Double Deception by Terri Reed

Author:Terri Reed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2007-12-27T05:00:00+00:00

Kate awoke to voices in her head.

She had no way to distinguish time, no way to know if she’d slept for a moment or for hours. Turning her head, she listened. Brody’s distinct, velvet-coated tones sent waves of comfort over her, and then another voice. A burly, masculine sound that stole her calmness away. She lay still, tense. The two men spoke at a hushed level, but she made out the words. Was the other man Brody’s father?

“How long do you need?”

“Don’t know.” Brody’s voice suggested the shrug Kate could envision.

“This is way too risky. Let the Feds handle her.”

Kate nearly bolted upright in protest, but Brody’s quick response soothed her panic.

“I gave her my word.”

“Why are you doing this to yourself again?”

“Look, Sheriff—”

“No, you look, Sheriff. I’m no longer sheriff here, you are. You have a responsibility to this town.”

Kate stifled a groan. She hadn’t realized she was jeopardizing Brody’s job by asking for his help. But what was she to do? She wished she had the courage to handle this alone. But she didn’t. She needed Brody. Needed his protection.

“I’m entitled to a vacation after three years without.”

A long silent moment stretched taut through the hospital room.

Kate wanted to open her eyes. She wanted to see the two men, but they might notice she was awake and halt their conversation. She had to know what helping her would cost Brody. Though how she’d ever repay him, she didn’t know.

“A vacation then,” the other man said with grudging reluctance.

“Effective immediately.”

“Son, I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

Kate noted the paternal caring to the other man’s tone and wondered what he meant by his words. How had Brody been hurt? She realized she knew very little about Brody yet she was putting her life in his hands.

Brody cleared his throat. “I won’t.”

The swooshing sound of the door opening stopped the conversation.

“Gentlemen. How is our patient?” asked a deep, kindly voice.

Kate took that as her cue to “awaken.” She deliberately stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Brody sat beside her bed, his handsome face a welcoming sight, though the strained grooves outlining his smile gave away his tension. Guilt pricked at her conscience. She was using Brody for her own gain.

The doctor stepped forward. Midforties, brown hair, hazel eyes behind horn-rimmed glasses. His expression was friendly yet professional.

A few steps back stood an imposing figure with thick, salt-and-pepper hair, chiseled features and a grim set to his square jaw. She swallowed as the disapproval in his blue eyes crashed over her like the surf at high tide. She saw little resemblance between Brody and this man. Who was he?

“Kate, the doc wants to examine you and then we can find out how soon you’ll be released,” Brody said.

She nodded.

“I’ll be back in a while. I have some things I must take care of.” He covered her fisted hand, his touch reassuring and agonizing.

He’d be back, wouldn’t he? She had no choice but to trust in that. She turned her hand in his and gripped his fingers, giving him the reassurance that she’d be okay.

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