A Knight for Nurse Hart by Laura Iding Page A

the young woman’s helpless anger. Especially if it was possible the same guy attacked them both. The After Dark nightclub should be forced to close until this bastard was caught. Even the police didn’t believe it was a coincidence. Detective Carol Blanchard had promised to be in touch if she had any evidence, but so far Raine hadn’t heard a thing.
    She gathered her scattered thoughts. “There are support groups, however. Other young women like yourself, who’ve been through the same thing.” Raine had attended one of the support group meetings, but hadn’t found it particularly helpful. She offered the option though, because everyone coped differently.
    And she was hardly the expert in coping strategies. She’d thought she was doing so well.
    Only to fall completely apart, tonight.
    â€œI’m afraid to go home,” Helen admitted in a low voice. “He knows where I live. What if he comes back?”
    Raine understood. She’d experienced the exact same fear. In fact, she hoped to move once her lease was up. And she’d been sleeping on the sofa with Spice, unable to face her bed. “Do you have someone to stay with you?”
    â€œI could ask my sister.”
    Raine gave a nod of encouragement. “I think that’s a good idea. And add a deadbolt lock to your door if you don’t have one already. Literature shows that date-rape perpetrators don’t go back to the same victims, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra-careful.”
    â€œI will, thanks.”
    She leaned over and covered the woman’s hand with hers. “Remember, Helen, you’re not alone. Try the support group, or talking to a therapist. Unfortunately, date rape is more common than the average person realizes.”
    Helen lifted her head to meet her gaze. “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with this,” she said.
    For a moment Raine longed to blurt out the truth. But she was supposed to be the nurse, helping and supporting the patient, not the other way around. The words stuck in her throat. “I—I’ve cared for other patient’s in similar circumstances,” she murmured evasively. “And I can imagine what you’re going through. Please take care of yourself, okay?”
    â€œOkay.”
    Raine walked with her outside to the parking lot where she’d left her car. She stared after Helen for a long moment, before turning to head back inside to swipe out. She couldn’t wait to get out of there.
    Caleb stood behind her and she caught herself just in time to prevent herself from smacking into him.
    â€œDid you need something?” she asked testily. She wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation. Not now. She wanted to go home.
    â€œYeah. Do you have a minute?”
    â€œNot really. I need to go inside to swipe out.” She tried to sidestep him, but Caleb didn’t take the hint, turning and following her inside to the nearest time clock where she could swipe her ID badge, formally ending her shift.
    She suppressed a sigh and faced him. “Caleb, couldn’t we do this some other time? I really don’t feel well. I’ve been sick to my stomach. I think I’m catching some flu bug or something.”
    â€œStop it, Raine. I know the truth.”
    Her jaw dropped and she stared at him. He knew? How was that possible? No one knew. Except her boss, and Theresa had promised not to say a word.
    Had she inadvertently said something when she’d passed out?
    â€œYou do?”
    â€œYes.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her. “And I’m not letting you go until you agree to talk to me about it.”

CHAPTER SEVEN
    R AINE stared at him in shock. To hear him blurt out so bluntly that he knew the truth was staggering. “No. I…can’t talk about it. I’m sorry.” She turned away, heading for the employee parking lot, wanting nothing more than to go home, to recover