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He wasn’t sure where’d they found a cane with a fake diamond handle and a shaft decked out gold and black, but it fit Aspen’s personality perfectly.
The media was having a field day on this story. Once the death of Ray Acosta was released, the media had been in a frenzy. Finding out that Aspen had been placed in protective custody and had not perished in the accident as reported, really had them salivating.
He was sure answering questions over her ordeal was drumming up the bad memories, but Aspen remained cool and collected the entire interview.
“No more questions,” Wilson Lloyd, the prosecutor, announced, holding his hand up.
The small crowd groaned, seeing they wouldn’t be able to ask anything else. The cops and agents in the room directed the members of the audience to the exit to allow Aspen and Wilson to leave the podium.
Declan’s feet carried him over to the stage. He held his hand out to Aspen and assisted her down the few stairs. Over the past weeks, she’d had to work with physical therapists. She’d done exceptionally well with all of her therapy since being released from the hospital. She handled everything with grace and determination.
“You did good, babe.” Declan was rewarded with her killer smile, and his heart skipped a beat. He guided her toward the back entrance. “Let’s get out of here.”
They left the room and began the trek down the hallway of the downtown federal building.
“That was nerve-racking, but I’m glad we did this. It helped close the door to that chapter of my life.” She squeezed his hand.
He slowed his stride to allow her to keep up with him. Her limp was still noticeable, but she had been determined to walk unassisted today.
“Miss Hale, before you leave,” Wilson called out behind them.
Declan slowed to a halt and turned to see the federal prosecutor making his way to them. He shuffled along, dressed in his tailored suit, his briefcase in hand.
Aspen moved closer to Declan, wrapping her arm around his forearm. He glanced down at her. Her weary gaze met his, and she let loose a sigh.
“I just want to go home,” she said, leaning her head against his shoulder.
They’d had a long day dealing with the feds and then the press.
“Miss Hale.” Wilson arrived, stopping in front of them.
“I need to get Aspen home. She’s tired from this circus,” Declan stated. He squared up and faced the prosecutor while sliding his arm around Aspen’s shoulders. He didn’t have a problem with dismissing Wilson. Aspen had done everything they’d asked of her. Her time of assisting the feds was over.
She wanted to go home.
He’d take her home.
He would always protect her.
“Of course.” Wilson nodded. “If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.”
“Thank you,” Aspen replied, leaning into Declan.
“I just want to remind you that restoring someone’s life has never been done before—”
“It’s okay. I know who I truly am. The new last name and social security number I can get used to. It didn’t change me. Ray may have caused me to lose so much, but I do have to thank him for one thing.”
She patted Declan on his abdomen, and he squeezed her shoulders.
He had to agree. Had it not been for Ray, she would have never been whisked away to South Carolina.
“Again, if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate in calling me.” He held out his card, and Declan took it.
“Will do.” Declan nodded and guided Aspen toward the door without looking to see which way Wilson headed.
He’d parked his car right outside the back entrance of the building so they’d be able to make a quick escape. They quietly exited and made their way to Declan’s car. He helped her into the ride before jogging to the driver’s side and hopping in.
“Declan.” Aspen leaned her head back against the headrest with her attention on him.
