The Bodyguard's Baby. Debra Webb

softly.

      James Ed shook his head. “I want to hear Laura’s side. I won’t be guilty of failing to listen again.” He gave Sandra a pointed look. “I want to know where she believes she has been.”

      “You know where I’ve been,” Laura snapped. “You’ve had someone tracking me like an animal.”

      “Please, Laura, you can’t believe that.” James Ed reached for her, but she shunned his touch.

      “Stay away from me!”

      “Surely we can sort all this out in the morning after Laura’s had a good night’s rest,” Sandra offered quickly. “We’re all upset. Let’s not make things worse by pushing Laura when she’s obviously exhausted.” Sandra placed a comforting hand on James Ed’s arm. “And we do have guests arriving shortly, unless you’d like me to cancel….”

      “You’re right, of course, dear,” James Ed relented with a heavy sigh. “Laura needs to rest. Canceling dinner is probably wise, too. I should have realized that earlier. We’ve all had a shock.”

      “I’ll get the doctor.” Sandra hurried toward the door.

      Laura stiffened. “I don’t need a doctor.”

      “Honey, this is for your own good,” James Ed assured her. “We’ve had Dr. Beckman, a close friend, standing by since we found out…what happened. He has spoken with the doctor in New Orleans and understands the specifics of your case. He’ll give you something to calm you down, and we can work all this out in the morning.”

      “No!” Laura struggled in Nick’s arms. “Don’t do this, James Ed, please!”

      Nick didn’t like the way this was going. Before he could protest, Sandra rushed back into the room followed by a short, older man carrying a small black case.

      “Nick, please don’t let them do this to me.”

      Nick looked from Laura to the doctor who had just taken a hypodermic needle from his bag. Nick’s uncertain gaze shifted to the Governor. “I don’t know about this, James Ed,” Nick said slowly.

      “It’s okay, Nick, he’s only going to give her a sedative,” James Ed explained tiredly. “It’s for her own good. Considering the state she’s in she might hurt herself.”