Read Online DEATH BY HONEYMOON by Jaden Skye - Free Book Online Page A

I’m here. You’re going to be just fine.”
    Ann seemed to smile, but didn’t answer.
    “They’re going to take wonderful care of you.”
    Ann, eyes closed, didn’t respond. Had she heard her?
    A nurse pulled the curtains aside and came into the cubicle. She was a big, heavy, black woman, in her mid-fifties with short hair. Cindy was grateful to see her.
    “Let’s keep her awake,” the nurse said to Cindy. “After they hit their head, it’s good to keep them awake.” Then she turned to Ann, “Hi there, honey,” she shook her arm gently.
    Cindy was relieved that the nurse was with them. “What happened?” she asked her, alarmed.
    “Your sister’s gonna be admitted for a full work up. We’re waiting for a bed upstairs.”
    “How did this happen?” Cindy asked the nurse . Her mouth felt dry and her hands clammy.
    “A police officer will be here to take information,” the nurse continued. “It’s routine.”
    Tears filled Cindy’s eyes. She leaned towards her sister, “Are you okay, Ann?”
    Ann opened her eyes slightly.
    She moved her lips ever so slightly. She was trying to speak.
    “What?” Cindy asked, leaning in close.
    “Brakes…” Ann whispered.
    Cindy stared at her, not understanding.
    Ann reached over and grasped Cindy’s wrist.
    “No…brakes,” Ann whispered, barely audible.
    Then she closed her eyes again.
    “Ann?” Cindy asked. “Ann?” she repeated, louder. “Are you saying that my car’s brakes didn’t work?”
    But Ann was passed out.
    Cindy’s mind reeled. She was devastated. She had loaned Ann her car. Had the car’s brakes failed? How was that possible? The car, a Honda Civic, was a year old and had just had a tune up the month before. It didn’t make any sense.
    The nurse looked over at her, troubled.
    “Do you have someone else who can come in and keep you company? A husband, or boyfriend or something?”
    The truth hit Cindy at that moment.
    “No,” she said quietly, “I have no one.”
    The nurse shook her head, “I’m sorry.”
    Then she pulled the curtains and walked out of the cubicle.
    Ann looked peaceful resting there, and Cindy didn’t want to make her talk. She was breathing on her own, that was good. There was a brace around her neck. Probably the usual precaution after a car accident.
    “Stay awake, Ann,” Cindy said, gently nudging her. Ann’s eyes fluttered opened.
    Cindy held her sister’s hand and tried to settle down . Was it possible, she wondered, that Ann would die? It was much more than she could bear. She held onto Ann’s hand for dear life. “You’re gonna make it,” Cindy whispered to her, over and over. “Just keep breathing, Ann. Help is here. You’re not alone.” She felt Ann’s pulse calm down as she spoke to her, as if her very cells heard what Cindy said.
    Then the curtains were pulled open again and the nurse returned to tell her that the police wanted to talk to her.
    Reluctantly, Cindy got up and left her bedside.
    Outside, in the waiting room, a rugged-looking officer in his late forties was standing, waiting for her.
    “Cindy Blaine?” he asked, looking down at a notepad.
    Cindy followed him to some benches in the hallway, where they both sat down. The hospital was crowded with patients and families, walking back and forth, along with doctors, nurses, technicians wheeling trays.
    Cindy looked over at him and was surprised to see his hazel eyes looking at her searchingly.
     “What happened to my sister?” she asked.
    “The car veered off the road and hit a tree. She banged her head against the windshield. It didn’t break. Could have been much worse. There was no sign of alcohol. Does your sister take drugs?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Not to your knowledge?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Not even for medical purposes?”
    “No, she doesn’t. “
    “The rain was strong and the roads were slippery,” he said. “The car is relatively new. It’s registered to you?”
    “Yes. She told me the brakes gave out. Is