Page 34 of Mistaken Intention

“You, or him?”

“Both of us. He says he wants to see her.”

“Your sister?”

“Yes. But I—I can’t. I can’t do it, Orla.”

She rests her hand, just briefly, on my arm. “Hey… it’s okay. I’ll handle it.”

“Thanks… and there’s something else.”

“What’s that?”

“Lexi’s father. He should probably be told what’s happened.”

“I didn’t realize there was a father.”

I nod my head. “Hmm… they haven’t spoken for a while, but it seems only fair.”

“You don’t wanna tell him yourself?”

“No.” My answer is quick, my voice louder than I’d expected, and she raises her eyebrows. “No… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Her phone is still with her belongings. I’ll find his details and call him.”

I turn around, closing my eyes and tipping my head back, letting out a long breath. I’m exhausted. My back and legs are aching, and my feet are killing me, but I can’t go home… not yet.

I open my eyes, tilting my head forward again, just as Hunter Bennett comes in through the doors. His shoulders are hunched, and he’s staring down at the floor as he walks toward me.

“Are you okay?” I ask and he looks up, his eyes dark with worry.

“Ask me later, when my brother can remember who I am.”

I want to tell him that may be some time away yet, but I don’t get the chance. Doctor Sweeney steps out of the elevator and strides over, frowning. He’s in his mid-fifties, with an attractive face and dark brown hair. As usual, he’s wearing a white coat over the top of his pants and shirt, along with that cloak of superiority that shrouds him wherever he goes. He’s good at what he does, which makes him popular within the hospital, but his arrogance is less of a hit, and I have to admit, I’ve never really enjoyed working with him.

“What are you doing here, Nurse Emerson? I should be at home myself by now, but I thought your shift finished hours ago.”

“It did.”

“She’s been helping,” Hunter says, stepping forward, and Doctor Sweeney looks up at him quizzically. “In fact, she’s been invaluable.”

“Who are you?”

Hunter’s brow furrows. “I’m Hunter Bennett. Drew Bennett’s brother.”

“I see. Do you want to come in?” Hunter doesn’t move, but turns to me and I look up at the doctor, suddenly realizing that he’s addressing me. “There’s a very good chance this patient will be transferred to our department, which means he’ll probablybe under your care as of tomorrow, so it might be useful if you were involved from the start. It’ll save time.”

I have to agree, and I nod my head. Even if I am exhausted, I don’t care… not if I can spend some more time with Drew. Not if I can look after him.

We turn toward his room, Hunter following, but Doctor Sweeney looks up at him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Bennett, but my understanding is that your brother has no memory of you.”

“That’s correct.”

“In which case, your presence is only going to confuse him at this stage. It’ll possibly upset him, too.”

Hunter takes a half step back, his face betraying his concern. “What should I do? Wait out here?”

Doctor Sweeney shakes his head. “To be honest, you’ll be better off at home. Your brother’s in safe hands.”

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