Page 41 of Cabin Fever

I missed her. What a fool I had been. I wanted to reach through the phone and pull her into a hug that never ended.

"But I searched everywhere for you before I left. No one had seen you. I thought you took my advice and flew to a Caribbean island. Why didn't you call me? Oh, no . . . Are you being held hostage?"

A tiny laugh broke through my tears. "No."

"Ollie."

"Fine. Gucci is for the nouveau riche."

Bea and I had come up with a code if we were ever abducted. If she was safe, her response would be "I'm bringing back scrunchies."

"Good. That makes me feel a little better. But it doesn't explain why you haven't called me."

How can I explain that to her when I don't fully understand it myself? "I was afraid. Has Dad disowned me yet?"

Bea groaned. "Of course not, but he wasn't happy when you disappeared. And it only made Derrick appear like the brave, wounded fiancé in his eyes. Dad's talking about promoting Derrick to take over Konrad's position."

Oh no. That can't happen. Derrick would be the third most powerful person at Love Foods if he took over my brother's job.

"You have to stop Dad from doing that, Bea. Derrick isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's the devil."

"Tell me something I don't know." I could hear Bea's snort and smiled.

I glanced up to see Dr. Ferguson coming back.

"I'll talk to you later about it. I have to go."

"At least tell me where you're staying. Is it at The Lodge?"

"No, it's in a cabin. A sheep farm."

"Sheep? You've been with sheep?"

"It's not like I sleep in the barn. I am sleeping in the cabin with the sheep farmer."

"Oh. Ooh! I get it. Getting a little farmer action. No wonder I hadn't heard from you."

"It's not like that. Bea, I really have to go. I'll call you tomorrow."

Just before I slid the end call button, I head Bea mention climbing a mountain. It was most likely a joke at my expense.

"Talk to your sister?" The vet slid back into his chair.

I handed over the phone. "Yes, thank you, Dr. Ferguson. I needed to speak with her."

"Glad I could help. And please, call me Tyler. I was hoping the food would be here by the time I came back. I love when that happens."

I nodded but turned my head toward the window, the realization that Derrick didn't need me to follow through on his plans left a knot in my stomach. I was a stepping stone and now that I was out of the way, he wormed his way into my father's heart.

I would look like that selfish, spoiled daughter and he would be the bright potential son-in-law my father never had.

"Here you go. Egg white omelet, whole wheat toast with peanut butter, and a fruit cup. Oh, and black coffee."

Fascination had my eyes admire the man about to consume the healthy meal.

"That's your usual?" I couldn't help the surprise in my voice.

He nodded, placing his paper napkin on his lap. "Yes. I know it's doesn't sound good, but I love it. It's better to eat some boring food so I can be healthy and have a chance at a long life, than constantly indulge, knowing life will only go downhill for me. Physically, I mean."

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