Page 103 of Deadly Designs

“No problem. Let me know if you need anything, and Ihope you feel better. See you soon.”

Christian disconnected. “One more call,” he told thenurse as he went through the COBRA Securities menu again and rangKayne’s cell.

“Serruto.”

“It’s Christian. Is Aja Blue with you?”

“No, she wanted to stay by your side.”

He knew for sure she wouldn’t leave without at leasta goodbye. “I need you to get here as soon as possible.”

“We were already headed that way, so we’re almostthere.”

Thank God. He handed the phone back to the nurse.“Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll be back to check on you soon.”

“Okay.”But I won’t be here.

He waited for her to leave, but she puttered aroundthe room. His leg bobbed from wanting to get up. Finally, shewandered out the door.

He started to get out of bed but a piece of papercaught his attention. He used the arm not wired to machines to pickit up. Oh, God, it was a Dear Christian letter . . . no, wait,that’s just how she’d started it.

Dear Christian,

I should be back before you read this, but if not, Ihope you are well-rested and your head feels better. I hated toleave you, but Christian, Polly called! She’s here in Virginia. Shesaid she left Dirk, so I went to see her. I’ll bring her back soyou can meet her.

See you soon, my love.

Aja Blue

PS: I borrowed your phone, so I’ll call your room ifI’m running late.’

He had no idea what time she left or how soon Tylernoticed the phone on the move. She might be on her way back now,but he wasn’t taking chances. He didn’t trust Dirk Haines, and ifPolly was around, Christian figured Dirk wouldn’t be far behind. Hedidn’t want Aja Blue anywhere near the man.

Christian ripped the needles from his arm. Thebandage around his head was next. His vision blurred, and he swayedwhen he swung out of bed.

His door burst open. “Mr. Zamora, what do you thinkyou’re doing?”

“I’m checking myself out.”

“You can’t do that,” the nurse fretted. “I’ll callsecurity.”

“They’ll have to shoot me to stop me.”

He was hampered by not having his clothes or weapon,but he had his shoes. He tied the gown tighter and ignored thedouble vision that made walking a challenge.

“How do I get to the lobby?”

“Mr. Zamora, I am advising against you leaving.”

He spun around and almost threw up as his head swam.“Noted. I appreciate your attempts to stop me, but I am going.”

The nurse clenched her jaw and then nodded. “Followme.”

She led him to the lobby and ignored his thanks. Assoon as he stepped outside, an SUV swung to a screeching stop.Kayne had almost taken out a garbage can. Christian opened the doorand climbed in. His stomach was revolting; his head was pounding asthe drugs wore off, but he didn’t care about anything exceptgetting to Aja Blue as quickly as possible.

“What’s happening?” Presley asked.

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