Read Online One Dead Under the Cuckoo's Nest by Lori Avocato - Free Book Online

was “normal” and here instead of in jail. Besides, the kid appeared perceptive and clever, as lots of drug addicts are. She probably was a rich kid hooked on coke and who knew what else. At least she wasn’t wiped out all the time.
    Geez, now I was relying on a rich, bratty, teenage druggie.
    I gave her a quick wink and turned toward Sister Barbie. “Please.”
    â€œYou know, you’re lucky he left orders to call him if you asked us to. That’s pretty unusual. Most doctors don’t do that unless it’s an emergency. I’ll put in a call to him.” With that she turned toward Spike. “Stay with her until her doctor arrives.”
    Yikes. “I’m just going to watch TV,” I mumbled, quickly took a seat next to Ruby and glued my gaze to the set. That way Spike wouldn’t have any reason to manhandle me.
    Every once in a while I’d sneak a peek at him. Yep, within manhandling distance. Even though I didn’t watch daytime TV, I was suddenly very interested in whywomen cheat on other women who are their ex-lovers’ relatives and never moved out of their homes, along with only wearing bright red and sharing a common bathroom, courtesy of Mr. Springer.
    What was this world coming to?
    â€œPauline?”
    I swung around to see Sister Liz. How cute. She’d used my real name. Our bond tightened. “Yes, Sister?”
    â€œYour doctor is here to see you.”
    Maybe I sprung up a little too fast, but my action had Sister Liz pull back, clutching her new rosary beads. Spike was fast on the nun’s black, sensible heels and he looked anxious to subdue me.
    I felt bad about the rosary, but stood ready to go. “Where to, Sister?”
    She motioned for me to come with her. Spike joined in. Guess once you made a bad name for yourself on this unit, it followed you until discharge.
    Please, God, I prayed that there was a discharge—soon.
    Sister opened the door to an office and moved to the side.
    â€œThanks,” I whispered as I looked to see Jagger, still with his carrot-top ’do on and looking delicious, sitting at an oak desk. The guy fit into any situation. I wondered if he’d ever taken acting lessons, and who the hell did his makeup?
    He gave Sister Liz his usual smile. For a second I wondered, too, if her sisterly insides reacted like mine always had when he looked at me. Of course they do , I thought. Nuns were human.
    â€œI’ll be fine with her, Sister. If I need anything, I’ll holler.”
    And Spike will attack me. Once the gang left, I looked at Jagger. “Vito Doran ruffed up Margaret Seabright today.”
    He stared at me.
    â€œMargaret is the patient who said she doesn’t belong here.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œYou do?” I hated sounding so fascinated by what he said and reminded myself I was still pissed at Dr. Dick.
    â€œYou know. You know? What the hell does that mean?” I flopped onto a straight-backed chair and let my legs dangle over the side—not out of reach of Jagger’s legs, though.
    He pulled sideways.
    â€œWhat’s the matter? Don’t trust me?” I asked.
    â€œAs a matter of fact, no. Now, what about Vito?” He eased farther to the side.
    I curled my lips. “She tried to grab his cell phone to call someone, I guess.” Damn. That sounded stupid. “I mean—”
    â€œI know what you mean. Did he say anything to you?”
    â€œMe? No. He merely flung me across the room.”
    Jagger’s no-nonsense look appeared to crack. Maybe he felt a bit worried about me. “I’m assuming you’re all right.”
    My legs kicked out farther. I admittedly wanted to make contact. “All right? How can I be all right in here ?” My left toe brushed his leg.
    â€œLook, Sherlock—”
    â€œDon’t ‘Sherlock’ me.” Please don’t, because it melts me to the very core, and I lose all rational