Heal My Heart

FOUR

Adrian narrowed his gaze, trying to see the man better, but when Lottie had constructed the covering for the hideout – made of leaves, branches, and bushes – she'd done a great job and it was hard to see the man who was only a few feet from the cave. Adrian didn't know who would be after him or why, but if he could see their faces, maybe he'd be able to remember something about them.

He glanced at Nicolette who looked as panicked as he felt. He was relieved to see that she was at least trying to hold herself together. The little girl he knew would have been unmanageable by now. Perhaps she had changed a little. He should tell her, but now wasn't the time.

"Lloyd? Can you see anything?" A man's voice came from farther away.

"Nothing," the man by the hideout answered. "It's like he disappeared."

"Howell? How about you?" the first man asked.

"I think I see some tracks over here by the stream." The man's voice was harder to hear.

"Then let's follow it," the first man replied. "We need to find Robinson. He'll be worth a lot of money."

Confusion filled Adrian. He couldn't place these men or their names, but he definitely didn't understand why they'd think he was worth a lot of money. Being with the military for all those years didn't make him rich, and now he was out of a job and looking for a new career. These men must have him confused with someone else. That was the only explanation.

A gush of air ripped through the silence in the cave as Nicolette sighed heavily. She walked back toward Adrian, shaking her head.

"Who are those men?"

"I wish I knew."

She slid the revolver back in his holster before sitting on the ground beside the cot. "Adrian, we need to get out of here and back home, and yet, you're not in any condition to travel."

"I agree." He scratched his cheek. "If only I knew why they were after me."

She tilted her head, keeping her brown eyes on him. "Are you as rich as they think you are?"

"Hardly. Unless they want to take away my medals and rank in the military and try to sell them."

"They'd be foolish to think they could do that."

"I know." He shifted, trying to lift up, but she quickly pressed her hands on his chest, stopping him.

"What are you doing? You cannot move yet."

"Lottie, we can't stay here, either. They'll be back. As long as they are headed the opposite direction, we need to try and get back to the house. I can't protect myself like this, but with my father and dad, they can help."

"Then let me help you."

Why was she so persistent about helping him? Was it because she thought she was a doctor? Regardless, maybe he should accept her help. He still felt weak. "Fine."

She slid her arms around his waist and helped him sit up. Closing his eyes, he waited for the dizziness to pass as he took in deep breaths of air. When he felt ready, he opened his eyes and looked into her face. She was too entirely too close for comfort. Yet, having her up against him like this wasn't as awkward as he thought it should be. It was quite nice, in fact.

"How is my bandage?" he asked softly.

She glanced at it and nodded. "No blood yet."

"Can I put my shirt on?"

She shook her head. "It's still sticky with blood. Perhaps just put your uniform jacket on."

"Fine."