Oh my gosh! Did I just hear Wam correctly? I pulled the door closed and just looked at him from the passenger seat of his SUV. Wam turned the key and started the engine before he looked my way. My lips were slightly parted and my eyes were so wide my eyebrows likely looked part of my hair line. "You want me to move back in the cabin? I have a job now."
Wam turned in his seat to face me, a serious, almost vulnerable expression on his face. "I'd never ask you to give up your job if you like it. Could you drive there for your shifts instead of living there?" He reached over and grabbed my hand in his.
As I consider what he is offering and what he asked, I take a few deep breaths before responding. I look out the window as I consider my answer.
Wam's cell phone rings and he picks it up but glances at me before answering. I nod at him and he releases my hand to answer the call and place it to his ear. "Dr. Teton," he answers.
I cannot hear who is on the other end, but I can hear Wam's side of the discussion. "Yes Detective, what can I do for you?"
Wam listens briefly before he explains, "Kynlee Knutson is here. Is it okay if I put you on speaker phone so you can update us both at the same time?"
He must have agreed because Wam turned on his speaker phone before announcing, "okay Detective, you are on speaker phone now with me and Kynlee."
A deep, raspy voice that sounds like it's smoked too many cigarettes comes on the line, "good day Ms. Knutson. Thank you Dr. Teton, this will save me a call."
"Hello Detective," I say in response.
I hear the detective clear his throat before he begins to talk again, "So, I called with some updates for you. The District Attorney was able to convince the judge that Kelly Adams was not only a flight risk, but because of the nature of her crimes, she could still be a danger to others. The judge has ordered she be held without bail."
Wam smiled at me and responded, "that's great news Detective."
"I'm not sure if you heard, they found Dr. Armani, but the Physical Therapist is still missing,"
the Detective informed. "I'm sorry to say that Dr. Armani appears to have been murdered. We are testing the ballistics of the bullets to see if they match the weapon that Kelly Adams used in the Operating Room. The caliber is the same."
I gasp as the realization hits me, "you think Dr. Adams killed Dr. Armani?"
The Detective clears his throat again before he answers, "I think desperate people do desperate things. The fact that Ms. Adams had a gun in the Operating Room, in my mind, makes her pretty desperate. The unethical business practices they've been a part of for years, have been found out. I think they've become accustomed to a certain lifestyle, and wanted to do anything they could to prevent losing that income. Unfortunately, pulling a gun, holding people hostage in a hospital, and arson, will likely mean she will never see the light of day again. Murder would just be icing on the cake."
I raise my eyebrows and my mouth is hanging open at what he has said. I look over at Wam who has a thoughtful look on his face before he comments, "so if Dr. Armani is dead, that likely doesn't bode well for Ray does it Detective?"
I heard a sound like a sigh come through the phone before he answered Wam. "Well, it's possible he is hiding out to avoid arrest, but I wouldn't be surprised if whoever killed Dr. Armani also found Ray. Hopefully time will tell. I'm sorry to have to inform you of Dr. Armani's untimely demise Dr. Teton. I understand the too of you were colleagues."
"Thank you Detective. We weren't close, but before all of this came to light, I did consider him a respected colleague. I believe he was married with several children, so I'm sure he will be missed," Wam explained in a solemn tone. "Is there anything else you need from us Detective?"
"I think," the Detective answered, "we have all we need. If there is questions that arise, new information, or updates in the case, I will let you know. Do either of you have questions for me?"
I looked in Wam's eyes and shook my head. Wam gave me a small smile before he replied, "no, I think we're okay. Have a great day Detective, and thank you for the update."
"Y'all have a good one now ya hear," the Detective said in a very strong southern accent before the call ended.
Wam placed his cell phone in the middle console and met my eyes again. Placing his palm on my cheek, he said in barely more than a whisper, "you okay beautiful?"
I nodded and forced myself to give Wam a smile. "I admit I'm relieved that she will be staying in jail. If she really killed him, or them…my gosh Wam, how close was she to killing everyone in that Operating Room?" My voice began to waiver, I felt my eyes start to sting, and my lip quiver. "I could have lost you…Kedron…" my voice trailed off. I couldn't imagine losing either of them, or maybe I could and that's what was so upsetting. My chest felt tight and I brought my hand up to cover my mouth.
Wam slid his hand around the nape of my neck and pulled me into his embrace. One hand held my mid back while the other stroked my hair. I inhaled his scent and felt calmer almost immediately. Wam whispered next to my ear, "you can't get rid of me that easily beautiful. I'm hoping we will be together for many decades to come."
I pulled back to look at Wam, giving him my best watery smile as I laughed at his comment. I covered his lips with mine briefly before throwing my arms around his neck and holding him tight. Yes, I wanted this for decades too. "I'd like that Wam, but one thing at a time okay?"
I felt Wam nod his head since our heads were next to each other and touching. This time Wam pulled back and met my eyes before telling me his plan. "If you agree to move back in with me, I'm considering getting the master bathroom redone so it'll be easier for Kedron to use."
"You'd really do that for us," I asked. Not sure why his generosity and kindness still surprised me, but I was still surprised and appreciative of his offer.
"Of course I would Lee. You're the woman I love and Kedron is your twin brother. I understand he will need help when he gets out. I also know you'll want to help him. This way I can have you near me and you can still help him," Wam explained.
"But how will we be close if you're living in Red Wing most of the time? You mean fix the cabin for Kedron correct," I questioned.
"I was hypothetically offered Dr. Adams's job as head of Neurology and Neurosurgery, if I'm interested. I told them I might be," he admitted quietly with a vulnerable look on his face. "I'm only interested in moving though if it means I can be closer to and spend more time with you. What do you say Kynlee Knutson? Will you move back in with me?"
I stared at him as I thought about how to answer. "I can keep my job right? Cuz I agreed to help throughout Marvin's cancer treatments so Jane can continue to work. If you agree and Jane is okay with me commuting, I'd love to," I admit with a big, genuine smile on my face.