Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3)

by Kacey Shea

  “So, Carly probably told you. The cancer spread again. We’re taking a break from chemo.” He meets my eyes with a hard gaze.

  “Yeah, she did. How are you feeling, Luis?” I keep my voice neutral. Tone even. I won’t let my fear for his disease add to his worries.

  “Actually, pretty damn good.” He laughs humorlessly and shakes his head. “I’m sure it’s just the lack of chemo, but I feel great.”

  “Maybe it’s not just that. Maybe you’re getting better,” I suggest. His gaze snaps to meet mine.

  “I’m not stupid, you know. I hear what people say when they think I’m not listening. I know I’m dying, Derek.” And he’s right, but his words and the acceptance behind them makes it more real. I swallow, a feeble attempt to keep my emotions inside.

  “Just promise me something, Luis.” He holds my gaze. “Promise me you won’t give up, you don’t stop fighting, even when it seems hopeless. That might just be the moment things turn around, ya know?”

  “I won’t ever give up.” He looks back down at his shoes. “I still want to live, you know? And my parents found some trial treatment. Children’s agrees it’s my best bet. I start the day after Christmas.”

  A knock sounds at the door and it opens to reveal Carly’s face. “How are my favorite patients? Can I get in on the bro bonding time?” she asks with a tentative smile.

  “What are the chances of scoring us an Xbox for the next hour?” I ask and Luis beams.

  “Easy as pie. Trent and the band brought one over for you. It’s in my car; I’ll be back.” She leaves the room.

  “Get ready to lose,” I goad. He just laughs.

  “I doubt that, you one handed gimp,” he teases.

  “Don’t be so sure of yourself, kid.”

  THURSDAY MORNING I’M BACK AT work, my first shift on the day schedule. I took over a week off to help Derek and be there for him. Get him settled. He’s a busy body though, so a few broken fingers and a wrist fracture doesn’t keep him down. His entire back, stomach and ribs are an ugly purple blue, but the edges are beginning to fade to a greenish-yellow hue. He’s moving around and driving himself, broken hand and all.

  I thought I lost him. The look in Josh’s eyes when he kicked him over and over again. The way Derek’s body went as limp as a rag doll. Blood everywhere. When I close my eyes I still taste my fear.

  But I was lucky. Derek’s strong and his injuries, while extensive, could have been so much worse. When I finally came to after fainting, Jon was there to reassure me Derek was already on his way to the hospital and Josh was on his way back to jail. It was then I knew I had to come clean. I told Jon and the officers everything. The abuse, the drugs, admitting to hiding the gun, my suspicion it was used for a crime.

  The detectives took me to retrieve the gun and I was thankful it was still exactly where I left it in the bottom of the church garden planter. For now I’m not facing any charges. My willingness to help with the investigation and voluntary offer of information will help my case. But Jon’s friends at the precinct have warned that could change at any point and to be ready to find a good lawyer. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but honestly, the need to come clean and be done with my past—even if I have to pay more consequences for those actions—is worth the peace of mind.

  Derek’s back at home in his apartment. His physical therapy starts next week and will keep him busy. And as much as I’d love to go see him after today’s shift, we both agreed I need to be home with my boys. Besides, I owe Tate and Evie big time for the amount of babysitting they’ve put in. Tonight my brother doesn’t work and I promised I would come straight home so they can have a date night, my treat.

  My first shift on days is almost like starting a new job. It’s strange to work with so many different people. I never realized how comfortable I am being left alone. It’ll take some adjusting but I’m certain my new routine will help bring some normalcy to our lives.

  “Hey, girl, how was your first day? You ready to head out?” Jenny asks. She pulls her lunch bag and purse from her locker.

  “Good, and yes, I’m so ready.” I grab my things and we walk together down the hall.

  “You getting the big D tonight?” She waggles her brows and I slap her shoulder.

  “Jen!” I shake my head and then mutter to myself. “He’s on strict orders to refrain from certain activities. Still.” I try not to pout. I’m happy he’s safe and healing but I can’t wait to make love again. I know we have lots of time in our future. But I’d be lying to say I’m not eager to feel him inside me again.

