by Karen Kirst
A glimmer of humor brightening her eyes, she took a bite of the sandwich.
“My father came to the US to study business and international law. He met my mother, Layla, at university. They married after graduation. I came along that first year. Mom likes to say that she’d planned to return to work, but that I changed her mind.”
“Couldn’t bear to leave you, huh?”
“I was rather cute as a baby.”
She cocked her head. “I’m having trouble imagining you as a cute and cuddly toddler.”
Julian was aware he came across as hard-edged and taciturn to some people. For the most part, he gave it little thought. Why it bothered him to think Audrey saw him that way, he had no idea. “My sister Cara was born a year after me. The twins, Emma and Melanie, arrived two years after her.”
“Your mom had her hands full.”
“She was in her element.” He counted himself blessed to have her. Layla’s fun-loving, outgoing personality balanced his father’s strict, no-nonsense outlook. “She has the ability to make the simplest of activities fun.”
“A rare quality.”
“Yes.”
“What’s your father like?”
“Traditional. Studious. He sets high standards for the people in his life.” More so for his only son than his daughters, he thought with a trace of bitterness.
“Are you close?”
“Close?” An incredulous laugh burst out. “The only person Chin Tan has allowed to truly know him is my mom.”
Her expression clouded. “That must be tough. My dad and I have a good relationship. But then, it’s been just the two of us for more than a decade. He’s my rock.”
“You’re fortunate.”
“I am. I would’ve loved to have had my mom around, however.” Clearing her throat, she said, “What are your sisters like?”
“Cara is driven to succeed and a whiz in the kitchen. She’s parlayed that into a thriving donut business.” His mouth watered thinking about her doughy creations. He made a mental note to have a dozen flown in. Pricey, but well worth it. “Emma is more laid-back, like our mom. She’s content flipping pancakes at a restaurant she’s worked at since her teens. And Melanie is an elementary-school teacher.”
“You must miss them.”
“They visit me at least once a year, and I take advantage of the free military flights when my schedule allows.” When she’d polished off the sandwich, he opened the cereal bar and handed it to her. “Emma decorated this room without asking for permission,” he said, gesturing to the striped comforter and curtains and polka-dot pillows in pink, gold and aqua colors. Flicking the festive paper lei she’d hung on the corner of the corkboard, it suddenly hit him. “Melia,” he murmured. “Pua melia.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve been trying to place your scent. It’s plumeria.”
Her brows shot up, and pink infused her cheeks.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said, feeling like an idiot. “I told you my mind is a filing cabinet of useless details. Plumeria reminds me of home. They’re used to make leis.”
“I don’t wear perfume, but I do splurge on hand-milled soap from a locally owned boutique. Chasity took me there. She’s one of their favorite customers.”
“Chasity is your coworker?”
“And a good friend. She’s also Lincoln’s girlfriend. You haven’t met her yet, but she was there when you were brought into post-op.”
The reminder was a timely one. He’d let himself become distracted by his unexpected guest instead of trying to dig for answers. “I know you aren’t eager to rehash what happened today, but ignoring it won’t make the danger any less real. Those goons aren’t your average drug pushers.”
Threading her fingers through her hair, she turned away. “I know.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard that sometimes crimes are perpetrated by someone close to the victim.”
She whirled back and spread her hands wide. “Like I told the police, I have no idea who’s behind this. I don’t know who stole the drugs or my log-in. I don’t know who administered that dose of epinephrine or why. I can’t tell you who in my unit has acted suspicious because no one has.”
Julian opened a side drawer of the desk and withdrew a pad of paper. “How about we make a list of everyone you come into contact with at the hospital?”
“I may not be chummy with every single one of my coworkers, but I trust them to do right by our patients and by me.”
Julian understood how difficult this was for her. Audrey didn’t want to believe anyone at Onslow General was capable of such horrible crimes. But if this exercise led to answers, it was worth it.
“Once we’re finished, I’ll give you control of the TV remote.”
Audrey reluctantly accepted the paper. “I’m going to choose a romance.”
“I’m asking you to do something unpleasant,” he said somberly. “It’s only fair you demand the same of me.”
SEVEN
“What do you mean I’m not allowed to work?”
Audrey’s voice rose in pitch, drawing curious, darting glances from medical personnel and visitors traversing the lobby’s intersecting corridors. She’d counted on work as a way to distract herself from everything going on in her life. Helping patients would, in turn, help her.
The hospital president regarded Audrey with a long-suffering air. “We appreciate your devotion to your patients, Miss Harris, but you must understand that allowing you to continue is out of the question.”
“Local law enforcement will be on the floor, in addition to our own security members.” Tugging on her ID, she glanced toward the entrance. Julian was on the move, pacing back and forth and giving everyone a once-over. He’d be there in an unofficial capacity, but she wasn’t about to mention that.
Harper’s associate, an icy blonde wearing a no-nonsense pantsuit, spoke up. “This has the potential to be a legal nightmare.” Her eyes glittered with cold professionalism. “You should know we’ve started an internal investigation. Can we count on your cooperation?”
