Page 44 of Mistaken Intention

He frowns, looking from me to Hunter, like we’re mad.

“It’s okay,” Hunter says. “I get how confusing this must be for you, but you don’t need to be scared about who I am, or about coming home. Your house is separate from the main building. You won’t have to see me – or anyone else – if you don’t want to.” He glances at me, then looks back at Drew. “I’d have said you could go to your apartment, but that’s never really been your home…”

“I have an apartment, as well as this house you’re talking about?”

“Yes. It’s here in the city, but it’s not practical for your needs right now. It’s not that big, and if Josie’s going to stay with you and help you, then you’ll be better off at the house. She can have her own room there, and you can walk in the grounds and use the pool…”

“There’s a pool?” Drew shakes his head. “Am I rich, or something?”

Doctor Sweeney steps forward again, clearing his throat. “That’ll do for now, Mr. Bennett. You’ve already given him more than enough information.” He looks down at Drew and I get tomy feet. “Are you happy to go home? We can’t force you, but I think it’ll help your recovery.”

Drew pauses for a moment, looking from him to Hunter and then to me. “I guess. As long as Josie’s with me. I mean… what choice do I have?”

That seems to be all the answer the doctor needs, and he turns toward the door, although Hunter hesitates. He glances at me, the pain in his eyes asking the silent question; is he doing the right thing? I nod my head and he moves away, following the doctor from the room.

“Don’t go yet,” Drew says, grabbing my hand and holding on to it.

“I won’t be long. I just need to make the arrangements.”

“Please wait.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I—I wanted to apologize.”

“What for?”

“Because I think I just came across as very ungrateful. I’m sure you’re all putting yourselves out for me, and I didn’t mean to sound so unappreciative. It’s just that, if I’m being honest, I’m even more frightened than I was before.”

I kneel down again, a little closer than I was before, our locked hands between us, and I look up into his eyes. “That’s understandable, but you have nothing to fear, Drew. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“I know, but… who is that guy?”

“Exactly who he said he is.”

“That’s ludicrous. How can I have a brother and not know him?”

“Try not to think about it.”

“That’s easier said than done.” I go to get up, but he keeps a firm grip on my hand, pulling me back down again. “I meantwhat I said, Josie… about being okay with this, as long as you’re with me.”

“Good.” I smile and he smiles back, although I can still feel his uneasiness as I get to my feet. “I need to arrange your medication and deal with all the discharge papers, which shouldn’t take too long. Why don’t you pack your things and get ready to leave?”

“Okay.” He nods his head, releasing my hand, and I turn away, heading for the door, although when I open it and glance back, he’s still sitting in the chair, staring at me.

“It’ll be okay, Drew. I promise.”

He smiles, and I go out into the hall, surprised to find Doctor Sweeney and Hunter are still out here, their heads bent together in conversation.

Hunter sees me and steps back slightly, shaking the doctor’s hand before he turns to me, Doctor Sweeney heading for the nurse’s station.

We wait until we’re completely alone and he looks down at me, worry furrowed on his brow.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asks.

“Of course. I’m a little intrigued by how you got Doctor Sweeney to agree to keep my job open indefinitely, but…”

He shakes his head. “Money talks, as ever. After I offered to make a very generous donation to his department, I think I could have asked for his first-born child, if I’d been so inclined.” I laugh and he joins in, just briefly, although the clouds quickly return to his eyes. “I’ve just been talking to him about my sister.”

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