  “What?” She shakes her head. “He didn’t break his dick. What’s the problem?” We step inside the crowded elevator and I stifle a giggle.

  “You’re preaching to the choir, sister. He has an appointment tomorrow. Should get the all clear.”

  “Then it’s on like Donkey Kong.” Jen smirks and nods.

  “It’s okay, you don’t have to feel too bad for me. His tongue works just fine,” I tease and stick my tongue out for added effect. And oh, what a glorious tongue he has. I never thought I’d be into guys with piercings of any kind, but that one is most definitely my favorite. The way he rolls the stud over my clit, licks and sucks simultaneously, then flicks the metal to send me over the edge. No vibe invented comes close to the sensation. I fan my face and my skin heats just thinking about what he does to me.

  “I know you’re my best friend but . . .” Jen leans in close to whisper, “You bitch!” We break into a fit of laughter and are still joking around when we walk outside toward the parking lot.

  “Carly.” I stop and lift my chin to find Dr. Brooks leaning against one of the light poles. His hands are tucked inside the pockets of his oversized coat. A bright blue scarf covers his neck and chin.

  “Oh, hello,” I stammer. Jenny stands to my right and protectively crosses her arms over her chest. I don’t need to look to know she’s giving him a dirty glare. Garrett’s eyes dart around the parking spaces and his weight shifts from one foot to the other.

  “I was hoping I could have a few moments of your time? To talk,” he says.

  “I don’t really have anything to say to you.” He looks hurt by my admission.

  “Carly, please. It won’t take long. There’re a few things I need to say to you.” He glances at Jenny before adding, “Alone.”

  “Carly, you don’t owe him anything—”

  “It’s okay, Jen.” I reach out to squeeze her hand. “I’m okay. I’ll just hear him out. I’ll see you tomorrow, ’kay?” She nods my way and then makes a point of glaring at Garrett all the way to her car.

  “Walk with me?” he asks, but it’s more like a command. I follow along as we stride through the parking lot.

  “What did you need to say, Garrett?” I pull my phone out to glance at the time. “I really need to get home.”

  He stops and so do I. He twists so that he’s facing me. I try to read the emotion behind his eyes, the blue storming with expression, but I don’t know him well enough to decipher their meaning.

  “Can I take you out? Maybe we can grab some dinner right now?” His eyes dart around. My brow furrows with confusion.

  “Garrett. I thought I made it clear I don’t want to date you. I don’t even want to be friends with you. Besides, I’m in a relationship with someone else.”

  His focus snaps back to me and he cocks his head. One blond lock falls forward just above his eyebrow. His gaze narrows.

  “Carly, I know it was you.”

  “What?”

  “I just need to know why.” His voice grows louder and I take a step backward. “Why did you do it? What did he ever do to you? To deserve that!”

  My back hits a parked car. My skin prickles and goosebumps cover my flesh. Unease seeps into my belly.

  “Garrett. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Damn it, Carly! I already know the truth! Just tell me why!” He steps closer, a wild look overtaking his normally perfect features.


  “Garrett, you’re scaring me.” I state. He takes one more step and frames my body against the vehicle at my back.

  “I really didn’t want to do this but you leave me no choice,” he murmurs.

  I feel something prick my arm. I try to struggle but it’s as if my limbs fill with concrete. My eyes are heavy, my lips try to scream, but everything fades to black.

  I’M LYING BACK ON MY couch, eyes closed, and earbuds in listening to my latest music mix. The chorus is interrupted by the shrill ring of my cell. Tate’s name flashes across the screen.

  “Hel—”

  “Dude, tell my sister I’m going to kill her.”

  “What?” I sit up on the couch.

  “She’s there, right?”

  “Tate. What’s going on? Carly’s not here. We agreed she needed to be home with Eli and Ez. Said she picked up some gift card to thank you and Evie for staying with the boys. Have you called her?”

  “I’ve been calling her every five minutes for the last hour!” he shouts, and then lowers his voice. Concern laces his tone. “She’s really not there?”

