Page 138 of Dust to Dust

Before the SUV had come to a stop, I opened the door and flung myself out. I sprinted through the mechanical doors and up to the front desk. The nurse behind it shrank down in her chair at the sight of me. “Can I help you?” she squeaked.

“I want to know what room Isla Vaughn is in. She was just brought in.”

Her trembling fingers flew across the keyboard. “She’s in room 3.”

“Thank you.”

I knew she should’ve asked me if we were related or asked to see my ID. But instead, she buzzed open the door for me. While I appreciated it at this moment, I sure as hell wouldn’t under any other circumstances. No one should have such easy access to Isla.

Mikey and Niall stood on either side of Isla’s room. When I stormed up to them, they held up their hands. “We wouldn’t have left her, but they insisted we did to complete the physical exam.”

Although I didn’t like it, I nodded. “Is she talking?”

“She’s awake. A little woozy because they gave her something.”

“Has she been asking for me? Did you tell her I was on the way?”

Mikey and Niall exchanged a look. “No, sir. But she’s really not been talking,” Mikey replied.

I started up pacing again. My phone buzzed alerting me that my brothers and Seamus were in the waiting room, and Owen stayed at the house with Brooke and Caterina. It seemed like an eternity passed before a nurse and doctor emerged from the room.

At the sight of me, recognition flooded the doctor’s face. His ID read Dr. Jason McElroy. “You’re Mr. Kavanaugh?”

“Aye, I am.”

“Although you aren’t Ms. Vaughn’s next of kin, I find it would be in my best interest to inform you of her condition.”

“That would be correct,” I replied menacingly.

“I’m happy to tell you there was no physical trauma to Ms. Vaughn’s body.”

“What about…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the words.

He shook his head. “While she insisted she wasn’t assaulted, I did do a brief examination, and there was no vaginal trauma.”

A relieved breath whooshed from me. “Thank God.”

Dr. McElroy’s expression grew grave. “While there is no physical trauma, the level of emotional trauma that Ms. Vaughn has experienced is very serious. She has all the indications of being in shock.”

“I can assure you she will receive the best psychological care.”

“Good. She’s going to need it.”

My heart ached at the thought of Isla in pain. “Can I see her?”

“Yes. But I would ask that you limit your visit to only yourself. She’s been through a harrowing experience.”

In a hushed voice, I asked, “She told you about the abduction.”

“She did. Knowing her involvement with you and your family, I’m sure it would be futile to file a police report.”

“It would. You can rest assured I will handle it.”

Dr McElroy nodded. “I’m glad to hear it.”

He started to walk away, but I stopped him. “For your care of Isla and your discretion, I am in your debt. I will not forget you should you need me someday.”

His dark eyes widened. “Thank you,” he mumbled before he hurried away.

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