Read Online The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray - Free Book Online Page A

questions?”
    â€œAh, no.” He settled into the plastic chair beside the bed. “I rarely question women in hospital rooms. I had some extra time so I thought I’d stop by to see how you’re doing.”
    â€œAh.” She wanted to tease him about caring for her, but she was afraid of his answer.
    Afraid he was here out of duty. Out of friendship. Nothing more.
    But of course she couldn’t ask, and she shouldn’t even think about it. To him, she was merely another suspect in his murder investigation.
    And his former innkeeper, merely an acquaintance.
    So instead of saying anything, she tried to relax against the pillows.
    She was amazed that with him, there was no awkward silence. And when he smiled at her, his grin did more to comfort her than a hundred visits from Micah ever would.
    She didn’t know what to think of that.
    â€œSo,” he said, “I used my considerable charm and coaxed some information from the hospital staff. They said you had a rough night of it. But . . . the word is out that the doctors think you’re going to be just fine.”
    She’d heard that, too. But it didn’t hurt to be sure. “My eyesight?” she asked.
    â€œAs far as I’ve heard”—he paused before continuing—“that’s just fine, too. The doctor will be here in a while to tell you all about it.” Tossing another smile her way, he said, “I tell you what, Frannie Eicher, you gave me a scare.”
    Now that she was fully awake, she noticed the beige walls and the beige shade covering the window. The television continued to hum next to her, as did the woman’s one-sided conversation on her cell phone.
    â€œYou, scared?” She smiled weakly. “You’re not scared of anything.”
    The nurse hurried in and injected something into her IV. She gave Frannie a friendly smile and bustled right back out.
    Within seconds, the pain in Frannie’s face started to ebb.
    â€œAs much as I appreciate you thinking so, when I heard about all that blood . . .”
    Before she could apologize for scaring him, he added, “But that’s in the past. You’re going to be fine. Just need a few days’ rest. You’ll be good as new and making horrible pies before you know it.”
    â€œOh, how you flatter,” she said, yawning. “Do you think I can go home today?”
    â€œI hope so. If not today, then early tomorrow. Though, if I were you, I’d try to stay as long as possible. You have guests staying at your inn. So no rest there.”
    â€œBut that’s my job, Detective. I can’t keep depending on Beth to take care of them.”
    â€œNow, now, no you don’t. I was ‘Luke’ just moments ago. I’m Luke now, too.”
    She smiled weakly. Enjoying their shared moment. Enjoying the way that they weren’t arguing, weren’t talking about Perry’s death.
    They were having a conversation—well, as good as they could have when it was obvious that he was being on his best behavior.
    â€œYou are a gut man, Luke. Some of the time.”
    â€œI know,” he said with a smile. “And maybe I can be your friend, too?”
    â€œI would like that,” she said after a moment’s pause. She wasn’t too familiar with the concept of having a man as a friend, but they’d come too far to pretend they weren’t bound to be close.
    She was enjoying the quiet between them, the knowledge that they had formed some sort of truce, when she heard the door to the room creak open.
    â€œFrannie? Frannie?”
    Her father.
    â€œExcuse me,” her roommate called out. “I’m on the phone.”
    â€œI am not,” her father said crisply. “I am looking for my daughter.”
    â€œDaed, I’m here. On the other side of the curtain.”
    Frannie’s mood lifted at her father’s terse tone. He was introverted but not timid. Never had