Page 86 of Rescuing Ryder
“Thanks, Doc. Thank the women for me, too.”
Chase didn’t respond as he drove straight to the tarmac and up to the plane. “Safe travels. You have the numbers for the team and me. We expect you to use them if needed.”
Ryder nodded. Words refused to come as he grabbed his bag from the back seat. Chase rounded the vehicle to shake Ryder’s hand.
Climbing the steps of the plane, Ryder’s head pounded and his gut clenched, screaming for him to turn back. He paused at the entrance to glance at Chase, who watched him with his hands in his pockets. Feeling like a failure, he lowered his head and entered the plane’s cabin.
Taking his seat, Ryder buckled up, threw his head back against the headrest, and gripped the arms of the chair. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. Sweat covered his forehead and Ryder shut out the voices telling him to end this nonsense. He made his choice and now he needed to live with it.
A text buzzed in his pocket and Ryder pulled it out, hoping Claire messaged him. The phone buzzed again, then again as messages flew across the screen. He swiped at them until he read one message fully. Ryder’s eyes widened and he hastily unbuckled as he heard Chase running up the stairs.
“Ryder,” he barked.
He didn’t need to call. Ryder met him at the entrance with his bag.
Chase turned and raced to the driver’s side and he jumped in. Both men’s expressions turned grim, and they prepared themselves for what was to come.
Claire putthe kettle on and returned the file to the secret drawer. Claire’s stomach rolled and she picked up the prescriptions for nausea and migraines. Her head throbbed along with her broken heart as she thought about Ryder leaving this morning. Dr. Klein’s visit offered her a distraction. If left to her own devices, she’d climb back into bed and spend the day sulking.
Claire stayed up all night reading the file. It felt like she was on the cusp of something big. Highlighting comments and searching through earlier notes, she lost track of time and after four hours, she paid the price for not following the rules. Glancing at her clock, she rushed to shower and dress before Dr. Klein arrived.
The water boiled and she poured the kettle of steaming liquid into the teapot and added sugar and cream to the tray. The electrician promised to arrive in an hour and Matthew volunteered to stay while she went to the hospital.
A knock indicated her visitor arrived and Claire opened the door for him to enter.
“Good morning,” she greeted.
“Good morning,” Dr. Klein returned. “Oh, Claire, did you suffer another migraine? You appear a bit peaked. Shall we cancel the tour for another day?”
Claire shook her head as she led him into the living room. “I set out some tea. I took the meds and hopefully by the time, I drink the caffeine, it’ll simmer down,”
“We can reschedule,” he insisted. “Do you know what set it off?”
She could only think of who. Claire smiled. “I’m afraid I played the rule breaker all night and continued reading the David Kilner file. Now I’m paying the price.”
“I’m sorry. I hope you found something for investing your time and suffering the repercussions of reading too long.” Dr. Kein studied her face.
“I feel I’m getting closer. I don’t know why I’m eager to discover it. The man’s dead and won’t harm anyone again.” Claire motioned for him to sit.
“Why don’t you lie on the couch and I’ll get the tea? If you insist we still tour, I want you feeling better,” Dr. Klein offered.
“I can do it,” she insisted. “I already have it prepared and steeping.”
He led Claire over to the couch and lightly pushed her down. “Then it’ll only take a moment to bring it in here,” Dr. Klein admonished her.
Claire relented and lay her head against the cushion. The scent of Ryder seemed to disappear…just like him.
Dr. Klein brought the tray in and set it on the table. He poured the tea and offered her sugar or cream. When Claire shook her head, he passed her the cup and held onto it until he assured himself she gripped it tightly.
“I hate to see you in pain,” he admitted as he sat in Ryder’s chair. No. When he sat in her chair.
“I’ll feel better with the added caffeine,” Claire assured him as she sipped the hot brew.
Dr. Klein smiled. “I’m in no rush; take your time. Did you call ahead to let your employers know you planned to bring me?” he asked as she poured herself another cup.
“Kassie and Chase won’t mind. Perhaps you might send a few patients our way,” she suggested as the hot liquid began to soothe her. “I’ll take you as soon as I finish this cup. Can I offer you breakfast? We can make a stop at the bakery.”
“No, thank you. I ate with my mother this morning. She seemed much calmer than when I arrived and I wanted to enjoy some peaceful time with her.”