  Shit. Something is very wrong. I stand, grab my keys and wallet from the counter, and slam the door on my way out.

  “When was the last time you heard from her?” I demand. I Increase my jog to a sprint until I reach the car.

  “I don’t know . . . Crap. Had to have been this morning when they all left for work and school.”

  “Fucker!” I swear. “She called me on her lunch break. That gives us . . .” I glance at the dashboard, throw my SUV in reverse, and peel out of the parking lot. “What, six, seven hours unaccounted for.”

  “The boys are here with me. Evie’s on her way home now. What do I do?”

  “Call Jon. Call everyone you can think she might have talked to. Carly wouldn’t just not come home. And make sure her dickwad of an ex is still in jail!” Something’s horribly wrong here. My skin prickles with the thought of losing what I just found.

  “Where are you going?” Tate asks.

  “I’m going to the hospital. Keep me posted and I’ll do the same.” I end the call and scream, a sound that’s not even a word. Where’s my girl?

  When I pull into the lot and find Carly’s car parked in its usual spot my worry escalates. I race inside and hate that it takes several minutes to get up to her floor. I jog up to the nurses’ station and just my fucking luck it’s the wicked bitch of the night.

  “I know you hate me, and maybe it’s not personal. Maybe you hate all men? Or just men who look like me? Or maybe you hate everyone, but I truly need your help.” She raises her brows from beneath her glasses.

  “Carly needs your help, so can we just cut the song and dance tonight and you listen to what I have to say?” The words tumble from my mouth in a staccato beat that mirrors my racing pulse. Her eyes narrow, but she’s actually looking at me. I glance at her name tag.

  “Greta. Carly never came home after her shift tonight. Her car is still in the lot. She won’t pick up her cell. I’m worried something’s happened . . .” I gulp down my fear. “She’d never just leave her boys.”

  “No, she’s always responsible.” Greta shakes her head. “She left with Jenny at the end of her shift. That’s the last time I saw her. I don’t know what else to tell you.”

  “Can you give me Jenny’s number?” Her eyes go back to the hard glare. “Or at least call her for me? Maybe they’re together.”

  She blows out a breath as though I’ve put her out, but she goes to the computer and scribbles down a number. She doesn’t give it to me; instead she takes her sweet ass time to dial the numbers.

  “Jenny. Greta from Children’s. Listen, that guy who volunteers in Luis’ room is back tonight looking for Carly and he wants to talk to you.” She glances at my hands. “Yeah, he’s got one of ’em in a cast.” Her eyes flick back up. “Yeah, he’s bald.”

  She shoves the receiver at my chest and walks back to her computer.

  “Hi, Jenny. It’s Derek. Look, is Carly maybe with you?” I say as fast as the words will come.

  “Hey, er . . . No, she’s not with me. Why? I thought she was going home.”

  “Yeah. No, she never came home. Tate called me; we’re really concerned.”

  “Shit! I knew I didn’t like that guy . . . well, before he fooled us all.”

  “What guy? Was it her ex? Did you see something?”

  “Carly and I were walking out after our shift and Dr. Brooks asked if he could speak with her, privately, and I didn’t want her to, but she said it was fine, she’d hear him out. God! You don’t think?”

  “Jenny. I need you to concentrate. Do you know anything about Dr. Brooks? Anything that can help us track him down?”

  “Hmm . . . just that his first name is Garrett. And he’s from Chicago. He’s a surgeon so you might try the Eighth Floor. God! Sorry, Derek, I don’t really know anything about him.”

  “It’s okay, that’s a start. Look, will you call me if you think of anything else, or if you hear from Carly?”

  She agrees and we exchange numbers. I quickly hang up and race back to the hospital entrance, and take the stairs down two at a time. I make one more call.

  “Jon! She walked out with some doctor. The name’s Garrett Brooks, he’s from Chicago. That’s all I’ve got to go on.”

  “I’m on it, D. Thank you. And FYI, Josh Martinez is still behind bars. It couldn’t be him, unless he’s got someone doing his dirty work. But I’d be surprised. He basically alienated himself from his dealer and friends when he went to jail the first time and ratted out a few colleagues for a reduced sentence. I called my local police contacts. There’s been no accidents in the area with her description.”

