Page 32 of Mistaken Intention

“I can talk to him, if you like.”

“Would you? It seems unfair to just leave the poor guy sitting there.”

I couldn’t agree more, and I turn away, wandering over to the seats. The man is looking up now and I wonder if he witnessed Hunter and Livia’s departure, maybe recognized Maisie, or heard her name.

“Mr. Ortega?” He focuses on me and nods his head, getting to his feet. He’s tall… around the same height as Drew and has an athletic build. His tanned features are worn with worry, and his dark brown eyes are filled with sadness.

“Yes. I’m waiting for the doctor.” There’s only a trace of a Spanish accent in his deep voice, and I can understand straight away what Lexi would have seen in him. He’s lovely.

“I know. Unfortunately, there have been some complications… and another emergency.” I step away, pointingto the relatives’ room. “Would you like to come with me? We can talk in here. It’s quieter.”And I have things to say I don’t want anyone else to overhear.

He nods his head, and I lead the way, opening the door and stepping inside. He follows and I close the door behind me, offering him a seat, which he takes. I sit beside him and he turns to face me, tilting his head. I’d already decided to come clean with him, but even if I hadn’t, the look in his eyes is enough to make me want to. He needs to know the truth.

“My name is Josie, Mr. Ortega. I’m Lexi’s sister.”

His mouth drops open, his eyes widening. “Y—You’re Josie?”

“Yes.”

He glances at my uniform, and then at the door. “You were here when she was brought in?”

“No. I don’t work in this department.” I cough, gathering myself together. “Have you been told what happened?”

He nods his head. “Yes. The woman who called me said Lexi had been killed in a car accident.” He brushes his fingers back through his dark hair, messing it up. “I—I can’t believe this is happening.”

“I know. It’s a lot to take in.”

“It is for you, too.” I can’t deny that. “D—Did she tell you about us?”

“Yes, she did.”

“I know we hadn’t been together for every long, but Lexi was… she was everything…” He stops talking, his voice catching, and he takes a moment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s fine, honestly.”

“I—I saw her baby, just now.”

“Yes.”

“She’s okay, isn’t she?”

“Yes. Not a scratch on her.”

“The man and woman who took Maisie away… are they related to her father?”

“Yes. They’re going to look after her for the time being.”

“Is he…? Drew Bennett, I mean… is he…?”

“He survived the crash, but as I said just now, there are complications.”

“He’s gonna be okay, though?” I can hear the worry in his voice and it makes me want to cry.

“He’ll be fine.”He has to be.

He sighs out his relief. “I wish I’d done things differently, you know?”

“In what way?”

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