Page 2 of Scarred Ruin

“I can’t lie. The office is beautiful.” I moved to one of the windows, staring out at the ocean rolling gently against the shore. The day was beautiful and warm, the early morning sun still creating strips of golden light dancing across the water. This was my favorite time of day.

“How are you feeling?”

I sensed she was fearful in asking. Evidently, my sour mood was easy to see.

A sudden ache in my chest was a stark reminder of how close I’d come to dying, which was an entirely inappropriate thought for this moment. Except I needed a reminder that life was precious. In times of strife, you certainly found out who your friends were. My apartment was filled with flowers and balloons from friends and colleagues.

But not a peep from my ex-boyfriend, Steve. When push came to shove, he certainly had proven he didn’t have a bone of empathy in his body. At least his texts had completely stopped.

“I’m doing just fine.” I shoved my hands into my trouser pockets before turning around.

“We were all worried about you.”

“Thank you, but I’m tougher than most people give me credit for.”

She scoffed and waved her hand like she already knew that. “I knew nothing could keep you down. Did they catch the people responsible?”

“Not that I know of. Although I will tell you the police weren’t very helpful.” Nor had they asked but so many questions after I was almost gunned down on a city street, which had surprised me. Granted, since my nurse at the hospital had been my best friend Hope Carlson, she’d tossed them out after only a few minutes.

But they’d never returned with follow-up questions. Maybe they’d caught the criminals and the media hadn’t picked up on the story. I made a mental note to do a follow-up later.

Although my instinct had created various scenarios that wouldn’t let go, including that the men involved were well-connected criminals. Meaning they’d managed to sweep the incident into the trash along with scouring the bloodstains off the pavement.

“Well, law enforcement in this city leaves a lot to be desired.”

Julie’s statement was as if from personal experience, but I didn’t ask her to explain. “Any emergencies or pissed-off clients I need to know about?”

“Nothing substantial. You have a few emails you need to address, but I took care of a few of them. John wanted to make certain you didn’t return to a full agenda. Do you need anything?”

I took a deep breath and studied the space for a second time. Apparently, the two owners of Graham Taylor Associates had faith in my skills. While my reasons for not being excited about the opportunity were fully justifiable, I also was professional enough to realize there was no place in the dog-eat-dog world of architecture for a prima donna.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t still pissed at the opportunity to decide on my own being ripped away from me. All because I’d decided to play heroine and save a man’s life.

I’d done everything in my power to avoid thinking about the incident, especially since someone had lost their life in the horrible accident. That’s what I’d heard the incident called, but what had occurred had been no accident.

My nightmares in vivid color could attest to that.

“Maybe a few easels for the sketches.”

Her face was suddenly beaming as if given a pass on damaging them. The sketches were no works of art, but with all the time on my hands, I’d gone old school in creating a design that I was proud of. A decent starting point anyway.

“Julie. Did John and Mark sign the contract for the new project?”

She hesitated before shrugging. “I honestly don’t know for certain, but they did have a meeting with one of the people involved. You’ll need to ask John.”

“Yes, of course, I’ll do that.”

As soon as she walked out my smile faded. There was no real reason why. I loved my job and adored the people I worked with. I was eager to get back to doing what I loved more than anything, which was why I’d arrived a few days early. Had the horrific incident left me feeling exhausted and angry? Absolutely.

Was I afraid? Not really, as I hadn’t been the intended target.

Then why the apprehension?

I’d yet to find a solid answer other than the way the event had transpired. My instinct had compelled me to help a stranger. I’d thrown myself in harm’s way for someone I didn’t know and as of right now, I had no clue of the identity of the man I’d saved or of the poor soul who’d bled out on the street.

Hope had checked hospital records as a favor and against the rules, confirming the other victim involved hadn’t been brought to the same hospital. That didn’t necessarily mean anything as there were four hospitals within the same proximity, but the man’s disappearance along with the behavior of the police had increased the sleepless nights.

And the second man? He’d died on the scene. Even now, thinking about his crumpled body, I was struck with a sickening feeling pooling in my stomach. The bastards who’d run him over hadn’t bothered stopping.