“I’ll give you two a call tomorrow and stop by to update you and take a formal statement.” Raines’ gaze shifted to Ford. “If you think of anything new, write it down, and we’ll go over it tomorrow. And I’ll have deputies doing drive-bys of your place and The Catch.”

A chill skittered down my spine. “Do you think this is related to my break-in?” I hadn’t put the two together until that very moment, but what were the chances that two unrelated crimes would take place so close together on an island the size of Anchor?

The sheriff’s face hardened. “I think it’s likely. I’m just not sure why.”

“Bell, you’re staying with me tonight.”

The sharp crack in Ford’s words had me spinning around. “I was already planning on it.” My eyes narrowed. “But you bark an order like that at me again, and I’ll conveniently forget where I put your pain pills.”

Ford’s lips twitched. “Fair enough.”

“You two want a ride back to the island? Or should I be worried that Bell is going to throw you overboard?”

I let out a little laugh. My voice sounded rusty, as if I hadn’t used it in a while. “I think there’s a fifty-fifty shot. But we’d love a ride if you can fit Crosby on the boat, too.”

Raines grinned. “No problem. I’ll get everything squared away and be ready to go when you’re discharged.”

“Thank you.” I held the sheriff’s gaze for a beat, wanting him to know just how much I meant those two words. He gave me a swift nod and headed down the hall.

I turned back to Ford, his face was serious again as he spoke. “I was so damn scared, Bell. Terrified that the guy was going to go after you next, or that he’d already hurt you.”

My throat seemed to catch as I swallowed. “I’m fine. Totally and completely safe.”

“I know. Can you do me a favor?”

I stared into blue eyes that I could get lost in forever. I’d promise him whatever he wanted to clear the fear that clouded those beautiful eyes. I nodded.

Ford reached out, grabbing my hand and tugging me towards the bed. “I need you to stick close for a while.”

“I can do that.” But I knew I’d be letting my heart go in the process.

30

FORD

I groaned as I stretched, my ribs twinging. I blinked against the light that was way too bright. Everything hurt. I swore my eyelashes somehow even held pain. I glanced around the room, everything coming back to me in flashes. The strike on the head. The fight. My fear for Bell. Her waking me up throughout the night to ask me my birthday and who the president was.