Audrey opened her mouth to reply, but the doctor held up a hand. David, Audrey, take your discussion outside, please. This is upsetting to the patient.
No, wait, John was quick to say. The sheriffs right. The best place for me is somewhere I wont pose a threat to innocent bystanders. Or a pretty deputy sheriff.
Audreys eyebrows pinched together as she turned her baby blues on him. You wont be comfortable there. Youre recovering from a nearly fatal head wound, not to mention nearly drowning and freezing to death in the ocean.
Better Im uncomfortable than anyone getting hurt.
Her gaze narrowed. Thats very self-sacrificing.
Or very self-serving, John countered. I have no desire to die. If being locked up keeps me alive until my memory returns, then so be it.
Thats settled, the sheriff intoned. Carol, when youre ready to release Mr. Doe, Ill take him to the sheriffs station.
Carols gaze darkened with concern. If youre sure.
I am, the sheriff confirmed. Its best for everyone this way.
Audrey made a distinct harrumph noise but didnt comment.
Ill have the nurse bring our patients clothing while I process his discharge papers, the doctor told them. Hell need careful monitoring to make sure his concussion doesnt worsen. If he loses consciousness again or throws up or complains of dizziness, call me right away.
We will. The sheriff held the door open for the doctor. Ill be outside, he said to Audrey before he followed the doctor out of the room.
That went well, Audrey said on a huff. She offered him a stiff smile. Sorry you had to witness that little drama.
What was that about? he asked. Are you new to the job? That had to play into the dynamics between the deputy and sheriff.
She lifted her chin. Sort of. I did a year on patrol in Bangor before returning home to Calico Bay.
And how long ago did you return?
Less than a year.
Okay. She was inexperienced. The sheriff was being cautious on many levels. John could appreciate that. Hed be the same if he had a fairly new recruit under him.
The thought stopped him. Recruit? What did that mean? Was he in law enforcement? Or was the thought just a random scenario that had nothing to do with his life prior to waking up in the hospital?
The throbbing in his head intensified. His stomach cramped.
Hey, you better lie down, Audrey said, moving quickly to his side. Youre not looking so good.
Headache, he said as he scooted back to rest his head on the pillow. I dont remember the last time I had food.
You dont want the hospitals grub, Audrey warned. She withdrew a protein bar from the side pocket of her pants. This will tide you over until we can get you some real food.
Grateful for the snack, he took the bar, ripped open the top and consumed it in three bites and washed it down with another glass of water. The bar hit his stomach with a thud, but it stopped the cramping. Thanks.
Youre welcome, she said. She rested her hands on her utility belt. What kind of seafood do you like? Its the season for crab and monkfish now. But mussels are available, as are scallops.
His mouth watered at the thought of some good seafood, but no memory surfaced to support the visceral reaction. Any of that sounds delicious. Youre related to the doctor.
A wry smile curved her lips. Caught that, did you? Shes my mom, and the sheriffs my great-uncle.
Good to know.
She shrugged. You were bound to find out eventually.
Im not judging. You get flack for being related?
Some. But mostly there are those in town who dont think a woman should be on duty. The world is slow to change here in Calico Bay.
He could imagine that was hard for her. She struck him as independent and capable with a soft side that she kept close to the vest. You said you returned here?
Born and raised until I went to college and the police academy.
He admired her commitment to her roots. Did he have roots? He searched his brain until the pain made him back off.
A brunette dressed in scrubs entered the room carrying two bags. Your clothes. She set the bags on the end of the bed. Hello, Audrey.
Morning, Sarah. Hows Rich?
Sarahs face softened. Hes good. Hell be four next week.
Wow. I hadnt realized. A curious sadness entered Audreys eyes. Ill stop by to wish him happy birthday.
Hed like that. Thank you. Sarah turned to John, her green eyes sharpening with attentiveness. Do you need help dressing?
No. I can manage on my own.
Disappointment shot through Sarahs gaze. Call me if you need anything.
Thanks. He was glad when she exited. He met the deputys gaze. She didnt look pleased. Whats Sarahs story?
Shes a widow, if thats what youre asking, Audrey replied in a tense voice.
