Page 31 of Mistaken Intention

“Yes, but it’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Maisie opens her eyes, looking straight up at him, and immediately starts crying. “Oh, hell.”

“Shall I take her?” I offer.

“I’d love to say ‘yes’ to that, but I think it’ll be more sensible if we get her home. It’s not practical for you to stay here and look after her indefinitely. God knows when Drew’s going to remember who he is, or that he’s got a daughter, and Maisie needs to be somewhere she can be cared for properly.” He looks over at Livia. “Can you take her?”

She sucks in a breath and nods her head. “Of course I can.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I hate asking you to do this by yourself, but I need to stay here with Drew.”

She reaches out, her hand on his bicep, looking up into his eyes. “It’s okay. I understand.”

She takes Maisie from him, cradling her in her arms. “I know it’s a longer drive, but take her back to Newport,” he says. “The apartment is impractical, and you’ll have help down there. I’ll call Pat and get her and Mick to move Maisie’s things from the cottage into the main house.”

“Mac will help, won’t he?”

“I’m sure he will, and I’ll ask Pat to get in some supplies… some formula and bottles, and diapers. I’m sure Drew hasclothes for Maisie, but if not, we’ll get some.” He rests his hand on his niece’s head. “Heaven knows how long we’re gonna be looking after this little one.”

Livia looks like she’s about to burst into tears, her eyes glistening and almost brimming over, although she suddenly bites on her bottom lip, looking up at her husband.

“I don’t have a car seat for her.”

I step forward. “There was one at the nurse’s station. I’m guessing that’s hers.”

Hunter nods his head, and we all wander back in that direction. I notice a man sitting in the seats opposite, his dark head bent, although I can make out his handsome, tanned features well enough. He looks dejected, his shoulders sagging, his hands resting on his knees, but I don’t stop. Instead, I go behind the desk, picking up the car seat. Orla’s typing on the computer and she looks up at me.

“This belongs to the Bennett baby, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

I nod my head and take it back to Hunter, handing it over to him. “Thanks,” he says with a smile. He turns to his wife. “I’ll come out with you and fit this, and once you’ve gone, I’ll call Ella and let her know what’s going on with Drew. She’ll kill me if I don’t keep her updated… and then I’ll speak to Pat.”

“Okay.” She smiles up at him. “I’m glad we drove here in my car. I wouldn’t have relished the prospect of driving back to Newport in yours.” He caresses her cheek with his fingertips, and then turns to me.

“I’ll be back in a minute. Will you still be here?”

“I can hang on, if you want.”

“Would you mind? It’s just, as Neurotrauma is your thing, it would be good to have someone around who can help me understand what’s going on.”

“That’s fine.”

He nods his head, smiling his thanks, and accompanies Livia to the main doors, his hand in the small of her back, their heads bent together. I turn to find Orla looking up at me.

“Can I assume Mr. Bennett’s family don’t know who you are, either?”

“You can.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

Not one I’m going to explain. “It’s a long story.” I lean over the desk, so I can whisper, “Is the guy behind me Manuel Ortega?”

“Yes, he is. How did you know?”

Because he looks Spanish and like he’d be very at home in front of a camera. “Call it a lucky guess.”

She nods. “He’s only been here for about ten minutes. God knows how long he’ll be waiting for Doctor Walters, though. We’ve just been notified of another serious RTA. We’re expecting five major casualties and several minors.”

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