Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 164838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 824(@200wpm)___ 659(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
“Can I help you, officers?” I pinned a polite smile on my lips as I swung my door wide and employed every trick I’d ever been taught to hide my true feelings. I’d gotten enough practice delivering bad news in the waiting room. I’d learned how to block myself as a person and become nothing more than the stoic, compassionate doctor my patients needed.
I didn’t move a muscle as the two officers, one man with receding brown hair and one with a beer belly, returned my smile and rested their hands on their hips. The bulk of their tool belts full of weapons and walkie-talkies made my mouth go dry.
“Do you know your neighbour Sailor Rose?” the balding one asked.
“Of course. Our grandparents were best friends. We’ve grown up together.”
“Oh, so you know her well?” Beer Belly perked up.
“I wouldn’t say that. We’re acquaintances. Why, did something happen?”
Be cool. Be cool.
“Did you see a strange man drop a cell phone into her letterbox, either yesterday or today?”
I shrugged with as much innocence as possible. “I’m sorry, no. I work at the local hospital, and my shifts are long. I didn’t get home until nine thirty last night and slept in for my shift later tonight.” I grinned. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time to do much else than work these days.”
The older one smiled. “I’m aware of how hard you work. I’ve seen you in the ER. You’re a great doctor. Always go above and beyond on the cases we bring in.”
True appreciation made me stand a little straighter. “That means a lot. Thanks.”
It would truly suck if this nice blue-collar worker arrested me.
They didn’t speak for a while. My heart rate went berserk. Finally, Beer Belly said, “Well, if you see anyone who doesn’t belong in the neighbourhood, please give us a call.” He passed me a business card.
I took it with a frown. “Is Sailor okay? Did something happen?”
“Oh, nothing to worry about. Have a good day, Dr North.”
I ignored the worrying pinch that they knew my name and did my best to convince myself it was because they knew me from the hospital. I’d even patched up a few of their fellow officers when arrests and callouts went bad.
They definitely didn’t know my name because I’d bought a phone and pretended to be a masked vigilante desperately trying to get the damsel to talk to him.
“You too.” I nodded. Retreating inside, I closed the door and watched them climb into their cruiser and drive away. The second they were gone, I took the stairs two at a time and sprinted to my bedroom window.
Sailor’s bedroom was empty, just like it had been for a few days now. A glimpse of her in Melody’s room—that’d been stripped of furniture and had gotten a new lick of paint—hinted she’d finally decided to claim the house as hers.
She balanced at the top of a ladder, adding paint to the corners of the ceiling.
My heart rate calmed a little.
At least she was okay.
At least my attempt at helping her hadn’t backfired and made her worse.
Fuck.
This was a good thing. A great thing. She’d called the police because she was smart. She’d let them take the cell phone away, which meant I was safe from doing anything else immensely wrong.
She’d be okay without me.
She’d heal on her own.
After all, I’d already proven I had no experience with heart-to-hearts. I’d barely been able to keep my identity hidden on the first volley of messages.
I’d had to lie within the first few texts by telling her I saw her in the ambulance, which actually…wasn’t totally a lie. I’d seen her in the ambulance, just being unloaded at the hospital, not loaded in the street.
But that’s beside the point.
I’d stepped over a line.
And now that line had been reinforced.
I would forget all about my attempt at helping and leave her the hell alone.
* * * * *
“Fancy coming over for a beer tonight?” Colin asked, throwing me a look as we both took a twenty-minute break for lunch three days later in his office.
Finishing my chicken wrap, I tossed the wrapper into the trash and took a swig of sparkling water. “That could work. I was supposed to come in tomorrow, but the planned surgery has been pushed back.”
“Good, it’s a date.” He finished his sesame beef salad and closed the container. “You’re looking a bit more haggard than usual. Anything I should know about?”
Screwing on the bottle cap, I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Said like a guilty criminal.”
I smirked. “Guilty? What am I guilty of?”
“Oh, I dunno. Perving on your hot little neighbour?”
I dropped my bottle. Thank God the cap was on; otherwise, I’d be wearing most of it.
Colin burst out laughing. “No comment, hey? You’ve finally given in to your dirty little habit. Have you asked her out yet? Remember my threat? If you don’t do it, I’ll do it for you.”