Page 72 of Dark ’N’ Deadly

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Hope.

That was the unfamiliar concept blooming in Tess’s head with the beauty and brilliance of a bright summer flower.

She stepped briskly into the empty hospital elevator and pushed the button for Jesse’s floor. The rose crystal hanging between her breasts radiated warmth and positive energy, filling her with such overwhelming optimism she couldn’t stop smiling.

It had nothing to do with a crystal. Any of her crystals. It came from Eric and the wonderful feeling he evoked in her: love.

The elevator jerked to a stop and the doors opened. She strode into the brightly lit corridor, confident that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. For the first time since leaving Alabama, she truly believed happiness could finally be hers.

Earlier that morning, when she and Eric had been making love in the shower, she hadn’t quite believed it was possible. When he said he wanted her and Jesse to stay with him, the possibility had taken root and dug in deep.

True, he hadn’t said he loved her, but with his adamant aversion to romantic entanglements, this was a huge step for him. For her, too. His fondness for Jesse was the icing on the cake. It was obvious he cared for her brother, and Jesse had formed an instant respect for him. Since her brother wouldn’t have a criminal record after all, perhaps Eric could guide him into a law enforcement career, maybe even to a K-9 unit.

But a relationship with Eric could never be founded on lies.

As she neared Jesse’s room, she stepped lighter and walked faster, eager to talk with him about her decision.

I’m going to tell Eric everything. Today.

He would understand; she was sure of it. Whatever was happening between them was too real, too elemental. Eric was a good man, an honorable, courageous one who would understand from personal experience the horrors she’d been up against. Now, she was more certain of that than ever.

As per hospital rules, she dug into her bag and powered off her cell phone. She pushed open the door, smiling with all the joy bubbling inside her.

“Jesse,” she said, walking into the room.

The bed was empty. Fresh linens lay draped over the railing.

She looked around the room to the rolling metal table, windowsill, and bedside table. Her brother’s personal belongings were gone.

The door opened and a nurse Tess had become accustomed to seeing came in, looking surprised. “Hello.” The nurse raised her brows. “Did you forget something?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Where’s my brother?”

The nurse grabbed the chart at the foot of the bed, unclipping the sheets of paper. “I assumed you knew. He left several hours ago.”

“Left?” Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. “What do you mean? He was supposed to stay here another night.”

The nurse hooked the empty chart on the foot rail. “His father came to take him home. He assured us your brother would get all the bed rest he needed.”

His father?

Tess’s vision clouded and her heart began tripping so fast she could barely draw in a breath. It can’t be. Please, no.

“What did this man—his father—look like?” she whispered.

“Don’t you know? About six feet tall. Gray hair. Well dressed.” The nurse unfolded a white blanket. “He had the most charming southern accent.”

Tess spun and yanked open the door.

“Is everything all right?” she heard the nurse ask.

No. Everything’s not all right.

She ran to the elevator and pounded on the down button. Her body began to shake uncontrollably, and she wrapped her arms around her stomach.

This can’t be happening. But it was. God, how many times had she said that to herself over the last week?