Chapter 218

• She was quiet for a minute, and then went on. "Believe it or not, I WAS worried about you, very much. After he finished...well...you know... I couldn't get the image of the hurt on your face out of my mind. God James, it was nowhere close to how I had imagined it would go. I was so mad at the time, that I wanted to get back at you, but trust me I never wanted you to get physically hurt. When you passed out, I did see that the bullet hit the medallion. I would never have left your side, if it had hit you. You have to believe me..."
• "That's part of my problem right now, Caitlin, HOW CAN I trust or believe anything you say? I used to, completely and without question. Now, I'm not as sure."
• Sniffle, "I know. I am telling the truth, and just hope you can believe me." She paused to blow her nose, and then went on. "After I figured out that things had gone horribly wrong, when he shot you, I went numb. I ran to your side, and the idea of life without you truly started to sink in. I remember thinking, 'How could you do this to him? Isn't he the one you love more than anything?' The last thing I heard that jackass say, was asking if I was going with him. There is no way that was going to happen. I sat with you after you passed out, and checked to see if you were bleeding. I didn't find any blood, and made that call to Shawn. I knew you wouldn't want to see me right after waking up. Hell, if it was me, I know I wouldn't. Honestly, that's what I was thinking at the time. How could you look at me, and not be mad?"