Page 81 of Beat of Love
He had vowed never to set foot in another hospital.
Rafferty fought off the potentially debilitating memory, took a deep breath, and looked around and spotted a familiar face. “Kurt,” he called out, hurrying to his brother-in-law. Two additional law enforcement officers were with him.
Kurt looked up in surprise. “Rafferty. What are—?”
“Where can I find Brandy-Lyn? Her kids?”
“Brandy-Lyn?”
“Brandy-Lyn Powers. There was an accident?”
“I know who you’re talking about. Why are you looking for her?”
“Mimi called me,” he snapped, still scanning the area beyond the man, looking for the trio.
“Mimi?”
“Amelia. Her eldest,” he bit out. “Never mind. I’ll find someone who works here.”
He turned away, but Kurt caught up to him, stepping in front of him. “Why did Amelia call you?”
A harried woman in a white dress with a nametag pinned to her collar walked by. He stretched his arm out, stopping her. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Brandy-Lyn Powers? She was brought in a while ago.”
The woman gave him a sympathetic look. “Not sure, hon. You’ll need to ask at the desk.”
Kurt spoke. “It’s okay, Steph. I know. I’ll take him through.”
She nodded, saying, “Sure thing, Sheriff,” as she hurried along.
“They’ve taken Brandy to radiology for an MRI. Her kids—”
His heart skipped a beat. “MRI?” Grabbing Kurt’s arm, he croaked out, “Fuck, Kurt, how bad is she?”
“Brandy sustained a head injury and regained consciousness in the ambulance. She’s lucid, but the doc ordered a precautionary scan. They are keeping her overnight for observation.”
Relief coursed through him. “The kids?”
“Mere bruising. Shock.”
And frightened, no doubt. Those kids adored their mother. “How did the accident happen?”
“An animal darted across the road, Amelia swerved and lost control on the slick road. Vehicle toppled over. Poor kid’s cut up about it.” His brother-in-law shot him a quizzical look. “Is there something going on between you and Brandy?”
“No.”Liar, liar.
“Then whyareyou here?”
“Fuck, man. What’s with the interrogation? Like I said, Ameliacalledme. We live on the same ranch. I see them daily.We’refriends. I do have those, you know,” he barked. “Not everyone thinks my mere presence will corrupt them.”
“Whoa, man. Take it easy. She’s Sullivan’sex… that’s just weird.”
Rafferty spun to face Kurt and slapped a hand to the man’s chest. “Let me remind you of theseventeen-yeargap between you and my baby sister? And that you—” He abruptly cut off, noticing the curious looks from the passing couple.
Kurt gave him a wry smile. “Point taken.” And nodded to the doorway just ahead. “That’s her room. Kids are waiting for her. And you, it seems.” The man turned around and walked back down the corridor.
Rafferty moved toward the open door.
“Screw you, Dad,” a shrill voice yelled.
