“Because he doesn’t want you to know how much he needs you. He doesn’t want you to see him as anything but strong and masterful. Think about it.” She glanced away at the sound of a call signal. “That’s for me. Got to go. All I can do is wish you luck.”

“Thanks.” Allison left the room and walked down the hall to the exit. Was the nurse right? Was Burke pushing her away because he was afraid of losing her? The logic didn’t make sense. But in a crazy sort of way, it did. At least it had given her something to think about.

In the parking lot, she was heading for her car when Garrett drove past. Allison hoped he hadn’t noticed her. She was too emotional to talk to him about Burke. But this wasn’t her lucky day. Garrett stopped, backed up, and rolled down the window of his black Cadillac Escalade.

“Hey, I was hoping to see you,” he said. “How’s it going?”

“About the way you’d expect. I was just leaving.”

“Well, before you rush off, I’ve got some big news you’ll want to hear. Climb in. We can talk while I drive you to your car.”

Did he sense her hesitation? “Come on,” he said. “It’s warm in here, and private. I won’t keep you long.”

Acquiescing, she climbed into the big SUV. The morning was chilly, the heated leather seats pleasantly warm. “I was just on my way to find out about Burke’s Porsche and call the insurance company,” she said. “Do you happen to know what the police did with the wreck?”

“It’s been towed to the impound lot, pending any investigation.” Garrett kept driving. “But don’t worry about the insurance. I snapped a photo of the car and gave the insurance company a call—the policy information was in the glove box. The claim’s already been filed. From the looks of the car, I’m guessing it’ll be a total loss. Burke’s lucky to be alive.”

Allison suppressed a shudder. “So you cleaned out the car?”

“The police did. Everything’s in a bag, in my briefcase. I’ll give it to you before I let you off.”

“Did they find Burke’s phone?”

“They did. I can give it to you or take it when I go up to see him.”

“Thanks. He seemed anxious to have it.” Allison didn’t want to owe Garrett, but he’d just taken a load off her mind. Now she could look ahead, to dealing with Brianna. “You said you had some news.”

“That’s right.” He pulled into the empty slot next to her Lexus. “I’ve nailed down an investor for the American Heartland.”

“That’s wonderful,” Allison said, hoping it really was.