Page 3 of Lethal Game

Wexford University Medical Center had been Alisa Hunt's second home since she'd started working there as a nurse three years ago, but today was different because the patient in front of her was her mother. Her mom had been plagued by a mysterious illness that had begun a week ago and had taken a turn for the worse on Monday when her father had brought her into the ER just after seven a.m. It was now Wednesday, and her mother was doing better after forty-eight hours of IV fluids. She was looking much more like her old self, albeit a tired, paler version of that self.

She sat down on the side of the bed, giving her mom a smile. "You're doing good today."

"I feel better, Alisa. I'm ready to go home."

"Probably tomorrow," she said, knowing Dr. Grayson was still concerned they hadn't found a diagnosis for her mother's condition. "Where's Dad?"

Her mother averted her gaze, picking at a loose thread on the blanket covering her legs.

"Mom?" she questioned in concern.

She hadn't seen her father since yesterday when he'd gone home for a break. His continued absence concerned her.

"Your father had to go somewhere for a day or two," her mother said finally, giving her a tired look. "His friend is ill, and now that I'm feeling better, I told him he should go and say his goodbyes. It might be his only chance."

"Who are you talking about?" she asked in surprise.

"Greg. Greg Palmer," she said. "He was a childhood friend of your father's."

"I've never heard that name."

"I'm sure you have at some point. He and your father grew up on the same block."

"Dad told me he doesn’t talk to anyone from his childhood, and he surely hasn't seen this guy in years. Why would he leave now while you're in the hospital?"

"I told you. Greg is very sick, and your dad has something he needs to say to him. He'll be back soon."

"How soon? Tonight? Tomorrow?"

"I don't know," her mother said, irritation moving through her brown eyes. "Please, just let it be, Alisa. It doesn't bother me, so it shouldn't bother you. I'm doing well. Dr. Grayson said it's amazing how quickly I've recovered. You need to stop worrying about me."

Her mother had certainly gotten better in the two days she'd been in the hospital. There was more color in her cheeks, although her brown hair had thinned and grayed in the past week. She'd been feeling off for a while, before things had gotten bad enough for her to come to the hospital. She should be grateful her mom was getting back to normal, but the lack of a clear diagnosis troubled her.

"Why don't you go home, Alisa? You must be tired afterworking all day. Or better yet, why don't you call Tim and go to dinner with him, take a break from all this?"

"Tim is obsessed with his fantasy football league." She felt disheartened that the guy she'd been seeing for the past month hadn't been able to come to the hospital the last two days. If the situation were reversed, she would have made time for him. "I'll just sit with you for a while."

Her mother shook her head. "You've been with me every minute you can spare since I got here, and for a week before that. I don't need you by my bedside anymore. I'm okay."

"I am glad you're better. I just wish Dad was here to stay with you. I don't want to leave you alone. I'm going to call him."

"No," her mother said with more force in her voice than she'd shown in days. "Your father will be back as soon as he can. I don't want you to pressure him."

"I don't understand."

"You don't have to understand, because I do."

As their gazes clung together, Alisa was reminded of other moments when she'd questioned something and had been met with the same stubborn glint in her mother's eyes. But she didn't need to add stress by arguing with her. If she was okay with it, then she'd have to get on board. But she still might give her father a call. She'd see how her mother did tonight. Glancing at her watch, she realized it was almost six. "You should get your dinner soon," she said. "I can help you with that."

"I feel strong enough to eat on my own, not that I'm at all hungry."

"That's why you need someone to encourage you."

Her mother gave her a small smile. "All your nursing friends have taken excellent care of me. Go home. And don't worry about me being alone. Henry is going to stop by to visit. It's all good. I wish you could believe that."

"I'm trying. You just gave me a big scare."

"I know. And you're a wonderful daughter. But I'm all right."

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