurt worse, maybe dead. Wanting to help people is fine. Putting yourself in danger by running into a situation you knew nothing about was reckless. I would think you of all people, would know that rushing in without assessing the situation first can end up in tragedy.”
He was talking about Rusty’s death, blaming her.
“That’s enough,” Hunter said harshly, surprising her. She’d figured he’d back the detective. “Ask your questions or get out.”
Detective Ryans spoke quickly. “Could you just take us through what happened last night?” She sent her partner a firm look when he looked like he was going to protest. He sat back and Cady let out a sigh of relief.
She went through everything that had happened last night, right up to the point where she’d passed out then woke up at the hospital.
Ryans took notes, asking a few questions every so often. Beside her, Stanson remained surprisingly quiet. So did Hunter. She glanced up at him, to find his face was cold, unmovable.
He wasn’t happy, well tough, he hadn’t been there. She’d bet he wouldn’t have hesitated to do exactly the same thing.
“Okay, I think that’s all we need for the moment. We’ve gotten the victim’s statement and her story corroborates yours. We’ll need a more formal statement and have you sign it, but that can probably wait until Monday. Come on, Stanson.”
Hunter stood to walk them out.
“You need to get her under control or she’s going to get hurt,” Stanson said to Hunter.
“Fuck off and mind your own business, Stanson,” Hunter growled before slamming the door behind him.
“You don’t like him much, do you?”
“Stanson? The guy can be a smartass but he’s a good cop.”