Audrey swallowed hard. “Of course.”
“Good.” She extended her hand. “We’ll need your ID badge until the matter is closed.”
Humiliation burned in her cheeks. She was grateful Julian wasn’t close enough to witness this conversation. Without a word, she removed the chain and dropped it into the blonde’s grip.
“You have my number and email,” she said, trying to hold it together. “I’ll expect to hear from you.”
Harper cast a sideways glance at the blonde before speaking. “Miss Harris, this really is for your own good.”
With a terse nod, Audrey pivoted and started for the bank of glass doors at a furious pace. Julian caught up to her just as she exited the building.
“Where are you going?”
“Anywhere but here.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not welcome at the hospital until they get answers,” she muttered, fighting angry tears.
She was essentially being punished for something beyond her control. When they reached his black Mustang, she stopped short. “Julian, what if these people plant evidence? They’ve already tried to pin the patient mishaps on me. I—I could go to jail.”
With a quick survey of the parking lot, he opened the passenger door. “This has escalated beyond a simple frame job. They aim to silence you for good.”
Audrey slid into the low-slung seat, defeat weighing on her. “Don’t bother sugarcoating it,” she said with a pinch of sarcasm.
Julian’s intense gaze met hers. “That’s not really what you want, is it?”
Groaning, she let her head drop against the seat. “No.”
He shut the door and strode around the car’s front. Settling behind the wheel, he started the engine but d
idn’t put it in Reverse. “While your desire to support your coworkers and patients is admirable, the risks are undeniable. The hospital’s decision isn’t about your innocence or guilt. It’s about protecting themselves.”
If anything, his words made her feel worse. “I’m not totally selfless, you know. I need the demands of a grueling shift to stay sane. No time to ponder my problems. Just assess and react.”
Twelve blissful hours of escape.
He lifted one shoulder. “You’re human.”
She stared out the tinted window and contemplated what they would do to fill the hours. Last night, she’d been too exhausted to dwell on her predicament. Julian’s long-suffering expressions and wry quips during the movie had struck her as comical. Despite everything, she’d actually enjoyed the evening. He was a good guy. Patient and thoughtful. Not once had he made her feel like a burden.
Out on the main road, Julian did frequent checks of the rearview and side mirrors. “We should forward that list of names to the police department.”
Audrey didn’t immediately comment. That list consisted of strangers, acquaintances and friends. Casting suspicion on anyone she cared about did not sit well with her.
“How deep into their lives will the detectives go?” she said, watching the various businesses flash past.
“I get that you’re worried about inconveniencing your friends. To be honest, they’ll fall under law enforcement’s scrutiny with or without your input. The hospital’s, too. The list ensures the detectives don’t overlook anyone.”
“I suppose.”
“Hey.” His fingers skimmed her knuckles, drawing her gaze to him. “Don’t blame yourself. You did what was right. It took courage to report the thefts.”
Admiration shone in his eyes, making her heart swell.
“It’s time to loop in your father, Audrey.”
The giddiness faded.
“You don’t want him learning about it from someone else.”
“You’re right.” At his raised brows, she said, “This is too big to contain. He has too many friends at the hospital.”
“It’s Saturday. Is he home? I can drive you over.”
“I’ll tell him tomorrow. I need time to rehearse my delivery method.”
“Understood.” He was pulling into the apartment complex when Audrey’s phone beeped. Retrieving it from her backpack, she saw Chasity’s name on the screen. She read the text several times.
He killed the engine. “You look conflicted.”
“Lincoln and Chasity are hosting a dinner party tonight. I completely forgot about it.”
“Time?”
“Six o’clock. I promised to go, but that was before...” She trailed off. “Chas insisted I ask you to accompany me.”
“Do you want to go?”
“Keeping busy seems like a good idea right now, but you’re not being paid to be my bodyguard.”
“Lincoln strikes me as the kind of guy who’d live in a gated community.”
“How did you guess?”
“He’s a surgeon who wears three-hundred-dollar loafers and a Citizen’s watch worth several grand. Even his backpack has a designer label. The man puts stock in value and luxury.”
“You’re good. However, I know for a fact that watch was a gift from his ex-wife, Gina. Chas would prefer he get rid of it. He and Chasity like to shop, but they don’t pay top dollar. They search for bargains. Those loafers were probably half-price.”
“What can I say? Reading people is an art, not a science.”
“I don’t want to know what you’ve assumed about me.”
His full, sculpted mouth curved in a mischievous grin. Audrey’s pulse raced in response.
“Well, I—”
She put her fingers on his lips to stop him. “Really. I don’t want to know.”
Awareness flared to life in his eyes, and he curled his fingers around hers. Time seemed to slow. For the first time since Seth’s death, Audrey yearned to feel a connection with another man. She was attracted to Julian. What woman wouldn’t be? He was handsome and strong, confident and capable.
But she wasn’t ready. And he wasn’t interested, because he released her and turned away. “Where does Lincoln live?”
Rubbing her palm across her scrub pants, she named a waterfront neighborhood that took advantage of the river view.