  “Her car’s still here at Children’s. What should I do? This isn’t right, Jon. She wouldn’t just take off and not tell anyone.”

  “Go see if you can’t get hospital security to help. Maybe they have cameras that caught something. I’m working with my PD contacts. We’ll find her, Derek.”

  “Yep,” I answer because, damn it, I can’t imagine my world without her in it. What else can I do?

  “THAT’S IT, GO ON. OPEN up those eyes.” A soothing, steady voice lulls me from my sleep. It’s confusing because it doesn’t sound like Derek, or my brother, and it’s much too deep to be Eli or Ezra. I use every ounce of concentration to peel my lids open. The light burns and I snap them back shut.

  “Ah, ah, ah! I saw that. You can’t hide from me.” Garrett. My stomach rolls as I remember exactly what happened before everything went black. Where am I? I open my lids and blink until my eyes adjust to the harsh florescent lights above. That’s when I realize I’m on my back. I try to sit up but I can’t pull my arms or legs apart. I glance down to see they’re bound together with ties at my wrists and my ankles.

  I scream.

  Soft skin covers my mouth and stifles the sound. “Be a good girl and I won’t tape your mouth. Yes?” His head looms over my face; his frame blocks the light. I study his eyes. Their blue irises seem calm and calculating.

  I nod and his hand disappears. I glance around and take in my surroundings in an attempt to discover where I am. The room is empty but for the twin bed I lay across. The room isn’t large either, maybe ten by ten with two doors, one at each side. The walls are unpainted plaster and the floor concrete. There’s a small window pane in one door, but it’s covered in what could be paint or tape. I can’t tell if it’s day or night. How long have I been out? My boys.

  “Here.” Garrett slides his hands under my armpits and gives a pull. “Let’s sit you up. We need to have a little talk.” He comes too close, straddling my legs to pull me so my back hits the wall behind. I can smell his clean scent and twist my chin away so I don’t have to look at him.

  “Hey,” he barks. I ignore him. Think, Carly, think. No one knows I’m here. Tate will know something’s wrong when I don’t come home. Derek will look for me. But how will they ever find me? They won’t know where to start. I
don’t even know where I am!

  “Hey!” The slap stings my face. My eyes grow wide and I look up at Garrett. He sits over my lap and his face is inches from mine. “That’s better. You will look at me.”

  “What do you want?” I whisper, and his somber expression turns to one of delight. He’s fucking psychotic.

  “I’m so glad you’re willing to chat now. This . . .” He pulls at the binding at my wrists and hops off my lap. “Does wonders in making a person more cooperative. But I don’t have to tell you that. Do I?”

  “I have no clue what you’re referring to.” I shake my head. Garrett’s brow narrows and a scowl replaces his manic smile.

  “So that’s the way you want to play this?” he snaps. “Fine.” He turns on his heel and disappears through the door with the tiny window. I catch a sliver of asphalt and night sky. My freedom is out that door.

  The second the door slams I struggle with my ties. My jacket’s gone but I’m still in my scrubs and tennis shoes. I wonder what he’s done with my purse, phone, and other belongings. Is he smart enough to toss them or turn off my cell so it can’t be tracked? Of course he is. He’s a damn doctor.

  I fight the urge to scream when my ties don’t budge. The way he’s constructed the knots I’ll never be able to work them open. I try to reach the binding at my ankles, and curse the fact I’ve never taken up yoga. I bend and twist, which only results in my sliding down the bed to the floor. I sit on my butt and scoot like a caterpillar toward the door. It’s a slow pace and when the door opens my eyes grow wide.

  “You just have to be difficult, don’t you?” he chides as if I’m an unmanageable child. Garrett holds a tray in his hands and moves to set it on the ground at the far end of the room. Before the door slams shut again I scream as loud as I can. I’m not sure there’s anyone to hear but it’s worth the chance.

  He stomps back and grabs me under my right armpit hard. Shit. My eyes fill with tears of pain. He hauls me to my feet and jerks me away from the door.