Page 10 of Protecting his Secrets

Nick’s chest eased with the news. “Thanks. As much as he drives me insane with what he writes, I’m glad he’s okay.” He exhaled. “Has Andrew told you his plan?”

“What plan?”

“He’s inviting Malachi for a meeting once he’s better.”

Brett rubbed a hand over his face. “Wonderful.” His tone implied it was anything but.

“He’s hoping he can change his thoughts on the royal family.”

“Doesn’t surprise me that he’d try.” Brett clapped him on the shoulder. “Go home. Get some rest. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

As Nick headed out, images of things that had happened merged with things that could’ve happened, and when he arrived home, he dropped into bed without getting undressed. Curling onto his side, he closed his eyes against the torrent hitting him. His stomach cramped as he remembered his sister, Eliza, in the aftermath of her attempted rape. The same sense of helplessness he felt then was back with him. As much as he wanted to physically check on Malachi himself, he knew it wouldn’t help. When Malachi realised what had almost happened to him, he possibly wouldn’t want anyone he didn’t know near him.

Nick would have to wait until Malachi accepted the king’s offer. Because he would. Who couldn’t resist the lure of something they wanted when it was handed to them on a plate?

****

Chapter 4

Malachi

Waking up in the hospital was a scary thing. Especially when Malachi couldn’t remember why he’d ended up there. He lay still in the bed as cool air drifted over him from the air conditioning and tried to recall anything after arriving at the event. He couldn’t.

His mother and grandmother chatted between themselves after having checked on him and made sure he was feeling as good as could be expected. The doctor would be in to see him soon, and he wanted to ask a few questions. His mother, Emily, had explained that he’d been found in a room, delirious, and had asked him if he’d taken any drugs. Malachi had frowned at her and growled, “No!” She seemed placated, but his grandmother had narrowed her eyes on him. After that, he hadn’t wanted to talk, and he’d closed his eyes, trying to recall anything, but other than the powerful scent of flowers, he couldn’t remember anything. It was terrifying and made the headache much worse, so he stopped.

The doctor finally bustled in, and Malachi opened his eyes.

“Good morning, Mr Sanders. I’m glad to see you’re awake. I’m Dr Andrews. Can you tell me how you’re feeling?”

Malachi cleared his throat and tried to figure out the answer. “Um, I feel a little sick, and my head hurts. I can’t remember why I’m here, to be honest.” The doctor shared a look with Malachi’s mother, and he bristled a little. “What happened to me?”

The doctor glanced at Malachi’s mother again, and Emily scooted closer. “Sweetheart, someone drugged you and took you into a room.” Her voice caught, and she blinked back tears, but Malachi shook his head.

“I… What?” His breathing increased as he stared at the three of them. “I was drugged? When? How? I don’t remember!”

“It’s okay, Mr Sanders. You’re fine now, and your body is clearing itself from the effects. Nothing happened to you while you were drugged. You had a saviour that night, that’s for sure.” The doctor chuckled, as if the words should’ve reassured Malachi.

They didn’t.

His gaze darted around the room as he tried to remember, his head driving spikes into his brain. “I don’t…” He rubbed his head. “How?”

“We’re not sure exactly,” the doctor said, “but the police are here and would like to talk to you. Are you up for a visit?”

“I really don’t think now is a good time,” his grandmother said. “He needs to rest.”

“I understand that more than anyone, Mrs Hopkins, but the sooner they get information from your grandson, the quicker they can investigate. I’ll give you something for your head as well.” He bustled around while Malachi tried to collect his scattered thoughts.

“I don’t remember anything,” Malachi protested.

“It won’t take long, Mr Sanders,” the doctor persisted.

Malachi sighed. “Okay.” He didn’t want to talk to them, but if it would get them off his back, he would.

Dr Andrews smiled and went to the door, speaking to someone outside before gesturing for them to enter. Malachi knew the Police Commissioner, but why was he was the one to be there?

“Mr Sanders, I’m Commissioner Thomas. I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, but we have a few questions for you, if that’s okay?”

“It’s Malachi. I’m not sure how much help I’ll be because I don’t remember much.” Commissioner Thomas glanced at Malachi’s mum and grandma, and Malachi shifted on the bed. “Mum, you and Grandma can take a break now,” he said.

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