Page 34 of Midnight Between Us
My replacement should be arriving soon, but I don’t even know how long I’m supposed to be gone—or how long I’ll have to live with him in the meantime.
I head toward the nurses’ station, one hand tightening around the chart, ready to hand everything off and walk away clean.
Then, I stop short when I spot two tall figures leaning against the counter.I recognize them immediately.Atlas and Malerick Timberbridge.The sight of them knocks the breath clean out of my lungs.
This is bad.
Either something happened—or they know.
No.That’s impossible.
They can’t be here because I’m hiding their brother.That would be insane.
Malerick bought the story I gave him when I fed him when he wanted to know more about the wreckage.He believed me when I told him the guy we found was transferred to Boston, that it wasn’t our problem anymore—or his jurisdiction for that matter.I did my part, stabilize the patient, and sent him on his merry way to a hospital that was capable to treat someone in his condition.
I even made it look convincing.I showed him the transfer documents myself.Added enough fake logistics to make the story believable.
Then again, it’s the Timberbridge brothers.They’re relentless and always find a way to figure out shit.Maybe they don’t know he’s Keir, but ...what if.Fuck, this would be a great time to call someone to help me out of this mess.These two shouldn’t know about anything that’s happening.
I should’ve known they’d eventually come.This is why asking for backup is always a good idea.I just thought ...well, I told myself I’d have more time—weeks, maybe months.Enough to get Keir out of my care.Out of my clinic.Out of my sight.
Now these two ...I have enough Timberbridges to deal with.Well, it’s one, only one, but that’s plenty.
More than enough, actually.I not only have to deal with him, but I also have to care for him.Plus he’s asking questions he shouldn’t be asking with a voice that still feels like a wound I never treated properly.
Simone, calm down and just do what you do best.Divert and ...lie.I got this.This shouldn’t be hard, though.My grandparents believe many of the lies I told them.I don’t see why these two won’t.I square my shoulders and walk forward like I haven’t just had the breath knocked out of me three different ways in the last ten minutes.
“Simone,” Malerick says, greeting me with that no-nonsense tone that sounds like he’s the boss of everything—kind of the world and all.
I smile and look at Atlas.“Everything okay?Everly and Blythe?”Asking about his daughter and wife should distract him.I’m ready to see baby pictures and listen to milestones.
He doesn’t crack a smile.Atlas simply tilts his head.“Are you aware Keir’s missing?”
“Sorry,” I reply, cool and clipped.“I don’t keep up with your family affairs.Plus, we agreed you wouldn’t mention him in my presence.”
Neither one seems unmoved by my response.Oh, crap.I level my gaze at both.“Is there anything I can help you with, gentlemen?If not, I’m busy.”
Right on cue, the nurse approaches.“We’re ready to transport Mr.Doe,” she says, then heads down the hall toward Keir’s room.
Malerick steps closer.“I need to see my brother.In fact—we’re taking him home.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”I slide the file I’m holding into its slot, careful not to slam it.“If that’s all, I have a patient to?—”
“John Doe,” Atlas cuts in then serves me with a knowing smirk.“You’re taking him home, aren’t you?I thought you didn’t want him near you—like ever.”
“There’s something called HIPPA,” I say.“Unless somebody’s life is in danger, I don’t have anything to disclose to either one of you.”
“John Doe is Keir,” Atlas states.
“Really?”I cross my arms.“You’re here to tell me you’re delusional?”
“I don’t understand why you’re taking care of him,” Atlas continues.“You and I both know that if given the chance, you’d smother him in his sleep.”
I open my mouth.Close it.Because he’s not wrong—and also because I can’t confirm Keir is here.
“Who are you working for?”Malerick asks.
My spine stiffens.“Excuse me?I own part of this clinic.If you two are done with this nonsense, please leave, or I’ll have you removed.”
