Page 55 of Everlasting Vows

The woman shakes her head. “I’m Veronica. P-please don’t apologize to me. You saved our lives.”

“I did what anyone would do,” I say calmly. “You were incredibly brave today.”

I swallow past the lump in my throat and consider how I can help her. I doubt she’ll be able to get into a shelter at this time because they fill up pretty fast, but maybe the police can help with that.

“I’d really like the paramedics to check you over before you give your statement to the police.” I rub the back of my neck and look down at the floor. “Then, we need to find you somewhere to stay for tonight.” Veronica opens her mouth, I’m sure to argue, but I look her directly in the eyes, hoping she can see my genuine concern for her. “I’m sure the police can help you find somewhere safe; if not, I can offer you a place to stay at my office. It’s not much, but it’s secure and safe and clean.”

She shakes her head. “I couldn’t impose like that.”

I offer her a friendly smile. “It wouldn’t be an imposition at all.”

We’re interrupted by the paramedics, and I’m grateful they’re finally able to look after her. A police officer pulls me aside to take my statement, and the way he repeats his questions to gain the same answers I’ve already given is enough to make me feel like I’m the criminal.

“We may need to follow up with more questions. Will it be okay if we call you?”

I lift and drop one shoulder. It’s not like I haven’t been forthcoming already. “Of course. Happy to help in any way I can.”

The officer nods. “One last thing.” I raise my eyebrows for him to continue. “Any idea how the gunman was injured?”

I shrug, shake my head, and place my hands loosely on my hips. “No idea.”

The officer chuckles darkly. “Thanks for what you did here.”

I hate gratitude. “I was just doing my civic duty. I have the expertise to handle a situation like this, and I couldn’t, in good conscience, not step in to help where I could.”

Maybe not such a good conscience, more like I wanted to keep my friends safe and get to my wife so I could take her out to dinner.

He tips his head to the side. “Not everyone would do the same.”

Before I can respond, he steps aside, and I note Veronica giving her statement to the police, so I take the opportunity to call Abbi.

She answers on the first ring. “Hey, is everything okay?” she asks quickly.

I glance at the time and wince. Seven-thirty. “Yeah. Everything’s fine. I should be on my way home soon.” I look around the store and the pies I was planning to buy. “I’ll grab something for dinner.”

I hear her breath rush across the phone. “No, it’s okay. I’ve started dinner already. I was … I was worried about you. You haven’t been late home for weeks,” she says, tension tightening her tone.

“I’m sorry. I was actually coming to surprise you at work”—her breath catches—“this afternoon when there was an unexpected incident and I got caught up. I-I had to help. I’ll explain everything when I get home. This is my first chance to call.”

“Are you okay?” she asks, her tone high-pitched.

“Yeah, of course. I’m fine.” I tell her. “Look, I have to go. The police want a word.”

“The police!” Abbi screeches. “Nix, what on earth is going on?”

“I can’t explain right now; I have to go.”

I can practically see her nose crinkling. “Okay, but I want a full rundown when you get home.”

Nodding, I agree readily and disconnect the call while the officer watches me carefully as she steps closer to me.

“I believe you offered Veronica a place to stay for the night,” she states, her head tilted to the side. “No need to worry. I’ve made some calls and found her a safe place for a few nights.”

My chest inflates with relief. “That’s great. Thank you.”

She nods and leaves me to my thoughts. Veronica doesn’t need my help today, but I can give her my business card in case she needs something in the future. I dig through my pockets for a card as I stroll over to her. “I guess this is goodbye. The officer told me she’s found you somewhere to stay for a few days.”

Veronica offers me a shaky smile, and I’m pleased to see some of her color has returned. “Yeah. It was really kind of her to help me.”