“I know it,” he said. “The gates will prove a deterrent for any unsavory types. Tell Chasity to expect us.”
“You won’t know anyone there,” she warned. “Most of the invited guests are hospital employees.”
“Bingo.”
“You plan to treat this like a mission. You’re going to try and ferret out information that could shed light on the case.”
“It’s a long shot, but worth a try.”
“I’ll do what I can to help you. This has to end before anyone else gets hurt.”
* * *
The gate-hut employee emerged to peruse Julian’s driver’s license. “You’re both on the list, Sergeant Tan,” he said. “Have a good evening.”
He rolled up the window. “Which way?”
Audrey gave him directions, hoping her nervousness wasn’t showing. The gate lamps bathed Julian in filmy light. He’d taken her breath away when he’d emerged from his bedroom in a well-cut black suit, complete with immaculate white shirt and patterned silk tie. Seated close to him in the snug confines of the Mustang, she was attuned to his every move. His cologne was subtle and refreshing. One hand held the steering wheel, and the injured one rested on his thigh. Those hands had defended her and rescued her.
“You still want to do this?” His deep, smooth voice washed over her. “Because we can ditch the party and have pizza at home, if you’d rather. I’ll even let you pick the toppings.”
“Tempting offer. I’ll take a rain check.”
While she wasn’t excited to endure the curious stares and outright questions she’d no doubt receive, she hoped something good would come of it. Julian was one of the best. She had that on good authority—her dad didn’t brag on just anyone. If anyone could tease out information that would lead to answers, it was him.
Lincoln’s home was situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. Built to resemble an Italian villa, the sprawling house boasted a brick driveway leading to a side portico and a three-car garage. Lush, manicured lawns were edged with sculpted hedges and flowers that had bloomed early due to the unseasonal heat. A high stucco wall blocked the view of the rear property, which she knew consisted of a kidney-shaped pool, outdoor kitchen and dining area and sweeping lawns that sloped to a well-maintained dock.
The stucco exterior gleamed like polished pearl in the waning sunlight.
Julian whistled. “Nice digs.”
“Wait until you see the interior.”
Julian found a convenient parking spot on the street. He assisted her out of the vehicle, his hand resting against her back as they made their way along the sidewalk. His touch set off mini fireworks in her middle. He exuded a protective air that Audrey wasn’t accustomed to. For much of her and Seth’s relationship, she’d had to be the strong one, the nurturer.
At the carved wooden doors, he performed a quick visual examination of her. “You look beautiful, Audrey.”
The doors swung open. Chasity, radiant in a blue cocktail dress that showed off her trim figure, greeted them with an enthusiastic smile. “Right on time.” She gave Audrey a partial hug to avoid her bruised shoulder. “I’m glad you decided to come. Lincoln gave me a report on your condition, but he was frustratingly short on details. You and I are going to have a chat later.”
The glint in her eyes rivaled the twin diamonds in her ears. Chasity’s petite form and fair beauty masked a backbone of steel. Audrey would have to work hard to keep her friend from learning of the recent horror she’d endured.
&nb
sp; “The last time I saw you,” Chasity said to Julian, “you were in rough shape. I’m happy to meet you in better circumstances.”
“I’m grateful Audrey was in the right place at the right time,” he said.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better nurse. As far as I’m concerned, she’s one of the top RNs in the hospital.” Tucking a stray curl behind her ear, she addressed Audrey. “Harper had better let you come back soon.”
Catching sight of a new, significant piece of jewelry, all thoughts of her banishment vanished.
“You’re engaged?” Bringing her friend’s hand closer, she admired the exquisite pear-shaped diamond. “When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?”
A blush suffused her cheeks. “Last night. Apparently, he bought the ring weeks ago and was planning an elaborate proposal dinner. Something changed his mind, because he sprung it on me after my shift while I was still in my soiled scrubs.”
“I’m happy for you, Chas. You and Lincoln are a great match.”
“I didn’t think he’d be ready for marriage anytime soon, considering how Gina treated him. I’ll be putting my house up for sale later this month.”
“Congratulations to you both,” Julian inserted. “When’s the big day?”
“We haven’t set a date yet, but we’ve decided on an intimate ceremony. Will you come dress-shopping with me, Audrey?”
“You seriously have to ask? Of course I will. Anytime.”
Julian shifted beside her, a cautionary look in his eyes. She wasn’t exactly free to make plans, was she?
Chasity seemed oblivious to the silent exchange. “What am I thinking, keeping you out here on the stoop? Come in.” She ushered them into the high-ceilinged foyer. Classical music mingled with clinking glasses and conversation. “Dinner is in an hour. There are appetizers set out in the living area to tide you over.”
Audrey caught a glimpse of herself and Julian in the gilt mirror. How normal they looked, she mused. No one would guess that they’d been brushed by violence.
Her shell-pink cardigan, worn over a silky, sleeveless blouse of the same hue, covered the ugly bruising that marred her shoulder. The scarf hid her throat, as did her hair, which fell past her shoulders in tumbling waves. Julian’s compliment had surprised and thrilled her.