At least she’d found out that Luc had arrived at the hospital safe and sound a few hours earlier. She’d wanted to see him with her own eyes, but her request had been ignored. Twisting her damp hair up into a bun, she wrapped an elastic hair tie around it and exited the shower area in her bare feet. Priscilla still couldn’t believe that Culvert had been recaptured, that the Devinses were in custody, that her life would return to normal—or at least what had passed for normal before Monday. Even Mac wasn’t in as bad shape after the truck attack as she’d feared.
Which meant that she could start thinking about the future. A future she hadn’t thought was even possible less than twelve hours ago. Maybe a future with Luc, the thought sending a warmth throughout her body. But she was grasping at straws. Who was she kidding? There was still the Culvert trial to get through, then the trial for the Devinses. Besides, she still couldn’t remember marrying Luc or what had prompted her to say yes to a man she’d met only hours earlier, despite their connection as teenagers. Her life wouldn’t be truly her own until she could leave witness protection—and, like she had told Luc, she couldn’t ask him to forsake his own family to build a new one with her.
In the empty locker room, the US marshal had her phone to her ear, but pointed to a pair of socks and sneakers on a bench.
Priscilla nodded her thanks and slipped on the footwear.
“Ready?” The tall blonde smiled as she pocketed her phone. “I know you’re worn out, but do you think you’re up for more questions from the FBI if we feed you first?”
Priscilla couldn’t summon the energy to return the woman’s smile. “To be honest, all I want to do is sleep for a week.”
The marshal studied her. “You haven’t had much of that lately, have you?”
“Not really.” Priscilla sighed. “I can’t guarantee I won’t put my head down and pass out, food or no food.”
“Change of plans, then.” The marshal punched in a number on her smartphone. “Special Agent Wilcombs? It’s Marshal Adams. Yes, I’m with Priscilla now. She’s not going to make the debriefing.” Adams paused. “Yes, I understand, but she needs to rest.” Another short pause. “I understand. I’ll call you in a few hours with an update.”
Adams returned the phone to her pocket. “Okay, let’s go find you a bed in a safe location.”
“Really?” Priscilla could have hugged the woman.
Adams smiled again. “Yes, really. Now, is there anything else you need before we head out?”
Priscilla could think of only one more thing. “Luc.”
* * *
Priscilla snuggled down on the queen-sized bed, a throw blanket tucked around her as she lay on top of the comforter. Adams had wrangled her a few hours’ reprieve. Priscilla couldn’t hunker down for a full night’s rest, but grabbing a long catnap would be heaven.
“All settled?” Luc leaned over to smooth a strand of hair from her cheek.
“Yes, much better.”
He chuckled, then kissed her cheek. “Sweet dreams.”
Priscilla closed her eyes, her body relaxing.
“Priscilla?”
Her eyes blinked open. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, but it’s time to get up.” Luc gave her a sweet smile. She would love to see more smiles like that from him.
“Time to get up?” Priscilla frowned. “But I just closed my eyes a second ago.”
“You’ve been out cold for three hours.” Luc lightly touched her shoulder. “Adams brought pizza.”
At the mention of food, Priscilla’s mouth watered. She sniffed the air and caught a whiff of pepperoni. “Oh, I’m starving!”
“I thought that would get you moving.” Luc moved to the door. “I’ll tell Adams you’re awake.”
Priscilla sat up and pushed the blanket off. “Let me freshen up and I’ll be right out.”
Ten minutes later, she walked into the small sitting area of the hotel room. Mac sat on the sofa, his arm in a sling.
“Mac!” She rushed toward him but stopped short of hugging him. “I thought you weren’t going to be released from the hospital today.”