"There is a reference to other cases of homicides in the area with regard to crime statistics. It would appear someone has given information to the paper about a case Elizabeth was involved in some years ago."
"Why would that have anything to do with me?" She glanced up at Russ, her eyes pleading.
"Speaking to my source at the paper, they said they got a call from a female member of the public concerned about the rate of crime in our town. Said person made sure my source remembered the incident and also pointed out that she was cleared under muddled circumstances."
"Well, it's true, isn't it?" She turned to glare at Stevie, her temper rising. "I heard all about it. She got off because of connections with the police or something. Everyone knows she was involved and her boyfriend didn't just happen to pull the gun on himself." She shook her head and glanced at Russ. "You're a fool, Doctor Williams, to fall for someone who has a past when you could have any other girl in this place including me." Diane stood up, lifting her chin. "Your loss, I suppose."
"I think not, Diane. I would strongly suggest you go and see Human Resources about finding another position at a different hospital before I approach them myself. I don't want your kind of poison in this department." Russ walked over and held the door open for her. "I'll let Nurse Stanley know you won't be back."
"That was plain nasty." Stevie sighed. "Has Lizzie seen the paper, do you know?"
Russ shook his head. "I'm not sure. She’s off me anyway, so I'm probably the last person she would talk to."
"Okay, I'll go and have a word with her." He paused by the door. "Russ, if you care for her at all, let her tell you the story of what went down. She is the innocent person in all of this."
"I'm sure she is, but I doubt she’ll give me a shot after this."
"Might be time you stood up and fought for what you wanted. Rooney told me to remind you of what she said."
"How is my sister this morning?"
"She is fine. Still a little bit rocky but that's to be expected. She asked me to stay again. I doubt I’ll be leaving. I hope you're okay with that."
"Why are you asking me? It's not like I have any say in my sister’s love-life."
"No, but the house was left to the three of you. I was planning on running it past your brother as well. I don't want to stand on anyone's toes here."
"Stevie, you can move in permanently. I don't care." Russ shuffled some papers on his desk.
"Right, thanks." Stevie looked at him and then down at his feet, nervous for a second. "Look, I know I don't have to do this, but it kind of feels right somehow. I want to ask Rooney to marry me."
Russ grinned, a smile that reached his eyes. "Are you asking me if you can have my sister’s hand? Well, well, that is one for the books."
"I figured since you’re the head of the family it was only right. Mind you, if you say no, I doubt it will make any difference." He was relieved nonetheless.
"If you didn't marry her, I’d be angry. Of course you have my blessing. It’s time Tam had a father, and you and Rooney got your act together."
"Great, thanks. Now I have to find a ring and the right time to get down on one knee." He reached over and shook Russ's hand. "Now I think I should go and have a chat to Lizzie, try and set her mind at rest over this whole damned thing. She’ll take it hard."
Stevie walked down the corridor to her office and knocked on the door. Hearing her call out, he walked in, closing the door behind him.
"Lizzie, how are you?" He stepped over and took a seat in front of her desk. "Have you read this morning's paper yet?"
Chapter 35
Kate rolled out of bed and stretched. Today was going to be a wonderful day. Today she was going to work with Cade and when they finished, she intended bringing him home to her bed. The thought made her smile as she bounced around the room, getting ready for work.
She'd slept in and that was okay once in a while. She needed the rest after the emotions of yesterday. Cade had been so kind, holding her while she wept, and her feelings for him had ratcheted up a few notches.
She’d told him how she felt about him, and he hadn't run at her admission. Most of her night had been spent planning her next step. Finally, before she fell asleep, Kate had worked out how she was going to seduce him.
Grabbing a clean shirt and pair of jeans, she dressed and hurried over to the big house for breakfast, and to let Essie know what she needed. When she walked in, Cade sat at the island counter with Rooney. She stopped at the door, her heart pounding as she gazed at their two blonde heads close together.
Cade was closer and she got to ogle his profile for a few seconds until he noticed her in the room. "Morning, boss, had a late night?"
"Hmm, just a little bit restless. Slept in though, sorry." She walked over to kiss Essie good morning.
"What have you got to be sorry for? You're the boss. You can do what you want." He sipped his coffee and patted the stool next to him.
Kate walked over and hopped up. When Essie brought her coffee over, she wrapped her hands around it trying to stay the excitement building in her body. "How did you sleep, Rooney?"
"Shocking. Nightmares unfortunately. Russ gave me a tablet and I slept in too. But I feel much better today."
"That's good." She glanced at Cade. "I wonder if you would mind starting
