Chapter 598

Benjamin Gomez spoke in a low, steady voice. “I know what I’m doing.”
Not necessarily.
Emily Blair repeated the thought silently to herself.
Ashley Gomez pouted, trying to burrow into Benjamin’s arms. He opened them, ready to scoop her up, but she pointed at the dried blood on the back of his hand and wrinkled her nose. “Daddy, you’re all messy.”
“I’ll wipe it off first, then we can hug.”
The usually composed and unflappable Benjamin suddenly looked awkward, hovering his hand in the air before rubbing it hastily against his black dress pants— making the stain even worse.
Watching him only smear the blood further, Emily fished a pack of tissues from her pocket and handed them over. “Here, use these.”
Benjamin paused, glanced at her, and then took the tissues. Thank you.”
“No problem,” Emily replied.
Once he’d cleaned his hands, Emily held out her own. “Can I have one of your business cards?”
He looked at her, puzzled. “Why?”
She raised an eyebrow. “I’m heading to the hospital for a check-up. If something turns out to be wrong, I’ll need someone to send the bill to, won’t I?”
He was silent for a moment, then turned, picked his jacket up from the ground, and pulled a black-and-white card from the inner pocket. He handed it to her. “You can reach me anytime.”
Emily took it, squeezing it in her palm. “Alright, I’m off then.”
She bent down and waved at Ashley. “Sweetheart, I’ll see you around, okay?”
Ashley pouted, her voice small and sugary. “Emily, let Daddy take you to the hospital. We can go together. Don’t go alone.”
Emily’s heart softened. Her own daughter Daisy was about Ashley’s age—just as sensitive and thoughtful.
Benjamin hesitated for a moment before adding, “I’ll be taking Ashley to the hospital as well. If you want, I can give you a ride.”
But Emily remembered all too well how cold and distant Benjamin had been earlier
at the party, especially when he’d learned her name. He’d made his disapproval clear.
She’d saved Ashley for Ashley’s sake alone.
Just to prevent another tragedy like the one she’d lived through once before. Nothing more.
She would have helped any child.
Emily smiled gently and shook her head. “No need. I’m a grown-up-I can get to the
hospital by myself. It’s late. You two should head home.”
Ashley looked disappointed, but obediently waved goodbye. “Bye, Emily.”
Emily smiled, lips pressed together, then turned and walked away.
A quick glance across the street made her pause.
Standing in the shadows were a few people-she recognized them instantly. Andrew Lane, Isabella Austin, and Dennis Lane.
Whatever had happened here had clearly caught their attention. All three were watching.
From this distance, Emily couldn’t tell who they were looking at, or make out the expressions on Andrew’s or Isabella’s faces.
Suddenly, her mind flashed back to her suspicions about Benjamin and Isabella’s relationship.
She glanced back at Benjamin.
He was crouched down, speaking softly to Ashley, completely oblivious to the trio across the street.
Emily’s brows drew together, but before she could puzzle it out, she noticed Andrew, Isabella, and Dennis getting into their car and driving away.
She pressed her lips together and headed to her own car.
Honestly, she thought, maybe she needed to burn some sage to clear out the bad luck-so much had happened in just a matter of days.
A little while ago, she’d been a hero saving a child. Now, she was gritting her teeth
as a nurse dabbed antiseptic onto the scrape on her knee.
The sting made her wince and hiss through her teeth.