Okay, it wasnt. Im more interested in why you looked so sad when you were talking about Rich, who I assume is her son.
Surprise flashed in Audreys eyes. Oh. Yes, Rich is her little boy. Hes such a sweetie. That sadness was back. Ben, Sarahs husband, worked on a fishing boat. About two years ago there was an accident, and he was killed.
Sympathy twisted in his gut. Thats too bad. Ive watched those fishing reality shows, and that life seems brutal.
Audreys eyebrows hiked up and anticipation blossomed in her gaze, no doubt hoping his memories were returning. You remember the show?
He cocked his head, groping his mind for information. Yes, sort of. I know Ive seen it, but I cant recall where or when. And it was so maddening. He wanted to howl with frustration.
Give it time, she said as the light in her eyes turned slightly to disappointment. You heard my mom. Bits and pieces.
Right. He had a feeling patience wasnt a strong suit of his, but he really didnt know. He opened one of the bags and glanced inside. A pile of dark material pooled in the bottom. Then he looked at the pretty deputy and arched an eyebrow.
Ill wait outside. Audreys cheeks pinkened as she walked out.
* * *
Audrey hesitated outside John Does hospital room door and tried to calm the flutter in her stomach. So many thoughts and feelings were swirling through her at the moment. Empathy for John Doe. She couldnt imagine losing her memories of her father, her childhood, her life. She could only imagine how bleak and desperate the man must be feeling. Not to mention the pain that seemed to hit him every time he tried to remember.
Then there was the embarrassment of having her mother and John witness the acrimony between her and her great-uncle. She usually did a better job of refraining from showing her emotions in public.
She could only attribute her lack of control to the strange and forceful reactions that flared within her the moment John awoke. Beyond empathy, she felt an intense protectiveness, which had manifested in her strong defense of him. A part of her knew it was logical for the sheriff to take the man into custody, but putting him behind bars without any proof of wrongdoing didnt sit well with her sense of justice.
Hopefully John would soon regain his memories and they could figure out the truth behind what, who and why someone was trying to kill him.
* * *
Left alone, John withdrew his clothes and boots from the bags and stared at them for a long moment. He didnt remember putting these on. Why was he dressed all in black? For nefarious purposes?
He was thankful the garments were dry as he quickly donned the cargo pants, turtleneck and socks but struggled with the boots. Finally, giving up, he padded to the door and stuck his head out. Audrey and her great-uncle stood near the nurses station. The brunette noticed him first and hurried toward him. He tried not to grimace as he held up his hand. Can you ask Deputy Martin to come here?
Nurse Sarah pursed her lips, clearly miffed by his request for someone other than her. Sure. She walked back to the desk and spoke to Audrey, who nodded and headed his way.
You need me?
He did. For reasons he couldnt explain she grounded him, anchored him to the moment. When he looked at her, thought about her, he only felt peace, comfort. Strange, considering shed said theyd only just met. Again that niggling feeing she was keeping a secret from him itched, demanding to be scratched. He let it go, confident hed get her to open up and tell him. Where that confidence came from, he didnt know. I need help with the boots. Bending over to undo the laces is more than I can take right now.
One honey-blond eyebrow arched. All right.
She crouched and undid the laces on the right boot and held it out for him to slip his foot into. He watched as her slender and capable hands quickly cinched up the laces and tied the boot snugly.
After the left boot was on, he stood. The world tilted.
He swayed. Audrey wrapped an arm around his waist and drew him close to her side. If he werent feeling a bit woozy, hed have leaned in for a kiss.
He frowned at the thought. Okay, he found Audrey attractive and had some strange connection to her that he didnt understand, but hed better keep his emotions in check. He could be married. And he doubted the deputy would appreciate him taking advantage of the situation.
Was he a man that took advantage? He prayed not. Which led to another questionwas he a man that prayed?
He hated not knowing who he was.
Some part of his brain said to let go of the past and become who he wanted to be for the future. But that wasnt really a possibility. Not when there was someone out there willing to hurt other people to end his life.
He knew deep inside, with a certainty he couldnt deny, he had a responsibility to uncover the truth and to protect those around him.
But he dreaded what the cost would be. He hoped and prayed it wouldnt be the life of the deputy at his side.