Read Online Amanda Ashley by Deeper Than the Night - Free Book Online Page B

Care.”
    â€œIt’s on the fifth floor, sir.”
    â€œThank you.” For a moment, he considered trying to overpower the guard. But the man was well over six feet tall, and built like a Minnesota line backer. In the end, it seemed wiser to go home than risk causing a scene, at least for now. If they didn’t release Kara in the morning, he’d figure out a way to get her the hell out of there.
    Leaving the hospital, Alex drew in a deep breath. A glance at the sky told him dawn was fast approaching.
    It was early morning when he reached home. He slammed the car door, then stalked out of the garageand into the house, wishing he’d followed his gut instinct and done whatever he had to do to bring Kara home.
    He woke late that afternoon, instantly aware that someone had invaded the house. Rising, he pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, then padded, barefoot, down the stairs to the kitchen.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?”
    Gail whirled around, her eyes wide. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
    â€œHow did you get in?”
    â€œI . . . the back door was unlocked.”
    Alexander frowned. In his concern for Kara, and his need to rest and replenish his strength, he had apparently neglected to bolt the door.
    Gail cleared her throat nervously. “I need your help.”
    He lifted one brow. “Indeed?”
    â€œI’m worried about Kara.”
    â€œWhy? What’s wrong?”
    â€œWe went to see her this morning, but they said we couldn’t, that there’s something wrong with her and she has to stay for more tests. Nana said she wanted Kara to come home, but the nurse said the paper Nana signed authorized them to keep Kara as long as necessary. I’m afraid something’s happened to her and they don’t want to tell us.”
    Alex slammed his hand against the table. He’d known it all along, he thought angrily, known something wasn’t right.
    Seeing the dark look in his eyes, Gail squealed and backed away.
    Alexander took a deep breath. Damn. He hadn’t meant to frighten the girl. “Go on.”
    â€œThat’s all. Nana asked to see Dr. Barrett . . .”
    â€œWho’s that?”
    â€œHe’s the doctor who admitted Kara to the hospital. But they said he couldn’t be reached. So Nana came home and called Dr. Peterson.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œHe said he’d get in touch with Dr. Barrett and find out what was going on, only I don’t believe him. I want to see my sister.”
    Gail tried to blink back her tears. She didn’t want to cry in front of this man, didn’t want him to think she was just some whiny kid. “What do you think’s wrong with her?”
    Alexander swore a very old, very vile oath. “I don’t know, Gail, but I’ll find out. I promise you that. Here,” he said, offering her a paper towel, “dry your tears. Does your grandmother know you’re here?”
    â€œNo. She’s so upset, she’s taken to her bed. Mrs. Zimmermann is staying with her.” Gail blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Do you really think you’ll be able to find out what’s wrong with Kara? I know it’s something awful, or they’d tell us.”
    â€œI’ll find out what’s going on,” Alexander said. “Don’t doubt it for a minute.”
    Gail sniffed, then smiled. “I believe you.”
    â€œGood. You’d better run on home now. You don’t want to upset your grandmother. She has enough to worry about.”
    â€œAll right. You’ll call as soon as you find out what’s wrong with Kara?”
    â€œI will.”
    Impulsively, Gail wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a hug.
    Startled, Alexander could only stare at her. Intwo hundred years, no child had ever embraced him. It stirred old feelings, familiar feelings that belonged to another life, another time. He felt oddly bereft when she let him