The road to recovery was going to be slow. Dr. Badalia had warned him that it might be weeks before he could get to the bathroom on his own. Hed said that targeting the new year to walk on his own normally again was realistic. It was September now. That meant that he was probably wheelchair-, walker-, and cane-bound for at least the next three months. The thought was unbearably depressing. And yet, thats the way it was.

Ryan had never been one to quit. No one had even expected him to graduate high school, much less finish near the top of his class at the police academy. No one had expected him to make detective at all, much less do it faster than almost anyone in department history. No one had expected him to lead the most highly regarded investigative unit in the LAPD before the age of thirty. Even he hadnt expected that after an ugly divorce, hed find love again with a brilliant, gorgeous woman who kept him on his toes every day, if only figuratively for now.

*

Jessie took a deep breath and walked back in carrying a tray with a smoothie and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. She set it up in front of him and adjusted his bed so that he was fully upright. She wasnt sure if he wanted her to stay or go. He cleared the question up quickly.

Im…sorry, he said.

She pulled up a chair and sat down next to him.

No, Im sorry, she said quietly. I know that this must be incredibly frustrating for you and I should have been here for you, not driving around the city on a wild goose chase. You didnt do anything wrong.

Was sorry…for myself, he said as forcefully as his lungs would allow. Not okay. Will…try harder.

She nodded.

I get frustrated too, she admitted. This is going to be hard, obviously more so for you than me. But for it to work, we need to make some hard choices. The reality is that Hannah and I need some help.

Yes, he said, nodding in agreement.

That gave her the confidence to ask her next question.

Are you willing to reconsider a night nurse, at least for a little while, until youre a little stronger?

He nodded again, though he didnt speak this time. A single tear trickled down his cheek. Her heart ached for him.

I know its not ideal, she conceded. But well get through it together, like we always have. Okay?

His breathing was clearly labored so he offered her a thumbs-up instead of words. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, where the tear had settled.

In that moment she made them both a silent promise. She would solve this case fast. She had to, so she could get back to him, to Hannah, to her family, the most precious thing in her life.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN